The Ultimate Detective

The Ultimate Detective and The Ultimate Hope Gaiden: How I Met Your Mother (And How I
Met Your Father)

Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/23079196.
Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Archive Warning: No Archive Warnings Apply
Category: F/M
Fandom: Dangan Ronpa - All Media Types, Dangan Ronpa: Another Episode,
Dangan Ronpa 3: The End of 希望ヶ峰学園 | The End of Kibougamine
Gakuen | End of Hope's Peak High School, Dangan Ronpa Zero, Super
Dangan Ronpa 2
Relationship: Kirigiri Kyoko/Naegi Makoto, Maizono Sayaka/Naegi Makoto, Ikusaba
Mukuro/Naegi Makoto, Kuwata Leon/Maizono Sayaka
Character: Kirigiri Kyouko, Naegi Makoto, Naegi Komaru, Kirigiri Fuhito, Akafuku
Jutaro, Ishimaru Kiyotaka, Enoshima Junko, Ikusaba Mukuro, Maizono
Sayaka, Kirigiri Jin, Sakakura Juzo, Kizakura Kohichi, Asahina Aoi,
Celestia Ludenberg, Fujisaki Chihiro, Fukawa Touko, Hagakure
Yasuhiro, Kuwata Leon, Ogami Sakura, Oowada Mondo, Togami
Byakuya, Yamada Hifumi, Yukizome Chisa, Hanamura Teruteru,
Tsumiki Mikan, Komaeda Nagito, Nidai Nekomaru, Kuzuryu Fuyuhiko,
Samidare Yui, Nanami Chiaki, Saionji Hiyoko, Tanaka Gundham, Soda
Kazuichi, Sonia Nevermind, Ultimate Imposter, Naegi Kiki, Yamada
Fujiko
Additional Tags: Naegiri - Freeform, One-sided Naezono, One-sided Naekusaba,
Danganronpa Gaiden, fankid, Bedtime Stories, pre-tragedy, Original
Character(s), Rating subject to change, leosaya - Freeform
Series: Part 91 of Danganronpa Gaiden
Stats: Published: 2020-03-09 Completed: 2020-10-02 Chapters: 111/111
Words: 352978
The Ultimate Detective and The Ultimate Hope Gaiden: How I

Met Your Mother (And How I Met Your Father)
by WiiFan2009
Summary
When asked what she wants to read for story time, a five-year-old Kiki Naegi begs to hear
the story of how her parents met and fell in love. Makoto and Kyoko reluctantly agree to
tell her the story of their first two years together before Junko stole their memories. Rating
subject to change.
Notes
Well, here’s the next entry in my Danganronpa Gaiden series, exploring the two years prior
to the events of Trigger Happy Havoc. This was requested by NotFanFicNet. Please read
and review as we embark on this long journey, and enjoy!
Prologue: Paths Crossed
“Kiki! Kiki, get back here!”
The topless young girl hid behind the kitchen counter as her father walked in, scanning the kitchen
for any sign of his daughter. After a few tense minutes of silence, the girl sighed in relief, thinking
that she had outwitted her father, only to immediately afterwards find herself being hoisted off the
ground and into the air, her father’s exasperated gaze focused on her eyes.
*Sigh* “Must we play this game every single time, Kiki?”
Giggling, the five-year-old girl grinned as she replied “But it’s so fun having you chase after me,
Daddy!”
Chuckling, Makoto moved to cradle Kiki in his arms as he replied “Alright, young lady; you’ve
had your fun.” Wiggling his fingers in her sight, he teased “Now it’s time for your punishment for
resisting taking your bath.”
Kiki trembled in mock fear as she playfully begged “Oh noooo, please, anything but that, Daddy!”
“Sorry, Kiki; you know how this goes. First you break the rules, now…” Makoto grinned as Kiki
playfully squirmed in his hold as his spidering fingers lowered closer to her exposed tummy. “…
It’s time for…” Kiki froze just before Makoto’s fingers made contact with her skin, scribbling all
over her belly as he exclaimed “for your belly to be tickled! Tickle, tickle, tickle, Kiki!”
Kiki burst into adorable laughter, a joyful smile spreading from ear to ear on her face as she
playfully begged “Nooo! Pleheheheheassse! Naaahahahahat the behehehehllyyy
tiiihihihihicklessss! HaHAHAHAHA! Dahahahadddyyyyy! Stahahahahahap,
pleeeeheheheheheseee!”
Makoto grinned as he ignored his daughter’s fake pleas. Kiki had inherited both of her parents’
extremely ticklish nerves, but unlike Makoto and Kyoko who only enjoyed being tickled when
they were in a bad mood, Kiki absolutely loved to be tickled. Her love of being teased and tickled
was so great that ever since she could run consistently, she would struggle against bath time just so
her parents would punish her with tickles. She had pulled this stunt so many times that Makoto
had long since learned to differentiate between her playful “Stop”, which translated more or less to
“Whatever you do, PLEASE don’t stop!”, and her serious “Stop”, which meant “I’ve had enough
for now!”
As Kiki continued to squirm and bellow in his grasp, Makoto continued spidering her belly,
walking towards the bathroom as he informed her “Your punishment will end when we get to the
tub. In the meantime, you’ll just have to endure it.”
Kiki continued to giggle, laugh, and squeal, playfully squirming as her father carried her to the
bathroom where his wife was waiting for them.
XXX
A now naked Kiki leaned backwards, sitting in the laps of her equally nude parents as they soaked
relaxingly in the lukewarm water of the tub.
“Alright, Kiki, a few more minutes in the tub and then it’s story time, okay?”
“Okay, Mommy. Ooh, I know what story I want tonight!”
Chuckling at his daughter’s enthusiasm, Makoto replied “Alright, Kiki. What story do you want us
to read to you?”
Grinning, Kiki turned her head to look at her parents as she answered “I wanna hear how you and
Mommy met and fell in love!”
Makoto and Kyoko looked to each other with surprised expressions on their faces, caught off guard
by Kiki’s request. The story of their romance was…complicated, to put it lightly, containing
struggles that no five-year-old should ever know about.
In an attempt to dissuade Kiki from her course, Kyoko replied “Kiki, that’s not exactly something
that can be told in an hour. It would take many, many bedtime stories to tell you about how we fell
in love.”
Pouting, Kiki dug in, retorting “I don’t care! That just means I’ll have something to look forward
to every night.” Turning around in her parents’ hold, she crawled up to kneel on their laps,
pressing her hands against their bellies for supports as she begged “Please, Mommy? Please,
Daddy? I promise, until your story is fully told, I won’t struggle during bath time!”
Makoto and Kyoko blinked in surprise; for their daughter to prioritize hearing their life story over
receiving the near-daily tickles that she craved, proved just how much she wanted to hear their tale.
Makoto was the first to cave, compromising “We can tell you about the first two years that your
mother and I knew each other.” Looking to his wife, he murmured “That timespan is largely
innocent, so it should be okay for her to hear if we edit out a few things.”
Nodding to her husband, she turned back to her daughter and caved “All right, Kiki. We’ll tell you
about our first two years together, but that’s it. Do you understand, young lady?”
Nodding energetically, Kiki embraced both of her parents as she exclaimed “Thank you, Mommy!
Thank you, Daddy!”
Smiling, Makoto and Kyoko returned the embrace, hugging their daughter close before standing
up, Kiki being eased into her mother’s grasp as Makoto reached for a towel to dry himself and his
two favorite girls off.
As soon as all three of them were dry and dressed in their pajamas, Makoto eased her into his
grasp, putting her down on the floor before exclaiming “All right, Kiki. Let’s head to your room
for story time,”
“YAY!” Kiki exclaimed before running off, leaving her parents in the dust as she hurried to her
room.
Smiling amusedly, Makoto and Kyoko walked out of the bathroom at a leisurely pace, following
their daughter to start recounting the start of their shared past.
XXX
Not long after they arrived, all three Naegis were soon snuggled under the blankets, Kiki nestled
between her mother and father.
“Alright, I’ll start us off for tonight. Get ready, Kiki, because I’m gonna tell you a part of our story
that even your father doesn’t know!”
Makoto looked to his wife in surprise, his eyebrow raised as his curiosity was piqued, exclaiming
“A part of how we met that I don’t even know about? This I’ve gotta hear, honey!”
Kyoko giggled as Makoto and Kiki leaned closer as if on the edge of their seats before beginning
“Alright, alright. Now, our tale begins twelve years ago, conveniently enough on your birthday. It
was a day that your father would later label his “Worst Day Ever”…”
XXX
March 15, 2014
“Well, here we are; Tokyo Police Station. That’ll be 3,000 yen.”
The passenger wordlessly fished for a fistful of bills in their jacket and placed them in the waiting
palm of the cabby. They then stepped out of the cab and turned around, about to walk to the
station when they were caught off guard by a maternal shout.
“MAKOTO NAEGI, SLOW DOWN! WATCH OUT!”
Before they could process what just happened, an unseen force barreled into them, almost
knocking the wind out of them in the process. They looked down, spotting a young child with
spiky brown hair, tears leaking out of his eyes.
“Makoto!”
Their gaze adjusted from the young, crying boy to the frantic voice that was getting closer and
closer. A youthful woman with wavy, long brown hair skid to a stop panting as she scolded
“Makoto!” *pant* “You need to watch where you’re going,” *pant* “You just bumped into
someone!” Finally catching her breath, the woman looked to the former passenger apologetically,
explaining “I’m so sorry about this. My son here accidentally stumbled into a robbery and he just
finished giving his testimony to the police. We were on our way to pick up a cab, and I guess my
boy here was so eager to get out of there that he didn’t watch where he was running to.” Glaring
down at her son, the woman urged him “Makoto, you apologize right now for…”
“It’s fine…” they cut her off, confusing the young woman. “I have to head into the station myself,
and I don’t have time to dilly-dally. I’ll just forget this ever happened.” Walking off, they called
back “Good-bye”, not bothering to look back at the stunned mother nudging her son into the cab as
they walked through the doors of the police station.
XXX
“Detective!”
The Detective in question walked up to the desk as the officer in question held up a case file in a
manilla folder, informing them “I’ve got the case file here for you; the suspect is in the
interrogation room waiting for you.”
They nodded, wordlessly taking the file with them and flipping it open, beginning to read up on the
suspect.
“Jutaro Akafuku. Thirty three years old, wanted for several cash and jewel robberies across the
Tokyo Prefecture. Apprehended when attempting to hijack a bus, using 17-year-old Makoto Naegi
as a hostage…” Wait…Makoto…Naegi?
They flipped through the file; surely enough, a picture of a boy exactly matching the one they had
just run into stared them in the face, his picture labeled “Key Witness” in red ink on the back when
they further examined it.
So I ended up running into the key witness for this case. No matter; his testimony has already been
written in here, so there’s no need at present for me to cross-examine him.
With that thought tucked away, they continued where they left off.
“After disembarking from the bus, Akafuku stole a mailman’s motorcycle, then crashed it when
running over a soda can earlier dropped by Naegi.”
The Detective smirked at the slightly humorous end of Akafuku’s attempted escape.
Right up there with slipping on a banana peel…
Closing the file, they soon approached the interrogation room, opening the door and sitting down
across from a young, well-built man with angry red eyes and singed, black hair; Jutaro Akafuku.
XXX
“I’m the Detective in charge of this case.”
Jutaro scoffed, disbelieving as he exclaimed “No way, a chick? The fuzz sent a goddamn chick as
the Detective to interrogate me? Wow, they must be shorthanded today!”
She resisted the urge to respond to the crack at her sex, having had plenty of practice and training
in resisting expressing her emotions to criminals.
“Let’s get started. I suggest you confess to the truth now; it’ll make a plea deal much easier to
orchestrate.” Opening the case folder, she began “Akafuku Jutaro, at 6 A.M., you robbed a jewelry
store in the Akihabara District.”
“Well, duh, sweetcheeks.”
Ignoring the crack, the Detective continued “You then picked up a bus and rode it all the way to
Kojimachi, during which an old man and this boy” she slid Makoto’s picture across the table as she
continued “boarded the same bus as you. Correct?”
Jutaro looked at the photo, scowling and growling “That damn…that bastard Makoto Naegi!”
Raising an eyebrow in surprise, she inquired “Oh, I see. You knew Naegi prior to this encounter,
then?”
Right as she was making a mental note to herself to bring Makoto back the next day for more
questioning, Jutaro scoffed “No way, princess! I don’t associate with high school kids. I just
overheard one of the cops say his name when they were booking me, that’s all.”
Discarding the now unnecessary thought, she cleared her throat and continued “I see…moving on.
During the bus ride, Naegi tripped and fell on you, exposing the jewels you stole. Realizing you
had been caught, you took Naegi hostage, holding him at gunpoint and forcing him into the
driver’s seat to you could make your getaway.”
“That’s right, sweetheart, and I would have gotten away with it too, if that meddling kid hadn’t
gotten up to try and stop me and caused the bus to barrel out of control!”
“Then it would seem you picked the wrong hostage, Akafuku. Moving on…after Naegi had
stopped the bus, you took the opportunity to make your escape, stealing an unoccupied mail bike
and crashing it once you ran over a discarded soda can.”
Gritting his teeth, Jutaro clenched his fists and yelled “That damn Makoto Naegi! It all would
have gone perfectly had I not run into him and his accursed luck!”
Snatching the photo back from Jutaro and placing it back in the case file, she closed it before
responding “You failed because of your own incompetence. Whatever luck or misfortune Naegi
may have brought into play was likely of little consequence.” She then got up, tucking the folder
under her arm as she finished “Well, our time here is done.”
As she started to walk away, Jutaro called back “Wait! What about my plea deal?”
Without even turning to look at him, she finished “I’ll inform my supervisors about your
cooperation and they’ll determine whether a plea deal is in order. Goodbye.”
XXX
Dropping the manilla folder back on the desk, she looked the slightly startled officer in the eye as
she addressed him “Inform the Chief that Akafuku Jutaro was cooperative during my interrogation
and that I will be returning home.”
As she turned to go, she turned back around when the officer manning the desk called back “Wait,
Detective!” Removing a large, white envelope with the black symbol for the prestigious Hope’s
Peak Academy on the top left corner, the officer continued “Your father came by while you were
in the interrogation room. I told him you were busy and he left this, asking that I make sure you
receive it.”
My…father…?
Equal parts curious and aggravated that her father would try to show up at her workplace, she
snatched the envelope from his grasp, opening it and removing a single white letter from within.
“Ms. Kyoko Kirigiri,
We are pleased to inform you that you have been selected to join the 78th Class of Hope’s Peak
Academy as the Ultimate Detective. Included is an orientation guide for Hope’s Peak Academy.
-Signed, the Hope’s Peak Academy Steering Committee
P.S. I’m so proud of you, Kyoko!
-Papa”
Initially filled with relief at having officially accomplished her goal of enrolling in Hope’s Peak
Academy, Kyoko became filled with irritation at the handwritten addendum scribbled at the
bottom of the form letter by her father.
…How like that man to ruin it for me by saying something so sentimental…
“Uhh…Detective, are you okay? You’re wrinkling the invitation.”
Taking a deep breath, Kyoko regained control of her emotions and assured him “I’m fine, officer.
I’d best be on my way. I have to inform my grandfather of the news and inform my school about
my transfer.”
As she exited the door and hailed down a cab, she looked down at the envelope in her hand, eyes
blazing with determination as she buckled herself in and gave her directions to the driver.
I’m now a student at Hope’s Peak Academy. Prepare yourself, Headmaster Kirigiri; I’m coming
for you. You can’t run away from me this time!
XXX
Present Day
Stunned, Makoto asked “Wait, hold the phone here! You’re telling me…that not only did you
bump into me before we even went to school together, but you were even in charge of my case?
Why don’t I remember any of this? And why didn’t you mention it before?”
Adopting her signature thinking pose with her chin resting in her hand, Kyoko explained “I
imagine that because it was a day that you yourself said you wanted to forget ever happened, you
just blocked out running into me as a consequence. Besides, your eyes were trained on the ground
the entire time, so you didn’t even know what I looked like.”
“…Yeah, you got me there…” Makoto scratched his cheek sheepishly.
“As for why I never brought it up…well, you remember how anti-social I was when we first met
officially, and I didn’t expect the case to come up again, so I saw no reason to tell you of our prior
meeting.”
Nodding Makoto reasoned “Yeah, that makes sense, I suppose.”
Meanwhile, Kiki was bouncing in her seat as she exclaimed “Wow! That was so cool, Mommy!
What happened next?”
Smiling at his daughter’s enthusiasm, Makoto looked to the clock and ruffled her hair, answering
“Sorry, kiddo; it’s just past your bedtime. We’ll have to save our official first meeting for
tomorrow.”
“Awwww!” Kiki groaned, putting as she mumbled “No fair!”
Chuckling, Kyoko leaned down to kiss her cheek, assuring her “I know it’s hard, but I promise,
we’ll have plenty of story time tomorrow, okay?”
“…Okay, Mommy.”
“That’s my girl.”
Getting out of bed, Makoto and Kyoko brought the blanket up to Kiki’s chin, taking turns kissing
the tip of her nose as they said “Good night, Kiki. We love you.”
*Yawn* ”…Love you too…”
Smiling, Makoto and Kyoko made their way back to their own bedroom, the two parents
reminiscing in bed about their year of peace as students of Hope’s Peak Academy.
Trust Arc Chapter One: The Intimidating Hope's Peak Academy
Chapter Summary
It's finally time for the 78th Class to convene at Hope's Peak Academy. As Kyoko and
Makoto are dropped off to begin their new school lives, what words of wisdom will
their respective families have for them?
Chapter Notes
And here we have the first chapter of the first main story arc, titled "Trust Arc". This
arc will center around Makoto and Kyoko's first official meeting and his attemepts to
gain her trust.
Present Day
True to her word, Kiki did not struggle the next day when it was time for her bath; she sat in the
warm tub and let her parents wet and shampoo her hair without complaint. Once she was all clean
and dried off, they dressed in their pajamas and got nestled into bed.
“Alright, now it’s time to tell you how I actually met your father. It was several weeks later, during
the start of our first year at Hope’s Peak Academy. I had just arrived on the grounds…”
XXX
April 5, 2014
Kyoko stepped out of the car, donned in purple boots, a purple skirt and jacket, a light, lavender
blouse, and an orange tie, her suitcase in hand.
“I have to get back to the agency to work on a case. I trust that you can handle yourself from here
on out?”
Kyoko turned to face the wizened old man sitting in the driver’s seat and nodded “Yes,
grandfather.”
Fuhito stared at his granddaughter seriously and warned “Remember, you’re still a Detective, so
don’t neglect your casework during your school life.”
Nodding, Kyoko replied “Yes, grandfather. Detective work comes first, I remember.”
Detective work comes first. My family creed…but is that all there is to my life? Was I born solely
to be a Detective?
She was shaken out of her musing as her grandfather continued “And be sure not to get too close to
the Headmaster. He may be your father, but remember that he abandoned you. The time for a
joyful reunion has long since passed.”
“…Yes, grandfather. I have no intention of getting close to Headmaster Kirigiri.” There’s only
one time while I’m here that I want to converse with that man, and it’s not to reconnect.
Nodding, Fuhito finished “One last think, Kyoko. Stay away from any boys for the time being.
They can only be a hindrance at this stage in your career, and I won’t be around to chase them
away for you while you’re here.”
Nodding, Kyoko agreed “Yes, grandfather.”
Without another word, Fuhito rolled up the window and drove off, leaving Kyoko to stare ahead at
the intimidating architecture that was Hope’s Peak Academy.
Stay away from boys, huh? It’s not like you needed to tell me that; I have no interest in socializing
with anybody. Besides, I have no intention of developing any kind of crush on anybody. Even
platonic love can be…
Kyoko flashed back to a memory; a burning building, cries of fear and terror ringing through her
ears before she shook the thought away.
No, best to keep away from developing friendships altogether. I work best alone, and I’m best
protected when I don’t have to depend on anyone.
With that, Kyoko began to walk forward, into the halls of Hope’s Peak Academy.
XXX
Present Day
“Wait, so you didn’t even want to make one single friend, Mommy? Not even Daddy?”
Stroking her daughter’s hair, she soothed “Kiki, you have to remember that I didn’t expect to ever
run into your father again, let alone fall in love with him.”
“Plus, Kiki…” Makoto interjected, “Your mother’s childhood was…complicated. She learned
from a young age not to trust anyone, and unlearning what you’ve already learned isn’t easy. It
took me a long time to coax her full trust, but I promise you’ll hear all about how your mother
learned to trust in me as this story continues, okay?”
“…Okay, Daddy.”
Clearing his throat, Makoto continued “Alright then; at this point I was on my way to Hope’s Peak
as well. I kept pestering Baa-chan and Jii-chan to get me there early, and surprisingly they agreed.
I was more than a little nervous and frantic at the time…”
XXX
April 5, 2014
“Faster, Mom! I wanna get there early so I can make a good impression on my teachers and
classmates!”
“I’m going as fast as I can, Makoto! If I go any faster, I’ll get pulled over and get a ticket!”
“Your mother’s right, son. Plus your sister looks a little worse for wear…”
Shingi gestured to Komaru, sitting next to the anxious Makoto, heaving into a paper bag from
being carsick.
Smiling sheepishly, Makoto rubbed his sister’s back, trying to ease her nausea as he apologized
“Sorry, Komaru.”
Too sick to say anything while in a moving car, Komaru merely nodded at her brother before
heaving into the bag again. And so their ride continued, Makoto thankfully refraining from urging
his parents to drive faster until the car came to a gradual stop.
“Oh look; we’re here! Hope’s Peak Academy at last.”
Makoto practically rocketed out of the car, excitedly running around to the trunk, popping it open
and dragging out his suitcase with both hands.
“Would you like us to accompany you on your first day and help you get settled?”
Makoto blushed, mortified at his mother’s suggestion; he turned to his family that had now stepped
out of the car and, remembering to keep his volume down since they were on a public street,
moaned “MOM! I’m not a little kid anymore; I’m seventeen! I think I can get myself settled,
thank you very much!”
Choosing to spare his son from further mortification from Hana, Shingi wrapped his son in a hug,
expressing “We’re very proud of you, Makoto.”
“Da…Daddy…”
Seeing his family smile at him once his father had released him from his grip, Makoto smiled too,
the blush fading from his cheeks. It was then that Komaru, now recovered from her nausea,
looked at him teasingly, making the older brother sweat.
“Just be sure to bring home an Ultimate Girlfriend, okay big brother?”
Turning red again, Makoto exclaimed “Komaru! This is a prestigious academy, not a dating
website! I’m going to study and get a good job, not find a girlfriend! Besides…” Makoto’s voice
quieted as he looked down at the ground admitting “I’m a tame housecat in a pride full of lions
here. I got in by luck; what Ultimate girl would ever want to go out with someone as plain and
ordinary as me?”
Realizing her daughter’s teasing had gone too far, Hana scolded “Komaru, stop teasing your
brother.” Kneeling down so that he would be taller than her, she framed his cheeks and
encouraged him “Makoto, someday you’ll find somebody who loves you for you. I don’t know if
it’ll be one of these Ultimates here, but I know you’ll find somebody who will treasure you as
much as you treasure her. In the meantime, just focus on your studies and making friends, okay?”
Smiling, Makoto cheered up, nodding as she let go and stood up, replying “Okay, Mommy.”
Leaning down to kiss his forehead, Hana praised “That’s my boy. Now, you call us every week to
let us know how things are going, okay Makoto?”
Nodding, Makoto obeyed “Okay, Mom.”
As Hana and Shingi started to get into the car, Komaru gave her brother one last hug, making the
boy chuckle as he returned the hug, squeezing her back in a gesture of acceptance of her unspoken
apology.
“Do your best, okay Makoto?”
Smiling, he assured her “Will do, sis. Now you go with Mom and Dad, or I’ll never make it in
time for Orientation!”
Releasing her brother from his grasp, she walked back into the car, buckling up as her parents
called out “Bye, Makoto!”
“Bye Mom, bye Dad!”
As the family sped off into the distance, Makoto turned, looking at the intimidating building in
front of him as he pulled out his acceptance letter, rereading its contents one last time.
I still can’t believe I’m attending this school! I mean, little average Makoto Naegi, going to the
most prestigious high school in all of Japan? Well, I’m already here, so no use just standing
around. Closing his eyes, Makoto cheered on “I’ve got this!” before taking his first steps towards
the main hall, eager to start school and meet his new classmates.
XXX
Present Day
“Daddy, how could you think back then that you wouldn’t find love? You’re the Ultimate Hope,
right? Isn’t that why everyone says you’re so optimistic?”
Sighing, Makoto turned to his daughter and explained “You have to understand, Kiki, that even
after your mother and I got married, I had a lot of self-esteem issues I needed to work out.”
Smiling at his wife who returned it with an equally warm smile, Makoto continued “Your mother
helped me get through them; she helped me discover my self-confidence.”
Kyoko gave a blushing smile before addressing her daughter “That’s right, Kiki. At this point,
seventeen-year-old Daddy had a lot of growing up to do. So do you, by the way; it’s your bedtime
and you need to get a good night’s sleep if you want to grow big and strong.”
Pouting, Kiki complained “But we haven’t even gotten to the point where Daddy met you yet!”
Ruffling his daughter’s hair, Makoto promised “Tomorrow, Kiki. Tomorrow, we’ll get to that part,
okay?”
“…Okay, Daddy.”
As Kiki nestled into the pillows, Makoto and Kyoko leaned down to kiss her goodnight and tuck
her in before closing the door behind them as they left to slumber in their own room.
Trust Arc Chapter Two: Meeting New Friends
Chapter Summary
As the first two students to arrive at Hope's Peak Academy, Makoto and Kyoko finally
meet. How will their first meeting go? Will Makoto recognize Kyoko from his Worst
Day Ever?
Present Day
“Alright, now where did we leave off?”
“You and Mommy had just arrived at Hope’s Peak and were entering the main hall.”
“Oh, that’s right. Thank you Kiki.” Makoto ruffled her hair as he continued “Now then, let’s
see…I had just entered the main hall, where I laid my eyes on your mother for the first time…”
XXX
April 5, 2014
…I suppose I didn’t have to show up as early as I did. If I had come later, I would have been able
to blend into the crowd and avoid having to socialize. Now I’ll have to at least greet my other
classmates. Whatever, just my name should be acceptable.
As Kyoko mentally prepared to face her incoming classmates, she found herself frozen in place as a
familiar brown-haired boy walked in the main hall, hauling a standard, brown suitcase that, thanks
to his small stature, looked to be about half as tall as he was.
You have GOT to be kidding me! Naegi’s in the same class as me?
Kyoko stared in disbelief, caught completely off guard by this turn of events as her grandfather’s
words rang in her head.
Never be in a position where you have to socialize with a past witness on a case, Kyoko. Such
attachments will only cloud your judgment
…Kind of difficult to do that now, Grandfather…Recomposing herself, she reasoned It’s

unavoidable, I suppose. I’m not going to be so petty as to demand we be in separate classes, and
I’ve come too far in reaching my goal to drop out over this! Alright, Kyoko. Just avoid eye
contact, mind your own business, and he’ll likely leave you alone.
At that moment, Kyoko made the mistake of making eye contact with him. To her surprise though,
Makoto smiled broadly, waving energetically at her as if he were greeting an old friend. Kyoko
froze, creeped out by just how goddamn happy he was.
I should have expected him to not be bawling all the time, but this is a complete 180! Does this
mean he actually remembers me?
Before she could ponder any further, Makoto walked up to her, lugging his suitcase along with
him. Setting it down beside him, he greeted cheerfully “Hi! My name’s Makoto Naegi! I guess
we’re the first two students here. Hajimemashite! What’s your name?”
Kyoko froze as he extended his hand in bubbly friendship, the young Detective officially creeped
out by just how much warmth his aura exuded. Her only relief came from the clear implication
that he didn’t yet know who she was. Fortunately for her, Kyoko was spared any further
conversation when a loud, bellowing voice attracted both of their attentions, Makoto reflexively
dropping his hand as he witnessed a tall, black-haired boy in a white school uniform monologue
with a shocked and depressed, yet somehow determined expression on his face.
“What…impossible! Inconceivable! I was…beaten here? By two of my peers? I must not…have

enough fighting spirit yet! I don’t deserve to be ON the Public Morals Committee, let alone lead it
with such a shoddy record! Well I won’t give up! Next time, I swear I’ll win no matter what it
takes! Justice shall always prevail!”
…This guy is…kind of annoying…Makoto sweatdropped.
Kyoko meanwhile took advantage of the distraction brought about by their new classmate, carrying
her luggage with her to an unoccupied corner while Makoto stood shellshocked at the new
student’s annoying enthusiasm. Sighing, she laid down her suitcase, sitting down on it as she
waited for their other classmates to file in.
XXX
Present Day
“You…didn’t like it…when Daddy was…friendly to you?”
Before Kiki could start crying at the blasphemy, Makoto wrapped an arm around her shoulders in a
hug and admitted “In retrospect, I did come off a little strong back then. And remember Kiki, your
mother wasn’t used to talking to other people in a social way. I don’t blame her for being
uncomfortable at first.”
Smiling at how empathic her husband could be, she smiled and said “Thanks, Makoto. Now, let’s
continue. I had pretty much kept to myself, leaving your father to greet the rest of our
classmates…”
XXX
April 5, 2014
As the blue-haired boy finished up his monologue, Makoto sighed with relief as he looked around
and realized Kyoko had retreated.
Where’d she go? Did I…scare her away?
He sighed with relief at finally spotting her sitting on her suitcase in a distant corner, though
immediately afterwards he frowned at the thought of having inadvertently pushed her away.
…Maybe I did come off a little strong there. Perhaps it might be better to tone down the
excitement a little…at least until I get to know everyone better.
As he thought about how to try and strike up a conversation with the blue-haired boy, a super
excited, boisterous voice rang through the hall as a tall, thin blonde girl with pigtails announced her
arrival, followed closely by a similarly lean girl with freckles and a short, black haircut.
“Good morning everybody! Junko Enoshima has arrived, and it’s time for the school life of our
lives! You’re all charmed to meet me, I’m sure!”
Makoto chuckled nervously, caught off guard by her rock star entrance, a shiver simultaneously
running up his spine.
Well, at least I know one person’s name now. Junko Enoshima… Makoto’s eyes widened as he
realized Of course; she’s like the most successful fashion model in all of Japan. It makes sense
that a diva as successful as her would enroll here. Although…Makoto felt his spine tingle again as
he pondered Why does she make me feel this sense of dread?
Even from the distance she put between herself and everyone else, Kyoko felt the same tingle of
cautious fear run up her spine, her eyes narrowing.
This Junko Enoshima…she needs to be watched…
XXX
Present Day
“But Mommy, Daddy, why did Junko make you both scared?”
Makoto and Kyoko looked to each other nervously; the subject of Junko had to be treaded
delicately, particularly since their audience was five.
“Kiki…” Makoto began. “You’ll learn more about the specifics in school when you’re older…but
Junko was not a good person. Nor was she a happy person. She was mean to a lot of people, but
despite the fact that she smiled a lot, she was actually really sad and sick inside. And Daddy…
Daddy couldn’t do anything to help her, Kiki.”
As Makoto’s regret for not being able to save Junko caused him to start crying, Kyoko looked
towards him with sad concern.
“Makoto…sweetie…”
Frowning, Kiki crawled from her spot onto Makoto’s lap and up his chest until she was able to grab
onto his shoulders as leverage. Yanking herself up, Kiki kissed his tears away, making Makoto
gasp in shock.
“Kiki…”
Smiling, Kiki cooed “Don’t be sad, Daddy. You didn’t do anything wrong! Junko’s the meanie
for making Daddy cry! Forgive yourself Daddy, or I’ll keep kissing Daddy’s tears away until you
feel better!”
“Kiki…”
Kyoko looked at her daughter with a proud smile on her face, happy that Makoto officially had two
girls living with him to bring back his hope whenever he was feeling depressed.
Wiping his tears with his wrist, Makoto chuckled with joy as he assured her “Thank you, Kiki.
Daddy’s better now. You can climb back to your spot on the bed, then Daddy can continue telling
the story.”
“Okay, Daddy!”
As Kiki nestled herself back between her parents, making extra care to nuzzle against her father,
Makoto continued “Although I was afraid of Junko to some extent, I didn’t feel that same fear from
her companion, so I decided to introduce myself to her…”
XXX
April 5, 2014
Brushing off the feeling as paranoia, Makoto turned to the black-haired girl and greeted, making
sure his excited grin was restrained to a small smile “Hajimemashite. I guess we’re classmates.
What’s your name?”
The young woman froze up, but for different reasons than Kyoko, unbelieving that someone was
actually reacting to her with anything other than fear and aversion.
What…nobody’s…smiled at me, before…ever! Isn’t he scared of me? Does he even know the
countless ways I could kill him?
Her internal monologue was interrupted when Junko elbowed her in the stomach, teasing “Uh,
hello Muku? When a boy decides to talk to you, you’re supposed to smile back and flaunt your
womanly charms!” Turning back to the confused Makoto, Junko explained with a grin “This is my
twin sister, Mukuro Ikusaba. She was a mercenary out in the middle of nowhere for years, so she’s
kind of useless in the people skills department.”
Holding his urge to reprimand Junko for insulting her own sister, Makoto instead replied “Oh…
well, Junko, Mukuro, my name’s Makoto Naegi…wait, you’re twins and you have different last
names?”
Suddenly annoyed, Junko ranted “Ugh, the number of times I’ve had to explain that already makes
me wanna barf. Look, this school is bound to have some icebreaker activity to get us all
acquainted, so don’t ask about it and I’ll explain it to everyone then. Got it, herbivore man?”
Makoto gulped at Junko’s suddenly intimidating personality, nodding “Y…yes, ma’am.”
Suddenly becoming super cute, Junko cheered “Ookie-dookies! Well, Muku and I have to make
the splendor that is moi known to everyone else, ‘cuz it looks like the others have started to file
in!”
Looking around, Makoto noticed that the once empty hall had now filled with twelve other
students.
Twelve, plus me, then there’s Junko and Mukuro, plus that purple-haired girl in the corner…so
that makes sixteen in total. Is that everyone?
“Alright, Muku, let’s get going!” Dragging her sister by the arm, Junko teased “And quit gawking
at the boy. Either get a move on or ask him out already if you like him smiling at you so much!”
Letting herself be dragged off, Mukuro briefly looked back at Makoto, lightly blushing as she
uttered “Yoroshiku, Naegi-kun.”
Blushing himself from Junko’s teasing of her sister, Makoto dumbly waved to her, watching
Mukuro get dragged off.
She…likes me? Does that mean…Mom was…it’s happening… shaking his head, Makoto chuckled
and chided “Get a grip, Naegi. It’s your first day; get to know the girls in your class before you
contemplate asking them out.”
“Girl problems, Naegi-kun?”
A feminine, teasing voice, followed by a chuckle that Makoto would have known anywhere mad
ehim gasp as he turned around. Greeting him was a bluenette girl with a white sailor uniform
adorned with a pink bow and a blue skirt. Struck with shock, Makoto’s jaw dropped as he
immediately recognized the girl having fun at his expense.
There’s no way… “Sa…Sayaka Maizono?!”
Giggling, Sayaka teased “You remember my name! It’s such an honor, Makoto!”
“Are…are you kidding? Of course I remember you. You’re a freaking celebrity; we have all your
albums at home. It should be an honor that you still remember me!”
Sayaka giggled as Makoto pointed to himself, replying “Of course I remember you, silly! We went
to Blackroot Junior High for three years, after all!”
Grabbing his head in anxiety, Makoto frantically responded “Oh believe me, I know! It’s just…
you were always so popular, and I was just…sort of the exact opposite of that…”
Gasping into her palm, Sayaka started to cry “Oh great! I knew I let the fame of being an idol get
to my head! I must have been such a total snob to you!”
As Sayaka started to cry into her palms, Makoto gaped in shock, ashamed that he had made her cry.
Waving his hands in the air between them he frantically assured her “Wait! Maizono-san, that’s
not what I meant, honest! Please don’t cry!”
As if on cue, Sayaka’s sobs turned to giggles as she pulled her hands away. Both her eyes and her
plams were completely dry.
…She pranked me… Makoto deadpanned.
“Just kidding, Makoto!”
Sighing, Makoto groaned “Geez, don’t pull my leg like that, Sayaka! Wait, I mean Maizono-
san…”
Giggling again, the girl in question waved off “It’s okay; you can call me by my first name,
Makoto. We went to middle school together, so as far as I’m concerned, that makes us friends!”
Gaping in shock, Makoto beamed in shocked joy before he reigned it back to a soft smile, offering
his hand as he replied “Sure thing, Sayaka.”
Makoto’s heart warmed as he watched her giggle, taking his hand in a simple handshake before
releasing it.
Well, if nothing else, at least I made one friend today. Maybe things will turn out all right…
XXX
Present Day
“I don’t know whether Sayaka’s nice for being your first friend, or mean for teasing you like that,
Daddy!”
Smiling at the memory, Makoto replied “She wasn’t mean, Kiki…Sayaka just liked to tease people
and get a reaction out of them. Besides…” Makoto looked to Kyoko, smiling as he continued
“your Mommy likes to tease me a lot, but we’ve never called her mean.”
That shut Kiki up; unable to make a retort, she leaned back into her pillow, pouting while waiting
for the story to continue.
“Now then…” Kyoko continued. “Although your father was having fun talking with Sayaka, and
still planned to talk to his other classmates, he was interrupted when…”
XXX
April 5, 2014
Before the two could converse further, or Makoto could think to converse with his other
classmates, a deep, masculine voice rang through the P.A. speakers in the main hall.
“Attention all incoming students. This is Headmaster Jin Kirigiri.” As Kyoko narrowed her eyes
at the name of her father, the Headmaster’s voice continued “Please make your way to the
gymnasium so that the entrance ceremony and orientation can begin. You all have assigned
seating in alphabetical order by last name. Thank you.”
As the Headmaster’s voice faded, Kyoko stood up and started to follow the body of students that
had wordlessly started to file towards the gymnasium. She stopped however, when Makoto, who
was struggling to catch up to them, tripped on his own shoelaces, causing him to fall flat on his
face. As if that weren’t embarrassing enough, his suitcase had momentarily swung open while he
was falling, shutting him inside, only his wildly kicking legs sticking out of the luggage.
Led by Junko, half of the class erupted into laughter at Makoto’s misfortune, while most of the
others held small smiles of amusement. Even Kyoko found herself holding back an amused
chuckle at the humorous sight in front of her.
“Oh man, what a klutz, am I right, Muku? Well, we should get going, there’s nothing fashionable
about being late for our orientation!”
“…Yes, Junko” Mukuro hesitated before following her sister, leaving the others in the main hall.
Sayaka immediately ran up, taking pity on Makoto and his cries of “Help Me!”, taking hold of one
side of the suitcase and lifting, but to no avail.
“Hey, this thing’s pretty heavy. Can one of you help me with the other side of this?”
Everyone else looked to each other, expecting someone else to volunteer to help out Sayaka, only
for nobody to volunteer.
Eventually, Kyoko sighed, carrying her suitcase with her and setting it down before grabbing the
other side of Makoto’s suitcase and volunteering “I’ll help. The rest of you go on ahead.”
“Thanks, Miss.” Sayaka looked gratefully at Kyoko before continuing “Alright, let’s pull on
three. One, Two, THREE!”
Both grunted while pulling their respective ends, opening the suitcase far enough for Makoto to
squirm out before releasing, letting the suitcase close properly. His cheeks tinged red from
embarrassment, Makoto looked to Sayaka and Kyoko gratefully.
“Thanks, Sayaka, and…umm…” Makoto scratched his cheek as he continued “I’m sorry…it’s just
you never told me your name, so…”
Choosing not to answer and opting to heed her grandfather’s advice while that option was still
available, Kyoko instead replied “You’ll probably learn it during the entrance ceremony. For now,
it’s not important.” Getting up and taking hold of her suitcase again, Kyoko started walking,
urging Sayaka and Makoto “I’d hurry up if I were you…unless you want to be late for your
entrance ceremony at the most prestigious school in the country…”
Gulping, Sayaka and Makoto hurried to keep up, the two girls eventually walking on either side of
Makoto as he struggled to haul his suitcase to the gymnasium.
XXX
Present Day
“And that’s when you looked into Daddy’s eyes and realized he was “The One”, right?”
Giggling at her daughter’s overly romantic expectations, she ruffled her daughter’s hair and
playfully scolded “You’ve been reading too many of Aunt Toko’s romance novels.” Shaking her
head, he disappointed her daughter when she revealed “I’m afraid it would take some time before
romance even crossed my mind. Remember, Kiki, at the time I was still following your great-
grandfather Fuhito’s advice to deep away from boys and friendships.”
“Awwwwwwww!”
Makoto smiled and assured her “Relax, Kiki. That time will come in its own time. But not today;
it’s your bedtime after all!”
*Sigh* “…Okay, Daddy…”
Once she had nestled into the blankets, Makoto and Kyoko both kissed her cheeks, cooing “Good
night, Kiki. Sweet dreams.”
Nodding, Kiki groaned drowsily, falling into slumber before her parents softly walked out and
went to their room, eager for their own slumber.
Trust Arc Chapter Three: The Entrance Ceremony
Chapter Summary
With all the students now gathered in the gymnasium, it's time for the Entrance
Ceremony to begin. Will Makoto finally learn the names of all his classmates?
Present Day
“Alright, now let’s see, Kiki…your father and I had just arrived at the gymnasium and taken our
seats…”
XXX
April 5, 2014
All sixteen students were now sitting comfortably, divided into two equal rows of simple, wooden
folding chairs. Upon entering the gymnasium, the students who brought luggage were ordered to
leave their luggage with the staff. As a result, off in a faraway corner was a pile of suitcases,
obstructed from view by a burly, irate man with greenish-gray hair, and pink eyes that, despite their
feminine color, were hard enough to kill at a glance.
…Something tells me I shouldn’t get on his bad side…Makoto thought as he looked around him.
Sitting in the back row, Makoto was sandwiched between Sayaka, who he wanted to talk to more,
but couldn’t because the red-haired boy sitting to her left was trying to hit on her, and a buff,
muscular woman wearing a ripped sailor suit, her body adorned with physical scars.
…Oh jeez, I almost asked her if she was a guy… Makoto gulped as he thought The day I say
something like that out loud is the day I get turned into a human meatball…
Noticing how Makoto’s eyes were darting around, the woman to his right chuckled and flashed a
soft, reassuring smile, soothing his nerves “It’s alright. I know I may appear intimidating, but I
only use my strength in dire situations. Besides…”
The woman then started to poke and prod at Makoto’s upper body muscles, making him hold back
a giggle.
That tickles!
At last she stopped, making Makoto breathe out a sigh of relief as she finished “Muscular quality
and quantity is right around that of an extremely ordinary high school student…trust me, you’re not
at all fit to be my training partner. Your odds of feeling my strength first-hand are slim to none.
Relax, young one.”
Sighing, Makoto apologized “Sorry…I’m just nervous…Miss…umm…”
Chuckling in amusement, she replied “It’s okay. My name is Sakura Ogami.”
“Oh. Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu, Ogami-san. I’m Makoto Naegi.”

Nodding, Sakura smiled and returned “Well met, Naegi-kun.”
Feeling a little more at ease, Makoto leaned back in his seat, looking to Sayaka who was still
having her ear talked off by the red-haired boy, stroking his goatee.
“So how about it, babe? You teach me about music, and we’ll form a band and make it to the big
leagues as the Ultimate Pop Power Couple! Think about it, Sayaka Maizono and…” The boy then
slapped his forehead with his palm as he continued sheepishly “Whoops, I can’t believe I forgot to
introduce myself! The name’s Leon Kuwata!”
So, there’s Sakura Ogami, and Leon Kuwata. Combined with me, Sayaka, Junko, and Mukuro,
that makes six altogether. That leaves ten classmates whose names I don’t know…
Makoto looked over to Kyoko, sitting in the leftmost chair of his row, her arms crossed, tapping
her foot impatiently as they waited for the ceremony to start.
She never did tell me her name…guess I’ll have to wait until the entrance ceremony to find out
everyone’s names. I wonder what kind of person she is…
XXX
Present Day
“You were really interested in Mommy, weren’t you Daddy?” Kiki giggled.
Chuckling sheepishly, Makoto replied “Well, I don’t know if I was interested in her back then…it
was more that I was interested in getting to know her. She was the only classmate I had met at the
time that I didn’t have a conversation with, nor did I learn her name. In those circumstances, of
course I was interested in knowing more about her.”
Turning to her mother, Kiki asked “What about you, Mommy? Were you interested in knowing
more about Daddy?”
Sighing, Kyoko answered “Not yet, Kiki. Remember, I was focused on avoiding social
interactions at the time. Eventually I became intrigued by him, and I promise you’ll know when
the time comes. Now, Makoto, would you like to continue?”
Nodding, Makoto continued “Now, I didn’t have much more time to socialize with my row,
because at that moment, you see…”
XXX
April 5, 2014
Before Makoto could think to talk to anyone else, the click-clack of business shoes forced
everyone’s attention to the front. Makoto craned his head to see past the taller students sitting in
front of him as they watched a tall man with dark, purple hair and a black business suit appear
behind the podium, clearing his throat as he began to speak.
“Incoming students, welcome. You are all about to enter the hallowed halls of Hope’s Peak
Academy, the very symbol of hope and achievement of Japan. I am Headmaster Jin Kirigiri.”
It was then that two other adults, a blonde man wearing a grey business suit and a pale fedora, and
an orange-haired woman wearing a blue maid outfit and a white, frilly apron, walked up to his left
and right respectively. Kyoko narrowed her eyes as the man with the fedora tipped his hat in her
direction and grinned, knowing who he was before the Headmaster even continued speaking.
“To my left is your main teacher, Koichi Kizakura. He is very…approachable, so feel free to go to
him with any questions you may have about your studies.” Gesturing to his right, Jin continued as
the woman curtsied “This is Chisa Yukizome. She teaches the 77th Class, but has assured me that
in the event that Kizakura-sensei is indisposed, she will happily answer your questions in his
stead.”
Knowing Kizakura’s tendency for drinking, we’ll probably depend more on Yukizome than him…
Kyoko thought dryly as Jin cleared his throat.
“Moving on, you should have all noticed in your acceptance letters that you were all assigned a
talent. Your central responsibility as students of Hope’s Peak Academy is to cultivate your talent.
While there are general curriculum classes taken at Hope’s Peak, the core of your grade is
weighted on a final exam where you will demonstrate in front of the Hope’s Peak Steering
Committee the final cultivation of your talent. As long as you pass this exam, you are free to skip
class as much as you like.”
Wait…we don’t have to attend class?
XXX
Present Day
“Wait, you guys didn’t have to attend class? Sweet!”
Chuckling, Makoto replied “I hate to disappoint you, Kiki, but the old Talent system doesn’t exist
at Hope’s Peak anymore. I got rid of it once I took over as Headmaster. The whole system ended
up causing a lot of problems, and you’ll find out why later on in the story.”
“Besides, Kiki…” Kyoko told her daughter with a stern expression on her face. “You need to go to
class on a regular basis. Otherwise you’ll just forget what you learned. So I don’t ever want to
hear about you cutting class when you’re older. Understand, young lady?”
Gulping, Kiki murmured “Yes, Mommy…”
Smiling, Kyoko wrapped an arm around her daughter, kissing her head near her ahoge as she
replied “That’s my girl…Alright, so Headmaster Kirigiri was just telling us that we didn’t have to
attend class…”
XXX
April 5, 2014
“However, you should all remember that your academic performance is a reflection of Hope’s Peak
Academy’s reputation. Throughout our history, Hope’s Peak has been home to the best and
brightest minds in all of Japan. As such…” Jin’s eyes narrowed, making half the class shiver as he
finished “I expect you all to utilize this privilege responsibly.”
…Not that I planned to skip class. My mother would kill me if I did that. In fact, it’s probably best
if I don’t mention that particular privilege during our phone call this weekend.
With his final words, Jin finished “That concludes our entrance ceremony. You have each been
assigned a room in our unisex dormitories. Our head of security, Juzo Sakakura and his staff will
transport all of your checked-in luggage to your new rooms. Koichi Kizakura and Chisa Yukizome
will give you a tour of our facilities in the meantime. But first, we will distribute two things for
each of you.”
Jin reached underneath the podium, first placing a stack of tablets on the wooden surface before
reaching back down and placing back on top a plastic bin of various keys.
“This is your Student e-Handbook. It allows you to access certain areas of the school, as well as
display a map of the main buildings. It also contains a roster of all the students in your class.
These are very durable, so don’t worry about dropping them. However, I would advise you not to
take them anywhere in extreme heat, as prolonged durations in extremely high temperatures can
cause them to short-circuit. They are extremely difficult and expensive to reproduce, so don’t go
breaking them.”
Noted. I’m not sure exactly how I would go about breaking it anyway. What would I do, take it
with me into a sauna?
Taking one of the keys out and holding it in front of him, Jin explained “This is the key to your
dorm room. Each is custom made to fit the specific lock on your door, and it has your first initial
and last name etched into it in English. Like the Handbooks, we would rather not replace them if it
can be avoided, so don’t go losing these.”
Yes, sir.
Seeing the students nod at him, Jin smiled and continued “I’m glad we understand each other. I
will now call each of you up to the podium and hand you your Handbook and room key.
Afterwards, you will line up single file next to our teachers; girls will go with Chisa Yukizome, and
boys will go with Koichi Kizakura. Once everyone is accounted for, both groups will be guided
on a tour of the facilities, ending with the dormitories. Are there any questions?” Seeing nobody
raise their voice or their hand, Jin announced “Very well, let’s begin.”
“Asahina Aoi, the Ultimate Swimming Pro.”
Makoto watched as a girl with brown hair tied in a ponytail, dressed in a red track suit jacket, blue
jean shorts, and a low-cut white tank top walked up, shaking Jin’s hand as she walked over to
Chisa.
“Celestia Ludenberg, the Ultimate Gambler.”
A girl wearing gothic Lolita clothes, her black hair styled into two drill-shaped pigtails that hung
from either side of her head, walked up gracefully to the podium, Makoto entranced as she curtsied
before the Headmaster, smiling as she walked away to take her place next to Aoi.
“Enoshima Junko, the Ultimate Fashionista.”
Makes sense… Makoto thought as Junko walked up to the podium, flashing peace signs at the
others once she reached the podium, looking like a rock star as she took her things before swaying
her hips as she walked over behind Celestia.
“Fujisaki Chihiro, the Ultimate Programmer.”
Makoto watched, feeling a sense of empathy as a petite brunette girl wearing a brown skirt that
ended just above her knees and a green jacket shakily walked up to the podium. Makoto saw
Chihiro curtsy as the Headmaster patted her shoulder in reassurance. Taking her things, Chihiro
hurried off stage, lining up behind Junko.
“Fukawa Toko, the Ultimate Writing Prodigy.”
A thin girl wearing a simple, purple dress, her similarly purple hair braided into two strands that
rested against her back, stepped up with a nervous scowl, quickly taking her things from the
Headmaster before hurrying off behind Chihiro.
“Hagakure Yasuhiro, the Ultimate Clairvoyant.”
A tall boy with brown hair that stuck up in every direction like a porcupine gave an easygoing
smile as he marched up, calmly taking his things before filing behind Koichi.
“Ishimaru Kiyotaka, the Ultimate Moral Compass.”
Ultimate Moral Compass…that explains why he was going on and on about the Public Morals
Committee… Makoto thought as Kiyotaka stood erect, stiffly marching over to the Headmaster,
bowing before the authority figure before gratefully taking his things and filing obediently behind
Yasuhiro.
“Ikusaba Mukuro, the Ultimate Soldier.”
The Ultimate Soldier…Junko did say she was a mercenary, so that talent suits her… Makoto
thought as Mukuro emotionlessly walked up to the Headmaster, nodding her head as she took her
things and filed behind Toko.
“Kirigiri Kyoko, the Ultimate Detective.”
Wait…Kirigiri?
Makoto’s eyes widened as he watched Kyoko get up from her seat, grimacing as she walked up,
confidence in her every step as she approached Headmaster Kirigiri. Makoto’s eyes darted
between the two of them, trying to spot any resemblance.
Could they…nah, it’s probably just a coincidence. Besides, if today was anything to go by, she’s
probably not going to tell me if I ask.
Makoto continued to watch as Jin placed a warm hand on her shoulder, a proud smile etched on his
face. To Makoto’s dismay, Kyoko merely turned her head to the side, taking her things as she
marched briskly off stage, filing behind Mukuro.
He looked at her so familiarly…could they really…
His thoughts were interrupted as Jin, a serious expression once again on his face, cleared his throat
and called out “Kuwata Leon, the Ultimate Baseball Star.”
Flashing Sayaka a flirtatious smile, Leon stepped up confidently, Makoto staring in disbelief at
Leon’s assigned talent.
Ultimate…Baseball Star? He doesn’t look very sporty. In fact, he doesn’t look at all like that
photo I found online. He looks more like a punk musician than a baseball superstar!
Leon grinned as he took his things, winking at Sayaka as he walked off stage to file behind
Kiyotaka.
“Maizono Sayaka, the Ultimate Pop Sensation.”
No surprise there; everyone knows who Sayaka Maizono is!

Makoto watched, entranced as Sayaka smiled at him before gracefully walking up to the podium,
gently taking her things from Jin before leisurely walking to file behind Kyoko.
“Naegi Makoto, the Ultimate Lucky Student.”
Hearing Junko stifle a giggle, Makoto sighed before standing up, nervously walking up to greet the
Headmaster. As Makoto put the key into his pocket and tucked the Handbook into his left hand,
he felt Jin place a reassuring hand on his shoulder, blushing as the Headmaster gave him a warm,
reassuring smile.
“Welcome to Hope’s Peak Academy, Makoto.”
Tears of joy streaming from his eyes, Makoto bowed his head, whispering “Thank you,
Headmaster Kirigiri.” The Headmaster himself accepted me! Maybe I do belong here!
Wiping his eyes on his free wrist, Makoto walked away, a little more spring in his step as he filed
off the stage and behind Leon, smiling from ear to ear at Sayaka, who returned an equally large
grin. Toning down his grin, he turned to face Kyoko, nodding with a small smile who
inexpressively nodded back at him, acknowledging his presence.
Makoto turned his head as he heard the Headmaster call out “Ogami Sakura, the Ultimate Martial
Artist.”
He watched as Sakura walked up to the Headmaster, bowing respectfully before taking her things
and waling off stage, little earthquakes ringing in everyone’s ears as she took her place behind
Sayaka.
“Owada Mondo, the Ultimate Biker Gang Leader.”
Makoto watched as a muscular teenager with a dark-brown pompadour, wearing a long, black
overcoat, similarly black baggy pants and a low-cut white shirt walked up, taking his things from
the Headmaster before filing behind Makoto, his teeth grit in a neutral expression that, combined
with his comparatively taller height and obvious muscle, made Makoto tremble in fear. A quick
glance at Sayaka made him relax, taking a deep breath as the Headmaster called out the next name.
“Togami Byakuya, the Ultimate Affluent Progeny.”
Makoto watched as a tall, thin boy with blonde hair, glasses, and a black, refined business suit
stood up and walked, power and class exuding from his aura as he approached the Headmaster.
Not bothering to bow to Jin, Byakuya walked off the stage and filed behind Mondo.
“Yamada Hifumi, the Ultimate Fanfic Creator.”
Makoto watched as the final student, a portly boy with black hair, a vertically straight ahoge, a grey
jacket and pants, a white button-down shirt, and an orange tie with dual-blue arrows slowly walked
up to the stage, taking his things from the Headmaster before filing behind Byakuya.
Nodding, Koichi asked “Alright; is that everyone? Okay, just follow me and Yukizome,
everybody, and we can get this tour on the road.”
A cheerful smile on her face, she called out to the girls “Follow me, my rotten little oranges!”
Did she just insult our class?
Makoto shook the thought from his head, following Koichi and the other boys as the left through
the hallway, Makoto glancing at Sayaka for reassurance, occasionally glancing at Kyoko out of
curiosity. The Ultimate Detective merely kept her gaze focused ahead, showing not even a hint of
emotion.
I’m really excited and nervous…Kyoko, what are you feeling right now? I can’t tell at all…
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, your class sure had some interesting people!”
Smiling nostalgically, Makoto answered wistfully “Yeah; they were a handful, all right. They
were also my closest friends, and I wouldn’t have traded them for anything. That’s actually how
we met your Auntie Hina, Aunt Toko, Uncle Byakuya, and Uncle Hiro.”
“Wait, so they’re not your brothers and sisters? But I thought that was the only way someone
could be an Aunt or Uncle?”
Chuckling, Makoto ruffled his daughter’s hair as he explained “Legally, that’s true. But, by the
time we left Hope’s Peak, the six of us ended up being so close that we considered ourselves
family, even if we didn’t share any blood.”
Nodding understandingly, Kiki then asked “And what about the other ten? Why haven’t I heard
about them before?”
Makoto and Kyoko grimaced as they looked to each other; this was one of the parts they dreaded
when they agreed to tell Kiki about their past.
Luckily, Kyoko managed to kick the can down the road, explaining “You’ll find out when you’re
older.” Seeing her daughter about to retort, Kyoko cut her off “In the meantime, it’s past your
bedtime, young lady.”
Pouting, Kiki surrendered “Okay, Mommy.”
Breathing a sigh of relief at having dodged a real bullet there, Makoto helped to tuck his daughter
in before both parents kissed her goodnight.
Trust Arc Chapter Four: Introductions and Welcome Feast
Chapter Summary
With the entrance ceremony and the tour now concluded, Class 78th now heads to the
dining hall for a welcoming feast. Will Makoto learn more about his new classmates?
Present Day
“So, how was the tour? Was it super exciting?”
Chuckling, Makoto replied “Believe me, Kiki, I was very much awestruck throughout the tour.
However, not much excitement actually occurred during the actual tour, so I’ll skip ahead a little.
We had just finished touring most of the buildings and had arrived at the dormitories. Before
ending our tour, Chisa and Koichi brought our class to the dining hall, where a humble welcome
feast was prepared for us all…”
XXX
April 5, 2014
All sixteen Ultimates were now sitting in the middle of the communal dining hall at a long,
rectangular table. Makoto and Sayaka had opted to sit at the left end together, smiling at each
other. Leon had started to approach her, about to take his seat to try and hit on her.
Clearly uncomfortable, Sayaka called “Hey, Kyoko, there’s a free seat over here; come join us!”
Sighing, Kyoko walked over, accepting out of a desire to avoid making a scene, sitting down as
Leon gaped in shocked dejection, soon moping over to another seat on the opposite end of them.
Clapping her hands together, Chisa announced “Okay! Before we start with the official welcome
feast, let’s all do an icebreaker activity!”
Smiling at Chisa’s enthusiasm, Koichi picked up “It’s not much; just go around and tell everyone
your name and something about yourself.”
“Okay, now, who wants to go first?”
Standing up from his chair, Kiyotaka eagerly took Chisa’s invitation, introducing “I’m Kiyotaka
Ishimaru. Feel free to call me Taka. I believe in bold simplicity! Let’s work together on our
educational crusade!”
…Very…enthusiastic about studying, isn’t he…Makoto thought as Taka sat back down.
At this point, Toko reluctantly stood up after nobody else took the initiative and stuttered “N…not
that you’ll remember my n…name anyway, but…” Swallowing the lump in her throat, she
finished “I’m Toko. Toko Fukawa.” Seeing everyone else stare at her expectantly, she continued
“Wh…What? I…it’s not polite to stare, you know?”
Recognizing that further attempts to coax Toko into talking about herself would be pointless, Chisa
suggested “Let’s move on. Who’s next?”
As Toko sat down, breathing a sigh of relief, Sayaka stood up, greeting with sweetness in her voice
“Hi! I’m Sayaka Maizono. I look forward to getting to know you. Now let’s see…as for
something about me…I’m psychic.”
“Huh?!”
Most of the class gaped in shock at the revelation, and at how nonchalantly it was confessed.
Seeing the shocked look on their faces, Sayaka giggled, waving her hand as she continued
“Kidding! I just have really good intuition.”
Most everyone sighed as Sayaka sat down, a teasing grin on her face as Makoto looked at her,
thinking She really does like to tease people, doesn’t she?
Once she had taken her seat, Leon stood up, pumping his fists in front of him as he greeted “Yo!
The name’s Leon Kuwata. What’s up? And as for something about me…believe it or not, I don't
like baseball. Like, at all. I've never gone to a single practice.”
Gaping in shock, Makoto thought He’s never practiced, and he was still his team’s star player?
He’s some kind of prodigy…
As Makoto continued to stare in awe, Leon continued to rant “And as soon as I got accepted here, I
quit baseball for good! I have my own dream for the future! My only path in life is getting into
music! You can feel that star-quality aura I have, right?” As Leon continued to grin, he finished
“I'm gonna be a singer, so all I need is a songwriter and someone on guitar, and we're set! This
new version of me that's chasing after my dream is, like...super cool to the max!”
Stepping up behind him, Koichi patted Leon on the back and replied “That’s a great dream, kid!
Just remember, you’re here as the Ultimate Baseball Star, so at the end of the year, you’re gonna
have to demonstrate your aptitude with baseball.”
Pouting, Leon sat back in his seat and grumbled “Yeah, I know…killjoy…”
Letting that remark slide, Koichi continued “Alright; who’s next?”
At that, Hifumi stood up and introduced “I…am Hifumi Yamada. But if you want to call me by
my nickname…” Hifumi briefly altered his pitch, utilizing a deeper tone as he continued “The
Alpha and the Omega, I don’t mind.”
…The Alpha…and the Omega? I don’t know how that’s a nickname; it’s longer than your actual
name!
As Makoto sat there befuddled, Hifumi continued to rant “I once sold 10,000 copies of one of my
fan comics at a school festival. The event has passed into legend. Some of them didn't get it, of
course, saying I'd "tainted" the event. How stupid can you be!?”
10,000? That’s pretty remarkable… Makoto thought in amazement.
Meanwhile, Hifumi continued “The words of such idiots mean nothing to me. I am like Van Gogh:
utterly unappreciated in my time. I am a soldier, serving night and day to destroy all mindless
preconceptions about fan fiction. For my work is filled with deepest meaning...”
His curiosity piqued, Makoto thought What kind of meaning?

As though reading his mind, Hifumi grinned perversely as he revealed “It’s about embracing our
basest urges!”
Recoiling in disgust, Makoto decided ruefully I don’t think I want to comprehend it…
XXX
Present Day
“Basest…urges? What’s that?”
Grimacing at the innocent question, Makoto smiled uneasily at his daughter and replied “You’ll…
learn more in school when you’re older.”
Kiki pouted, but otherwise stayed silent, knowing when further pleading was ineffective on her
parents.
Satisfied, Makoto continued “Now, Hifumi had just finished introducing himself, and next was…”
XXX
April 5, 2014
“Heya! I’m Aoi Asahina! But my friends just call me Hina. ‘Sup?”
She seems really easygoing and bursting with energy… Makoto thought as he felt energized just by
watching her speak. Maybe she could be my friend, too…
“Anyway, I might forget your names, so I might approach you guys individually later so that I can
ask again and write it on my hand three times.”
I’ve never heard of that before in my life…
As Hina gave an embarrassed smile and sat back down, Chihiro stood up, curtsied and, with a
blush on her cheeks, introduced shyly “Hello, nice to meet you. I’m Chihiro Fujisaki…Sorry, I get
kinda embarrassed whenever I introduce myself like this…”
Softly smiling, Makoto thought sympathetically Me too, Chihiro. Maybe I’ll try talking to her
tomorrow…I feel like we could get along well.
As Chihiro sat down, a silence permeated the dining hall, nobody taking the initiative once again.
Wanting to get this over with, Kyoko sighed and, without moving a muscle, said “My name is…
Kyoko Kirigiri.”
Another silence permeated the room, everyone looking at her expectantly.
She’s pretty tight-lipped, huh? Makoto wondered, remembering how secretive she was when they
were in the main hall. Her face is like an iron mask. And I don’t know anything about her; there
was no mention of an Ultimate Detective on the online threads. Maybe she likes to keep to herself?
Sensing that nothing would come of any prodding, Koichi continued “Alright, who wants to
introduce themselves next?”
Standing up, Junko flashed a peace sign and practically sang “Hiii! I’m Junko Enoshima!
Charmed, I’m sure!” Gesturing to Mukuro who was sitting next to her, she explained “And this is
my twin sister, Mukuro Ikusaba. Muku’s not much for conversation, so I’m introducing her for
her.” As a couple of the students opened their mouths, Junko cut them off “Now listen, ‘cuz I’m
only gonna say this once. Yes, we have different last names. Neither of our parents changed their
last names. Our mother was an actress and our father was a military tactician. So Mom gave me
her last name and Dad gave Muku her last name. Oh, and I’m the only one who gets to call her
Muku. Are we all clearsies?”
Seeing the other students nod, Junko replied “Ookie-dookie!” before sitting back down.
With that, Mondo stood up, his neutral expression still locked in place as he introduced “Name’s
Mondo Owada. Nice to fuckin’ meet’cha. I head the Crazy Diamonds, so if any of you run into
any trouble, just let me know and I’ll have my boys come and deal with it for ya.”
Feeling a little more relaxed now that Mondo essentially promised to use his Biker Gang status as a
shield for his class, Makoto smiled, watching as Mondo sat back down.
Though I’d better be careful around him. One wrong word and I could end up at the bottom of the
ocean…
Makoto watched as Sakura stood up, introducing “I am Sakura Ogami. I hope to find a suitable
training partner here at Hope’s Peak Academy.”
Glad it’s not me… Makoto thought as she sat down.
Without standing up, Byakuya stated “Name’s Byakuya Togami. I would appreciate it if you
plebians would limit your interactions with me.”
That’s the most arrogant, half-assed introduction I’ve ever seen. He’s like a king-in-training…
Before anyone else could get verbally upset with the Ultimate Affluent Progeny, Yasuhiro stood up
and greeted “I'm Yasuhiro Hagakure-Hiro for short! Take it easy, yeah? I know I will! Anyway,
we should grab some brewskis sometime and get real deep into Lemuria and its civilization.”
But we’re not old enough to drink!
Seeing Makoto’s, and most other people’s bewildered expressions, Hiro smacked his forehead with
his palm, realizing “Oh yeah, nobody else is over 20.” Chuckling sheepishly, Hiro rubbed the back
of his head and confessed “I've been held back a few times, see, and...well, it's a long story.”
I bet it is a long story…Makoto deadpanned, making a mental note to be cautious around Hiro.
Next, Celestia stood up, curtsying before announcing “I do not think we have been introduced. I
am Celestia Ludenberg.”
Ludenberg? No way that’s her real name. She is Japanese, right?
Unaware of Makoto’s inner thoughts, Celestia smiled and continued “But if you don't mind, I
would prefer for you to call me Celeste. I look forward to getting to know you better.”
As Celeste chuckled, Makoto squirmed in his seat, nervous around the Ultimate Gambler as he
thought That smile is beyond deceptive. I’d better watch myself around her…
With nobody else, all eyes fell on Makoto expectantly. Makoto gulped, nerves overtaking him
before he felt Sayaka’s hand resting on his. Seeing her easy smile, Makoto felt all his nerves
disappear. Smiling, he looked to her gratefully before standing up and introducing himself.
“Um…how’s it going? My name’s Makoto Naegi. I like anything that’s popular, and I’d like to
study hard and make a lot of friends while I’m here with you guys.”
Taka then turned to Makoto, cheering “An admirable goal, Naegi-kun! We should all strive to
meet your example, devoting ourselves to our academic success every single day!”
Feeling embarrassed, Makoto sat back down, Taka soon following suit. It was then that Koichi
clapped his hands to get their attention.
“Alright, now that that’s out of the way, it’s time to begin the feast. Hanamura-kun, if you will?”
It was then that a short boy in a chef’s uniform walked out of the kitchen, a stack of plates and
several delectable Japanese dishes being pushed out on a silver cart.
Chisa put her arm around the boy, smiling proudly as she introduced “This is one of my students,
and one of your upperclassmen. His name’s Teruteru Hanamura, the Ultimate Cook.”
Smiling suavely, Teruteru chimed in “Please, I would prefer you call me The Ultimate Chef.”
With Chisa and Koichi helping Teruteru to pass the dishes out, the table was quickly set, all except
the more stoic staring at the food, eyes sparkling and their noses twitching at the mixture of
aromas.
Smiling, Koichi announced “Alright, kids, dig in! Class starts on Monday morning, so you have
the weekend to rest up and get acquainted with each other.”
“Please, do not neglect your everlasting friendships with each other!” Chisa urged enthusiastically.
Chuckling, Koichi tipped his fedora and informed them “More details about your first class will be
sent to your Handbook’s e-mail app on Sunday. In the meantime, we hope you enjoy your time
here at Hope’s Peak Academy!”
As Koichi left, Sayaka cheered “What are you gonna eat, Makoto? It all looks so good! I wanna
just dig in!”
No sooner did she say that before Sayaka felt her spine shiver; Makoto looked appalled and furious
as Teruteru placed his hand on her shoulder, his breath tickling her neck as he whispered “Hey, you
look really good too. Can I dig in?”
Makoto had never felt such a strong urge to deck someone in his life; luckily he calmed down once
Chisa stepped in, dragging Teruteru by the ear as she scolded “Come along, Ultimate Chef. Leave
the underclassmen alone.”
“Aw, come on, ma Cherie! The young missus and I were just getting ta know each other, dat’s
all!”
Turning around to smile apologetically at Sayaka, Chisa apologized “Sorry about him. If he ever
causes you any more trouble, just let me know and I’ll set him straight, okay?”
“Why meeeeee?”
As Chisa walked out, dragging Teruteru with her, Makoto sighed, thinking And I thought Leon
could be a womanizer. Concerned, he looked to Sayaka and asked “Are you okay, Sayaka?”
Smiling reassuringly, Sayaka replied “Oh, I’m fine! Don’t worry, Makoto. Believe it or not, I’m
used to this kind of thing; the idol business can be brutal.”
Frowning, Makoto urged “Still, if anyone makes you uncomfortable, you should tell someone,
Sayaka! We can help you stop it!”
At this, Mondo stood up, a grin on his face as he cracked his knuckles, agreeing “Anyone who
dares lay their hand on a woman deserves to die! Anyone tries to do anything…you know…to
you, let me know and I’ll cave their goddamn skulls in!” Looking around to the others, Mondo
roared “That extends to all you other ladies too!”
…That seems like a little much, don’t you think? Sayaka sweatdropped.
Regardless, everyone else nodded, even Kyoko joining in, with Makoto finishing “See?
Everyone’s here to support you, Sayaka! We’re all classmates, Sayaka, so don’t be afraid to come
to us, alright?”
“Makoto…” Sayaka sniffed, wiping her eyes as she finished “Thank you. Turning to everyone
else, she addressed them “Thank you all!”
Makoto blushed and Mondo rubbed the back of his neck, both embarrassed by her praise.
“If this touching speech of camaraderie is finished, perhaps we should finish eating our dinner so
we can turn in for the evening.”
The moment now ruined by Kyoko’s suggestion, everyone else mumbled in agreement, finally
loading their plates with food as they began to enjoy the food left by the lewd Chef.
Though as she ate, the Ultimate Detective couldn’t help but steal a number of glances at Makoto,
unable to deny that his words had stirred some kind of unfamiliar warmth within her.
This kind of unity…could I truly depend on my classmates, as he said? Remembering the promise
she made to Fuhito, Kyoko shook her head and reminded herself No. I can never depend on
anybody…never again. Looking down to her gloved hands, then to Makoto and back again, Kyoko
resolved It’s best I stay away from him…from everybody from now on…
XXX
Present Day
“So is that when you began to fall in love with Daddy?”
Shaking her head, Kyoko elaborated “It wasn’t a crush, I don’t think…at least not yet. It was more
that…your father’s reassurances to Sayaka made me think, just for a moment, that maybe I could
have friends that I could depend on, despite my grandfather’s teachings. It would take some time
though before I would finally listen to that part of me. There were some other events later that
night that would serve as a push, but those will have to wait for tomorrow. It’s time for you to go
to bed, Kiki.”
Groaning with disappointment, Kiki complained “No fair! You always end on a cliffhanger!”
Chuckling, Makoto ruffled his daughter’s hair as he jested “Hey, we warned you our story was
gonna take a while to tell. We can’t help it if we have to end at one of the exciting parts every now
and again.”
Yawning, Kiki complied “Alright, I get it.” Nestling into her pillow, Kiki moaned “Good night…”
Smiling, Makoto and Kyoko finished tucking her in before kissing Kiki good night.
Trust Arc Chapter Five: Settling in! A Broken Door?
Chapter Summary
With orientation now complete, Makoto decides to settle into his new dorm. Will he
and the Ultimate Detective cross paths for the rest of the evening?
Present Day
“Alright, so you said that you first contemplated being friends with Daddy during the welcome
feast. What happened next to make you consider befriending Daddy?”
Tapping her finger on her chin, Kyoko mused “Let’s see… the events of that evening would
certainly be a good push in the right direction…”
Realizing what his wife was mentioning, Makoto picked up “That’s right. It was after dinner,
when we all separated to settle into our dorm rooms…”
April 5, 2014
“So this is my room, huh?”
Behind the door with a digital image of himself and a nameplate with the name “Naegi” etched in
with katakana, Makoto looked to see a largely rectangular room, wrapped in red walls, the
northeastern corner filled in with the architecture for what he assumed to be a separate washroom.
Inside the room was a blue rug under his feet, a simple, wooden desk, a bed with a simple mattress
and blue bed sheets and pillows, and a rack of empty shelving with a moderately small TV placed
on top of it.
“Looks pretty homey…I didn’t expect this from an elite school like Hope’s Peak.”
Looking beside the bed, he saw his suitcase, thinking I guess they delivered my luggage to my
room after all.
Unlatching the suitcase and opening it up, he dug through the contents, taking out all of his spare
clothes. Looking at the corner, he saw a small, wooden dresser, its red exterior originally blending
in with the design.
At least I have somewhere to store all of my clothes…
Digging through again, he took out his Gamecube and a handful of popular video games.
…Maybe a Smash Bros. tournament might be a good way for us to bond…
Shaking the thought from his head, as he took out the last of his games to put on the shelving, he
came across a silver disc in a silver CD case.
Furrowing his brow, he took it out and examined the disc; on the container were two sticky notes;
one saying “Makoto Naegi” in English, while the other showing a written message.
“Have fun, Makoto!
-Mama, Papa, and Komaru!”
“They…left me a disc? It must be some kind of video or something…but how am I going to watch
it? I didn’t bring any kind of laptop or DVD player…” His eyes widened in realization as he
exclaimed “Wait! The AV Room! Nobody’s probably using it right now, so it’s the perfect time to
use it!”
XXX
“Alright, let’s put this puppy in…”
Makoto had just set the options on the DVD player, enabling full-screen so that he would watch it
on the large projector, as well as the use of the external speakers since nobody else was in there at
the moment. Makoto pressed play, waiting for the screen to flicker on until finally an image of
Makoto’s living room with his parents and Komaru sitting on the sofa appeared, causing Makoto to
gasp.
Mom? Dad? Komaru?
As he gasped in amazement, the video continued, Hana smiling warmly as she praised “You
getting picked to attend Hope’s Peak Academy is like a dream come true. Make sure you do your
best!”
The recording of Shingi spoke next, praising “I’m so proud of you, son. But remember—don’t
push yourself too hard!”
Finally, Komaru wrapped things up by asking “Are you really watching this, Makoto? Good luck,
okay?”
All three Naegis waving in the recording, they finished off “We love you!”
With that, the recording ended, the screen flickering off again and the DVD drive ejecting
Makoto’s CD. Gingerly taking out the disc and putting it back in its case, Makoto blushed,
simultaneously encouraged and embarrassed by his family’s message.
“Mom…Dad…Komaru…” Tears of joy streaming down his face, Makoto wiped his eyes on his
wrist and clenched his free fist, resolving “I promise! I’ll make you all proud of me!”
Taking the disc with him and, walking out the door with a reenergized smile, he failed to notice the
other occupant of the room. Sitting in a far corner of the room, Kyoko had been startled by the
noise of the video, too enthralled in her book to notice Makoto coming in. Having inadvertently
seen his family’s video with him, she felt a jealousy stir in her heart, a part of her longing for the
happy, close relationship she once had with her father and deceased mother that Makoto still had
with his family.
Naegi…you have no idea how lucky you are…
XXX
Present Day
“Wait…you were jealous of Daddy?”

A wistful smile crossing her face, Kyoko closed her eyes and admitted “Yes, Kiki. I was.
Understand that at the time, I hadn’t gotten close to or even met properly Jii-chan and Baa-chan.
So at the time, I hadn’t felt the warmth of coming home to a loving family in years. It left me
lonely, sweetie…” Looking at her daughter intensely, she told her “And that’s a loneliness I never
want you to feel. You will always be welcome in our arms, Kiki…never forget that!”
To prove her point, Kyoko wrapped her arms around Kiki, pulling her in a close embrace. Kiki
giggled, leaning into her mother’s affectionate gesture.
“I love you, Mommy.”
Placing a kiss on her head, Kyoko replied “I love you too.”
Smiling warmly at the mother-daughter scene before him, once the two women had separated,
Makoto cleared his throat and continued “Alright, moving on…” Kiki inched closer to her father,
leaning as if on the edge of her seat as Makoto continued “It was nighttime and I was just about to
head to bed. Wanting to take a shower first, I tried to turn the knob of the bathroom when…”
XXX
April 5, 2014
“Oh, COME ON!”
Makoto had tried to turn the doorknob, even trying to yank it, only to fall on his butt, the knob
refusing to give.
“How is it that I get what’s likely to be the ONE room in the entire freaking dorm that has a faulty
bathroom door?” Sighing, Makoto started pacing after he got up, mumbling What to do, what to
do?“ A light bulb went off in his head, eyes widening in realization as he exclaimed “I know!
Maybe Sayaka can help!”
XXX
“Of course I’ll help you, Makoto.”
That was Sayaka’s response when he rang her doorbell and she opened the door to her room,
dressed in a fluffy pink nightgown that make Makoto stare, entranced by her beauty. Shaking the
thoughts from his head, he explained the situation to her, and before long, she had followed him
into his room, the duo approaching the doorknob.
“I’ve tried twisting on it, yanking on it, nothing! I don’t know what to do, Sayaka, and I don’t
want to come to breakfast tomorrow all smelly!”
Flexing her fingers in front of her, Sayaka assured him “Don’t worry we’ll fix this, I promise. This
just requires a bit of a woman’s touch, is all.”
Taking the knob in a gentle grip, she gingerly twisted it and pulled, only to be met with the same
results that Makoto had. Biting her lip, she tried to pull harder, only for it to still refuse to give.
Feeling frustrated now, she tried yanking with all her might, but the only thing that differed from
Makoto’s attempts was that she didn’t fall on her rear end.
Growling, Sayaka roared “COME ON, YOU PIECE OF JUNK! OPEN!”
In a semi-rage, she then started kicking at it, causing Makoto to panic and try to restrain her in a
spooning embrace, soothing her “S…Sayaka! Calm down, it’s just a door!”
“What’s with all this racket?”
Sayaka’s flailing legs ceased their movement, Makoto turning around with Sayaka still in his hold
to see the rest of the class gathered at the entrance to his room, led by the irate Kyoko Kirigiri,
dressed in a purple, sleeveless nightgown.
“S…sorry…” Makoto let go of Sayaka as he tried to explain “The door to my bathroom wasn’t
opening, so Sayaka offered to help me get it open, but it wouldn’t open for her either and she
started getting frustrated.”
Makoto and Sayaka flushed in embarrassment as Kyoko scolded them “Well, next time try and
keep your voices down. We could all hear you from our closed rooms, and some of us want to get
to sleep tonight.”
“Quite right! Taka stepped forward, suggesting “The appropriate course of action is to request a
work order in the morning and ask the Headmaster to expedite it.”
“But how does that help me now, Taka?” Makoto groaned. “I want to take a shower!”
Mondo then stepped forward, suggesting “Hey, Chihiro, you’re good with computers and shit,
right? Any chance you could hack into the door to make it open?”
Shaking her head, Chihiro explained “If it’s anything like the bathroom in my room, then the doors
are all equipped with a manual lock. It has no electronic interface, and I can’t hack into something
that has no operating system.” Looking down with tear sin her eyes, Chihiro apologized “I’m
sorry…”
Feeling bad for Chihiro, Makoto smiled, walking over to her and kneeling down, putting his hand
on her shoulder and reassuring her “Hey, it’s alright! It’s not your fault, Chihiro; we’ll just figure
out something else, so no more crying, okay?”
Sniffling, Chihiro wiped her eyes, cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she responded “Oh…
okay. Thanks, Makoto.”
Patting her shoulder one last time, Makoto stood up and pondered “Now then, what to do with this
door?”
Starting to walk up, Mondo suggested “Hey, if the lock can’t be hacked into, I’ll just beat the
damn door down.”
Blanching as Mondo cracked his knuckles, Taka grabbed his arm, scolding “Mondo! Such
destruction of property is inappropriate for a school environment!”
Turning back to look at Taka with an annoyed scowl, Mondo complained “What? You said
yourself he should put in a work order to get it fixed, right? I’m just gonna make sure the
repairmen can’t miss the problem!”
“But still…”
Sighing, Kyoko stepped forward, ordering “Before any of you knuckleheads decide to incur
massive property damage to the school, let me give it a try.”
Everyone gave her a wide berth, Makoto and Sayaka stepping backwards as Kyoko kneeled down,
gently twisting the knob back and forth as she placed her ear against the mechanism.
“Think she’ll be able to get it to open?”
Makoto looked to Sayaka before shifting his vision to the kneeling Detective and answered with
utter faith “Hey, if anyone can solve this mystery of the locked door, it’ll be the Ultimate
Detective.”
Kyoko froze for a moment, unused to receiving such straightforward compliments on her abilities
before she went back to work, shaking the thought from her head.
Focus, Kyoko. Don’t let his compliments get to you, or you’ll start looking forward to them. Now
let’s see…
As Kyoko gently lifted up on the knob, a click rang in her ears, making her smile as she gently
pulled back, the door opening like magic, her success making everyone gape in shock.
She did it!
Kyoko turned back to Makoto, a victorious smirk on her face as she revealed “Your door wasn’t
locked at all. There’s just a problem with the doorknob. It could also have something to do with
the size of your door, but the repairmen can figure out the true cause. Anyway, until the work
order can be completed, just pull up gently on the knob before you turn, and it should work fine.”
“HAHAHAHAHAH”
Everyone else turned around to face a cackling Junko, bent over in laughter as Mukuro stood
behind and to the left of her.
“You mean…that all that yelling…was just because of a wonky doorknob? Naegi, you’re
supposed to be the Ultimate Lucky Student, right? But to have such a cruddy door! That’s not
lucky at all!” Having calmed down from her laughter, Junko turned around, giggling “Come on,
Muku! Let’s go back to bed.”
Giving Makoto an apologetic stare, Mukuro turned to follow her sister. Makoto’s trouble now
solved, everyone else mumbled before retreating back to their rooms for a good night’s sleep.
Soon Makoto, Sayaka, and Kyoko were standing alone in the room.
Turning to the Ultimate Detective, Makoto wore an apologetic expression on his face as he
thanked her “Thanks a lot for helping us out here, Kyoko…”
“Kirigiri.” Her violet eyes narrowed, making Makoto gulp as she made clear “We’re classmates,
not friends. You are to address me by my surname in any instances of conversation.”
Nodding, Makoto responded “N…noted, Kirigiri-san. I’m sorry for assuming, and I’m sorry I
caused such a…”
“It’s fine. Anyone could have figured it out, had they simply taken a deep breath and considered
other possibilities.”
Nodding Makoto answered “Un…Understood, Kirigiri-san.”
Satisfied, Kyoko turned around and said “Well, I’m off to bed. Goodbye.”
“I should head in that direction too. Good night, Makoto.”

“Yeah…good night, Sayaka. See you tomorrow!”
Nodding, Sayaka smiled before exiting the room. Sighing in relief, Makoto gathered his pajamas
and stepped into the bathroom, eager to finally take his shower.
XXX
“What’s your deal?”
“Hmmm?”
Sayaka stood directly in front of Kyoko’s door, her blue eyes narrowed with a scowl attached to her
face.
“Would you be so kind as to step away from my door, Maizono?”
Sayaka stomped her foot and refused “No! Not until you explain yourself. Why were you so mean
to Makoto before? I can understand being uncomfortable with a boy you just met calling you by
your first name, but you could have been a little gentler about it. You owe him an apology
tomorrow!”
Sighing, Kyoko dug in, insisting “I don’t owe anybody anything. Or did you forget that I’m the
one who got his door open?” Sayaka winced as Kyoko ordered “Now, step away from my door,
Maizono.”
Scowling, Sayaka reluctantly stepped aside, allowing Kyoko to enter her room, but not before the
Ultimate Pop Sensation got the last word in.
“I feel sorry for you, Kirigiri. You seem to have no friends, and you push away whoever tries to be
your friend. Makoto’s too kind to say it, so I will in his stead; you’re a jerk, Kirigiri!”
Watching Sayaka stomp back to her room with angry tears in her eyes, Kyoko sighed before
walking into her room and closing the door behind her. Plopping down on the bed, she looked at
her gloved hands, reminiscing about the last person she called a friend, and the consequences she
suffered for depending on them.
“They don’t understand. Making friends, bonding with them, relying on them…they just end up
getting you burned in the end…literally, in my case. Grandfather is right; it’s best to stay away
from forging bonds of friendship, no matter what Naegi, Maizono, or Yukizome say.”
XXX
Present Day
“Mommy…” Kiki sniffled as she asked “Were you really…that mean…to Daddy?”
Sighing as Makoto embraced their daughter to calm her down, Kyoko confessed “Kiki…I said and
done a lot of things in my past that I’m not proud of, things that I would take back in a heartbeat if I
were given the chance. My initial attitude towards your father was one of them.”
Smiling sympathetically, Makoto continued as he stroked his daughter’s hair “Kiki, your mother…
didn’t exactly have the best parenting given to her as a child. And unlearning the wrong lessons
she was taught took time. But she eventually did it, and she changed for the better. I don’t hold it
against her, and you shouldn’t either. She’s your mother, Kiki, and she loves us. Never forget that,
okay?”
Sniffling, Kiki conceded “Okay, Daddy. Turning to face Kyoko, Kiki sniffled “I’m sorry,
Mommy.”
Wordlessly, Kyoko smiled, wrapping her daughter in a warm embrace and wiping her tears with
her fingertip as she forgave “It’s okay. Now, it’s time for you to go to bed, okay?”
“Okay, Mommy.”
Kiki quickly nestled into her bed, falling asleep as Makoto and Kyoko tucked her in, kissing her
goodnight before they left Kiki to go to their bed, a warm smile plastered on the five-year-old’s
face.
XXX
“I’m surprised Sayaka chewed you out like that back then. She never even hinted at it the next
day.”
Shaking her head, Kyoko answered “I’m sorry, but I don’t know why she held her tongue, and we
can’t exactly ask her now.”
The Naegi parents briefly looked down, closing their eyes in silent mourning of the deceased
Sayaka Maizono. Soon after though, Makoto sat down on the bed next to Kyoko, smiling at her to
tell her that everything was alright before meeting her lips in a soft, reassuring kiss. As she
returned his kiss, Makoto maneuvered them so that they were both lying down on the bed. Kyoko
wrapped her arms around his neck, nuzzling her head against his chest as Makoto reached down to
whisk the blankets over them both.
Breaking off their kiss, Makoto smiled warmly, stroking her back as he cooed “Sweet dreams,
Kyoko Naegi. I love you.”
Yawning, Kyoko returned drowsily “Good night, Makoto. I…” *yawn* “love you too…”
Trust Arc Chapter Six: Late on the First Day! Kyoko Rebuffs Makoto!
Chapter Summary
After being late to class on his first day, Makoto decides to try and befriend his
classmates. Will the Ultimate Detective let her walls down and give Makoto a chance?
Chapter Notes
Okay, so things are definitely gonna be picking up plot-wise, and time's gonna be
moving a little faster in-universe. Please read and comment below, and enjoy!
"So what happened next, Daddy?"
"Let's see…I spent the remainder of the weekend getting settled in…and on Monday, I went to my
first class at Hope's Peak. But as luck would have it…"
XXX
April 7, 2014
"Agh! Stupid alarm clock! Why did you have to pick today to stop working?"
Makoto hopped on one foot through the hallway as he tried to slip on his brown dress shoe,
hurrying to make it to class.
"I'm gonna be late, I'm gonna be late, I'm gonna be late!"
At last, he made it into the classroom, though he forgot to slow down his momentum, falling flat
on his face, while his shoe landed next to his head. This caused half of the class to laugh at the
humorous scene that just played out, making Makoto blush in embarrassment as he quickly stood
up, fixing his shoe so that it was properly on his foot. Dusting off his brown jacket and pants, he
found himself face-to-face with Taka's disapproving glare.
"Naegi Makoto! Your tardiness is unacceptable! To be late on your first day is unspeakable! I must
report you, and you must accept your due punishment!"
"What's your deal? I'm sure he didn't mean to be late."
Everyone's heads turned to the student who surprisingly voiced that remark; Mukuro Ikusaba.
With everyone sans Kyoko now staring at her, Mukuro retreated back into her shell, blushing in
embarrassment and averting her gaze.
She suddenly found herself being playfully slapped on the back by a giggling Junko as the
Ultimate Fashionista teased "Damn, Muku! Way to stick up for your man!"
Turning even more red, Mukuro protested "Ju…Junko, it's…not like that…"
"Anyway, she's right!" Makoto interrupted, making Mukuro breathe an internal sigh of relief as the
class's attention was redirected to him. "My alarm clock just malfunctioned and never went off,
that's all! I even skipped breakfast to try and make it to class on time!"
"The babe's right." Leon interjected. "Besides, most of us are only here because the first class is the
only one that's mandatory."
The night prior, each student was sent an e-mail informing them of the time and room number of
their first class, along with the notice that the first class was mandatory to attend.
"You're no better!" Taka pointed out. "Leon, Hiro, Celeste, Sakura, Hifumi, Junko! None of you
have opted to wear your school uniforms! Do any of you intend to take yourselves seriously as
students?"
"Aw, come on, man! The leather makes me itchy!" Leon protested.
"I refuse to lower my exotic tastes simply because a glorified hall monitor demands I wear a school
uniform." Celeste objected as she sipped her tea.
"None of the uniforms fit my frame." Sakura whipped out her e-Handbook, explaining "I have a
permission slip from the Headmaster to permit me to forego the school uniform."
Whipping out his own Handbook, Hifumi explained "Same for me."
"Hey, I'm wearing the white dress shirt, same as Porcupine Head over there!"
"Hey! Don't be mean!" Hiro objected, insulted by Junko's remark.
"Alright, enough!" Taka put a stop to the barrage of excuses. "Naegi-kun, given your valid excuse,
combined with the fact that you took the time to actually wear your uniform, and the fact that
Kizakura-sensei isn't here yet, I'll let this slide one time."
Breathing out a sigh of relief, Makoto sat down at the sole empty desk before Hina jumped up
excitedly and suggested "Hey, come on, guys! This is our first class together! Like Yukizome-
sensei said, we should be bonding with each other! Let's commemorate the occasion with a group
photo!"
"An excellent idea, Hina!" Taka cheered in agreement.
With that, the rest of the class nodded in agreement, although Kyoko, Toko, and Byakuya more
reluctantly.
I suppose it can't be helped.
"Wh…whatever. It's…n…not like you'd re…remember me otherwise."
"I suppose I can tolerate being in a photo or two with you lowly commoners."
"Excellent!" Hina grinned. Whipping out a single camera, Hina continued "Luckily for us, I
brought one!"
Bowing his head in disappointment, Hifumi groaned "But the Alpha and the Omega has come
prepared for this occasion!" Holding out a pink camera with an anime cupid design, Hifumi
declared "Behold! My Princess Piggles camera!"
"Don't worry, you can hold it in front of you during the shot. Now, let's see, who to be our
photographer…" Eventually her eyes settled on Makoto; grinning, she handed the camera to him
and suggested "Hey, Makoto! How about you?"
Pointing to himself, Makoto asked incredulously "Me?"
Nodding, Hina said "Yep! Don't worry; we'll take a second one afterwards so you can be in one
too! We'll even use Hifumi's camera for it."
"Oh…okay" Makoto conceded, giving in after seeing Hifumi perk up at the idea of using his
camera for the second shot. Moving to stand just in front of the teacher's desk. He then proceeded
to direct "Sayaka, Kuwata-kun, could you guys sit in the back-row desks to my left? Yamada-kun,
could you please stand to the left of Sayaka? No, the other left, please. Ogami-san, Hiro, Ikusaba-
san, Owada-san, Celeste, could you please stand in a row behind Leon, Sayaka, and Hifumi?"
Makoto watched as they followed his requests, Leon putting his arm around Sayaka's shoulder
while grinning. Sayaka rolled her eyes, amused by Leon's more subtle attempt to hit on her and
deciding to just ignore it as she made a peace sign. Sakura stood in the center, resting her hand on
top of Hifumi's ahoge as Hiro, Mukuro, and Celeste stood in a row to her right.
"Alright…" Makoto continued while gesturing with his hand "Taka, can you stand to Ogami-san's
left? Fujisaki-san, Hina, could you please stand just behind the backrow desks to my right?
Enoshima-san, could you stand behind and between Taka and Fujisaki-san? Kirigiri-san, Fukawa-
san, Togami-kun, could you please align yourselves in a row behind Fujisaki-san and Hina, but
further back than Enoshima-san?"
Makoto watched as they followed his request, Taka forming a salute with his left hand while
Chihiro folded her hands in front of her while beaming from ear to ear. Hina meanwhile placed her
left palm on the desk in front of her while resting her right hand on her waist, smiling widely.
Satisfied, Makoto said "Alright, ready? Three, two, one…CHEESE!"
Once Makoto snapped the picture and the flash went off, the rest of the class save for Kyoko,
Toko, and Byakuya huddled around Makoto, staring down at the camera and making the
impromptu photographer feel a little claustrophobic.
Grinning, Hina playfully slapped Makoto on the back, making him stumble momentarily as she
cheered "Hey, not bad, Makoto!"
"Hell yeah!" Mondo agreed as he gave a thumbs up while grinning.
The only one who didn't nod in agreement was Junko, whose eyes narrowed as though insulted,
complaining "Whadda ya mean "Hell yeah!"? Look at it! Taka's elbow is totally blocking my
beautiful face!"
Bowing his head in shame, Taka apologized "I'm so sorry, Enoshima-san! I didn't mean it, I
promise!"
It was then that Makoto interjected, assuring "It's okay, Taka. It was my fault anyway; I could have
told you to lower your arm, but I didn't. We can just take another photo; problem solved."
"No way, it looks fine! Besides, we still need to have one with you in it, Makoto. Everyone else,
get back into formation!"
Grumbling, the others resumed their places as per the original shot, Taka remembering to keep his
arm by his side this time.
Deep in thought, Hina mused "Now let's see…who to pick as our photographer?"
"How about we have Kirigiri do it?"
Kyoko glared indignantly at Sayaka, who only returned it with a cheeky grin.
"Great idea, Sayaka! Kirigiri-chan, would you come up, please? Yamada-kun, will you loan her
your camera?"
"Please be careful with it!" Hifimi pleaded as the Detective snatched the camera from him on her
way up.
Surveying the current placement of everyone else, Kyoko directed "Naegi, sit at the desk between
Ishimaru and Fujisaki."
Nodding, Makoto quickly obeyed, moving around until he was sitting up straight in the desk, a
small smile on his face as his hands lay folded on the desk. Taking aim, Kyoko wordlessly pressed
the button…only for no flash to appear. Confused, Kyoko tapped it again a couple more times,
only for the same result to happen. Frowning, she looked at the camera's settings and came to a
conclusion.
"Yamada, your camera is out of memory."
"HWAH?" Hifumi exclaimed as Kyoko walked up and handed him back the camera, causing
everyone else to groan.
"Great work, Kirigiri! Your lack of enthusiasm ruined the shot!"
"Yeah!" Hina concurred with Sayaka, exclaiming "You didn't even count down or say Cheese!"
"Even if I had, it still wouldn't have changed the camera's lack of available memory." Kyoko
deadpanned.
Stepping in as the mediator, Makoto tried to soothe "Hey, guys, it's cool; it's just a photo. I'll admit
I'm a little disappointed…"
"If you're disappointed, then it's not okay!" Sayaka insisted.
"Yeah!" Hina agreed. "It's your first day, Makoto! You should have a happy memory of this day!
You know what, we'll just use my camera like we should have from the start. Kirigiri-chan, come
back up here and…"
"Alright, kids, settle down and choose a desk. Time for class to begin."
"Awww…" most of the class groaned as they took their seats, Kyoko breathing a sigh of relief as
she weathered glares from Hina and Sayaka.
I never thought I'd be grateful to see Kizakura since I was five!
The fedora-wearing teacher carried a bottle of sake as he stood in front of the teacher's desk,
followed by a tall, lanky man with short, brown hair and a curly, black mustache.
"Kids, this is Shutaro Fukuka. He's a new teacher at Hope's Peak that we just hired. He's gonna be
shadowing a few of my classes while he learns the ropes of the job."
Fukuka-sensei…
Activating the projector with a small remote, Koichi continued "Now, then. In today's class, we're
gonna go over what subjects are gonna be taught on which days, as well as a quick primer on each
one. The detailed curriculum and assorted textbooks will be sent to your e-Handbooks. Physical
copies are available upon request. Now them, on Mondays from now on we have English…"
XXX
Present Day
"Wow, Mommy! Auntie Hina and Sayaka really didn't like you!"
Her cheeks turning red, she turned her head away in shame, uttering "I was…not the easiest to get
along with as a teenager."
Turning to her father, Kiki then asked "So did you ever get that first day photo retaken?"
Chuckling, Makoto disappointed her "No, we never did get that photo retaken. Your mother was…
evasive, during that week. For the next three days, she didn't attend any classes, opting to focus on
her Detective work, and any attempts I made to try to get to know her outside of class were…
well…"
XXX
April 7, 2014
*Ding Dong*
Makoto rang the doorbell, kicking his heel with the top of his toe in nervousness.
"Okay, so pretty much everyone said yes…" Makoto thought aloud.
The Ultimate Lucky Student had invited all of his classmates to a Super Smash Bros. Melee
tournament in his room. Virtually everyone had agreed, even Taka, Celeste and Byakuya to some
extent.
"As you made clear after class, I must study more games! I can think of no better subject of study
than one of your recommendation, Professor!" Taka tearfully declared, making Makoto sweatdrop.
"As long as I get to play as a princess, I don't see the harm…" Celeste giggled.
"I won't play myself, but it should be entertaining to watch you peasants make fools of yourselves
over an outdated computer program."
"Naegi?"
Makoto was shaken out of his thoughts by a feminine voice. Looking ahead, he saw the surprised
Kyoko Kirigiri opening the door to her room.
Quickly hiding her surprise, though slightly too late for Makoto not to notice, she asked "Is there
something you require?"
Clearing his throat, Makoto asked nervously "I…ano…the others are joining me in my room in
half an hour for a Super Smash Bros. tournament. Would you like to join us, Kiri…"
"No."
Makoto's head hung in shock at her instantaneous refusal.
To be rejected so simply…
Once he had recovered, Kyoko asked "Is there anything else you wished to speak to me about, or
was that it?"
"Um…no…"
Clicking her tongue, Kyoko replied disappointedly "I see…" Turning around, she dismissed him
"Good-bye." before closing her door.
With the door slammed in his face, Makoto gave a depressed sigh and forced himself back to his
room, opting to focus his energy on cheering up in time for his other classmates' arrival.
XXX
April 8, 2014
Okay, so she doesn't like fighting games…maybe a general party game?
Makoto rang her doorbell again; before long the door had opened, revealing Kyoko with her
eyebrows raised in mild surprise.
"Naegi."
"H…Hi, Kirigiri-san. I noticed you weren't in class today…"
"I was working on a case."
"O…oh. That sounds interesting. What kind of stuff did that…"
"I'm afraid the details of my detective work are classified, Naegi. I can't tell you anything."
Looking down guiltily, he apologized "Oh…s…sorry. I didn't…"
"It's fine." Kyoko waved off. "Was there something else you needed?"
"Well, umm…the others are having another game night in my room. We're playing Mario Party 5
together. Is that something you'd…"
"No."
Again?!
"Is that everything, Naegi?"
"Um…yeah…" Makoto finished dejectedly.
"…I see…" Once again, she turned around, dismissing him "Good-bye."
The door slammed in his face again, Makoto sighed dejectedly, dragging himself back to his room
to prepare for his guests.
Maybe she just doesn't like video games…maybe a board game might work…one with strategy?
A lightbulb flashing in his head, Makoto dug out his cell phone, scrolling through his contacts until
he selected the one he was looking for.
"Hey Mom? It's Makoto. Yes, I'm doing fine. Yes, I'm attending class every day. I was wondering,
could you meet me outside the gates of the school? I'd like to borrow something from home."
XXX
April 9, 2014
I never thought that a simple shogi board could be so much trouble…
Hana had graciously brought the family shogi board to her son, simply warning him not to lose any
pieces. He had walked no more than ten steps beyond the front gates before being intercepted by
none other than Juzo.
XXX
"What's that, kid? Are you trying to smuggle in contraband? Drugs, maybe?"
"N…no, Sakakura-san! It's just a shogi board my mom brought over for me!"
"That wasn't in your initial luggage. I'll have to have it examined for suspicious substances."
"H…Hey! My shogi board! Give that back, Sakakura-san! It's a family heirloom!" Makoto cried as
the box was ripped out of his hands by the aggressive security head, jumping up and down trying to
grab it again.
"Hey, what's the problem? If you're telling the truth, then this shouldn't be…"
"Juzo Sakakura!"
"Is there a problem, here?"
Both ceased their actions, turning their heads to see a glaring Chisa and a disapproving Jin.
"Yukizome!"
"Headmaster Kirigiri!"
Chisa continued to walk forward, her increasingly angry glare making Juzo quake in his boots as
she lectured "We've been over this! You cannot go bullying the other students! I would have
thought you would have learned your lesson last year!"
Placing his hand on Chisa's shoulder, Jin looked at his teacher, causing her glare to soften.
Turning his attention to the two men, Jin asked "Now, why are you two making such a ruckus?"
As Makoto opened his mouth to interject, Juzo beat him to it, saying "Headmaster, I caught this
student trying to smuggle in contraband and was in the middle of confiscating it to have it
examined."
Turning her gaze to stare into Makoto's eyes, Chisa asked softly "Makoto, is this true?"
Shaking his head energetically, Makoto denied "No no, not at all, Yukizome-sensei. I just had my
mom drop off our family shogi board, that's all!"
Scoffing, Juzo interrupted "Yeah, right. That's what they all say. This one's trouble, Headmaster. I
bet he…"
"Sakakura Juzo." That shut Juzo up as Jin continued "Peace." Walking closer to the Ultimate
Lucky Student, Jin kneeled on one knee and gave Makoto a warm, almost fatherly smile as he
asked "Makoto, would you mind if I spent a minute looking over your shogi board?"
Shocked at the warmth Jin was projecting towards him, Makoto stammered "N…not at all,
Headmaster Kirigiri."
Standing up again, Jin flashed a smile towards Juzo and said "You see? A little gentleness can go a
long way." Holding out his hand expectantly, Jin gently ordered "Makoto's shogi board, please?"
Grumbling, Juzo complied, slamming the box into Jin's hands. Smiling, the Headmaster sat down
cross-legged, delicately unboxed Makoto's shogi board, as though he were trying to conserve the
wrapping paper on a Christmas present. Gently removing the board, he turned it every which way,
inspecting it with a keen eye. Once he was satisfied, he removed the zip-lock bag containing the
different pieces. Reaching in, he started to do the same thing to a couple of them, smiling as he
inspected the pieces. Before long, he gently deposited them back into the bag, placing it and the
board back into the box, sealing it with such a degree of accuracy, it seemed as though it had never
been touched.
Standing up finally, he handed the shogi board back to Makoto, who accepted it gratefully.
Turning his gaze back to Sakakura, Jin scolded "I can't detect any trace of contraband on this shogi
set. In fact, it's very well-kept. And if you're worried about Makoto's character, Koichi has
described him as a model student, having only nice things to say about him. I can't imagine that he
would try to smuggle illegal substances into the school."
"Headmaster…" Makoto's eyes watered, shocked that Headmaster Kirigiri was saying such nice
things about him and sticking up for him.
"However…" Jin fixed a neutral stare on Makoto, making him feel like retreating into his shell as
the Headmaster continued "Juzo isn't entirely in the wrong here either. Any additional belongings
must be approved by my office before they can be brought on campus." Seeing Makoto gulp in
fear, Jin kneeled down again, his eyes growing softer as he asked "So why didn't you send a
permission request to my office, Makoto. What was so urgent that you needed your mother to bring
your shogi board right away?"
Gulping, Makoto admitted "Well, I've been trying to make friends with all my classmates.
Everyone usually comes to my video game invitations, but one…Kirigiri Kyoko, has refused twice
now. So…I thought maybe…she'd like to play something a little more strategic and traditional. So
before class this morning, I invited the rest of my class to a shogi tournament this evening. That's
why I needed my shogi board today, so I could invite Kyoko to come and participate."
His eyebrows raised in surprise, Jin responded "I see…" Placing a hand on Makoto's shoulder, Jin
smiled and praised "You must be a very good friend to her, to be so thoughtful about what she
likes."
Blushing, Makoto replied with an embarrassed expression "Oh…I don't know if she's my friend
yet…but I'd like her to be. I mean…loner personality aside, the fact that she's smart enough to be a
Detective…that sounds so cool!"
Chisa squealed at Makoto's reply, proudly praising him "Oh, Makoto! To go so far to bond with all
of your classmates…You're not a rotten orange! You're a ripe, juicy orange!"
…I take it that's a compliment? Makoto sweatdropped as Jin stood up, smiling while turning to
Juzo.
"I don't see the harm. Juzo, consider this expedited; Makoto Naegi has my permission to bring his
shogi board on campus. Now then, Juzo, I believe you still have rounds to make? Chop-chop, you
had better hurry up if you're going to make up for lost time!"
Grumbling, Juzo walked away, with Chisa informing them "I'd better get back to teaching my next
class. Goodbye Makoto, Headmaster."
Watching her saunter off in Juzo's direction, Jin turned his gaze back to Makoto and informed him
"Next time, Makoto, please send my office an official request if you want to bring anything else
from home. And let me know if it's time-sensitive so I can expedite it."
Nodding energetically, Makoto promised "Yes, of course, Headmaster Kirigiri. I'm sorry for the
trouble I've caused."
Chuckling, Jin assured him "Don't worry; water under the bridge. Now, before you go…" Jin
stared down at Makoto, smiling as he evaluated "Makoto, you seem to be well-liked in your class.
With exception to Kyoko, Koichi has told me that everyone has come to every class. He also told
me that you are likely the cause of it; he says he feels an increased aura of contentedness and
camaraderie in the class ever since that first day."
"Headmaster, I don't think…"
Jin held up his hand, causing Makoto to silence before he continued "As Headmaster, my number
one goal has been for the classes I oversee to smile when they choose to come to class. Your
presence has seemed to make that goal tantalizingly close. And, if you were able to make all my
students smile…" Jin grinned as he explained "That would make my greatest hope come true."
Tears of shocked joy streaming down his cheeks, Makoto held the shogi board to his chest as he
promised "Yes, Headmaster Kirigiri. I promise, I'll make Kyoko smile!"
Smiling softly, Jin replied "I'm happy to hear that, Makoto." Turning around, Jin finished "Well, I
have to get back to my office to do paperwork. Farewell, Makoto."
Nodding, Makoto ran off in the direction of the dorms, a new resolve flowing through him.
XXX
*Ding, Dong*
Kyoko opened the door, only mildly surprised to see Makoto standing there, holding something
behind his back.
He's stubborn and persistent, I'll give him that… Stepping just outside the room, Kyoko sighed and
addressed him "Alright, Naegi, what video game tournament are you going to invite me to this
time?"
Shaking his head, Makoto smiled and said "No video games, not this time." Seeing Kyoko raise
her eyebrow in surprise and curiosity, Makoto held out the shogi board he had been hiding behind
his back, explaining "I figured after the last two invitations, that you just didn't like video games.
So I figured something a little more traditional might be in order. I asked my Mom to bring over
our family shogi board and invited everyone to a shogi tournament. Kirigiri-san, would you please
join us?"
This time, Kyoko was actually tempted to accept; she remembered playing Shogi with her
grandfather countless times during her detective training to hone her analytical skills. It was one of
the few enjoyable family memories she possessed, and playing shogi sounded genuinely fun.
However, remembering her promise to her grandfather to stay away from making friends, Kyoko
reluctantly sighed and answered "Naegi, I…appreciate your invitation…but…your attempts at
friendship are wasted on me. I think you should probably give up."
Huh? Three strikes? Did I seriously strike out, here?
Turning around, she dismissed him "Good night, Naegi-kun."
Seeing the door gently close, Makoto sighed, walking back to his room to prepare for his guests
yet again.
"So…is it hopeless? Did I make the Headmaster…an unfulfillable promise?" His eyes shining in
realization, Makoto said with hope in his eyes "No, this time was different! She was gentler, and
she even used an honorific with my name!" Hugging the shogi board close to his body, Makoto
vowed "No, there's still hope! I just need to get to know her one-on-one before I can invite her to
group gatherings! I promise, Headmaster, I'll make Kyoko smile yet!"
XXX
Present Day
"I had no idea you went through so much trouble to bring that shogi board on the grounds. If I had
known…maybe I would have reconsidered my refusal."
Smiling, Makoto assured his guilty wife "Hey, don't worry about it, honey! In the end, I succeeded
in making you smile, so whether it was that third night or later on, I still succeeded."
Throwing her arms up in the air, Kiki cheered "Daddy can make anyone smile!"
Smiling, Kyoko ruffled Kiki's hair, concurring "Yes, he can. Anyways, it's past your bedtime,
young lady. Tomorrow I'll tell you about how your father finally caught my interest."
"YAY!" Kiki cheered, eagerly snuggling against her pillow as her parents got up and tucked her in,
kissing her goodnight before the young girl fell asleep, leaving the smiling parents to walk back to
their own bed to turn in for the night.
Trust Arc Chapter Seven: Makoto Intrigues Kyoko?
Chapter Summary
With his invitations to group bonding sessions rebuffed, Makoto tries a different tactic
to befriend the elusive Ultimate Detective. Will Kyoko reveal her true self to Makoto?
Will the Ultimate Lucky Student intrigue her?
Present Day
“Alright, so as for when your father finally started to pique my interest…I admit that the shogi
invitation was a good start, but it really started when…”
XXX
April 10, 2014
“Hey, Makoto!”
“Oh, hey Sayaka!” Makoto greeted as the bluenette walked up to him, the Ultimate Lucky Student
having just barely entered the dining hall.
“Hina and I are sitting at the table over there? You wanna join us for breakfast?”
Scratching his cheek nervously, Makoto reluctantly declined “Sayaka, any other time I would,
but…”
Looking over to a faraway corner, he looked at a solitary Kyoko, silently sipping a cup of coffee at
a small, two-person table.
As Sayaka followed his gaze, Makoto explained “Kirigiri-san looks a little lonely over there. I was
thinking maybe that I should sit next to her and keep her company.”
Sighing in exasperation, Sayaka pinched the bridge of her nose as she responded “Honestly,
Makoto. I don’t know why you bother. That girl has rebuffed every invitation you’ve given. She
even declined when you brought your shogi set, and you almost landed in a heap of trouble for
that!”
Chuckling nervously, Makoto answered “Yeah, I know that…it’s just…” Smiling at her, Makoto
told Sayaka “I kind of…made a promise…that I would be her friend and get her to smile.”
Sighing at the naivete that was a crux of Makoto’s personality, Sayaka smiled and replied “Makoto
Naegi, you are the sweetest, most thoughtful boy I have ever met in my life…” Makoto blushed as
she continued “But I really think she’s a lost cause.”
Shaking his head, Makoto refuted “I’m not so sure about that; when she rejected me last night, it
was less direct and gentler than the others. I really think I made a little bit of progress last night,
Sayaka. So…I have to hold out hope…that I can still get her to like me and want to be my friend!
Maybe…if I try to be her first friend…then the group gatherings will come later?”
Makoto grinned, causing Sayaka to sigh one last time as she conceded “Alright, Makoto. If you’re
that determined, I won’t stop you. Just be careful, okay?”
Nodding, Makoto bid Sayaka good-bye before leaving to get his breakfast. Once he had assembled
his morning meal, he walked over to the small table that Kyoko was occupying, a plate with eggs
and rice in one hand, and a cup of freshly brewed green tea in the other.
Kyoko looked up from the cup of coffee she was drinking, her eyebrow raised in curiosity at the
boy standing in front of her.
“Naegi-kun?”
Wearing a soft smile, Makoto greeted “Good morning, Kirigiri-san. Would you mind if I joined
you for breakfast before class?”
…You are nothing if not dedicated to this futile objective of yours… Sighing, Kyoko acquiesced “I
have no reason to decline. But I don’t have anything to say to you. Is that okay with you?”
Nodding, Makoto sat down in the empty chair, grabbing hold of his chopsticks and digging in. As
the boy chowed down his breakfast, Kyoko couldn’t help but admire Makoto for how energetic he
appeared to be.
I haven’t even finished my morning coffee yet. How is this foolish boy able to be awake and
smiling before he’s even had his breakfast?
The two sat in relative silence, both of them finishing off their beverages when Makoto decided to
take a chance to learn more about the mysterious Detective.
“Ano…Kirigiri-san…feel free to ignore me if you don’t want to answer, but I’d like to ask you a
question.”
Hearing Kyoko hum in curiosity, Makoto interpreted it as implicit permission to continue.
“Why did you tell me last night that my attempts at friendship were wasted on you? Is it because
you dislike me personally, or…”
Shaking her head, Kyoko cut him off “I don’t dislike you, Naegi-kun. I take no personal issue with
you or anyone else in our class. If I did, then I would have just taken my coffee to my room when
you asked to join me.”
Scratching his cheek, Makoto chuckled with an embarrassed expression “…Yeah, I guess you’re
right.” Kyoko had to hold back a smile of amusement as Makoto asked “So, if it’s not me
personally, are …you averse to making friends at all?” Seeing Kyoko nod her head in affirmation,
Makoto stared at her incredulously and asked “But why, though? That’s such a waste!”
Sighing, Kyoko answered “You can certainly make the argument that forming friendships is
beneficial to our school life, and you’re certainly entitled to your opinion, if nothing else. But,
Naegi-kun…” Kyoko stared into Makoto’s eyes making him squirm in his seat as she finished
“Are you asking for some kind of deep connection?”
Sweatdropping, Makoto returned “Isn’t that the point of having friends, though? To have people
you can share your joys and sorrows, people who will congratulate you on your accomplishments
and ease your anxieties?”
…My, you are an idealist… ”I understand now why you feel the way that you do, Naegi-kun…but
you and I have learned different life lessons.”
“Different…life lessons?” Makoto repeated, confused as to what she meant.
Seeing his head cocked in confusion, Kyoko elaborated “In my line of work personal experience
can be a ruthless teacher. I learned a long time ago that if you get too involved with someone,
you’re apt to lose any sense of good judgment.”
“Good…judgment?”
Nodding, Kyoko revealed “Simply put, there was a time when I grew attached to someone, and I
made a bad decision.”
Makoto’s eyes widened as he finally realized what she had been hinting at during their entire
conversation.
So…because she made a bad decision by placing her trust in the wrong person…she protects
herself by sealing her heart off from anyone. Feeling like he was finally getting to know the real
Kyoko, he looked up at her, with a determined warmth as he tried to assure her “Kirigiri-san, I
promise, you can trust me. Whatever happened back then, I won’t betray you. I want to be your
friend…if you’ll let me.”
…Kami…why do you have to make this so difficult? Kyoko thought frustratedly as Makoto gave
her a small, warm smile. …I want to believe you, Naegi-kun… Unfortunately, the lessons learned
from personal experience and her grandfather won out; she shook her head and declined “I’m sorry,
but I can’t. I can’t show you myself. That’s the end of it.”
So I…I failed? Makoto thought as his head hung dejectedly.
Kyoko took pity on the boy in front of her; feeling guilty for having to turn away the boy who
sought her out repeatedly, she decided to give him the single bit of reassurance that she was
capable of, telling him “Anyway, don’t get too depressed over this.”
Makoto blinked in confusion as Kyoko stood up, her empty disposable cup clenched in her hand.
“If you’ll excuse me, I need to head out to do some Detective work. Good-bye, Naegi-kun.”
Makoto watched as Kyoko left , her boots making tiny earthquakes in his ears as she disappeared
from view.
“So…how did it go?”
Makoto turned his head to see Sayaka looking expectantly at him.
Once he shook his head in response, Sayaka scolded “I told you it was a lost cause. She didn’t hurt
your feelings too bad, did she?”
Shaking his head again, Makoto answered “No, she didn’t hurt my feelings. And I don’t think
she’s a lost cause…she just has trust issues…and I’m going to fix them…somehow.”
XXX
Present Day
“You really were dedicated…to befriending me back then, weren’t you sweetie?”
Of course, it was a fact she knew deep down, having been married to him for years now and
having borne him a daughter. But to hear him recollect it…she couldn’t say her husband couldn’t
find new ways to surprise her.
Smiling at his wife, Makoto confirmed “Of course I was. You know me by now, honey…I try to
be friends with everybody!”
Wiping a tear from her eye, Kyoko replied “I’m sorry…I must have appeared so ungrateful back
then…you tried countless times to invite me into your circle and I let my fears and my
grandfather’s teachings hold me back…”
“Hey, hey…” Makoto cooed, reaching over his daughter to hold his wife’s hand, making her
blush. “It’s okay, honey. Everything all worked out, didn’t it? I’m not upset about it, Kyoko.
Never was, and never will be. So no more crying over spilt milk, alright?”
Kyoko blushed as Makoto bent down to kiss her scarred knuckles, letting her husband’s soothing
words and soft kisses wipe away the pain of her regrets.
“So is that when you decided to fall in love with him, Mommy?”
Chuckling, Kyoko shook her head and answered “No, Kiki; that didn’t come for quite some time.
But it did open the door for my interest in him to grow, which it did the next day. For you see…”
XXX
April 11, 2014
“…Yes, brother…” Makoto heard Shutaro murmur into his cell phone as he made his way to his
desk.
Sitting down and getting out his e-Handbook, he started fiddling with the apps, trying to activate
his notes application. Once he felt sufficiently prepared for class to begin, he began to look around
from his seat, turning his head until he did a double-take, caught off guard by the sight of Kyoko
sitting at the desk behind him.
“Oh, Kirigiri-san! I wasn’t expecting to see you. Don’t you usually do Detective work during
class hours?”
“There’s been a lull at the office, so until my casework picks up again, I determined it would be a
more productive use of my time to attend class in the interim. Today is Literature day, correct,
Naegi-kun?”
“Y…yes, Kirigiri-san. We’re supposed to start our first novel today. I think Kizakura-sensei said
it would be a mystery novel.”
“I see…well then…” Kyoko cracked a small, amused smile, making Makoto feel a burst of joy as
she mused “hopefully this will provide my brain with some amount of exercise.” Seeing Makoto
smile at her, Kyoko frowned, asking “And what is it you find so amusing, Naegi-kun?”
His smile turning into a worried expression, Makoto stammered “Oh…n…nothing at all, Kirigiri-
san.”
Makoto turned around, blushing in embarrassment as his other classmates and Koichi filed in.
“Alright kids, time for class. Access the e-book sent to your handbooks last night. Now, who
wants to read the first page?”
XXX
“Alright, so let’s recap chapter one. The bank was robbed overnight, with a security guard being
murdered when the thief made his escape. No civilians reported seeing anyone enter or exit the
bank through the main entrance. So, how did the thief manage to pull it off?” Scanning the class,
Koichi asked “Leon, do you have any ideas?”
Twisting his pinky in his ear, Leon responded “I dunno, teach! You’re barking up the wrong tree!”
“I see…” Turning to Taka, he asked “How about you, Taka? Care to give it a try?”
Thinking for a moment, Taka began “…I think I’ve got it. So the thief must have snuck in as a
civilian during the daytime to avoid suspicion. Then, when the teller locked up for the night, they
committed their crime, robbing the bank and killing the security guard who happened to walk in on
them. Then, when they were done, they simply walked out the back door to avoid detection.”
As Taka continued his deductions, Kyoko internally shook her head, thinking The book never even
mentioned a back door. And besides, we just said that nobody noticed anyone else go in or out of
the bank through the main entrance. Your theory is…
“No, that’s wrong!”
Kyoko was nearly startled out of her seat as she heard the confident declaration come from the
most unlikely of sources.
Looking at the outbursting student, Koichi scolded “Makoto, if you have something to add, please
raise your hand before interjecting.”
His cheeks turning red in embarrassment, Makoto mumbled “Sorry, Kizakura-sensei. I got carried
away…”
Shaking his head, Koichi forgave “Don’t worry about it, kid. Now, what would you like to share
with us?”
“…Well…I think…it’s likely that this was an inside job. I mean, the fact that nobody outside saw
anything suspicious would indicate some degree of collaboration. And at the murder scene, there
seems to have been too much blood for a single person to bleed out. Plus, one of the detectives
said that both the bank and the adjacent hospital had been having water problems since they were
connected to the same sewage system.”
“So you’re saying the hospital and the bank were connected to the crime, Makoto?” Koichi
pressed.
Nodding, Makoto continued “I think it’s possible that the thief might have had the security guard’s
help. He snuck into the sewer, then made his way into the hospital and stole some bags of blood.
Once he was finished, he then made his way into the bank. As he was robbing the bank, his
accomplice put himself into position, ripping open a blood bag and turned it into a horrific murder
scene. Once his accomplice started playing dead, the culprit snuck back into the sewer with the
money and exited out of the manhole at the city park.”
Kyoko looked to Makoto, highly impressed with his deductive reasoning.
…I’ve worked with professionals who were less insightful than that…
Reflecting her shocked thoughts, Koichi whistled and commented “Damn, kid, not a bad
hypothesis there. Of course, we’d need to read through the rest of the book to see if it’s correct, but
still, you wouldn’t do half-bad as a junior detective.”
Blushing, Makoto stammered “Th…thank you, Kizakura-sensei.”
“…Alright, then. Let’s start chapter two, shall we?”
As Koichi deliberated who to call on next to read, Kyoko couldn’t keep a proud smile off of her
face as she continued to think about the hidden talent the shy boy sitting in front of her just
displayed.
Naegi-kun…you surprised me…
XXX
“Alright, kids. Class is over. Keep working on your talents and studying, and I’ll see you all on
Monday!”
As Koichi and the other students began filing out of class, Makoto began to power down his
handbook, about to leave when he heard a feminine voice stop him.
“Naegi-kun.”
Discerning her voice over the “Yes, brother…” greeting that Shutaro was quickly mumbling on his
cell phone as he made his exit, Makoto turned around to see Kyoko standing in front of him.
“Kirigiri-san? Is something the matter?”
Shaking her head, Kyoko replied “Not at all. I simply wanted to echo Kizakura’s sentiments. Your
deductions were very insightful and honestly impressive.”
Blushing, Makoto tried to wave it off “Of, I um…I think I just got lucky, that’s all…”
Humming, Kyoko conceded “Perhaps. Time will tell, I suppose. Although…”
*Ring, ring*
“Oh, pardon me, Naegi-kun.” Tapping the green icon on her cell phone, she turned away from
Makoto and asked in a hushed tone “Detective Kirigiri. He what? Understood, I’ll make my way
there immediately.” Hanging up, Kyoko explained “I need to leave; a new case has come up and I
need to be briefed if I’m going to start my investigation.” Walking out of the room, Kyoko
finished “Good-bye, Naegi-kun.”
“B…bye, Kirigiri-san…” Makoto called back, still in shock at what had just transpired.
“Did she just…compliment me? Maybe I’m getting closer…to getting her to trust me…”
XXX
“So you’re saying the prisoner managed to escape their cell, kill one of the guards, and make off in
the middle of the night. Am I wrong?”
Kyoko sat at the end of one of a long table in a meeting room at the Tokyo Police Station, where
the Chief was now briefing her with his lieutenants on her new case.
“That’s correct, Detective Kirigiri. Because of how dangerous this suspect is, we believe it’s too
risky to be sending you alone. However, since the suspect escaped from our own HQ, we can’t
dismiss the possibility that this could have been an inside job.”
…Just like Naegi-kun said in class today… Kyoko mused as the Chief continued to brief her.
“As a consequence, sending an officer to accompany you would be too risky as well. Therefore, I
am permitting you to choose your own partner, as long as they are not affiliated with anyone in law
enforcement. As the Ultimate Detective, I will defer to your judgment, Detective Kirigiri. Just
make sure it’s someone you can trust.”
“You know I don’t trust anybody, Chief” Kyoko reminded him.
Sighing, the Chief pinched the bridge of his nose and amended “Fine, just make sure it’s someone
who will follow your commands. Now, who will you choose?”
Kyoko rested her chin in her palm, contemplating the matter, when in fact, there was only one
person who dared to get close enough to her to be even remotely near her list of potential work
partners.
“I think I might know someone who fits your conditions…”
XXX
Present Day
“Well?” Kiki asked impatiently, bounding up and down in her seat. “Who did you choose? Was it
Daddy? It had to be Daddy, right? Please tell me it was Daddy!”
Chuckling, Kyoko ruffled her daughter’s hair, replying “…Tomorrow, Kiki.”
Pouting, Kiki grumbled “…Stupid cliffhangers…”
Nonetheless, Kiki laid down, snuggling into the blankets and nuzzling her head against her pillow.
Once she was asleep, Makoto and Kyoko finished tucking her in and kissing her good night.
Trust Arc Chapter Eight: Kyoko’s Request!
Chapter Summary
Having been forced to take on a partner, Kyoko reluctantly asks Makoto to assist her
in this case, believing his deductive skills will be an asset. Will the Ultimate Lucky
Student agree after being repeatedly rebuffed by Kyoko?
Chapter Notes
So starting today I'm taking a brief hiatus from this fic in order to post another Gaiden
fic. In the meantime, please read and comment on this chapter, and enjoy!
Present Day
“Come on, Mommy! Don’t keep me in suspense! Who did you ask to help you on your case? It
was Daddy, right?”
Chuckling, Kyoko replied “Alright, alright, settle down, Kiki, and I’ll tell you!” Once Kiki was
sitting still, Kyoko continued “I decided who I was going to have as my investigative partner, and I
approached them on Monday, after class had ended…”
XXX
April 14, 2014
“Alright, class dismissed, everybody.”
As Koichi and everyone else filed out, Makoto prepared to gather up his things and head over to
the dining hall for lunch before a feminine voice stopped him.
“Naegi-kun.”
Turning around, he looked at Kyoko, curious as to why she had finally initiated a conversation
with him.
“Oh, Kirigiri-san. Was there…was there something you needed?”
Nodding, Kyoko replied “As a matter of fact…as difficult as this is to admit…I require your
assistance, Naegi-kun.”
Kirigiri-san…needs…ME? Nodding profusely, Makoto accepted “Of…of course, Kirigiri-san! I’ll

do what I can to help, but what is it that you need me for?”
“A recent case has come up in my line of work and the authorities have deemed it necessary for me
to take on a temporary partner. My higher-ups have also said that they cannot have any prior
connections to law enforcement.”
“Oh…I see…But then, why seek me out? If it’s an investigation partner you need, why not
someone smart, like Togami-kun? Or someone who can ensure your safety if things turn violent,
like Owada-kun or Ogami-san or Ikusaba-san?”
“I have been trained in several varieties of martial arts ever since I was a child, so I have no
insecurities about my competence in self-defense.”
Wow…an Ultimate Detective and a skilled martial artist? Kirigiri-san really is…amazing!
“In addition, I do not know anybody in our class well enough to call on them for assistance. The
only exception being you. Given your numerous attempts to befriend me over the past week,
you’re the only viable candidate for me to ask, especially since you are the only one who does not
treat me with either contempt or indifference.”
“Oh, I don’t think the others hold you in contempt, Kirigiri-san…”
“Never mind that.” Kyoko cut him off, continuing “Finally…I remember your deductive
capabilities from Friday’s literature class. Your deductive skills are, albeit untrained, incredibly
powerful.”
“I…I told you before, I probably just got lucky…”
“I don’t think so, Naegi-kun. Luck holds no relevance when considering facts that have already
occurred. Even if you didn’t come to Hope’s Peak as an Ultimate Detective, you do have a talent
for this. I would like to purchase that talent.”
Still unsure of himself, but slowly nodding his head, Makoto answered “Oh…okay, Kirigiri-san.
So…are we starting now, or…”
Shaking her head, Kyoko informed him “No; the police have yet to put together a complete case
file for me to start my investigation with. Plus, I’d like to give it a few days, let the culprit think
they’re getting away so that they’ll fumble and leave a few more clues.”
Staring at her with an amazed expression, Makoto answered “O…Okay. So then, when are we…”
“Meet me outside of the Hope’s Peak gates immediately after breakfast on Saturday. I’ll share the
details of the case with you then and we can begin our investigation.”
Nodding Makoto replied “O…okay. But, what do I tell my mom? I mean…I kind of promised my
parents I’d call every week to let them know how I’m doing.”
For a moment, Kyoko grew jealous of Makoto again. She was no stranger to being continuously
checked on by her grandfather, but that was primarily as a means of control, not concern for his one
and only granddaughter. Memories of being picked up by her mother and father and being
playfully asked how her day was flashed through her mind before she shook it, refocusing on the
question being asked by her new investigative partner.
“Just tell her you’re holding another video game tournament in your room. You seem to hold one
every night, so it’s a believable excuse.”
Makoto’s eyes bulged out of his head as he exclaimed “You mean lie?! Kirigiri-san, I can’t lie to
save my life!”
Sighing, Kyoko amended “Then just say that you agreed to help a classmate with something
private. That should be truthful enough.”
Mulling it over, Makoto slowly nodded and agreed “S…sure.”
“Well then…if that’s everything…I have more detective work I need to tend to.” Leaving the
room, she dismissed him “Oh, and be sure to come in something that isn’t your school uniform.
Good-bye, Naegi-kun.”
“Okay. See you around, Kirigiri-san!”
As Makoto left the classroom in the opposite direction, nobody noticed the third person still
standing in the classroom, dialing their phone and pressing it to their ear.
“It’s me. Change in plans…”
XXX
Present Day
“I was right! It was Daddy!”
Makoto chuckled at his daughter’s excited cheers, ruffling Kiki’s hair as he told her “Yes, she did.
Although, given how undeveloped our relationship was at the time, I think that was more out of a
lack of options than a desire to spend any amount of time with me.”
Looking at her mother with a distraught, teary expression, Kiki asked “Is…is that true, Mommy?”
Sighing, Kyoko embraced her daughter, confessing with tears in her own eyes “I won’t lie, my
motivations for asking your father for help were far from romantic, or platonic for that matter.
But…Kiki…know that even though it might not have been for the right reasons, choosing your
father was a decision that I’ll never regret as long as I live.”
Both women wiping their eyes, Kiki muttered “Okay, Mommy.” Turning to her father, she then
asked “So Daddy, what happened next?”
Tapping his chin while deep in thought, Makoto recollected “Let’s see…we both ended up going
our separate ways for the rest of the week. I gave your grandmother the excuse that your mother
and I agreed upon, and on Saturday morning, I rushed out to meet your mother at the gates…”
XXX
April 19, 2014
Makoto panted, dashing as he maneuvered through the Hope’s Peak grounds.
“Aw man! Why did my alarm clock have to break down again?!” Ultimate Lucky Student, my
ass!
At last he spotted Kyoko, grimacing as he saw an irritated expression on her face as she tapped her
foot impatiently waiting for him.
“…You’re late.” Kyoko admonished as Makoto wheezed and gasped for breath.
“S…sorry. My…” *gasp* “my alarm clock malfunctioned again.”
“Then maybe you should consider investing in a new alarm clock, Naegi-kun.” Kyoko scolded,
uninterested in his excuses.
“N…noted…” Makoto stammered, his lungs now circulating air normally. “But I did try and
make it here as soon as I could. I even skipped breakfast this morning! And look, I bought this
from the school store last night…”
Makoto fished through his hoodie pockets, fishing out a handheld magnifying glass and holding it
in front of her proudly.
“Look; it’s a magnifying glass, just like in all those Detective shows! Now I have what I need to be
your Watson, Detective!”
Kyoko sweatdropped at Makoto’s proud grin before sighing and conceding “…If nothing else, at
least I won’t have to worry about a lack of enthusiasm from you.” Somewhat reluctant to diminish
his dedication she nonetheless informed him “However, I advise you to take detective fiction with
a grain of salt, particularly if it’s shown on TV. Real detectives don’t often use those in our day-to-
day work, so you may have just wasted your money.”
Just as Makoto’s eyes and lips dropped in a sigh of disappointment, a honk made them both perk
up, their attention drawn to a black limousine that rolled to a stop right in front of where they were
standing.
“…This is the escort to take us to our destination.” Opening the back door and climbing inside,
Kyoko called “Get in. I’ll brief you on the details of the case on our ride over.”
Nodding, Makoto walked forward, then stopped when a shadow at the edge of his vision caught
his eye.
“Huh?”
Looking around, he couldn’t find a trace of anything.
What the…did I just…imagine…
“Naegi-kun! Get in, we’re late enough as it is!”
“S…sorry. I’m coming, Kirigiri-san!”
As Makoto climbed in after her and they both buckled their seatbelts, the door automatically closed
behind them and the driver sped off with his cargo in tow.
Neither of them noticed the shadowy figure on the grounds sighing in relief before dialing a
number on their phone, raising it to their ear.
“Yes, it’s me. They’ve just left the grounds and are headed your way.”
XXX
Present Day
“So what…” *yawn* “what happened next…Da…” *yawn* “Daddy?”
Smiling at his daughter’s cute yawns, Makoto replied “What happened next is our little princess
went to bed. We can pick up again tomorrow.”
“But I’m not…” *yawn* “…tiiirreeedddd!”
As much as Kiki tried to fight it, her limited resistance was immediately quashed as Makoto and
Kyoko’s soothing voices sang a lullaby.
“O-yasumi-na-sai, Kiki-chan.
O-yasumi-na-sai, Kiki-chan.
Ashita wa yo-i-hi.
Ashita wa yo-i-hi.”
Jaa, o-yasumi-na-sai, Kiki-chan.
O-yasumi-na-sai, Kiki-chan.”
The Naegi parents smiled warmly at their snoozing daughter, her soft, feminine snores warming
their hearts. Wordlessly, they got out of the bed and finished tucking their daughter in, laying
kisses on both of her cheeks before bidding her good night and closing the door behind them.
Trust Arc Chapter Nine: The Case
Chapter Summary
While en-route to their investigation, Kyoko informs Makoto about the case she ask
him to help her with.
Present Day
“Okay, Daddy. What happened after you and Mommy got in the car?”
“Alright, now let’s see. Once we had driven off, You mother had started to brief me on the
case…”
XXX
April 19, 2014
“So…this case we’re working on together…” Makoto began nervously, looking to Kyoko who was
sitting across from him, a large, manilla folder sitting to her right. “Is it a kind of case you’ve
taken on before?”
Nodding, Kyoko asked “Tell me, Naegi-kun, how much do you know about detectives?” As
Makoto opened his mouth, she clarified “In real life, not what you’ve seen on TV or read in
fiction.”
Deflated, Makoto looked to his knees, his hands gripping each other as he admitted sheepishly
“Nothing, really…”
Clicking her tongue in disappointment, Kyoko replied “I see…in that case, perhaps a quick primer
is in order.” Seeing his eyes flicker up to meet her own, she warned him “Listen carefully, because
I’m only going to say this once. You’re my assistant on this case, not my student, is that clear?”
Seeing Makoto nod with a serious expression on his face, his normally gentle green eyes flare with
determination and his back straight against his seat, Kyoko continued.
“Every detective has to pass a test before they can practice, kind of like how you had to take an
entrance exam to get into high school or how lawyers in America have to take their Bar exam
before they can practice. Are you following me so far?”
“Yeah, I think so…”
Nodding, Kyoko continued “Once a detective passes, they’re then given their license and a ranking
by the Detective Shelf Collection, or DSC for short. A DSC ranking consists of three numbers.
The first number symbolizes that detective’s specialty. The second number indicates that
detective’s specialty within the first number’s specialty. The last number indicates how skilled the
detective is, with zero being the best and nine meaning novice. Is this making sense?”
Nodding, Makoto answered “Y…yeah, I think I get the gist of it. So then, what’s your specialty,
Kirigiri-san?”
Without even skipping a beat, Kyoko answered “Murder.”
Makoto’s eyes widened with shock as he stammered “M…MURDER?”
Nodding, Kyoko confirmed “Yes; I investigate murder cases for a living. I’ll take on other cases
as well, but I prioritize murder cases above the others.”
“I…I see…” Makoto gulped, trying to calm himself down from Kyoko’s revelation. To be
investigating murders on a regular basis at such a young age…I knew it, Kyoko’s really amazing!
And since she told me that this case was too dangerous to be sent alone…it must be… “So this
case we’re working on…it’s one of those murder cases, right?”
Nodding, Kyoko began to elaborate “Specifically, this case revolves around an escaped thief who
killed one of his guards before fleeing. The authorities have given us a list of places in the vicinity
that have been used by escaped convicts in the past as places to lay low. We’re going to inspect
each and every one of these hideouts to see if they’ve been frequented in the past week.”
“I see…and I trust you have a plan if we happen to run into the culprit during our investigation?”
Makoto started to sweat, the danger of their mission suddenly becoming very real to him.
“If we do run into the culprit, you are to escape from an alternative entrance while I detain the
culprit.” Seeing Makoto’s worried stare, she reminded him “Remember, I have been trained in
several martial arts for years, so I’ll be fine.” Seeing Makoto’s unchanged stare, her eyes narrowed
as she accused “Or do you not think I can handle myself in a fight because I’m a girl?”
His eyes widening in shock at Kyoko’s misinterpretation, Makoto waved his hands in front of him
as he frantically tried to reassure her “Oh no oh no oh no, Kirigiri-san! It doesn’t matter to me if
you’re a boy or a girl! It’s just…either way…if anything happened to one of my classmates while I
was in a position to act…I’d feel responsible. That’s just the kind of person I am, Kirigiri-san.”
“…”
Kyoko felt her irritation deflate, secretly touched by his revelation of responsibility and self-guilt.
“…Naegi-kun…I know I said earlier that I don’t trust others, so I know I sound like a hypocrite
when I say this, but I need you to trust in my capabilities. I’ll be fine, I promise. Are we
understood?”
Makoto still had far too many worries to possibly be relieved by that brief reassurance.
Nevertheless, he swallowed his remaining objections and reluctantly nodded, affirming “…Yes,
Kirigiri-san. I’ll trust in you.”
“Good. Now then…I think we’re almost to the first hideout. Are you ready for your first case?”
No, but there’s no turning back now…
Makoto nodded. Satisfied, Kyoko opened the passenger door as the limousine rolled to a stop,
letting Makoto out first. As he stepped outside, Makoto looked ahead of him to see a finely carved,
wooden, two story house, standing in between two raised ranch style houses made of more modern
materials.
Getting out of the car to stand behind him, she saw Makoto’s confused expression and asked “Is
something the matter, Naegi-kun?”
Shaking his head, Makoto confessed “I just didn’t expect a criminal hideout to be so…nice. At
least not for a common thief. I mean…my own house could have easily fit in this neighborhood.”
“Well, that’s probably why some criminals chose this place as a hideout; the finely carved nature
of the architecture helps it to blend in with the other houses, and as a consequence conceal the
culprit from suspicion.”
Nodding his head, Makoto replied “Right…I think I get it…”
Putting her gloved hand to her chin, Kyoko continued “Although it seems well-kept on the outside,
this house has been officially abandoned for quite some time. The last owner was an elderly man
who was himself murdered in a home invasion. He had no family to will his home to, and the
reputation it developed as a crime scene drove off any prospective buyers. And so it sat,
abandoned, ironically becoming a home for thieves and killers.” Seeing Makoto’s blanched face,
Kyoko apologized “Sorry, did I frighten you?”
Willing the blood to flow back into his face, Makoto shook his head and assured her “No, I’m
fine. We should…probably start our investigation, right?”
Nodding, Kyoko saw Makoto’s still nervous face and assured him “Naegi-kun. I promise you, no
harm will come to you as long as you follow my commands. Understood?”
Feeling slightly more at ease, Makoto answered “Y…yeah. Let’s go.”
Satisfied, Kyoko nodded and began walking towards the house, replying “Good, then follow me.
Be sure to stay close at all times.”
“Yes, Kirigiri-san!”
Makoto jogged up to catch up with the Ultimate Detective as the limo rolled away out of sight.
Neither investigator noticed as a shadowy figure spied on them from the windows of one of the
adjacent houses, their lips curled into a wicked grin.
XXX
Present Day
“So, what happened next? Did you catch the bad guy, Mommy?” Kiki saw her parents grimacing
at her excited question, causing her to question “Mommy? Daddy?”
Snapping out of their nostalgic trance, Makoto and Kyoko smiled, the husband assuring his
daughter “We’re fine, sweetie. Our investigation is gonna have to wait until tomorrow, though.”
Sighing, Kiki conceded “…Okay, Daddy.”
Shooting Makoto a grateful look, Kyoko whisked the blankets up to Kiki’s chin, kissing her
forehead as Makoto cooed “Good night, Kiki. We love you.”
Yawning, Kiki gently fell asleep, nuzzling into her pillow as the two parents got up and moved to
their own bed for the night, sleeping on how to tell Kiki the story of their first case together.
Trust Arc Chapter Ten: Investigation 101 with Kirigiri-sensei!
Chapter Summary
Having arrived at the hideout, Makoto and Kyoko finally begin their first investigation
together. Will they find any vital clues leading to the culprit's whereabouts?
Present Day
“So what happened next, Mommy? You said you and Daddy entered the bad guy’s hideout, so
what happened after that? Did you catch him?”
Chuckling Kyoko replied “Alright, alright, Mommy will tell you.” Once Kiki had settled down,
Kyoko’s smile turned into a neutral frown as she reminisced “It was a lot more complicated than
that. Your father and I had just entered the house to begin our investigation…”
XXX
April 19, 2014
Makoto whistled as he took in the sights while Kyoko closed the door behind her. Though the
house was lacking in personalized decorations, the walls were finely carved and basic furniture
was placed in an orderly manner, giving it a feel similar to the wooden cabins his parents
sometimes rented during the holidays to take him and Komaru out to the countryside.
“This place looks…nice…”
Nodding, Kyoko contributed “That’s probably why this became such a popular hideout. After all,
if an escaped convict were to hide from law enforcement long enough for their case to become
cold, they would need to have enough comfort not to go stir-crazy.”
Nodding Makoto replied “Y…yeah, good point.”
“Of course, once this place became identified as such by the police, criminals stayed away from it
so they wouldn’t get caught. It’s still worth investigating though; enough time has passed since its
last occupant that someone could conceivably hide here without the police immediately
investigating. Which conversely makes this the first place we should check.”
Nodding, Makoto answered “Right. I…think I get it…”
Tugging her gloves tighter against her skin, Kyoko ordered “Alright, let’s get to work.”
She took a few steps before she turned around to see that Makoto hadn’t moved an inch, a confused
and lost expression plastered onto his face.
“Naegi-kun? Aren’t you going to come and help?”
“Y…yeah…it’s just…” Makoto blushed before looking down sheepishly, kicking his hell with his
toe as he confessed “I don’t really know where to start or what to look for…I’m just kind of lost,
Kirigiri-san…”
…Guess I was expecting too much for a complete newbie to be able to start investigating without
any guidance. I’m no teacher…but I guess it can’t be helped…
Sighing, Kyoko walked back over to him, grabbing his wrist and tugging him along, causing him
to yelp in response.
“Kirigiri-san…why are you…”
Huffing, Kyoko answered “I’m going to show you how to investigate, then you’re on your own.”
Turning her head to stare at him, Kyoko asked with a hard edge in her voice “Are we clear?”
Gulping, Makoto’s knees wobbled as he nodded “C…clear.”
“Good. Now then…” Kyoko approached the couch and letting go of his wrist, kneeling down as
Makoto followed suit, rubbing at the imprint she had made on his wrist. “Now, we’re looking
primarily for any signs that this place has been occupied recently. Based on your preliminary
glance of the living room, the culprit has taken reasonable care to avoid leaving any obvious clues
that they’ve lived here, so we’re going to look for more subtle traces. Do you follow me so far?”
Nodding, Makoto answered “Yeah…so we’re looking for signs that the killer has been here
recently…and because they may have covered their tracks, we have to look for things they might
have missed?”
Nodding, Kyoko continued “Correct. Now, look here at the sofa cushions. Look, but don’t
touch” Kyoko emphasized as she pointed to the cushion.
Nodding, Makoto bent his head downwards, his green eyes scanning the texture of the red sofa
until they centered on one specific detail.
“Wait…this cushion…it has two imprints in it. And they’re…round…”
“So…what do you think it means?” Kyoko prodded.
I dunno…you’re the expert here, not me! Wiping away the thought, Makoto took a deep breath,
focusing until his brain reached a conclusion. “They look like the shape of a person’s buttocks.
So…someone sat here recently?”
Nodding, Kyoko confirmed “Exactly. These indentations are pretty fresh, so someone must have
sat on this couch no more than 24 hours ago.”
Standing up excitedly, Makoto urged “Well what are we waiting for? We have proof that the
culprit was here! Let’s go back to the station and tell your higher-ups that they’re here!”
Energetic, aren’t you? As Makoto turned around to run towards the door, Kyoko held his wrist to
keep him there as she urged “Settle down, cowboy. We don’t have proof that the culprit was here;
we have a single piece of evidence suggesting that they could have been here. We need more than
a single piece of circumstantial evidence; we’ll need either multiple pieces of circumstantial
evidence that makes our case probable, or a single piece of hard evidence that would outright prove
the culprit was here. Personally, I prefer to acquire both whenever possible.”
His excitement now deflated, Makoto’s shoulders slumped as he apologized “Right…sorry I got
carried away, Kirigiri-san.”
Shaking her head, she assured him “It’s fine. Like I said, at least I don’t have to worry about a lack
of enthusiasm from you. Now then…follow me…”
Kyoko got up and started to walk away from the cushion, Makoto following suit as he started to
follow her like a loyal puppy dog until they arrived at a small, wooden desk.
“Now, take a look at the desk here. What do you see?”
Scanning the desk, Makoto answered “Well…it looks like a regular wooden desk. There’s a
cylindrical container in the corner, but it just contains some generic pens. Nothing out of the
ordinary, I don’t think.”
Shaking her head, Kyoko advised “Look again, closer. Remember, we’re looking for more subtle
clues, so look for anything that’s even slightly out of the ordinary.”
Taking a deep breath, Makoto looked closer, narrowing his eyes as he realized “Wait a minute…
one of the pens…it’s upside-down, and the tip is extended.” Shifting his gaze for any more clues,
Makoto’s eyes focused on the chair he was currently standing next to, realizing “And this chair, it’s
not pushed in all the way. It’s turned at an angle. So…someone was sitting here recently…and
writing something?”
Nodding, Kyoko praised “Very good, Naegi-kun. Yes, the clues indicate that someone was here
recently, using one of the pens to write something. But they carelessly forgot to push the chair in
all the way when they got up. Plus, they put the pen they were using back upside-down and
neglected to retract the tip.”
“So…this is another one of those pieces of circumstantial evidence you were mentioning?”
“Yes, that’s right. Unfortunately, there’s no stack of paper or notebook on the desk, which leads
me to believe that the culprit put it in another part of the house, assuming they didn’t take it with
them. That’s where you come in.”
Pointing to himself, Makoto asked incredulously “Me?”
Nodding, Kyoko answered “Quite so. I’m afraid that’s all the time we have to train you, Naegi-
kun. I’m going to keep investigating this floor.” Pointing to the stairs at the far end of the room,
Kyoko instructed “You are to investigate the second floor for clues. Focus on finding any clues
suggesting that our culprit was here, and keep an eye out for any physical handwritings that they
may have left behind. That will provide hard evidence to back up our circumstantial evidence.
When you’ve accumulated enough evidence, come back down and find me, and we’ll combine our
findings and establish next steps.”
Nodding, Makoto obeyed “Okay, Kirigiri-san.”
As Makoto turned around, Kyoko called out “Wait, Naegi-kun!”
As he turned around, Kyoko reached into her jacket’s pocket to toss him a pair of latex gloves, the
boy catching them in midair before looking at them curiously.
“I know I said don’t touch anything, but finding some clues requires some degree of touch. Put
those on in case you need to touch any evidence so that you don’t leave any fingerprints. If you
touch a piece of evidence to inspect it, make sure you put it back exactly as you found it so the
culprit doesn’t realize we were here. Do you understand?”
Nodding, Makoto bowed and replied “Thank you, Kirigiri-sensei!”
Holding back a blush that threatened to form from his compliment, Kyoko turned around and urged
him “I have to get started on my investigation. You should too.”
Nodding, Makoto replied “Got it!” before jogging up the stairs and out of sight.
Taking a deep breath, Kyoko refocused her mind into detective mode, walking around the room to
look for any signs of recent life.
XXX
Present Day
“Wow! You were such a great teacher, Mommy! Can I be homeschooled when I’m older?”
Blushing while moving a loose strand of hair behind her ear, Kyoko answered “Kiki…I’m not so
sure I was exactly teacher material. I doubt I would have succeeded if your father didn’t have a
talent for investigation. At any rate, neither myself nor your father have the educational
background required to teach you everything you’d need to know.”
“But you guys run a school!” Kiki pointed out.
“Kiki, just because I’m the Headmaster of Hope’s Peak Academy doesn’t mean I teach every
course. I have to hire teachers who know a lot about different subjects in order to teach the
students for me. So you’re gonna have to learn at an actual school. Understood, young lady?”
Kiki shrunk under her father’s rare, serious stare, murmuring “Okay, Daddy…”
A smiling Kyoko leaned down to ruffle her daughter’s hair before suggesting “Makoto, why don’t
you continue from here? I believe you were investigating the second floor?”
His eyes lighting up in nostalgia, Makoto answered “Yes, that’s right. So while your mother was
continuing with her investigation of the first floor, I was taking a look around the second floor,
which contained…”
XXX
April 19, 2014
“Okay, so this floor contains a couple of bedrooms and a bathroom…” Makoto tugged the latex
gloves onto his hands as he reasoned “I should inspect the bathroom first. If anyone’s lived here,
that’ll have the most obvious clues…alright, let’s get to work!”
Makoto walked into the lone bathroom, which featured a lone toilet, a shower stall, a closet for
towels, and a lone countertop with a sink installed and a mirror that stretched from one end of the
wall to the other.
“Let’s see…” Makoto spoke as he started to interact with the bathroom. “Toilet bowl’s clean,
towels are all folded and organized on the shelf. Toothbrush and toothpaste are put neatly in the
drawers. The shower is stocked with shampoo and soap bars, and no body hair was found in the
drain. All in all, it looks like a regular bathroom…nothing really seems out of place…”
Makoto’s eyes widened as he came to a realization.
“Wait…that could be a clue in and of itself. Even if those hygiene products were left by a previous
occupant, they shouldn’t be this well-maintained. It’s too clean; there’s no cobwebs, no mess left
behind…I GOT IT! The culprit kept the bathroom clean to cover their tracks and make it appear
like nobody had lived here.”
Makoto looked around the bathroom one last time, in case there was something he missed.
“Well, nothing else seems to be out of order…I should try to investigate the bedrooms now.”
Making his way to the first bedroom, he saw a simple, wooden room with only a simple futon, a
wooden dresser, and a small folding table in front of the futon.
“Hm…no computer or TV to speak of…though I guess that makes sense…having electronics that
police could track would kind of defeat the purpose of a hideout…”
Makoto continued to scan the room, approaching the dresser and opening the drawers to reveal
clothes of varying colors and styles.
“This dresser is well-stocked. Wouldn’t the police have confiscated the clothes of the previous
occupant when they arrested them? That must mean these clothes are new!”
Makoto closed the drawers one by one; he was about to close the top drawer when he spotted a
small, red notebook resting atop the multicolored boxers.
“A notebook? Is this…”
Keep an eye out for any physical handwritings that they may have left behind.
Remembering Kyoko’s words, Makoto gingerly removed the notebook, taking a quick mental note
of its position atop the red boxers as he started to flip through it until he came across a diary entry
dated earlier that week. Makoto’s analytical eyes scanned the paper as he began to read.
“April 15, 2014
Taro just called me the other day. Apparently, that brat is helping the Ultimate Detective track me
down. This necessitates a change in plans, but not an unwelcome one. In fact, things couldn’t have
worked out more perfectly. Instead of having to risk my safety by sneaking into Hope’s Peak, I can
just lure the two of them to me, like moths to a flame. Soon, they’ll both be dead at my feet, and
nothing will stop me from moving to a different prefecture, changing my name, and starting my
string of robberies all over again.
I just need to bide my time, wait until Saturday and then I can put my plan into action. Just a few
more days…I can almost taste the sweet, delectable taste of victory…”
Makoto started to shake, almost dropping the notebook before he tightened his grip, terrified by
what he read.
“Someone…wants to kill me? For what? And who’s this Taro?” Shaking his head, Makoto
placed the notebook where he found it and shut the drawer, resolving “The important thing is that
this is a trap. We’ve already got enough evidence to prove that the killer was here, and besides,
Kyoko’s in danger! We’ve gotta get out of here and inform her higher-ups that their culprit is
living here, before whoever it is finds us!”
Racing as fast as his legs could carry him, Makoto ran down the stairs, screaming for his classmate
at the top of his lungs.
“KIRI! KIRI!!!”
XXX
“KIRI! KIRI!!!”
Kyoko stood up from where she was kneeling and turned around to face the stairs, seeing a frantic
Makoto racing down the stairs and heading straight for her.
Grabbing both of his wrists to prevent him from colliding into her, she admonished “Naegi-kun,
calm down. Take a deep breath, then tell me, calmly, then tell me what’s got you bouncing around
like a little rabbit.”
Makoto didn’t take a deep breath, but calmed down just enough to utter “Upstairs…bedroom…in
the dresser…red notebook…killer’s lived here…knows that we’re here…set a trap…for us…”
Her brow furrowed in concern, Kyoko let go of his wrists and moved to walk up the stairs, only for
Makoto to grab her wrist.
“What are you doing? Didn’t you hear what I just said, Kiri? We have to get out of here, now!”
Calm as ever, Kyoko assured him “I’m just going to see the notebook for myself to double-check
your claim. I won’t be long, then we can go, I promise.”
“But he could come back at any moment! We need to hurry out of here…”
“Why the rush, Naegi? Why don’t you and your girlfriend stay awhile?”
Yelping, Makoto scurried behind Kyoko, peering out from over her shoulder as he clamped his
hands on top of her shoulders. Ignoring the unwanted physical contact for now, Kyoko stared
ahead at the voice’s source; a tall man smiling a sinister grin as he eyed his prey. Makoto gulped
as he saw a man that he never wanted to see ever again.
Jutaro Akafuku had returned, and had set his sights on him and Kyoko.
XXX
Present Day
“So the same bad guy who Daddy ran into that one time was the same bad guy that escaped from
jail?”
Nodding, Makoto affirmed “Yes, he was the same one. Jutaro Akafuku lured Daddy and Mommy
out to his hideout to get his revenge on us.”
Cocking her head to the side, Kiki inquired “Revenge for what, Daddy?”
Ruffling her hair, Makoto promised “Tomorrow, sweetie. Mommy and I will explain tomorrow.
In the meantime, you have to go to bed.”
Crossing her arms in a pout, Kiki complained “But the story was just getting good!”
Chuckling, Kyoko ruffled her daughter’s hair and assured her “Tomorrow, Kiki. We promise.”
Sighing in resignation, Kiki laid down against her pillow, letting both of her parents kiss her
goodnight before the young girl fell asleep. After drawing the blanket up and tucking her in,
Makoto and Kyoko walked back to their room in order to retire for the night.
Trust Arc Chapter Eleven: Kyoko vs. Jutaro!
Chapter Summary
With Makoto and Kyoko being ambushed by Jutaro Akafuku, Kyoko orders Makoto
to flee while she engages the thief-turned-murderer in a deadly duel. Will the Ultimate
Detective come out on top? Or does Jutaro have an ace up his sleeve that not even
Kyoko will see coming?
Present Day
“Come on, Mommy! Daddy! I need to hear what happened next! Did Mommy or did Mommy not
beat the bad guy?!”
Chuckling at her daughter’s enthusiasm, she eased “Alright, alright. Mommy will tell you, Kiki.
Now let’s see…Jutaro had just approached us, and your father was currently hiding behind me for
protection when…”
XXX
April 19, 2014
“Ju…Jutaro Aka…fuku?”
Jutaro grinned at the fearful boy hiding behind his former interrogator.
“So, you remember me. And you even learned my name…what an honor for me.”
“B…but how? You were in…prison!”
His sinister grin somehow widening, Jutaro chuckled “Don’t you remember that day in March? I
told you that if you ever got me arrested, I’d never let go of my grudge against you. After you
landed me in prison, all I could think of was how I could gain my revenge…even kill…”
Makoto cowered behind Kyoko, clutching her shoulders more tightly as Jutaro’s malice terrified
him.
“Then, when one of my associates on the outside informed me that not only were you attending
Hope’s Peak Academy, but the Ultimate Detective as well, I knew I had the perfect opportunity.
So I broke out, sullying my hands with blood for the first time in my life when I murdered one of
the guards, and made my way for this abandoned hideout, knowing my swift recapture would be
too much to resist for the Ultimate Detective.”
This man…this…monster…tried to use Kyoko to get to me?!
“My original plan was to lure the Detective here and subdue her, then send a message demanding
you for her life. But then when my associate contacted me a few days ago and informed me that
she had recruited you as her assistant, I saw an opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. You
two would both come here, like moths to a flame, and I could end you both, ridding me of your
atrocious bad luck, and depriving Japan of their best chance to recapture me. Then I could move to
another prefecture and continue my robbery spree where I left off before I ran into you!”
Makoto shivered as Jutaro cackled, filled with glee at the apparent success of his plan. Kyoko’s
eyes narrowed, not betraying a hint of fear as she stared down the man who lured them here. She
then reached into her jacket before pulling out a cell phone, handing it to Makoto.
“Naegi-kun, take my phone and escape through one of the windows in the back. Once you’re out
of the house, call the Department and inform them that the killer is at this location. Ask them to
send backup while I detain Jutaro.”
Gaping, Makoto tried to protest “Kiri, he could kill you! I can’t just…”
“This is not up for discussion. Do as I say and run. I can handle myself, now go!”
Reluctantly nodding, Makoto grabbed the cell phone and ran in the opposite direction, Kyoko and
Jutaro’s eyes flickering in his direction as he disappeared from view.
“You can’t protect him from me forever, sweetheart.” Jutaro taunted as he cracked his knuckles.
“Soon, you’ll be bleeding at my feet, then I can get my revenge on your boyfriend.”
Kyoko ignored the taunt, narrowing her eyes before informing him “You’re under arrest, Jutaro
Akafuku.”
Cackling boisterously, Jutaro replied “You’ve got a spine, I’ll give you that, legs. But it’s time to
bring our time together to an end. Prepare to die!”
With that, Jutaro rushed forward, his fist winding up for a jab. Kyoko adopted a defensive stance,
preparing to parry his blow with her forearm, only to be caught off guard when he retracted his arm
at the last second to deliver a stunning kick to her abdomen. Reeling with shock, Kyoko flew
backwards, landing on her rear before gingerly getting up.
Okay…so he knows how to feint. Alright, better take it up a notch; time for an offensive strategy!
Kyoko dashed forward, lifting her right foot off of the ground to deliver a roundhouse kick, only
for Jutaro to grab her boot in midair, twisting it as he pushed back. Kyoko spun through the air,
landing on her knees before getting up, staring into Jutaro’s eyes.
“Like that, chick? I’m not just some common thief-turned-murderer. I also trained myself in
kung-fu! You can’t best me in a one-on-one so easily!”
…Damn! I’ve gotten rusty!
Although Kyoko had trained for many years under her maternal grandfather in a wide variety of
martial arts, and had the knowledge to take Jutaro down, it had been some time since one of her
cases had forced her to utilize that knowledge against a human opponent. She suddenly found
herself wishing that she had followed Makoto’s advice to ask one of the more combat oriented
Ultimates to accompany them.
…Maybe it wouldn’t hurt to try and socialize at least a little with Owada or Ogami or Ikusaba…
Filing the lesson away for the time being, Kyoko advanced forward and adopted a more cautious
strategy, opting for a series of quick jabs and small kicks that could be easily retracted the moment
Jutaro tried to grab her. Yet whatever blows she did try to connect were easily parried by her
opponent, making the Ultimate Detective grunt in frustration, and making Jutaro’s eyes sparkle in
taunting victory.
Eventually though, the added force Jutaro put into his punches and kicks due to his intent to kill
wore down on his stamina, making the killer short of breath and fatigued. Seeing her opportunity,
Kyoko dashed forward, pressing her hands into the floor to launch herself into a corkscrew kick.
Too slow to stop her, Jutaro felt her speeding form launch into his abdomen, flying backwards until
his head hit the desk. Taking advantage of his dazed state, Kyoko withdrew a pair of handcuffs
from her jacket, securing his wrist to the leg of the desk.
“I repeat, you’re under arrest, Jutaro Akafuku.”
Finally out of his daze, Jutaro scoffed “Well, don’t count your chickens before they hatch,
princess. I ain’t going back to jail, and I’ve still got one last ace up my sleeve!”
Before Kyoko could ask what he meant, Jutaro had used his unrestrained hand to withdraw a single
glass flask from his jacket, smashing it against the ground and causing oil to spill across the floor.
At the same time, a lighter that he had taped to the inside of the container instantly went off,
lighting the liquid ablaze and making the flames spread to the rest of the house.
Her eyes widening in shock, Kyoko looked at the now cackling Jutaro who boasted “That’s right,
dearest! I ain’t going back to jail, and if I can’t get my revenge on that Naegi kid, I can at least take
you with me! We’re all going to burn together and there’s nothing you can do to stop it!
HAHAHAHAHA!”
His cackling was brought to an end as Kyoko swiftly punched him in the nose, the unexpected
force knocking the thief unconscious as he slumped against the desk. Kyoko wiped some sweat
from her brow with her forearm as she looked around.
Alright, time to make my escape and rendezvous with Naegi-kun.
As she rushed towards the door, the flames covered the entrance as well as the rest of the house,
making Kyoko step backwards, paralyzed with fear as a repressed memory burst to the forefront.
HELP ME! PLEASE, HELP ME! AH! MY HANDS!
With considerable effort, Kyoko shook the memory from her mind, forcing herself to focus on the
more pressing task on escaping with her life.
“I can’t think about that now…alright, Kyoko…just…run through and then roll once you get
outside and the flames can’t hurt you…You’ll be fine…you’ll be fine…”
As Kyoko struggled to take that first step however, some of the support beams that held up the
roof fell off, the fire burning their joints. Kyoko didn’t see them coming until it was too late;
shielding her face with her arms, Kyoko was knocked on her back by the flaming support beams,
pinned down under their weight. Kyoko found herself paralyzed by a combination of fear
overwhelming her mind and pain shooting from her body. Kyoko panted, her eyes darting around
wildly in a rare state of panic, her emotionless mask completely gone as a loot of terror covered her
face.
As her energy started to ebb away and the flaming pillars started to disintegrate the fabric of her
gloves, Kyoko couldn’t help but think “So…is this how I die? Trapped in a burning building,
pinned under flaming rubble?”
Just as she was about to lose consciousness from the heat, she was brought back to a state of semi-
alertness when a familiarly frantic voice rang through the house, instilling a spark of hope in her
heart.
“KIRI? KIRI!!”
XXX
Present Day
“Was that you, Daddy! Did you…save Mommy?”
Kiki sniffled, tears flowing down her cheeks as she listened to her mother’s close call with death.
Smiling, Makoto wiped the tears from his daughter’s eyes with his thumbs, cradling her face as he
smiled.
“Yes, Kiki, Daddy saved Mommy. The details of how I rescued her however will have to wait
until tomorrow. I think hearing about Mommy’s fight with Jutaro has been more than enough
excitement for one night. You need a good night’s sleep to digest it.”
For once, Kiki didn’t argue or complain about the premature end of storytime. Nodding, she
climbed into Kyoko’s lap, nuzzling her nose against her mother’s belly.
Smiling warmly, Kyoko caressed her daughter’s hair soothing her “It’s okay, Kiki. Mommy’s
here…Mommy’s right here…it’s okay…it’s okay…”
Despite her soothing words and ministrations, Kiki didn’t move an inch, still nestled against her
mother. A mischievous smirk entering the former Detective’s face, Kyoko subtly reached under
her daughter with one hand, unzipping her footie pajamas until her soft, pudgy belly was bare. She
then lightly scratched at her daughter’s belly, making the distraught girl giggle helplessly, rolling
back between her parents as Kyoko’s hand followed, not letting up on her tickle treatment.
“Tickle, tickle, Kiki. Coochie coochie cooooo!”
“Hahahahaha! Moohohohohoommmyyyyy! I’m better, I’mm beeheheheterrrrr!”
Continuing her teases, Kyoko asked “Are you? I’m not so sure; how do I know you’re not fibbing
to Mommy?”
“I’m naahahahahttt!”
“Still, I think we should make sure.” Turning to her husband, she asked “Makoto, would you mind
giving me a helping hand?”
Grinning, Makoto leaned over his daughter, scratching at the inner walls of her belly button before
placing his lips on Kiki’s upper belly, blowing a series of raspberries as his wife continued to
scribble and spider her agile fingers against Kiki’s lower belly.
“HAHAHAHAHAA! DAHAHAHAHDDDYYYY! MAHAHAHAHAHMMMYYYY!

THAHAHAHAHT TIHIHIHIHIHIHICKLEESSSS! STAAHAHAHAHAHAPPP!”
Like her previous pleas however, this one was absolutely fake. The young Kiki was having so
much fun being tickled by her parents that she didn’t feel any anguish from the story of her
mother’s brush with death.
Please don’t stop, Mommy! Please don’t stop, Daddy! This is too much fun to stop!
Luckily for her, her parents knew that her pleas to stop were fake and kept up their tickle treatment
until Kiki was just on the verge of exhaustion, the little girl squealing and squirming all the while.
Finally letting up, Kiki gasped for breath as Kyoko rezipped her pajamas. Her eyelids closed most
of the way as her parents tucked her in, placing kisses on both of her cheeks.
“Good night, Kiki. Pleasant dreams. We love you!”
Yawning, Kiki murmured “Love you…too…” before her dual eyes closed all the way, snoring
emanating from her nose.
Smiling, Makoto and Kyoko walked out and quietly closed the door behind them, leaving their
daughter to slumber.
Trust Arc Chapter Twelve: A Friend in Need!
Chapter Summary
Having just escaped from Jutaro's grasp, Makoto calls for backup only to see the house
burst into flames. Will Makoto go back and rescue her? Or will he stay put like she
asked?
Chapter Notes
Well, I know it’s been a while, but here’s the next Chapter of Trust Arc at last! This
chapter contains a commission created by Capnii. Please read and review, and enjoy!
Present Day
“So are you sure you want to continue, Kiki? Neither your mother nor I would blame you if you
wanted to take a break and read something else for a bit.”
Kiki smiled softly at her father and assured him “I’m sure, Daddy. I promise, I’m better now. I
can handle it, so please continue with the story, Daddy. I want to hear about how you rescued
Mommy from the fire!”
Chuckling, Makoto relaxed replying “If you’re sure, pumpkin. Now, while your mother was
subduing Jutaro, I had just made my escape from a window in the kitchen on the first floor…”
XXX
April 19, 2014
“Uwah!”
Makoto tumbled out of the window, landing on his head and groaning in pain before righting
himself, dusting off his pants as he stood up. He took Kyoko’s phone out of his pocket, sighing in
relief at the sight of no discernable damage to the device from his tumble.
“At least you’re not broken. Guess that’s one bit of good luck today…” Makoto looked back
towards the house, a worried frown evident on his face as he murmured “Please stay safe, Kiri…”
Makoto then walked away, waiting until he was adjacent to the main road before activating the
phone and scrolling through the contacts.
“Let’s see…Grandfather…no, ah, here we are, Tokyo Police Department!”
Tapping the contact, he held up the phone to his ear, listening to it ring until a gruff voice answered
on the other end.
“Kirigiri-chan, have you apprehended the suspect already? Or was the investigation…”
“This isn’t Kirigiri-san!” Makoto frantically cut him off. “My name’s Makoto Naegi, sir. I’m…”
“Naegi-kun, Naegi-kun…” the voice interrupted, deep in thought until it continued with a tone of
epiphany. “That’s right, Naegi-kun! Kirigiri-chan told us you were helping her on this case.
Frankly, an odd choice in partners if you ask me, but I digress. Why are you calling with Kirigiri-
chan’s phone?”
“We were investigating the first hideout on her list when the culprit came back and ambushed us!
Kirigiri-san told me to run and call you guys for backup while she apprehended the killer! Please,
you’ve gotta hurry and help Kirigiri-san!”
“Calm down, kid! Just take a deep breath. Alright, I’ll send a squad over to the address; she left a
copy of her list with me, so you don’t have to worry about providing it. You can expect them in no
more than fifteen minutes, so just hang tight until we get there, okay kid?”
FIFTEEN MINUTES? What if she doesn’t last that long? Despite his worries, Makoto kept those
thoughts to himself, deciding to have faith in Kyoko as he nodded, replying “I understand, sir. I’ll
stay put.”
“Good, and don’t worry, kid. Kirigiri-chan’s gotten out of much worse than that before. She’ll be
fine until we get there.”
Without another word, the officer hung up, leaving Makoto alone with his thoughts. The Ultimate
Lucky Student took a deep breath, taking the officer’s suggestion to heart and letting his words
calm his nerves.
“Kiri, please hold out until backup arrives…”
Makoto made the mistake of turning around; his eyes widened in shock and horror as he saw the
house now completely ablaze in flames.
“The house…it’s on FIRE! Kiri, please get out of there!”
A minute passed, and yet Makoto saw not a hint of Kyoko or Jutaro coming from the house.
Makoto held his head with both hands, furiously scratching at his scalp in a panic as he started to
get really scared.
“What do I do? WHAT DO I DO?” He looked at Kyoko’s cell phone before shaking his head and
dismissing “No, the police said it’ll take over ten more minutes to get here. Who knows how long
it’ll take for the fire department to get here too? Kiri needs help NOW! But who…”
Makoto’s eyes widened in realization, his panicked rant coming to a standstill as he lifted his hands
from his head to look at his palms before shaking his head.
“No, NO WAY! I must be out of my mind! I can’t just run into a burning building! This isn’t
some crazy anime or video game!”
Makoto then looked to the blazing house, his heart clenching at the thought of the Ultimate
Detective perishing in the fire.
“If I don’t do something now, I’ll never forgive myself! I can’t believe I’m about to do this…
Hang on, Kiri! I’m coming!”
Makoto dashed into the fiery entrance, using his forearms as a shield from the heat as he slid to a
standstill inside the living room. Panting, he put formed a cone with his hands around his mouth to
amplify his voice as he called out.
“KIRI? KIRI?”
XXX
Present Day
“So you ran into a burning building, Daddy? Didn’t you and Mommy tell me not to go near fire?”
Chuckling nervously, Makoto scratched his cheek and answered “In my defense, I wasn’t really
thinking when I ran in. I just knew that your mother was in danger and I was the only one at the
time who was there to help.”
Smiling nostalgically, Kyoko explained “Your father has a bad habit of rushing into danger with no
regard for preserving his own life…but because his actions have saved people’s lives, mine
included, I’ve let them slide.” Narrowing her eyes at Kiki, Kyoko warned “That does not mean
however, that you should run into burning buildings. If you see a building that’s on fire, you are to
call the fire department and let them handle it. Understood?”
Nodding, Kiki replied obediently “Yes, Mommy.”
Smiling, Makoto ruffled his daughter’s hair as eh praised “That’s my girl. Now, why don’t you
continue, Kyoko?”
Nodding, Kyoko replied “Quite. Now then, your father had just rushed in to find me. I was about
to lose consciousness when…”
XXX
April 19, 2014
“KIRI? KIRI?”
“Huh?”
Kyoko groaned, forcing herself to focus as the youthful voice forced her back into a state of
consciousness.
“Who…”
“KIRI? KIRI!”
“Na…Naegi…kun?”
As she deduced, Makoto had just burst into view, a frantic and panicking expression on his face as
he stood over her, eyes widened at her trapped state.
“Kiri! Oh kami! Kiri, are you alright?!”
Coughing from the smoke, Kyoko wheezed “Naegi-kun…you baka…I told you to run.”
“I did, and I called the police for backup. But after I hung up, I turned around and saw that the
house had caught on fire. I waited for a minute, but when I didn’t see you come out, I rushed back
in to make sure you could escape.”
Makoto looked to the side as he spotted an unconscious Jutaro, cuffed to the desk that was quickly
burning to ash.
“So you subdued him?”
Nodding, Kyoko answered “Y…yes.” She coughed before revealing “After I did though, he
smashed a flask with oil and a hidden lighter to light the house on fire. Then these support beams
fell on me before I could make my escape.”
Adjusting his gaze to the flaming pillars pinning her to the floor, Makoto assured her in a panicked
tone “Hang on, Kiri! I’ll get these off you!”
Makoto reached for the top pillar, only to recoil and hiss in pain at the heat. Makoto turned his
hands around to look at his palms; just the lightest touch had burned through the latex gloves, the
plastic already falling off his hands.
Seeing him nurse his injured hands, Kyoko urged “Naegi-kun…just…go. Get out…while you
still…can…”
Shaking his head, Makoto refused “No way!”
Her eyes widening in shock, Kyoko watched as, with a newfound surge of energy, Makoto reached
for the pillars again, ignoring the burns stinging his hands as he dragged them off one by one.
“Naegi…kun…why…”
As he was working hard to free her, Makoto answered “I know…that you don’t consider me a
friend…you’ve made abundantly clear that you don’t want to be anybody’s friend. But Kiri, even
though you don’t consider me a friend…I consider you MY friend!”
Kyoko gaped in shock, gasping “I’m your…friend?”
Nodding profusely, Makoto roared “THAT’S RIGHT! AND I NEVER ABANDON MY

FRIENDS WHEN THEY NEED ME!”
“You…you won’t…abandon…me…?”
The shock of Makoto’s declarations of camaraderie and friendship combined with the smoke she
had been inhaling proved too much for her brain to process. She began to lose awareness, her eyes
closing halfway.
Seeing this, Makoto started to panic, begging her as he pulled away the last pillar “Stay with me,
Kiri! Stay with me! We’re almost there! I’m just getting the last pillar off you, just hang on!”
As Makoto threw the last pillar away and began nursing his hands with his mouth, he stopped
sucking when he noticed a sight that shocked and appalled him; Kyoko’s hands were bare, her
violet gloves having burnt away, exposing burns that seemed to crisscross every inch of her hands.
“Kiri! Did the fire…burn you this badly?” Seeing a lack of response from her, Makoto shook his
head, deciding “No time to worry about that now. Don’t worry, Kiri! We’ll get those treated.
You’re obviously not awake enough to walk on your own…alright, I’ll just have to carry you out.
Please forgive me, Kiri!”
Kneeling down, he slipped one hand under her knees, wrapping it around the side of her leg, while
the other wrapped around the side of her neck, supporting her head as he quickly stood up, the
Ultimate Detective successfully in his hold.
Masking his fear and panic with a fierce and determined expression that narrowed his normally soft
eyes, Makoto assured her “Alright, Kiri! We’re gonna get out of here now. Just hang on!”
Makoto proceeded to power-walk out, unable to run due to the added weight of cradling Kyoko
protectively. As soon as he emerged from the flaming entrance, Makoto gave a relieved smile at
seeing the squad of police cars surrounding the house.
As soon as he approached the vehicles, an officer with an irate expression marched over to him,
scolding “Makoto Naegi! I’m the police chief you spoke to on the phone. I specifically told you to
wait outside the house until we got here! Why did you…”
“The house burst into flames immediately after you hung up and Kirigiri-san didn’t come out!
Someone had to go in there and rescue her and nobody else was around to do it! She needs medical
attention, so where’s the nearest hospital?”
Taken aback by the rare presence of an injured and barely conscious Kyoko, the Chief stammered
“Well…the nearest available institution with a medical facility would be…Hope’s Peak
Academy…”
As if on cue, the limo that brought them there rolled backwards behind the police cars. Rushing
over, Makoto approached the car as the driver lowered the window, a confused and concerned
expression on their face.
“What happened? I saw smoke and a bunch of police cruisers approaching the house. Is
everything…”
Ripping the back door open, Makoto eased Kyoko out of his hold and onto the seat, sliding next to
her before slamming the door shut and ordering “Kirigiri-san needs medical attention. Get us to
Hope’s Peak, and STEP ON IT!”
Taken aback by the boy’s forcefulness, the driver slammed the gas pedal, speeding away with their
two passengers in tow. Kyoko groaned, not really aware and barely conscious, her head leaning on
Makoto’s shoulder in fatigue.
Worried, Makoto hesitantly reached for her hand with his own, lacing his fingers with hers as he
urged “Kiri…if you can still hear me…just keep squeezing my hand until we get to Hope’s Peak,
okay? Just let me know that you’re still there, Kiri!”
Despite her lack of awareness, Kyoko almost instinctively began to squeeze his hand at regular
intervals, easing Makoto’s nerves just slightly as they continued their journey back to campus
where they could get treatment for Kyoko.
Just hang in there, Kiri! Don’t die on me, please!
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, Daddy! You were so cool!” Makoto blushed as Kiki continued to gush and praise
“Rushing into a burning building, then carrying Mommy out by yourself! You’re like the darling
Prince come to rescue his beloved Princess!”
Hearing her daughter sigh at the romantic image she had concocted, Kyoko smiled, interjecting
“Well, it wasn’t quite the romantic act you’re thinking of, Kiki. Remember, at this stage, your
father and I weren’t even close, let alone crushing on each other. But as you’ll learn tomorrow, it
did help me to open up to him more.”
Looking up at her parents with pleading eyes, Kiki begged “Are you sure you can’t go a little bit
longer? Please, Mommy? Please, Daddy?”
Chuckling, Makoto answered “Not tonight, pumpkin. Tomorrow though, we promise.”
“…Okay…”
Smiling, the two parents finished tucking their daughter in, kissing her cheeks as the young girl
nestled into her pillow.
“Good night, Kiki. Sweet dreams.”
“Your father and I love you, Kiki…”
“…”
The young girl had already fallen into slumber, unable to return the statements of love her parents
had said to her. Smiling to each other, Makoto found himself surprised as Kyoko sauntered over to
him, wrapping her hands around his neck as she whispered in his ear.
“Shall we retreat for the night, my beloved King?”
Kyoko squealed softly as Makoto wrapped one arm around her knees, hoisting her up as he
supported her shoulders with his other arm.
“Anything for my beautiful Queen…”
Kyoko nuzzled her nose against his as he carried her out, Makoto gently closing the door with his
foot before retiring to their room for the evening, the two royal dorks eventually falling to slumber
in their royal embrace.
Trust Arc Chapter Thirteen: Kyoko Awakens! The Kirigiri Family Reunited?
Chapter Summary
After Makoto brings Kyoko to the Hope's Peak infirmary to recover, Headmaster
Kirigiri rushes in to see his wounded daughter. Will Kyoko let him be her father when
she wakes up? And how will she react to the news that Makoto did indeed save her?
Present Day
“So what happened after you and Mommy arrived at Hope’s Peak, Daddy?”
“Well…after we arrived, I carried her to the infirmary so she could recover. Once she was stable,
we tried to get her hands treated for burns, when I found out…”
XXX
April 19, 2014
“What do you mean you can’t heal her hands?”
Kyoko, now unconscious, was lying on one of the hospital beds in the nurse’s office, Juzo now
standing guard outside to ensure Kyoko’s security. Makoto, his hands slick with aloe to treat his
minor burns, stared incredulously at the Ultimate Nurse, Mikan Tsumiki. After stabilizing
Kyoko’s condition, she inspected the Ultimate Detective’s hands only to conclude to Makoto’s
shock that there was nothing she could do to treat them.
“Well…those w…wounds…they weren’t ca…caused by the fi…fire. Those are sc…scars that are
several ye…years old…I’m sorry! Please forgive me!”
Several years old… Makoto’s brow furrowed as he realized Kyoko…is that why you wear those
gloves…to hide those scars? Shaking the thought from his head for now, Makoto sighed and
apologized “No, I’m sorry. I’m sure you did the best you could. How is she otherwise?”
“W…well…she is br…breathing normally, and whatever bu…burns she did suffer will he…heal
on their o…own. At this point, she just needs re…rest. She should be as go…good as n…new in a
day or t…two.”
Makoto smiled gratefully at Mikan, then frowned at seeing the slight fatigue in her eyes,
suggesting “Tsumiki-senpai, why don’t you go back to your dorm and relax? You said Kirigiri-
san’s not in any danger now, and you look tired.”
Frozen in shock that someone outside of her class actually cared about her well-being, Mikan
stammered “A…are you su…sure?”
Smiling, Makoto nodded and affirmed “Yeah; I’ll watch over her. You’ve done all you can; go
and rest up.”
Tears watering in her eyes, Mikan bowed her head, thanking him “Th…thank you Ma…Makoto!”
As she rushed out of the infirmary, Makoto sighed, turning his gaze back to the slumbering
Ultimate Detective, a worried frown plastered on his face.
Reaching for her hand, Makoto pleaded as he grasped it in his own “Please wake up soon, Kiri.
I…”
Kyoko groaned, stirring slightly even though her eyes were closed, murmuring “Na…Naegi…
kuuun?”
Gasping, Makoto leaned closer, whispering “Kiri? Are you…”
“KYOKO!”
Makoto was interrupted by a masculine yell; letting go of Kyoko’s hand, he turned his head to the
entrance to see a panting Jin Kirigiri, his face displaying a rare frantic and panicked expression.
“Headmaster Kirigiri?”
Jin all but ignored Makoto, rushing to the foot of Kyoko’s bed. Clutching the rails with both
hands, his knuckles turned white as he started to sob, tears falling from his face.
“Kyoko! I’m so sorry! Can you ever forgive your deadbeat father for not protecting you?”
…Father? Turning to face the Headmaster, Makoto asked hesitantly “Headmaster Kirigiri…
you’re Kyoko’s dad?”
Turning to face the Ultimate Lucky Student, Jin calmed down; putting two and two together, he
asked “Makoto…did you save my daughter?”
Nodding, Makoto answered “Y…yes, Headmaster. I was helping her on a case and she was
trapped in a burning building. I carried her out and brought her back on campus to be treated.”
“I see…” Jin bowed before Makoto, Making the boy shuffle uncomfortably as the Headmaster
thanked him “Thank you for saving my daughter, Makoto…though I’m not sure if I have any right
to call myself her father these days…”
“But why, Headmaster?”
Turning his head to the side in shame, Jin reluctantly answered “Because I abandoned her. The
short version is that when my father was training Kyoko to be a detective in Europe when she was
seven, my wife Hibiki fell ill and died. I tried to get my father to bring her back to Japan so that she
could at least say goodbye to her mother…but he refused.”
“Headmaster Kirigiri…” Makoto uttered, feeling sorry for the pain and anguish that he, and by
extension, Kyoko had to suffer.
“I was so livid and angry at my father that I walked away, leaving my daughter in his care. Once I
had calmed down on the plane back to Japan, I started to regret it, and I wished I could take it
back…kami, countless times I wished I could take it back, that I could go back to being Kyoko’s
father. But my anger at my own father and my stubborn pride prevented me from going back. If
Kyoko hates and scorns me, I don’t blame her. I lost the right to be her father a long time ago…”
“Headmaster…” Makoto reached for his hands, grasping them in his own and encouraging the
Kirigiri patriarch “You can still be her father! I saw you rush in; you acted like any parent would.
You can make up for lost time now and be there for Kyoko when she needs you the most! I just
know that once she hears about how you stayed by her side, she’ll forgive you!”
Gaping in shock at the pure optimism emanating from his student, Jin chuckled and agreed “Yes…
I suppose now…I can make up for lost time…be the father I should have been.” Looking at his
student, Jin thanked “Thank you, Makoto.”
Scratching his cheek, Makoto assured him nervously “Oh…it was…nothing, really…”
Smiling at his student, Jin let go of Makoto’s hands, choosing to sit at the chair on the opposite
side of the bed that Makoto had been sitting at, grasping his daughter’s hand in his own.
“Kyoko…it’s going to be okay. Your Papa’s here now, and he’s sorry for not being there for you.
But Papa promises, he won’t let anything happen to you anymore.”
Makoto smiled at the look of paternal love Jin was showing his daughter before sitting in his
original seat, holding Kyoko’s other hand as the two men kept watch over the injured woman lying
in the hospital bed.
Neither noticed that Kyoko was just barely conscious, having overheard their conversation.
Overcome with the outbursts of dedication towards her, she promptly lost consciousness once
more, falling into slumber as she remained under the watchful gaze of her father and her classmate.
XXX
Present Day
“Wait. Mommy…your Daddy…abandoned you?”
Nodding somberly, Kyoko confirmed “Yes, Kiki. Your maternal grandfather, kami rest his soul,
left me in the care of my grandfather when I was not much older than you. But Kiki…” Kyoko
looked sternly into her daughter’s eyes as she emphasized “I don’t want you to think ill of your
grandfather for his actions. The whole situation was…complicated, and I held a grudge against
him for a long time. But as you just learned, my father still loved me like any father would, and we
eventually made up.”
Nodding in understanding, Kiki answered “Okay, Mommy.”
Smiling, Kyoko answered “Good. Now then, where were we? Ah yes, your father and grandfather
were keeping watch over me all night. I didn’t actually regain consciousness until the next day…”
XXX
April 20, 2014
Kyoko groaned, her eyes fluttering open as she saw white walls surrounding her.
What happened? Where am I?
As she struggled to sit up, she suddenly found her back being supported by two sets of hands.
“Whoa, easy, Kirigiri-san.”
“Don’t push yourself, Kyoko.”
Her eyes widening as she recognized the voices, she suddenly became more alert, looking to see
Makoto on one side and her father on the other, helping her to sit up.
Once she had properly moved into a sitting position, she addressed “Naegi-kun. Headmaster.”
Looking around the room one last time, she asked “Would one of you care to explain how I ended
up in the infirmary?”
It was Jin who decided to answer “You and Makoto were working on a case together, during which
you were trapped in a burning building. Makoto here carried you to safety and brought you to
campus to be treated.”
He…did? So…I wasn’t just…delirious…or dreaming?
As she was about to thank him, her gaze wandered to her bare hands. Her eyes, widening, she
yelped and immediately hid them in her jacket pockets.
“Naegi-kun…what happened to my gloves?”
“…When I was lifting the beams off of you, the flames had already burnt your gloves away. I
assumed that your scars were burns from that particular fire. It wasn’t until Tsumiki-senpai was
treating you that she told me that they were from several years ago.”
…So that’s two people who have now seen my scars…
Before she could say anything further, her eyes widened when she saw a pair of replica violet,
studded gloves offered to her by Jin, who merely smiled warmly and explained “It’s the least I can
do.”
“…I suppose I owe you a debt of gratitude…” Kyoko stated before accepting the gift, sliding the
gloves over her hands, concealing her scars once more.
“At least that’s one good thing you’ve done as her father.”
All of their eyes turned to the voice’s owner at the entrance; a wizened old man with white hair and
a white beard, using a wooden cane to support himself.
“Dad.”
“Grandfather.”
Dad? Grandfather? So this guy is…Kyoko’s grandfather?
Looking at his father suspiciously, Jin asked “What are you doing here, Dad?”
As he approached Kyoko’s bed, Fuhito responded “The police department called to tell me that
Kyoko was incapacitated and put in the hospital ward.”
Gritting his teeth, Jin nearly growled “If that was the case, then why didn’t you come and visit her
yesterday?”
Shaking his head, Fuhito answered “I was called out of retirement on a case, so I couldn’t come
until I finished my work.”
His eyes narrowed, Jin scoffed “Of course, detective work above all else, even when your own
granddaughter is in the hospital. How like you, Dad.”
“You remember our creed, Jin. Or have you forgotten the day you walked out on us?”
As their bickering continued, Makoto frowned when he noticed Kyoko have a conflicted
expression on her face.
“Kiri, are you…”
“This argument is pointless, anyway.” Fuhito interrupted, turning to face Makoto, his eyebrow
raised in curiosity as he asked “And who are you, boy?”
Feeling the need to sit up straight, Makoto answered “Makoto Naegi, sir. I’m your
granddaughter’s assistant.”
“Her assistant? Kyoko never mentioned an assistant.”
Before he could interrogate Makoto further, Kyoko interjected “It was a one-time arrangement,
grandfather. A condition placed by the Police Department for a case I was working on.”
Nodding in understanding, Fuhito answered “I see…at any rate, I just came by to remind Kyoko
that she still has a backlog of cases waiting for her, and to encourage her not to spend too much
time on bedrest.”
“…Yes, grandfather.”
Makoto couldn’t believe what he was hearing from her own grandfather; a little miffed, he thought
She almost died in a fire and her own family only comes to make sure she gets back to work in a
timely manner?
“Now then, I should be on my way, but first, Kyoko…” Fuhito walked over to his granddaughter
and leaned over, whispering in her ear “Remember what I said about getting too close to other
people. Don’t get too attached to that assistant of yours.”
As Fuhito walked away, Jin followed, insisting “I’ll show you the way out, Dad.”
Soon the room was empty, leaving only Makoto and Kyoko in the room together. Makoto shuffled
in his chair awkwardly, the silence making him all fidgety.
“So, ano…are you mad at me, Kiri? For the…gloves thing?”
An awkward silence passed before Kyoko finally answered “…I’m not angry, Naegi-kun. I’m
just…embarrassed. I…hadn’t intended to show anyone in our class what lay beneath my gloves.”
“I…I see…” Makoto deduced “Then…your scars…they’re related to that bad decision you were
talking about before, right?”
“Correct…” Kyoko looked down at her lap and asked “You probably think I’m hideous, now that
you’ve seen my hands, don’t you?”
Gaping in shock, Makoto shook his head and insisted “NO! I don’t think that at all, Kirigiri-san!
I’ll admit…when I first saw them, I was shocked, but only because I wanted to make sure all of
your injuries were treated. But now that I know that they were scars from years ago…I see them as
a part of you, no different than your violet hair or your purple eyes or the fact that you’re taller than
me!”
Her eyes widening in shock, Kyoko asked hopefully “So…you don’t find me repulsive?”
Shaking his head vigorously, Makoto assured her “Not at all!” Taking her hand in his and
interlocking their fingers together, he assured her “Whether gloved or bare, your hands aren’t
hideous, and I’m not disgusted by them, Kiri…”
“Naegi-kun…”
Kyoko stared into his eyes, trying to find a single hint of deception in them, only to avert her gaze
empty-handed, baffling the Ultimate Detective for the first time in her life.
How can this boy hold not a single ounce of disgust or contempt for me? After being pushed away
by me numerous times, after having his life put in danger by my work, and even after seeing the
very symbol of my shame? How can this boy single-handedly make me want to trust in someone
again?
Kyoko was taken out of her bewildered monologue when she felt something soft and smooth brush
her palm. Widening her eyes, she looked down to see Makoto had grasped her other hand in his
own, interlocking their fingers and clutching her hands in a loose grip. Looking up at him, she saw
him wear a gentle, reassuring smile, as if trying to prove his sincerity.
Nobody’s ever touched my hands like this…not since I got burned…
Kyoko threw caution to the wind for once in her life, disobeying her grandfather for the first time
in her life and taking a leap of faith as she squeezed his hands with her own, letting a soft, grateful
smile show as she allowed herself to trust.
…I trust you, Naegi…Makoto.
XXX
Present Day
“And that was when I stopped thinking of your father as Naegi-kun, and started to think of him as
Makoto.”
“Is that when you realized that you were in love with Daddy?”
Chuckling, Kyoko ruffled Kiki’s hair and answered “No; all I knew at that point was that I wanted
to trust him. Thoughts of romance didn’t come until much later, sweetie. And your father and I
hadn’t even solidified our friendship yet.”
“Even after he saved you and told you that you were beautiful?”
At this point, Makoto intervened “Well…Kiki, just because your mother wanted to be friends with
me at this point, didn’t mean she had told me as such yet. We did end up talking about it, but
later.”
“Speaking of later,” Kyoko commented. “More of the story will have to wait for later. It’s time
for bed, sweetie.”
“Awww…” Kiki groaned before nestling into her pillow.
Makoto and Kyoko tucked her in and kissed her goodnight before closing the door behind them as
they retired to their own room.
Trust Arc Chapter Fourteen: Jutaro’s Accomplice? Makoto’s First Trial!
Chapter Summary
Headmaster Kirigiri interrupts Makoto and Kyoko's talk to inquire about the specifics
of Kyoko's injured state. She informs him that Jutaro Akafuku had a spy keeping tabs
on them, but she is unable to determine their identity. With the Ultimate Detective
powerless, all eyes fall to Makoto. Will the inexperienced Ultimate Lucky Student be
able to crack the case where Kyoko cannot?
Chapter Notes
So we've still got one more chapter of Trust Arc to go after this, but this is more or less
the climax of the arc. Please read and comment below, and enjoy!
Present Day
“So…if you two weren’t going to confess…and you still needed to talk about being friends…then
what did happen next?”
Makoto tapped his chin before recalling “Let’s see…it was then that your grandfather came in to
check on us…”
April 20, 2014
“Sorry, am I interrupting anything?”
Makoto blushed, the two letting go of each other’s hands as he stammered “No! N…nothing,
Headmaster.”
Kyoko turned to face her father and responded “It’s fine. Was there something you needed,
Headmaster?”
Makoto frowned, looking at Kyoko curiously as he pondered Why doesn’t she call him her father?
I mean, I get sticking to his title during a class or school ceremony…but we’re in private in the
infirmary. Kyoko…do you really hate your father like he feared?
Jin’s soft smile turned into a serious frown as he nodded, confirming “Yes, actually there is.”
Standing at the foot of Kyoko’s bed, he continued “I’d like to discuss in more detail what
happened. The police told me on the phone when Makoto brought you here that the culprit you
were chasing ambushed you. I’d like to know exactly how they managed that.” A proud smile
tugged on his lips as he commented “It’s not every day that a culprit is able to get the drop on my
daughter like that.”
For the briefest of moments, Makoto noticed another conflicted expression flicker across Kyoko’s
face before she steeled herself, explaining “When Makoto and I were ambushed, Jutaro boasted
about how one of his associates helped him escape from jail and kept tabs on us so that he could be
informed of our whereabouts.”
Nodding, Jin replied “I see…any idea who it could have been? Is there a chance it could have been
one of my staff?”
Shaking her head, Kyoko answered “It’s impossible to say. Jutaro never mentioned anything about
his accomplice during our duel. In fact, we never found a single clue as to who his accomplice
might have been.”
Makoto’s eyes widened, focusing on that last sentence as he flashed back to their investigation,
realizing Wait…she didn’t see it, but he did leave a clue! “No, that’s wrong!”
Both Kirigiris turned to face Makoto, the Ultimate Detective staring at him incredulously as she
repeated “That’s…wrong?”
Nodding, Makoto explained “Kiri, do you remember when I rushed down in a panic and urged us
to tail it out of there?” Seeing Kyoko nod, Makoto continued “While I was investigating the
bedrooms on the second floor, I came across a diary, one I think I can safely assume belonged to
Jutaro. In one of the diary entries, Jutaro wrote down a name when referencing someone he was
regularly in contact with; Taro.”
Absorbing this new information, Jin commented “But I don’t have any staff on my payroll named
Taro. Kyoko, do you have any idea who this Taro might be?”
Shaking her head, Kyoko admitted “I’ve spent most of my days off the school grounds doing
Detective work, so I’m afraid I don’t know the names of most of your staff, let alone be able to
make any connections…” Kyoko sighed and reflected “I suppose this is a shortcoming of my
decision to cut class…The most I could suggest is that maybe this Taro might be a close friend or a
relative, but I can’t say for certain…”
Makoto started to focus on her last sentence, musing Wait…relative…Jutaro…Taro…Now I

understand! Makoto turned to Jin and asked “Headmaster Kirigiri, could you maybe have one of
your staff brought in here? I have a hunch, but I need to confirm a few things first.”
Kyoko stared at Makoto incredulously, wondering Is it possible? Could Makoto…have deduced

the culprit…?
Equally stunned, Jin slowly nodded and answered “O…okay, Makoto. But who should I have
Juzo escort?”
XXX
Present Day
“You mean you solved the mystery…before Mommy did?”
Nodding, Kyoko explained “Understand, Kiki, that I was unable to solve the mystery of Jutaro’s
accomplice because I had made the choice to cut class. Your father on the other hand was a model
student; he never missed a single class and because of that, he was privy to information that I had
voluntarily become ignorant to. That’s why I don’t want you cutting school, Kiki. I don’t want
you to repeat my mistakes. Do you understand?”
Nodding, Kiki answered “I…I think I get it, Mommy.”

Smiling, Kyoko leaned down to kiss her hair, murmuring “Good.” Turning to her husband, she
urged “Makoto, would you please continue?”
“Yeah, Daddy! Who was the bad guy who tried to hurt Mommy?”
Nodding, Makoto started “Let’s see…it wasn’t long before Juzo came back, and struggling in his
grip was…”
XXX
April 20, 2014
“Hey! Let me go! What did I do?”
The trio shifted their gaze to the entrance, where Juzo was dragging a struggling Shutaro by the
arm before tossing him into the middle of the room.
Seething, Shutaro stood up, dusting off his pants and straightening his tie before complaining
“Headmaster! Your chief of security just kidnapped me and dragged me here for no reason!”
Jin gently explained “I ordered him to bring you here. We just have a few urgent questions to ask
you and if everything checks out, then you can go and I’ll personally apologize for the
misunderstanding.”
Scoffing, Shutaro conceded “…Whatever…so, what do you want to ask me?”
Turning to face the Ultimate Lucky Student, Jin offered “Makoto, you have the floor. Go right
ahead.”
Ignoring Shutaro’s incredulous stare, Makoto nervously stepped forward, starting “Fukuka-sensei,
do you have any siblings?”
“What’s that got to do with anything? First you have me dragged here against my will, then you
have this kid ask me nonsensical questions? Just what the hell is this?”
“Just answer the question, Shutaro.”
Grumbling, Shutaro answered “No, I’m an only child. Don’t have any sisters, don’t have any
brothers…”
Makoto focused on that last statement, objecting “No, that’s wrong!”
The already grumpy Shutaro felt his blood boiling, admonishing Makoto “Kid, didn’t your parents
teach you not to correct, or interrupt for that matter, your elders?”
Jin decided to intervene, defending “If he decided to refute your claim, then he must have a
reason. I’ll allow it; continue, Makoto.”
Nodding gratefully at the Headmaster, Makoto explained “You might have noticed by now that I
come to class every day, Fukuka-sensei. I’m always one of the first ones there, and one of the last
ones to leave. Because of that, I’ve noticed that almost like clockwork, you’re on your cell phone
before and after each class, talking to someone you address as brother.”
Jin’s eyes narrowed as he asked “Shutaro, is this true? Were you lying when you said you didn’t
have any brothers?”
Sighing, Shutaro admitted “Alright, yeah, I have a brother. I just…look, we’re not close, alright?
We’ve only just started to reconnect, so we kind of haven’t told anyone. Anyway, what does my
sibling status have to do with anything?”
Taking a deep breath, Makoto explained “Yesterday, Kyoko Kirigiri and I were working on a case
when we were ambushed by Jutaro Akafuku. He boasted about how an accomplice helped him
break out of jail and kept tabs on us. He also kept a diary where he referenced someone named
Taro. Fukuka-sensei, Jutaro Akafuku is your brother, isn’t he?”
Kyoko and Jin’s eyes widened in shock at Makoto’s accusation as Shutaro started to growl in fury
“That’s it, you brat! I’ve tolerated your stupid questions long enough, but this? Hello? Is there a
brain in there? Akafuku and I have different last names! There’s no way two unmarried siblings
can have different last names!”
Shutaro froze with fury as Makoto explained “Two siblings can have different last names. In fact,
there’s a pair of them that you should know by now.”
“Who? Who do I know who are siblings that have different last names?!”
“In my class, there are two individuals in particular who fit those conditions; Junko Enoshima and
Mukuro Ikusaba. They’re twin sisters, but have different last names.”
Nodding, Jin commented “Koichi should have told you that while you’ve been shadowing him
these past two weeks. In fact, he said that he told you that every day for the first week just to make
sure you wouldn’t forget.”
Huffing, Shutaro retorted “Fine, I remember now. Okay, so two siblings can have different last
names, but there’s no such connection between me and Akafuku…”
Shutaro stumbled back, taken off guard by Makoto’s repeated refutations of his claims.
“Wh…what…”
“There are actually two such connections between you and Jutaro.”
Before Shutaro could angrily shout, Jin interjected gently “What are these connections, Makoto?”
Nodding, Makoto explained “First, we need to compare their last names. You see, I remember
from the first day that the final “a” sound in Fukuka is elongated. Most English speakers would
simply translate it as Fukuka for brevity, but if you were to translate it into romaji, then it’s
actually spelled as Fukukaa, similarly to how Kyoko would actually be spelled as Kyouko or
Kyooko.”
Kyoko sat there stunned at Makoto’s deduction, admiring I wouldn’t have even thought of
comparing their names…
Oblivious to Kyoko’s thoughts, Makoto continued “So, if you were to rearrange the letters, then
Fukukaa would then spell Akafuku. It’s an anagram!”
“Th…that’s not…”
Nodding with an impressed gleam in his eyes, Jin inquired “And the second connection?”
Nodding, Makoto explained “That connection is done by comparing their first names. Specifically,
the kanji readings.”
“Kanji? What the hell do kanji readings have to do with this?”
“I didn’t think of it before, but the name Jutaro, when written in its most common kanji form…the
first kanji can be read as Ju, but it could just as easily be read as Shu. In other words, Jutaro and
Shutaro can be written the exact same way, and none of us would have noticed!”
“Th…those are just…coincidences…” Shutaro turned to Jin and pleaded “Headmaster, I swear,
this kid’s got it all wrong!”
Shaking his head, Jin refuted “If it was just one coincidence, it would be one thing. But when it’s
one after another after another…it turns a possibility to a probability. Plus, your initial fib
combined with everything else makes me very hesitant to cast doubt on Makoto’s claims.”
As Makoto nodded gratefully at Jin, Shutaro started to sweat, stammering “e…even if our na…
names are si…similar…I’m not…not Akafuku’s br…brother. And I haven’t been…ke…keeping
tabs on Makoto and Ky…Kyoko…”
Gasping in shock once more, Shutaro froze in fear as Makoto explained “Yesterday morning, when
Kyoko and I left the campus, I saw a shadow for a brief second in the distance behind me. At the
time, I thought that my excitement and nervousness over getting to help Kyoko with her Detective
work was putting my imagination to work. But, Fukuka-sensei, that was you wasn’t it? You were
tailing me on my way there from breakfast, and you called Jutaro after we left to let him know that
we were heading for the hideout and everything was going according to plan…isn’t that right?”
“That’s not…that’s impossible…I…I…”
“Shutaro…” Jin’s eyes hardened, a paternal anger swimming in his pupils as he gently demanded
“Tell us what happened…now…”
Seeing Shutaro struggle to open his mouth and speak, Makoto interjected “Headmaster Kirigiri…if
I may…I’d like to offer what I think happened…how these events unfolded…”
Mulling it over for a moment, Jin nodded, seeing that Shutaro wasn’t going to be talking anytime
soon, gently urging “Go ahead, Makoto. Tell us how this case unfolded.”
Nodding, Makoto prepared himself Well…here goes… Taking a deep breath, Makoto narrowed his
eyes and declared “Here’s exactly what happened!”
“This case dates back to March, before I even set foot in Hope’s Peak Academy. Jutaro Akafuku
was arrested for robbery and sent to prison. Because I had an inadvertent hand in getting him
locked up, Jutaro secretly swore revenge on me. To that end, he called in some help to carry out
his crime. And that person…was his own brother, and the culprit in this case!”
“They concocted a plan where the culprit would get themselves hired as a teacher at Hope’s Peak
Academy, to keep tabs on me until Jutaro was free. A few weeks later, after they had been hired
for about a week, through means unknown, Jutaro sprang the first phase of his plan. He murdered
one of the guards and broke out, retreating to an abandoned hideout.”
“Shortly after this, Kyoko was put on as the lead Detective on this case, and approached me. She
asked for my help in investigating a group of hideouts to narrow down Jutaro’s location, and I
agreed. But what we didn’t know was that the culprit was listening in on out conversation, and
informed Jutaro of the new circumstances.”
“Next, I met up with Kyoko yesterday and we left for the abandoned hideout. And just like before,
the culprit tailed us, and informed Jutaro that we were on our way there, letting him know that it
would soon be time to put the next phase of his revenge plan into action. Not long after we started
investigating, Jutaro ambushed us. It was a trap; by luring us to one of the abandoned hideouts,
and by having the culprit keep him in the loop about when we were heading to investigate the
hideouts, Jutaro would be able to kill us both, ensuring his revenge on me, and eliminating one of
the few Detectives who could track him down.”
Makoto turned to look at the Ultimate Detective, a sliver of guilt entering his heart as he silently
berated himself for inadvertently putting Kyoko in mortal danger.
Shaking the thought from his mind, Makoto continued “But then things stopped going to plan.
Kyoko subdued Jutaro, giving me time to escape and call the police for backup. As a last-ditch
effort, Jutaro set the hideout on fire, and the collapsing architecture prevented Kyoko from
escaping. I then rushed back in, and carried Kyoko outside, bringing her back to Hope’s Peak to be
treated.”
“The culprit didn’t know we had escaped with our lives, and as a result failed to prepare an alibi to
throw suspicion off their trail.”
Makoto’s eyes hardened in anger, glaring at Shutaro with a fury that made even Juzo quake in his
boots as he raised his right hand, pointing at a shocked and terrified Shutaro as he accused “Isn’t
that right, Shutaro Fukuka?”
Shutaro’s expression of denial shattered, making way for one of extreme disbelief, shaking with
fear and anger at the boy who dared to accuse him.
XXX
Present Day
“So it was that new teacher that wanted to hurt you and Mommy?”
Nodding, Kyoko answered “That’s right, Kiki. Luckily for us, your father was able to put the
pieces together and expose him, saving me in the process.”
“YAY, DADDY!” Kiki praised, squealing with proud glee at her father’s achievement.
Chuckling with a hint of embarrassment, Makoto blushed, scratching his cheek as he tried to wave
it off “It…it was nothing…”
Chuckling with amusement, Kyoko mused “All these years and you’re still as humble as ever…”
She then leaned over her daughter, pecking Makoto on the lips before encouraging him “But
whether you choose to acknowledge it or not, you’re our hero, sweetie.”
Makoto blushed even redder, a bashful smile tugging at his lips as he thanked “Thanks, honey…”
Evidently having had enough of her parents’ mushy interactions, Kiki interrupted “So, don’t keep
me waiting! What happened next?”
Finally recovering from his blush, Makoto ruffled his daughter’s hair, telling her “Tomorrow,
Kiki. Tomorrow we’ll continue.”
Sighing in resignation, Kiki nestled into her pillow, leaving her parents to tuck her in and kiss her
good night. It wasn’t long before Kiki yawned, quickly pulled into slumber.
Kyoko turned to face her husband, offering seductively “Shall we head to bed as well, my Junior
Detective?”
Grinning, Makoto wrapped his arm around her waist, replying “Whatever you wish, Naegi-sensei.”
Playfully slapping his shoulder, Kyoko led them out of Kiki’s room, Makoto closing the door
behind them as they retreated to their room.
Trust Arc Chapter Fifteen: I Trust You!
Chapter Summary
With Shutaro exposed as Jutaro's accomplice and taken to the police by Juzo, Jin
leaves Makoto and Kyoko alone to speak with the Steering Committee. Will Kyoko
finally lower her guard and accept Makoto's friendship?
Chapter Notes
So here’s the final Chapter of Trust Arc. Next will be an interlude before we get into
the second arc of How I Met Your Mother: Bonding Arc. Please read and comment
below, and let me know what you thought of Trust Arc overall. Enjoy!
Present Day
“So…what happened after you exposed Shutaro as the bad guy, Daddy?”
“Let’s see…I had just finished telling the sequence of events to your grandfather when…”
XXX
April 20, 2014
Shutaro shook with fury as Makoto continued to point at him, an obvious fury in his hardened
eyes. Jin stared at his employee disapprovingly, keeping his professionalism even though one of
his employees was an accomplice in the near murder of his daughter. Said Detective could merely
sit there in shock, impressed by Makoto’s hidden talent.
“Shutaro Fukuka…” Jin began. “If you have anything to say in your defense, now would be the
time to do it.”
His anger giving way to resigned defeat, Shutaro’s shoulders slumped as he conceded “…I
concede. Yeah, Jutaro Akafuku is my brother. I changed my last name to avoid suspicion, and I
planted myself as a mole so I could be his eyes and ears while he escaped. I kept tabs on Makoto
so that Jutaro could exact his revenge.”
“Why?”
Everyone’s eyes turned to Makoto, who had a confused and befuddled look in his eyes as he tried
to reconcile the fact that one of his teachers, regardless of who their sibling was, would agree to
become an accessory to murder.
Sighing, Shutaro confessed “Because I owed him. You see, when we were kids, I was always the
runt of the pack, targeted by bullies day after day…Or at least I would have been…if it weren’t for
Jutaro. He kept them off my back, and when he graduated from high school and moved out, I
promised him that I’d repay him for protecting me.”
Nodding in comprehension, Jin mused “I see…and after he got arrested in that scuffle with Makoto
in March, that’s when he called you and asked you to make good on your promise, correct?”
Nodding, Shutaro confirmed “Yeah. He assured me that I wouldn’t have to dirty my own hands,
that all I had to do was keep tabs on Makoto and inform him of any new developments that could
affect his revenge.” Glancing at the Ultimate Lucky Student, Shutaro gave a small smile as he
mused “I just didn’t expect this completely average kid here to be so observant.”
Fukuka-sensei…Makoto looked to the side, feeling sorry for him and starting to empathize with
him, his thoughts wandering back to his own relationship with Komaru. If I were…to fall from
grace…would Komaru follow me blindly just like Fukuka-sensei did? …No, that won’t happen!
No matter what, stooping to crime is unacceptable! “Fukuka-sensei…”
All of their eyes turned to Makoto, who was now focusing a righteous stare onto Shutaro, as though
he were the accomplice’s private instructor.
“I…I understand how you feel…believe me, I do…but…even if Jutaro was your sibling…even if
you felt like you owed him…there’s no excuse…nothing that can justify helping in a murder!”
Kyoko could feel Makoto’s righteous anger, stunned by how passionate the boy had become, and
by how there wasn’t a hint of deceit in his voice.
Heh…he really is an open book…and a pure-hearted one at that…
“Well put, Makoto.” Giving the Lucky Student a brief smile before steeling back into a
disapproving frown, the Headmaster addressed his employee “Shutaro Fukuka, for violating your
oath to protect the students of Hope’s Peak Academy, and for being an accessory to attempted
murder, you are now fired from your employment at this school. Juzo, would you please escort
Shutaro to the police station?”
Nodding, Juzo wordlessly grabbed Shutaro’s wrist, dragging him out of sight as the former teacher
obediently followed the security guard.
Sighing, Jin pinched the bridge of his nose, resolving “Well, it would seem that I need to have a
word with the Steering Committee about properly vetting our personnel. Shitsureishimasu…”
With that, Jin left the infirmary, leaving the two students alone once more.
“Ano…Kiri…”
“Kyoko.”
“…Huh?”
Staring into his eyes, Kyoko confirmed “Kyoko. You’ve saved my life, you didn’t abandon me,
and if the circles under your eyes are any indicator, you stayed by my bedside when you didn’t
have to. You’ve more than earned the right to use my first name.”
“Kyoko…” Makoto whispered in awe at the honor now bestowed upon him.
Showing a soft smile at last, Kyoko confessed “Makoto…I…I’m not good at being friends with
people…nor am I good at trusting people…
Makoto couldn’t help but ask “But why, Kyoko? Why don’t you trust people?”
Taking a deep breath, Kyoko answered “…Very well. I’ll show you myself. I’ll tell you about the
incident that gave me these scars…the incident that broke my trust in people…”
Seeing Makoto sit up straight in his chair, Kyoko took a deep breath and began to speak.
“I was thirteen years old when we met; a sixteen-year-old detective who by coincidence was
working the same case as me. Her name was Yui Samidare. We solved that case together, and
from that point on, we worked together to solve cases.” Kyoko smiled nostalgically as she mused
“She was the closest thing I had to an older sister.”
Smiling, Makoto commented “Sounds like you two were close.”
“…Yeah, we were.” Kyoko’s smile turned into a frown as she continued “However, it all came to
an end during our final case together. Yui brought me to a room and told me to wait there for her
so that the two of us wouldn’t attract attention. I trusted her, and obeyed. But…at some point, the
whole building burst into flames. I followed Yui’s request and stayed, believing she would come
for me. But by the time she came for me…the flames had surrounded me. I…I still remember
crying out in pain as they burned and scarred my hands. I was still crying out in pain as she hauled
me over her shoulder and got me out of there.”
“Kyoko…” Makoto murmured, feeling sorry that the girl in front of him had to suffer so much pain
in her line of work.
“Once I was in the hospital…I let my pain control my emotions. Instead of accepting that it was
my fault for not taking the initiative, I felt betrayed by Yui. I lashed out, blaming her for what
happened and telling her I never wanted to see her again. It was at that point…my grandfather
advised me never to get too close to another person ever again, giving me my original gloves to
remind me of my mistake. I also developed a fear of fire; it’s why I couldn’t get out of the hideout
by myself.”
“Kyoko…”
Kyoko then looked up at him, confessing “But you…you’ve challenged my and my grandfather’s
entire world view in the span of two weeks. Despite the fact that I’ve pushed you aside on multiple
occasions, you kept coming back and offering me a hand of friendship. You agreed to be my
assistant on this case when you had no reason to accept. And when I was in danger, you came
back and saved me; you refused to abandon me when you could have walked away, at great risk to
your own life. And most importantly…you solved a mystery that I could not…just by being
yourself…your foolishly open, trusting self.”
Foolishly open…?
“There’s something else…” Kyoko admitted, lowering her gaze just slightly. “I didn’t come to
Hope’s Peak to graduate from a good high school…I have no interest in fame or prestige. I came…
to cut ties with my father.”
Makoto’s eyes widened as he realized just how well-founded Jin’s fears were.
So Kyoko…really does…hate her father?
“I overheard the conversation you two had…” Seeing Makoto’s shocked expression, she
explained “I can’t say I was awake, but I was teetering on the edge of consciousness after the
Headmaster came rushing in. Anyway, I know that you know the slightest bit of my past, so I
don’t have to explain why I wish to cut ties with him. But…after overhearing your conversation, as
I fell back to sleep…I started having second thoughts.”
Makoto started to smile, only for Kyoko to catch it and interrupt his misconception.
“Don’t misunderstand. I have no intention of trying to reconnect with him. Just…maybe…hating

him is too cruel. So…I won’t cut ties with him…but I won’t try to bond with him either.”
…Well, it’s a start. And maybe…she’ll change her mind with a little more time…
Taking a deep breath, Kyoko looked him straight in the eye and reluctantly confessed “Makoto…
It’s been several years since I allowed myself to trust. I had convinced myself that anyone I dared
to place my trust in would betray me. But you…you were relentless. I was tempted to trust you
after that first week of school. And contrary to my beliefs, you proved that you would never betray
me. I told myself that you could have been trying to deceive me, but you’re too foolishly open for
that to be possible.”
Again with the foolishly open? Makoto thought, unable to help feeling slightly miffed despite the
fact that he knew it was being used in a complimentary context this time.
“I’m not good at being friends with people…nor am I good at letting my walls down in front of
other people…” Kyoko took a deep breath before finishing “But since you’ve proven my
worldview to be erroneous…I’m going to try. I’ll try to be your friend…and for now at least…I
trust you, Makoto Naegi.”
Overcome with a sense of humility, Makoto bowed his head, feeling happy tears sting his eyes as
he vowed “I promise…you won’t regret this, Kyoko! I’ll treasure the honor…the privilege…of
your friendship…”
Rolling her eyes, Kyoko couldn’t help but give a genuine smile, letting herself be the teenage girl
that she had long repressed.
And it’s all thanks to you, Makoto Naegi…
XXX
Present Day
“And that’s the story of how your father won my trust.”
“And then you realized he was the one, decided to get married, and live happily ever after?”
Chuckling, said father ruffled Kiki’s hair before answering “Not yet, cupcake. There’s still a ways
to go before we thought of each other romantically.”
Nodding, Kyoko commented “Indeed. First I had to spend some time bonding with him and my
other friends. That particular story will have to wait until tomorrow; it’s time for bed.”
Not complaining since story time didn’t end on a cliffhanger this time, Kiki nestled into her pillow,
yawning as her parents tucked her in, drawing the blanket to her chin and kissing her cheeks.
“Good night, Kiki. We love you.”
*yawn* “Love you…too…”
With one more yawn, Kiki fell asleep. Smiling, the two parents crept out of the room, closing the
door behind them as they retreated back to their room, falling asleep to dreams of bonding with
their classmates.
Interlude One: Established Trust! Begin Bonding!
Chapter Summary
With Kyoko now out of the infirmary, she immediately heads back to work as a
Detective, despite Makoto's objections. But has she really come out of her ordeal
unchanged? Or will she take the first step towards embracing her life as a high school
student?
Chapter Notes
So here’s the first interlude that I mentioned earlier. There’s going to be an interlude
between each of the five arcs to tie them together. Interlude One is going to serve as a
bridge between Trust Arc and Bonding Arc, for example. Please read and comment
below, and enjoy!
Present Day
“Alright, Kiki…Are you ready to hear the story about how your mother started to bond with the
rest of our class?”
Nodding emphatically Kiki answered “Yeah! I wanna hear how you and Mommy obtained max
friendship levels!”
Chuckling, Kyoko teased “You’ve been hanging out with Auntie Komaru too much…maybe we
need to put some restrictions on video games…”
Pouting, Kiki whined “Nooo faiiirrrr!”
Laughing, Makoto ruffled his daughter’s hair, assuring her “Your mother’s just teasing you, Kiki.
As long as you two are doing things other than playing video games when she babysits, we won’t
put restrictions.” Seeing his daughter cheer up, Makoto continued “Now then, where was I? Oh
yes; your mother had gotten the all clear from Mikan to go back to her own dorm that evening. I
had expected that she would have taken it easy after that whole ordeal. However, she had other
ideas…”
XXX
April 21, 2014
“You’re going back already?”
The two of them were sitting together; Kyoko was drinking her morning coffee and Makoto was in
the middle of taking a bite out of his omelet when Kyoko informed him of her plans to return to
Detective work immediately.
“Quite. You heard my grandfather the other day; I have a backlog of cases I need to work on, and
the longer I put them off, the higher my workload will stack.”
“E…even so…Kyoko, you just got out of the infirmary last night! Even if your grandfather tells
you to, you don’t have to risk your health for your job. If you’re not at 100 percent, then please,
take this day to relax. Or if you feel like you really have to be up and productive, then class is
likely to be less strenuous.”
Sighing, Kyoko admitted “Makoto…your concern for my health is…appreciated…but I’m going
back to work and that’s that.”
“But…”
Makoto’s objection was interrupted by Leon and Hifumi, who had run up excitedly to the Ultimate
Lucky Student.
“Yo, Makoto! We’re still doing a video game tournament in your room tonight after class, right?
I’ve gotta go well in Guitar Hero, or Sayaka will never go out with me!”
“Mr. Naegi, please inform Mr. Kuwata that we will be engaging in another round of Super Smash
Bros. I need win a team melee with Miss Ludenberg so she will appreciate my devotion to serving
her, regardless of her lack of 2D.”
“Uh yeah, it’s tonight after class, but guys, now’s really not a good time. Kyoko and I were…”
“Just finished.” Kyoko removed the coffee cup from her lips before standing up, turning around
before dismissing “Good-bye, Makoto.”
As Kyoko walked away, Leon and Hifumi resumed their bombardment of questions, despite the
fact that Makoto wasn’t really listening, his gaze and thoughts focused on the Detective who was
slipping further and further out of sight.
Kyoko…
XXX
“Alright, class dismissed everybody!”
As Koichi’s voice rang through the classroom, most of the class filed out, Makoto being the last to
do so as usual. Gathering his e-Handbook into his grip, he walked out the door to trek back to the
dining hall for dinner.
“Hey, Makoto!”
He looked up and to the side to see Sayaka giving him a concerned smile.
“Are you doing okay? You looked like you weren’t really focusing on the lesson. And don’t think
I didn’t see where your eyes were flickering to.”
Throughout class today, Makoto’s eyes looked absent, unable to focus on Koichi or the board as he
lectured. Instead, his eyes flickered between his notes and the empty desk that Kyoko would have
occupied had she come to class.
“Oh…s…sorry, Sayaka. It’s just Kyoko. I…I really thought she had changed…after that ordeal
last weekend.”
Once Makoto had left the infirmary the other day, he had been immediately bombarded by his
other classmates, led by Sayaka, demanding to know why they hadn’t seen hide nor hair of him all
weekend. He ended up giving them a cliffnotes version of what happened, excluding the revelation
of Kyoko’s scars, as he felt after their talk that it was a private matter that the others didn’t need to
know about. The others had responded with varying degrees of shock and praise for the Ultimate
Lucky Student, Makoto more than a little embarrassed at the attention.
“Oh my god! Makoto, are you okay?”
“For a teacher to aid in the murder of another student…such conduct is unacceptable in a school
environment!”
“Holy shit, man! You’re more of a man than I thought!”
“Oh wow! Naegi-kun, you’ve earned the gold medal in bravery! I’m gonna have to train a lot
more if I’m gonna get it too!”
“Wow…that was pretty cool, Naegi-kun.”
“Well Muku, I guess he’s not as much of an herbivore man as I thought.”
“You’re not…Ma…Master…but…you were still…cool, I gu…guess…”
“Hmph. Not bad for a commoner, I suppose. However, if she had chosen me to be her partner, I
would have deciphered the culprit and subdued him myself.”
“Dude! Have you considered trying out for my old baseball team? ‘Cuz you might have some
talent with that kind of strength!”
“Wow, Naegi-kun! You’re amazing. Maybe…could you…help me get…n…never mind, I’m

sorry.”
“Mr. Naegi, I’ve underestimated you. Have you perhaps gained possession of the Triforce of
Courage?”
“Well…to make it out alive, to rescue Kirigiri, and to unmask the culprit…you’re certainly living
up to your title as the Ultimate Lucky Student. I wonder…is your luck superior to mine?”
“It’s not luck; it was destiny! I totally predicted it in my morning fortune on Friday!”
Sighing, Sayaka looked around briefly to make sure nobody was around, before she embraced him
in a hug, holding him close.
“Sa…Sayaka?” Makoto stammered, blushing at the close contact.
Releasing him from their hug, Sayaka explained comfortingly “Makoto…you’ve made a lot of
progress with Kirigiri-san, more than I would have thought possible. But maybe she still needs to
go at her own pace. You’ve already proven that she can change, given how you two are on a first-
name basis now. Just give her time, alright? She’ll come around, I just know it!”
“…Weren’t you saying less than two weeks ago that she was a lost cause?” Makoto deadpanned.
Smiling sheepishly, Sayaka admitted “Hey, my intuition may be accurate, but it can be wrong
sometimes. All I can do is trust in it, and right now it’s telling me that Kirigiri-san will come
around in her own time, so I’m trusting it now.”
Chuckling, Makoto conceded “Alright, Sayaka; I’ll trust you. Come on; what do you say we grab
some dinner before the video game tournament?”
Giggling, Sayaka replied “Okay! In fact, I’ll cook; I’ll even use my specialty!”
“Your…specialty?”
Seeing Makoto’s curious expression, she answered “Yep; it’s chili oil!”
“The condiment?”
Seeing Makoto’s baffled expression, Sayaka giggled “Just kidding! Now let’s go; I’ll still cook, so
don’t worry about a thing!”
…Yep, that’s Sayaka alright; always a tease… Makoto deadpanned before smiling, the two best
friends walking back to the dining hall together.
XXX
Present Day
“But why, Mommy? Why didn’t you listen to Daddy?”
Looking into her daughter’s eyes and feeling the slightest tinge of shame for her past self, Kyoko
struggled to overcome the lump in her throat as she explained “Kiki…please understand…although
your father had indeed changed me for the better…I still had some…stubborn traits…that I needed
to unlearn. My…dedication to my detective work was one of them.”
It was then that Makoto interjected, explaining “Remember, Kiki, your great grandfather had
taught her from a young age that detective work came before all else…it was one of many
disagreements I had with him when he was still alive. So…getting her to unlearn that…took
time…and two weeks, as influential as they were…wasn’t nearly enough time to unlearn those
habits.”
“No, but they did have an impact. And I did change some of my habits that day, remember?”
His eyes widening in understanding, Makoto realized “Oh yeah! Honey, why don’t you explain?”
Makoto urged after seeing Kiki’s curious gaze.
Nodding, Kyoko continued “Now let’s see…I was in the office, working on paperwork for my
cases…”
XXX
April 21, 2014
Unbeknownst to her new friend, Kyoko had made some adjustments. When she came into the
office, she made clear to the Chief that she would not physically investigate crime scenes for the
next week; only do paperwork, review case files, and interrogate suspects under armed guard.
With her demands granted given her brief hospitalization and her immediate return to work, Kyoko
now sat at her desk, completing paperwork with an efficiency that was mind-boggling, even to her
colleagues.
“Hey, Kirigiri-chan!” Her gaze shifted to the officer next to her, her eyes asking “What?” as the
officer continued “I know the chief told your grandfather you had a backlog, but I’m sure he didn’t
mean you had to go this fast.”
Shifting her gaze back to her stack of paperwork, Kyoko explained “I’d like to get through this
backlog as quickly as possible…besides, I have another engagement tonight that I’d rather not miss
if I can help it…”
“Ooh…going to a party maybe…or perhaps you found yourself a nice boyfriend and are going on a
date? I must say, I’m surprised! You’ve never mentioned anything outside of your detective
work…”
Without missing a beat, Kyoko interrupted “Rather than speculate about my private life, perhaps it
might be better for you to focus on your own backlog.”
Holding up their hands in surrender, the officer acquiesced “Alright, alright…”
With that, the two continued their work, Kyoko’s pen moving at a breakneck pace as she went
through her stack in a flurry.
XXX
Kyoko stood, frozen with nervousness for the first time as she stood in front of the plain brown
door with a silver nameplate that bore the name “Naegi” in katakana.
There’s no point just standing here; whatever happens, happens… Taking a deep breath, Kyoko
resolved “Well, here goes nothing…” before pressing her gloved finger to the doorbell.
It was a few seconds before she heard the door open, some unintelligible chatter filling her ears
before it revealed a surprised Makoto, staring at the Ultimate Detective.
“Oh, Kyou…Kyoko! Is there something I can help you with?” Makoto stammered as he stepped
out into the hall, closing the door behind him for privacy.
Nodding, Kyoko answered him “I’ve finished my backlog this afternoon, and I remember from
breakfast that you were holding another video game tournament tonight.”
His eyebrows raised in surprise, Makoto asked “You…remembered that? I’m just surprised…you
hadn’t shown any instance in video games before.”
Nodding, Kyoko allowed a blush of embarrassment to darken her cheeks as she admitted “I know I
refused the last two times you asked me, so I’ll understand if the offer’s no longer on the table…
but if it is…I’d like to give it a try, Makoto…”
Seeing his look of surprise morph into a soft, yet wide smile, Kyoko felt a rush of relief as he
invited “O…of course! Come in, come in! You’re always welcome, Kyoko!”
As Makoto opened the door and walked back inside, Kyoko followed him in, observing the
huddled, yet segmented crowd that had formed around Makoto’s television.
“You came just in time” Makoto explained. “We had just started up Super Smash Bros. Melee,
and were in the process of setting up a tournament when you came.”
Nodding in understanding, Kyoko asked “What kind of game is it? I…” Kyoko blushed in
embarrassment as she admitted “I’ve…never actually played a video game before…so I’ll need
some assistance to learn the ropes…”
His eyes lighting up in understanding , Makoto answered “Of course! We can take a few minutes
to teach you how to play. Now, let’s see…Hifumi’s played the most video games out of all of
us…”
Makoto sweatdropped as he saw Celeste slap Hifumi for making a lewd suggestion, turning back to
Kyoko with a sheepish smile.
“Maybe Hifumi’s not the best person to socialize with right off the bat…” Seeing Kyoko’s
inquisitive expression, Makoto explained “Remember when Hanamura-senpai tried to hit on
Sayaka after the entrance ceremony?” Seeing Kyoko nod, Makoto explained “Hifumi’s kind of
like him, only toned down a little…”
Seeing her nod in understanding, Makoto looked around, musing “Now let’s see…who to teach
you…Celeste and Ogami-san would get too competitive…Fujisaki-san knows something about
video games, but is kind of timid…Ikusaba-san is kind of quiet…Enoshima-san can be more
taunting than helpful…ah, I know!” Waving his hand over, he called out “Sayaka! Hina! Can you
tow come over here for a moment?”
A curious look in their shared eyes, the two women shrugged and stood up, walking around the
crowd as they approached Makoto, their curious expressions turning to confused ones as they
registered who was standing next to Makoto.
“Kirigiri-chan? What are you doing here?”
“Yeah, Kirigiri-san. I thought you didn’t like to play video games.”
Makoto quickly explained “She decided to come by and give it a try. But she’s never played a
video game before.” Seeing their incredulous looks, Makoto asked as he scratched his cheek “So I
was wondering…could the two of you maybe…show her the ropes?”
Their befuddled expressions turning to wide gins, the each moved behind the Ultimate Detective,
looping elbows with her and answering before she could object to the gesture.
“Sure, Makoto! We’d be happy to show her how to play!”
“Just you wait, Kirigiri-chan! We’ll make you into a master, and then we’ll be the best of friends!
It’ll be like the Three Musketeers!”
Taken off guard at their gestures of camaraderie, Kyoko felt overwhelmed and removed her arms
from their elbows, offering “Let’s…take this one step at a time. Now…how do I play?”
As the two brought Kyoko to sit next to them, Makoto announced to the confused crowd “Hey,
everyone! Kyoko’s gonna join us, but she’s never played before, so before we start, Sayaka and
Hina are gonna take a few minutes to teach her how to play.”
With a few groans of disappointment at the delay, the other students soon went back to their
individual chats, with Sayaka and Hina sitting on either side of Kyoko. Makoto handed the
Detective a blue controller, smiling as she gripped the handles before stepping back, supervising as
Sayaka and Hina began instructing her.
“Okay, Kirigiri-san. First, you have to pick a character. Why don’t you go with Mario? He’s a
pretty well-rounded character, so he should be perfect for beginners. Just move your Control Stick
over his icon and press A, then Start.”
Nodding, Kyoko followed Sayaka’s suggestions, choosing her character and waiting for the
training stage to load.
Once the game had loaded, Hina explained “Alright, Kirigiri-chan. Use the Control Stick to move
Mario, and use the A button for standard attacks. You can combine pressing the Control Stick in
different directions with the standard attack to create different Smash Attacks. Don’t worry about
the name, just know they’re more powerful attacks.”
“Press the X or Y button to jump; it doesn’t matter which one. Pressing the B button makes Mario
use his Special Attack. Each character has their own, and can be combined with the Control Stick
to create different Special Attacks. You can hold down the L or R button to shield against attacks,
and you can combine it with the Control Stick to roll or evade attacks. Finally, you can use the Z
button combined with the Control Stick to grapple and throw an adjacent player.”
Following after Sayaka, Hina finished “The goal of the game is to launch your opponent outside of
the stage.”
Nodding, Kyoko observed “You two seem to know a good deal about video games. I’m kind of
surprised; I would have assumed your careers wouldn’t have left you with much time for these
kinds of things.”
Nodding in understanding, Sayaka explained “I live alone with my Dad, and he works a lot, so I
passed some of the time I was home alone playing the occasional video game. I’m not a
particularly skilled gamer, but I can hold my own in a casual setting.”
Nodding, Hina contributed “Same here. I had to babysit my baby brother Yuta a lot, and whenever
we were all tired from our sports routines, we would relax playing one of his favorite video
games.”
Nodding as she got used to the controls, Kyoko continued to experiment, Makoto smiling at her
progress, both with the game and with bonding with Sayaka and Hina.
A few minutes had passed before Kyoko set down the controller, announcing “Alright; I think I’ve
got the gist of it. Shall we start?”
With Makoto nodding in confirmation everyone else sans Byakuya raced to the television, eager to
pick out their fighters as Makoto set up the tournament.
As Makoto sat down next to Kyoko, he asked “So, who are you gonna pick, Kyoko?”
“Hmm…” Kyoko scanned the characters before settling on one.
“Oh, Samus; she’s a classic! Why’d you choose her, if you don’t mind me asking?”
“…Her visor seems like she could make a good investigator. And her arm cannon implies that she
can pick off opponents from afar rather than make a risky, head-on assault.”
…Of course she’d pick someone she can connect with… Makoto sweatdropped before he
encouraged “Well, good luck, Kyoko.”
Turning to face him, Kyoko gave him a small smile as she answered “Likewise…” before the first
bracket came up, Kyoko, Leon, Toko, and Hiro getting ready to Melee.
XXX
The whole room sat aghast as they turned to the surprise winner of their tournament: Kyoko
Kirigiri. She had been a quick study, quickly learning Samus’s moveset and utilizing it to its
fullest effect, taking advantage of the chaos of a 4-player match to pick off her opponents from afar
in order to accumulate points, utilizing her Screw Attack to ward off anybody who got close.
Eventually it had come down to her and Makoto, who had put up a valiant fight as Ness, but
ultimately couldn’t match Kyoko.
“Wow, Kyoko…you’re…good at this. Are you sure you’ve never played a video game before?”
Nodding her head, Kyoko offered “Maybe I’m just a quick study.”
Her performance was even able to impress Byakuya; for the first time in over two weeks, he
walked over and demanded “Naegi-kun, hand me that black controller over there.”
His eyebrows raised in surprise, Makoto pointed out “But Togami-kun, you’ve only ever been
interested in watching.”
Glaring at the Ultimate Lucky Student, Byakuya answered “Kirigiri‘s leap from novice to
tournament winner has intrigued me, so I’d like to test out her skills against my own. Now hand
me the controller, commoner.”
Sighing, Makoto obediently handed him the controller before sitting down next to Sayaka,
watching as the two combatants fiddled with the options.
“We’ll do a five-stock Melee.”
Unfamiliar with the terminology, Kyoko turned to Makoto, her eyes asking for a clarification.
“He’s saying that the game will be set up so that the player who gets knocked off of the stage five
times loses.”
Nodding in understanding, Kyoko moved her cursor to select Samus again, while Byakuya moved
to select Marth.
As Byakuya selected the Final Destination stage, he taunted “Do try and make this interesting,
Kirigiri.”
XXX
“Okay, good night everyone. See you tomorrow in class!”
Everyone filed out, bidding Makoto goodnight on their way back to the dorms. Byakuya was the
last to leave, his mouth agape from the close defeat Kyoko had handed him.
“How…this can’t…how could she…”
Patting Byakuya on the shoulder in comfort, Makoto watched as the Ultimate Affluent Progeny
sulked back to his room and out of sight.
It was then that Kyoko walked out of Makoto’s dorm, the smirk from handing Byakuya’s ass to
him still on her face.
“So…did you have fun, Kyoko?”
Turning to face Makoto, her smirk softened to a small smile as she admitted “Yes…I didn’t expect
it…but this was…quite fun. I can’t remember the last time I had…fun.” Seeing Makoto’s
questioning stare, she explained “For years, all of my activities doubled as Detective training.
From Cluedo to Shogi, everything was meant to bolster my skills as a Detective. It’s been years
since I did something just for fun.”
Nodding in understanding, Makoto prodded “And how did you get along with Sayaka and Hina?
They seemed to have been good teachers for you.”
After a moment of silence, Kyoko nodded, affirming “They were nice enough. I know I was…
standoffish during the first week, so I’m glad that we had a chance to start over. I’m not certain
how much we actually bonded…but at least my prior behavior hasn’t prevented us from being on
speaking terms.”
Smiling, Makoto commented “I’m glad to hear that. You should consider reaching out to them if
you want to spend some girl time with somebody. I know I’m friendly, but I am a guy after all, and
there are probably some things you can’t really talk with me about. As far as girls go, those two
are probably the warmest and friendliest in our class.”
Nodding, Kyoko replied “I’ll…consider your counsel.”
Smiling, Makoto nodded, accepting that answer.
Sensing the conversation had reached its natural conclusion, Kyoko turned around, finishing
“Well, I’m going to head to bed. Good night, Makoto.”
Nodding, Makoto replied “Okay. Good night, Kyoko.” as he watched her go to the adjacent door,
opening and closing it behind her.
Well, that went well… Smiling at his progress, Makoto went inside to gather his pajamas and take a
shower.
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, Mommy! That must have been a big adjustment for you.”
Nodding, Kyoko admitted “It was, Kiki. I was fortunate that your father was so friendly, and that I
got to bond with Sayaka and Auntie Hina for a little bit. Still, we had a bit of a ways to go before I
could truly call them my friends. At that point, your father was the only one I could consider my
friend. Thankfully, he was there to help me make more friends.”
“Wow, Daddy! You were super awesome!”
Makoto blushed in embarrassment as he refuted “It was…wasn’t a big deal, Kiki…”
“But it was.” Kyoko refuted “You gave me something that my own grandfather never did;
friends. And later on, you gave me your heart, and that’s a priceless treasure I will always value.”
“Kyoko…”
The two stared at each other, giving bashful, blushing smiles until Kyoko broke their gaze, looking
to Kiki as she changed the subject “Alright, kiddo. It’s time for bed. Tomorrow, we’ll tell you the
story of how your father helped me to bond with our other classmates.”
“YAY!” Kiki cheered before nestling into her pillow, closing her eyes as her parents tucked her in
and kissed her good night.
Smiling at their now slumbering daughter, the two parents quietly crept out and retired to their
room.
Bonding Arc Chapter One: Kyoko Comes to Class! Please Help Me Study,
Makoto!
Chapter Summary
When Kyoko decides to come back to class on a regular basis, she finds herself
struggling academically from having missed two weeks worth of instruction. Faced
with no othe roption, she asks Makoto to help her study for her make-up exam. Will
Makoto be able to help her in her time of need? Or will this be a secret opportunity for
her to bond with another of her classmates?
Chapter Notes
Well, here’s the first chapter of the second arc of HIMYM: Bonding Arc! This arc will
primarily focus on Kyoko getting to know each of her classmates, and will stretch until
the beginning of Class 78’s summer vacation. Please read and review, and enjoy!
Present Day
“Alright, Kiki.” Makoto asked as his daughter nestled between him and Kyoko “Ready to hear the
story of how your mother bonded with me and our other classmates?”
Nodding, Kiki asked excitedly “Will there be romance?”
Chuckling at Kiki’s enthusiasm, Makoto replied “Not yet, Kiki. Your mother and I were still
getting to know each other. But we did end up building a strong friendship, and established the
foundation that would lead to our mutual attraction to each other.”
“You know how Mommy always tells you that you have to eat your vegetables before you can
have dessert?” Seeing her daughter’s nod, Kyoko continued “It’s the same thing here; we have to
tell you the story of how we became friends before we can tell you how we fell in love. Do you
understand, Kiki?”
Nodding, Kiki replied “Okay, Mommy; I think I get it.”
Satisfied, Kyoko turned to her husband and asked “Makoto, would you do the honors?”
Smiling, Makoto obliged, beginning “So this part of our story starts the next day. I had just walked
into class when I saw…”
XXX
April 22, 2014
“Oh, Kyou…Kyoko! You came to class?”

Makoto stared in surprise at the Ultimate Detective, dressed in her school uniform and her e-
Handbook out on her desk. She looked up at him and smirked, amused by his surprised
expression.
“Are you surprised?”
“Um…” Makoto scratched his cheek nervously as he clarified “Ano…it’s just…you almost never
come to class…other than our first day, you only came once when work at the office was slow. Is
detective work slow again?”
Shaking her head, Kyoko answered “No, it’s just…I’ve decided to make an effort to be a better
student, so I’ll be coming to class more regularly from now on.”
Kyoko…does this mean you…
Seeing his beaming smile, she quickly interjected “Don’t misunderstand. We may be friends, but
this isn’t out of some newfound desire to bond. I have professional reasons for changing my
habits.” Seeing Makoto’s disappointed, yet curious expression, Kyoko explained “The Akafuku
case showed me that there are real perils to not attending class. Had I attended regularly, I could
have picked up on the clues about Shutaro that you were able to. Then I could have prevented him
from spying on us and Jutaro wouldn’t have been able to ambush us. So I’ve decided that
attending class will allow me to prevent future ambushes by any untrustworthy staff.”
…Of course she’d put her detective career as her motivation for attending class… Makoto
sweatdropped as he took his seat, opening his notebook app as the other students filed in.
“Alright, settle down, everyone!” Koichi walked up to the teacher’s desk as everyone took their
seats, his eyebrows raising in surprise as his eyes settled on Kyoko, remarking “Ah, Kyoko. Nice
of you to join us for class. Well, shall we get started? Tuesday is Math Day, so turn to Chapter
Three of your Algebra Textbooks. Today, we’ll be reviewing Polynomials and Factoring from last
week.”
Polynomials and Factoring…what’s that? Kyoko wondered as Koichi grabbed a remote and
activated the projector.
“Now then…who wants to take a crack at the equation on the slide?” Koichi asked as he gestured
to the text projected on the board.
27x^2 – 18x + 3 = 81p^2 -90p + 25? What the hell does that even mean?
Kyoko’s eyes squinted in confusion as she found herself befuddled by the question on the board. It
wasn’t long though before Makoto raised his hand and tried “Um…you should be able to factor it
down to x(3x -2) = 9p^2 – 10p + (22/9).”
Looking incredulously at Makoto, Kyoko wondered How were you able to make sense of that?
Nodding at the Ultimate Lucky Student, Koichi replied “Very good, Makoto.” Turning to Taka, he
then asked “Taka, you’re the study guru among us. Did you come up with a different answer?”
Shaking his head, Taka answered “Negative; Professor Makoto is correct, as usual!”
As usual? You mean Makoto’s…good at this?!
Nodding, Koichi replied “Very good, Taka. Yes, Makoto is correct, though you don’t need to
address him as Professor while we’re in class. Now then, Makoto, if x were to have a given value
of 3, what would the value of p be?”
Makoto closed his eyes, mulling over the calculations in his head before answering “The value of p
should be either a positive or a negative 2.92.”
Nodding, Koichi asked “Taka, is he correct?”
Nodding, Taka answered “There’s room for error depending on how he rounded, but it appears to
be close enough to be accurate.”
Kyoko’s eyes bulged out of her head, wondering with amazement and admiration How did he solve
all of that in his head?
Nodding in acceptance, Koichi answered “Yes, very good, Makoto.” Turning to Kyoko, he
playfully scolded “Oh, and Kyoko, try to refrain from having your eyes bulging out of your sockets
and have them focus on the board instead.”
Junko, Leon, Mondo, Toko, Hifumi, and Hiro all laughed at the admonishment, Kyoko barely
holding back a blush of embarrassment. Sayaka, Byakuya, Hina, Sakura, and Celeste didn’t laugh,
but couldn’t hold back smiles of amusement. Mukuro’s neutral expression was unchanged, while
only Chihiro, Taka, and Makoto frowned in concern for the Ultimate Detective.
“Alright, kids; settle down.” Once the others had stopped laughing, Koichi took out a stack of
papers, pencils, and calculators from under the desk and started passing them out, instructing
“Now, power down your Handbooks and put them under your desk. We’re having a quiz on what
we just reviewed. You have until the end of class to finish them, so don’t feel like you have to
rush. You may leave after you finish your test; just bring it up to my desk and place it face-down.”
With a clap of his hands, the class immediately picked up their pencils and started working on the
Algebra test. Kyoko stared at the equations on her paper as though it were Latin, feeling a sense of
dread and anxiety envelop her.
…I picked the wrong day to come back to class…
XXX
April 25, 2014
“Kyoko, can you stay for a minute, please?”
Kyoko froze in her tracks, about to head out the door with Makoto when Koichi called her back.
Seeing Makoto looking at her in concern, Kyoko nodded to assure him that it was probably
nothing. A worried frown still on his face, Makoto nonetheless nodded and left to go grab lunch.
Sighing, Kyoko turned back around and approached Koichi’s desk.
“Is there something you needed, Kizakura-sensei?”
Nodding, Koichi looked at her with a rare serious expression as he informed her “Kyoko, you’re
struggling in class.”
Before she could interject, Koichi passed her Algebra quiz back to her, the paper completely blank
except for a big, fat, red zero at the top, reminding the Detective of just how woefully unprepared
she was coming to class.
“Plus…” Koichi then passed to her their surprise World History test they were given on
Wednesday. Kyoko had some knowledge of history, due to Fuhito using it as a way to teach her
the motivations of criminals. However, although she was able to attempt to answer the questions
on this test, it was still littered with red ink from various corrections Koichi had made.
Thirty-Nine?
“And lastly…” Koichi sighed as he passed to her Thursday’s Physics quiz.
Since Kyoko was a Detective and logic was one of her core skills, this one was the easiest for her.
However, while there was less red ink on this one than the other two tests, her ignorance of some
recent concepts had hampered her performance, leaving her stumped on a lot of the problems.
Fifty-Five?
The old Kyoko, the one who gladly skipped class to do Detective work, wouldn’t have let these
test results phase her at all. However, because she had promised that she would take being a high
school student more seriously, she allowed these low marks to plant a sliver of shame in her mind.
Seeing her slightly disappointed expression, Koichi gave a comforting smile as he reassured her
“Hey, don’t get all depressed about this; it’s only a couple of tests. You’re a smart cookie, so I’m
guessing you’re only struggling because this is the first time you’ve been to class in a while,
right?”
Kyoko glared at his affectionate remark, but Koichi paid it no mind, leaving the Ultimate Detective
to only nod.
“Thought so. It wouldn’t be fair to let these grades stand when you were totally unprepared for the
material, so although I don’t normally do this, I’ll let you take a makeup test on Sunday.” Smiling
wryly, Koichi finished “Besides, I’m sure we both want the Headmaster to see you succeed rather
than fail.”
Kyoko still had no interest in seeing her father smile at her; she meant it when she told Makoto that
she had no desire to bond with him at present. But she couldn’t deny that deep down, the thought
of Jin looking at her with disappointment in his gaze did not sit well with her.
If only to prove that I am his superior, that I don’t need him to be my father…I can’t let him see me
fail! Nodding, Kyoko conceded “That would be acceptable.”
Nodding with a smile, Koichi ushered her out “Good, that’s everything. Go find a study buddy or
whatever and study hard. Goodbye, Kyoko.”
Sighing, Kyoko walked back to her dorm, closing the door behind her and sitting on her bed,
fidgeting with her braid as she realized “I can’t learn what I need alone. As much as it pains me to
admit it, I need the help of one of my classmates. As far as people who would help me, I can only
rely on…”
XXX
Present Day
“You struggled in school, Mommy?”
Nodding to her daughter, Kyoko explained “That’s why I don’t want you skipping school, Kiki.
Pushing class to the side to focus on Detective work ended up hurting me in the long run. I don’t
want you to make my mistakes.”
Nodding, Kiki answered “Okay, Mommy. So, who did you get to help you study for your test?”
“Well, it was…”
XXX
April 25, 2014
*Knock, Knock*
The door opened to reveal a surprised Makoto Naegi on the other side, the Ultimate Lucky Student
asking “Kyoko? Is everything alright?”
Nodding, Kyoko forced the words over the lump in her throat as she admitted to him “I’m…in
need…of your…assistance, Makoto.”
“Oh…is it another case? I’m happy to…”
Shaking her head, Kyoko explained “It has nothing to do with Detective work this time. I…”
Looking from one side to the other to make sure nobody else was in the vicinity, she continued “I
didn’t do well on this week’s tests. Kizakura-sensei is giving me a makeup test on Sunday, but I’m
not…confident in my ability to get caught up on my own.”
Nodding in comprehension, Makoto asked “And you decided to come to me because…”
“…I saw you in class; you answered each question with accuracy. You clearly know what you’re
doing, plus…” Kyoko blushed as she admitted “…You’re the only one in our class right now that I
can trust with this, Makoto.”
Feeling honored that Kyoko held him in such high trust, Makoto awkwardly explained “Oh…but
I’m not that smart, really! I always got B’s and C’s before I got here. The only reason I’ve been so
good at answering questions is…”
“Is what?”
Seeing the determined, yet pleading look in her violet eyes, Makoto relaxed, smiling as he offered
“Why don’t you join us tomorrow? We have a study session planned anyway, so it’ll be the
perfect opportunity to get caught up.”
Us? Who’s us?
Seeing the hesitation in her eyes, Makoto soothed “I know that you’re still learning to trust, and
I’m truly honored that you trust me so much, but I’m not superhuman. I can’t help with
everything. Our class has skills that I don’t. I’m not a bad student, but I couldn’t get as good as I
am if I didn’t study with him. I’m sure he’d be happy to teach you too! So please Kyoko, will you
trust me, and try to trust our classmate?”
Taking a deep breath, Kyoko took the plunge and accepted “Okay, Makoto, I’ll trust you. When
are we meeting up to study?”
XXX
April 26, 2014
*Knock, Knock*
The door opened to reveal Taka on the other side of the door, greeting “Professor Makoto!”
Makoto squirmed in place, still uncomfortable with the title while Taka turned to his new guest,
his brow furrowing in confusion as he asked “And Kirigiri-san?”
So Taka is who Makoto was studying with?
Seeing the confused look on Taka’s face, Makoto explained “Kyoko needs to get caught up on
what we learned in class over the past couple of weeks, so I thought she could join us for our study
day.”
His eyes lighting up in understanding and excitement, Taka grinned, opening his door and
exclaiming “So Kirigiri-san has decided to dedicate herself fully to being a student? Haha! Of
course, the more the merrier! I’d be happy to assist her on her educational crusade!” Opening the
door fully, Taka welcomed, “Come in, both of you! Let’s hit the books right away!”
Seeing Kyoko give him a weirded out look as Taka went to assemble his textbooks, Makoto
whispered in her ear “Yeah, Taka’s kind of a study freak. He used to spend every second of his
free time studying before we met.”
Nodding, Kyoko whispered “Well he certainly seems to be a genius at being a student.”
“Yeah, but don’t tell him that.” Makoto cautioned “He hates the word genius.”
“Makoto! Kirigiri-san! Stop wasting your time just standing in the doorway and get in here!”
Curious about Makoto’s revelation, but not enough to pry, Kyoko nodded and they walked in,
sitting on the floor surrounded in a circle of Taka’s textbooks.
As they got out their Handbooks and activated their notebook apps, Taka asked “So, Kirigiri-san,
since this is your first time joining us, is there a specific subject you wanted to strengthen your
aptitude in?”
Pondering for a moment, Kyoko answered “…Algebra. I need a refresher with Algebra.”
Nodding, Taka’s expression became serious, declaring “Right; Algebra it is! Let’s start at the
beginning, shall we?”
XXX
“Your turn, Makoto. What country first established zero as a numerical concept?”
“It was…India, wasn’t it?”
“Correct! Good job, Makoto!”
The three of them had spent all day after breakfast studying various subjects from math to science
to history. It took some translation from Makoto, but at last she was starting to feel like she
understood the material and could confidently apply it in the field.
…Or on a test, as the case may be…
Taka looked at his wristwatch, his eyes bulging as he remarked “Oh, look at the time! It’s almost
seven! We’ve been studying for a while, so why don’t we call it a day for now and have dinner? I
need to make sure I have enough time to shower and study games and TV shows!”
Seeing Kyoko’s questioning stare, Makoto leaned over and whispered “I told him one time that
playing video games and watching TV gave people something to talk about with others, and he
took it as needing to study them.”
“Ah…” Kyoko nodded her head, accepting Makoto’s answer as the three of them stood up, Taka
and Makoto dusting off their pants while Kyoko dusted off her skirt.
“Thank you for permitting me to join you and Makoto in your study session, Ishimaru-kun…”
Shaking his head, Taka interrupted “Please, call me Taka! We’re not just classmates anymore;
we’re friends and partners in our educational crusade, Kyoko!”
Unsure of how to continue, Kyoko looked towards Makoto, who only smile and nodded, before
turning back to address Taka, replying “Right, Taka.”
Clapping her on the back, Taka cheered “Haha, great! Come now, let’s nourish our bodies with a
rewarding feast before we part ways! To the dining hall!”
Taka marched towards the door, throwing it open before walking to the dining hall. Makoto and
Kyoko sweatdropped before sighing, following him with way less gusto.
XXX
“So…how did you like studying with Taka?”
Makoto wondered out loud, the three parting ways after dinner, with Taka going back to his room
and Makoto escorting Kyoko back to her room.
“He’s certainly…enthusiastic…but I did learn a lot while I was with you two. And I feel more
confident about my chances of passing tomorrow’s makeup test.”
“Then…” Makoto started to ask hopefully.
Kyoko allowed a small smile as she admitted “I’m not sure if can handle that kind of enthusiasm
on a regular basis…but I think I can at least trust him enough to come to for help with schoolwork
should I need it. Thank you, Makoto, for convincing me to trust Taka.”
Nodding, Makoto replied “You’re welcome, Kyoko.” As Kyoko turned around and twisted her
doorknob, Makoto cheered “You’ve got this, Kyoko! I believe in you!”
Frozen in place for a split second at his passion, Kyoko turned to face him with a small smile,
simply replying “Good night, Makoto” before closing the door behind her, leaving Makoto to walk
back to his room.
XXX
April 28, 2014
The test went off without a hitch; Kyoko walked off to her test immediately after having breakfast.
With Koichi administering it, Kyoko swiftly completed the exam, turning the paper in before
leaving to focus on Detective work for the rest of the day.
It was now Monday and the 78 th Class was now sitting at their desks for their literature class,
Kyoko secretly nervous about the results despite telling Makoto at breakfast that day that she felt
confident in her performance.
“Alright, class, settle down. It’s time to start our next chapter. Please activate the novel in your e-
Handbooks and turn to page…oh, Headmaster!”
All eyes turned to the entrance to see Headmaster Kirigiri walk up to Kyoko’s desk, where he
wordlessly handed her a sheet of paper with a proud, beaming smile on his face.
Her brow furrowed in confusion, she looked down at the paper in her hands, only for her eyes to
widen as she realized This is the makeup test I took! Let’s see…NINETY-ONE?!
She looked back up to see Jin nodding, his proud, beaming smile still plastered onto his face.
Barely managing to hold back her own proud emotions for having achieved her goal, she merely
gave him a nod before he walked back out of the classroom.
Seeing Makoto glance curiously at her, Kyoko flashed the paper in his direction long enough for
him to see the number at the top. Grinning, the Ultimate Lucky Student gave her a thumbs up,
which Kyoko returned with a small, momentary smile before settling back into her neutral
expression.
As the other students began gossiping about what the Headmaster wanted with Kyoko, Koichi
whistled, telling the class “Alright, settle down! I know the Headmaster coming can get a little
exciting, but he’s not here now, so it’s time to turn to page 103 of our book. Toko, could you
please read for us…”
As Toko began to read from the page in her e-Handbook, Kyoko glanced at Makoto and Taka
before focusing back on her test.
I couldn’t have done this without Taka…and he seems harmless…so maybe…I can call him a
friend, too. Makoto…thank you for helping me to trust Taka. I couldn’t have done this without the
both of you helping me.
Smiling, Kyoko turned to the page in her Handbook, following along as each student read from the
novel.
XXX
Present Day
“YAY! MOMMY PASSED!”
Chuckling, Makoto ruffled Kiki’s hair, confirming “That’s right Kiki! Mommy passed her test.”
“Taka must have been really smart, huh?”
Smiling wistfully at the memory of the Ultimate Moral Compass, Kyoko agreed “Yes, he was.
Looking back…other than your father, Taka’s dedication to schoolwork was exactly what I needed
to adapt back into the life of a high school student.”
“Just…don’t be as serious as he was, Kiki.” Makoto advised “Make sure you leave some time to
have fun, too, okay?”
“Okay, Daddy.”
Smiling, Makoto replied “Good, now it’s time for you to go to bed.”
Makoto and Kyoko proceeded to tuck Kiki in, taking turns kissing her nose before they soothed
Kiki yawned before nuzzling her pillow, falling asleep before her parents quietly exited her room to
go to sleep themselves.
Bonding Arc Chapter Two: A Day at the Dojo! Sakura Finds a Sparring
Partner!
Chapter Summary
Feeling insecure about her combat skills after the Akafuku case, Kyoko decides to
seek out Sakura's help to build her prowess back up. Will Sakura agree to let Kyoko be
her new training partner?
Chapter Notes
So here’s Chapter Two of Bonding Arc. This chapter is part of an ask submitted to my
Tumblr’s ask box by NotFanFicNet. Please read and review, and enjoy!
Present Day
“So, first you became friends with Taka after he helped you study. Who did you bond with next,
Mommy?”
“Well, it was later that week. Koichi had decided to change Wednesday’s class into a Physical
Education class. We were all outside when he had us…”
XXX
April 30, 2014
*Snap*
Hina’s camera clicked as she snapped the photo; since she had sprained her ankle on a jog with
Sakura the other day, she was excused from the track exercise that her other classmates had to
partake in, much to her dismay. So, she resigned herself to taking another class photo instead,
cheering her friends on in the process.
“Makoto, hurry up! You’re barely ahead of Hifumi! Come on, Leon; you’re a professional
baseball player; running track should be no problem! Great work, Sayaka; you’d be in the lead if
Sakura wasn’t in your group!”
Makoto panted, struggling to keep pace as he was barely ahead of Hifumi, despite having a much
leaner form.
Glancing back at the Ultimate Baseball Star, Sayaka teased with a sing-song voice “Better kick it
up a notch, Leon, or you’ll never catch up!” As Leon panted while trying and failing to increase
his speed, Sayaka glanced at Makoto, winking as she teased “Hurry up, Makoto! Class 78’s
resident hero should be able to handle this no problem!”
Makoto didn’t even have the energy to blush, obviously fatigued from running laps; the teenage
boy was barely able to admire the grace of Sayaka’s running, her legs pumping as her feet hit the
ground while her butt bounced with each stride. Sakura on the other hand was running a full lap
ahead of them, her eyes blazing with the red blaze of determination, her breath and muscles not
even showing a hint of fatigue.
Kyoko meanwhile, sat on the ground next to Hiro, her arms rested over her knees as she had a front
row seat to Makoto’s athletic performance, a slight frown of disappointment present on her face.
At last Koichi blew the whistle, all five participants skidding to a stop as he announced “Alright,
take ten everyone, then we’ll head up to the dojo!”
As Koichi walked away, Makoto walked sluggishly back over to Kyoko, Sayaka supporting him
with one hand on his back as she handed him a handkerchief. Smiling gratefully, Makoto took it,
blushing slightly as Sayaka smiled at him. Once they reached Kyoko, Makoto was able to stop
taking deep breaths, his lungs finally back to normal.
As Makoto opened his mouth, Kyoko shook her head and remarked “How is it that a boy who
carried me out of a burning building by himself suddenly struggles with running laps?”
…Wow, she really doesn’t hold back… Makoto chuckled nervously, scratching his cheek as he
answered “Guess the adrenaline rush just wasn’t there. Life-or-death circumstances not taken into
consideration, I’m really at the bottom rung of masculinity…”
“Nonsense, Makoto!” Sayaka refuted, her eyes hardened as she defended “At least you tried;
Ikusaba-san and Celeste didn’t even take part! Plus you ran ahead of Hifumi, so you’re not at the
bottom!”
“Th…thanks, Sayaka. Still, there are people in our class who are way better than me! I mean…
not everyone can run like that and make it look graceful…like you did…”
Makoto blushed while Kyoko rolled her eyes; Sayaka meanwhile cooed “Aww, that’s so sweet of
you, Makoto.”
Makoto smiled bashfully at Sayaka’s reply, while Kyoko looked at the exchange with concern for
Makoto. Before she could voice her thoughts, Hina approached the small group that had gathered
under the trees, hopping on one foot to keep the weight off her sprained ankle, a smile on her face
as sha carried her camera in one hand.
“Alright, gather ‘round everybody! Let’s check out this photo I took of us!”
The rest of the class gathered around her, Kyoko standing up and following Makoto and Sayaka as
Hina fiddled with the options, at last getting the picture up on the mini screen as the others leaned
in closer to get a good look.
Makoto frowned as he looked at how much the photo screamed “I’m in pain!”, deadpanning I
don’t think this picture is very flattering of me…at least Sayaka looks good…
While Makoto had the sense not to verbalize his thoughts, Leon had no such restraint, complaining
“Aw man; this one’s almost as bad as the photo from my days on my old baseball team! How am I
gonna woo the ladies if they see this?!”
Sayaka giggled at Leon’s whining while Hina refuted “Come on, it doesn’t look that bad. Wait…
aw, Enoshima-chan, your head is turned away! We can’t even see your face in this one!”
Raising her hand, Chihiro interjected “It’s my f…fault, Hina. We were in a conversation and we
didn’t see the camera in time.” Looking down in shame, she started to sniffle “I…I’m sorry…”
Frowning, Hina hopped over and clapped Chihiro on the back, encouraging “Aww, cheer up,
Fujisaki-chan. It’s just a photo, no big deal! No need to cry over spilt milk, I say!”
Nodding, Makoto thought as he felt cheered up as well Yeah, it’s just a photo. She’s right; no use
getting upset over it. Besides… Makoto glanced at Sayaka and Kyoko as he finished The
important thing is that I made this class memory with my closest friends!
As Chihiro started to smile, Koichi came back, announcing “Alright, kids; break’s over! Time to
hit the dojo.”
As Sakura lifted Hina onto her shoulder to carry her there, the others started walking back in a
group to the main building, Makoto flanked by Sayaka and Kyoko on either side.
XXX
“Agh! Oof!”
Makoto fell on his rear, nursing his rear as Kyoko approached him, towering over the Ultimate
Lucky Student.
Once Koichi had escorted the class to the dojo, he ordered them to change into their white karate
uniforms and split into rotating pairs to spar. Celeste and Mondo refused, leaving the other
fourteen students to split up.
“A prim and proper lady such as Celestia Ludenberg should not have to dirty her hands in physical
confrontations.”
“Yo, Teach! I gotta say no! There’s a chance I might get paired with a girl, and I can’t hit a girl!
I’d ruin my honor…my mum would kill me!”
Makoto had gotten the chance to spar with everyone else, being bested by everyone except Hifumi
and Chihiro. Makoto was able to outlast Hifumi due to the Fanfic Creator’s horrendous physical
health, while Chihiro started to cry at the thought of hitting another student, leaving Makoto to take
pity on him and offer a mutual surrender. From that point on, Chihiro explained the situation to
Koichi and was allowed to sit out.
And at last the final rotation ended, Makoto being swiftly taken down by the Ultimate Detective,
who stood over him and shook her head in disappointment.
“We’ve got to work on your physical capabilities, Makoto.”
Gingerly standing up, Makoto replied “I told you, Kyoko, I’m on the bottom rung of masculinity.
Plus, you’re kind of a master martial artist. It kind of makes sense that you’d beat me in record
time.”
Master…I’m not really a master…not anymore…
Kyoko flashed back to her duel with Jutaro, reminding herself that she could not exactly call herself
a master these days.
Amongst my peers, I can certainly hold my own…Kyoko reflected; the Detective was able to defeat
all of her sparring partners except for Sakura and Mukuro, who were able to fight her to a draw
until Koichi blew the rotation whistle.
But I can no longer say I’m prepared for a life-or-death duel after the Akafuku case. I need to
practice against a human opponent. Makoto… Glancing at the Ultimate Lucky Student and
remembering his pitiful performance, she realized …No, he’s not going to cut it this time. Owada-
kun won’t even spar with women, so he’s out. Taka’s a decent opponent, but only because he
studied the theory and was able to apply it. Against a more experienced opponent, he’s no match.
Kyoko reflected back to her spar with him; after some minor resistance, she was able to overwhelm
his offenses and take him down.
My best bets are Ikusaba-san and Ogami-san. Ikusaba-san…
Kyoko felt a chill of dread travel down her spine, barely suppressing a shiver as she recalled how
she followed her sister like a trained puppy.
No…I can’t explain it, but my intuition is telling me to stay away from Ikusaba-san and Enoshima-
san. That just leaves Ogami-san. There’s just one problem…
For all her time spent in Makoto’s company, she had yet to develop any friendships on her own
terms. All of her interactions with her other classmates since the Akafuku case were started by
Makoto, and even she could admit to feeling a little intimidated by the Ultimate Martial Artist’s
stature and similarly serious personality.
I suppose I could ask Hina’s help…she is Sakura’s best friend, and she and Sayaka did help me
during game night…no; I still don’t know her that well. I can’t go asking her for help…not yet at
least…
“Hey, Kyoko? Is everything…okay?”
Looking at Makoto’s suddenly concerned expression, she was about to speak when Koichi called
out “Alright, everybody; class is over. Get changed back into your uniforms and you’re
dismissed!”
As the others began to walk back to the locker rooms, Makoto and Kyoko stood alone in the dojo.
Kyoko gave him a small smile and came to a decision.
“I’m fine, Makoto. I am in need of your assistance once more however…”
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, you really weren’t good at sports in high school, huh Daddy?”
Chuckling, Makoto shook his head and confirmed “No Kiki, I wasn’t I was not the most…
physically adept when your mother and I met. But later on, she did help me to become stronger.”
Makoto looked at his wife appreciatively, making her smile back before she commented “Your
father may not have been as strong as me or Mondo or Sakura, but he always came through when it
mattered.”
As the two parents leaned close to nuzzle each other’s noses, Kiki asked impatiently “So did you
ask Sakura to train you? And did Daddy help?”
Nodding, Makoto continued “You see, after dinner that evening, we…”
XXX
April 30, 2014
*Ding, Dong*
Makoto and Kyoko waited for a few seconds before the door slowly swung open, a sweaty Sakura
standing in the entrance.
“Makoto…and Kirigiri-chan? Was there something you needed?”
Nodding, Makoto took the lead, answering “Kyoko wanted to ask you something. Could we come
in and talk? She kinda wanted it to be between us…”
Staring into Kyoko’s purple eyes with her own, Sakura seemed to be searching into her soul, as if
to ascertain her intentions. Kyoko resisted the urge to squirm under Sakura’s intimidating gaze
before the Ultimate Martial Artist nodded, turning around and gesturing for them to come inside.
Makoto followed her with Kyoko in tow, closing the door behind her as Sakura sat on her bed.
“So, Kirigiri-chan, what did you wish to ask me?”
Glancing to Makoto, who nodded in reassurance, Kyoko forced out “Are you still looking for a
sparring partner?”
Her eyebrows raised in surprise, Sakura nodded, answering “Yes. Hina’s been a good partner for
general exercise, but she draws the line at martial sparring. Are you volunteering?” Seeing Kyoko
nod, Sakura asked “And what has driven you to offer yourself as my sparring partner?”
Taking a deep breath, Kyoko asked “Ogami-san, how much do you know about the incident that
landed me in the infirmary earlier this month?”
“…Merely what Makoto told us. All he said was that you were investigating a case when the
culprit ambushed you, then were incapacitated when the burning house started to collapse on you.
From there, Makoto rescued you and brought you back to Hope’s Peak to recover. He didn’t give
us any details, just the general events.”
…So he didn’t tell them about my hands…At least I can trust him with a secret… Kyoko glanced
appreciatively at Makoto before elaborating “While Makoto was escaping, I fought with the culprit
in a duel to buy Makoto time and to subdue them. During my duel, I found myself initially
overwhelmed. I’ve trained for years in a variety of martial arts under my grandfather’s tutelage,
but this case taught me that I’ve become rusty from not having to had to use my combat training
against a human opponent in a long time. If my skills hadn’t degraded, then I could have subdued
them more quickly and perhaps prevented them from starting the fire in the first place.”
“Kyoko…” Are you…blaming yourself…for what happened?
Kyoko bowed respectfully and pleaded “I need your help, Ogami-san. Permit me to train with you,
so I can build up my skills again. Help me to get stronger, so I can protect myself in my line of
work.”
“Kyoko…”
Sakura closed her eyes, smiling as she accepted “If that is what you wish, then I would be happy to
help you become stronger. Besides…if our brief spar during class is any indicator, you would
certainly be a worthy training partner.”
Kyoko looked back up at Sakura; her expression hadn’t changed, but her eyes shone with
appreciation.
Becoming serious again, Sakura informed her “Meet me at the dojo at 9 A.M. on Saturday. We’ll
have our first session then every week. Is that amenable?”
Nodding, Kyoko answered “Thank you, Ogami-san.”
Nodding, Sakura asked “Was there anything else you needed?”
Seeing Makoto and Kyoko shake their heads, she answered “If that’s the case, I need to prepare for
my evening shower.” Getting up and opening the door for them, she bid them “Farewell, Makoto,
Kirigiri-chan.”
“Thank you” Makoto and Kyoko answered as the door closed behind them.
As they walked back to their own rooms, Makoto asked “So…that went well, I think.”
Nodding, Kyoko answered “Yes…she’s much more sociable than I thought she’d be.”
Smiling, Makoto agreed “Yeah, I know she looks intimidating; she’s even acknowledged as much
in private. But she really is a nice person when you get to know her.” Becoming serious, Makoto
changed the subject, asking “But Kyoko…you don’t need to hold yourself responsible for what
happened with Jutaro.”
Shaking her head, Kyoko refuted “I came ill-prepared for the encounter. Jutaro got the drop on me
because I got rusty and complacent…and I can’t condone that.”
“Kyoko…none of us would have expected him to light the building on fire. He caught us both off
guard, and besides, you did beat him.” Seeing Kyoko about to argue, Makoto interrupted “If you
really want to get stronger, I won’t stop you; I’ll support you as your friend. Just…don’t beat
yourself up too much about this, okay?” Smiling at her with his warm smile, Makoto declared “I
still think Kyoko Kirigiri is an amazing Detective the way she is!”
Kyoko barely restrained the blush that threatened to dust across her cheeks, caught off guard again
by one of Makoto’s compliments.
Turing around to face her door before her emotions could have an opportunity to betray her, she bid
him “Good night, Makoto.”
Nodding, Makoto replied “Yeah, good night” before the door closed in front of him, leaving the
Ultimate Lucky Student to walk back to his room to shower and sleep for the evening.
XXX
May 3, 2014
“Alright, is everyone ready?”
Hina’s voice rang out in the dojo as Sakura and Kyoko stood a few feet apart, both of them having
removed their shoes. Makoto sat against the leftmost wall, squished between Sayaka and Leon,
with their other classmates surrounding them.
After Sakura and Kyoko made their plans, Hina had by chance invited her to go shopping on the
same day. Sakura politely declined, telling her of he rplans to spar with Kyoko. Surprised and
getting hyper excited, possibly from the sugar rush caused by the plate of donuts she had eaten for
breakfast, Hina then told her other classmates, who for various reasons agreed to watch the
previously private match.
…I was hoping for my first training session to be a little more private…Kyoko deadpanned as she
tried to refocus her attention on her opponent.
Sakura smiled wryly as she spoke “I apologize for the crowd; I had no idea that this would get such
a huge turnout.”
Shrugging, Kyoko acquiesced “I suppose it couldn’t be helped, Ogami-san…”
“Sakura.” Kyoko’s eyebrows raised in confusion as Sakura explained “We’re about to step into the
proverbial ring as two combatants, fighting with all their heart and soul. In my profession, two
people cannot get closer than that, so formalities are of no use. So please, call me by my first
name. I shall of course extend the same courtesy to you, Kyoko.”
Reluctantly, Kyoko nodded, replying “…Very well, Sakura. So, how should we train…given
this…crowd?”
“…How about…a 5-point boundary match? First person to be knocked outside of the white line
behind them five times loses. With exception to lethal blows, any style is permitted. Does that
sound fair to you?”
Nodding, Kyoko replied “That sounds acceptable.”
Seeing both combatants nod and take their initial stances, Hina announced “Okay! Five point
boundary match it is! I will act as referee; on my mark! Three, two, one, FIGHT!”
As Sakura and Kyoko rushed back at each other, Makoto watched, still squeezed between his two
friends. As he was about to cheer Kyoko on, he felt something plop into his lap.
“Hey dude, can you hold the popcorn for us? I brought some for me and Sayaka to share!”
Finally giving Leon a soft smile, Sayaka thanked him “Why thank you, Leon. You’ve become
quite the gentleman.”
Grinning, Leon reached in with Sayaka to grab a fistful of popcorn from the container that had been
plopped onto Makoto’s lap. Makoto sighed before smiling softly at Leon’s antics, refocusing his
attention on the match as he held the container securely in his lap.
Ganbatte, Kyoko!
XXX
“You’re quite the miracle worker, aren’t you Makoto?”
The match had since ended, Sakura the natural winner, but not before Kyoko had scored a couple
of points in the process. Sakura and Kyoko had walked to a distant corner of the dojo to wipe the
sweat off their bodies while most of the others had left, leaving Makoto and Sayaka alone.
“I don’t really see how I’m a miracle worker, Sayaka…”
Shaking her head, the Ultimate Pop Sensation explained excitedly “You took Kirigiri-chan, who
was in our class’s top three biggest loners, and in the span of two weeks, befriended her and got her
to come out of her shell. And now she’s Sakura’s sparring partner? I just know you had a hand in
that!”
Chuckling nervously, Makoto downplayed “Well, I might have helped them to talk to each other,
but it was Kyoko’s idea…”
“Even if it was her idea, I doubt she would have even thought to ask without you! You’re really
amazing, Makoto!”
Sayaka smiled sweetly, causing Makoto to blush as he smiled bashfully back at her.
“Well, I have to go call my idol group. See you later, Makoto!”
Sayaka skipped off, Makoto waving off in the distance as she slipped out of view.
“Shall we go as well?”
Makoto turned to see Kyoko standing by his side, once again dressed in her boots, her body no
longer dripping with sweat.
“Sure, but where’s Sakura?”
“She wanted to do some final drills by herself before heading out.”
Nodding in acceptance, Makoto started walking, Kyoko matching his pace step for step.
“So…how did you like training with Sakura?”
“…It was…challenging. But I believe that keeping up these weekly practices will prove to be
fruitful. I can already feel some improvement since my duel with Jutaro.”
“That’s good. And…how do you feel about Sakura? Do you think she could be your friend as
well?”
Holding her chin in her grip in a thinking pose, Kyoko concluded “It’s a little too early to tell.
Before, I would have avoided any opportunities for friendship and kept things strictly professional.
I still don’t know if she and I have anything in common, besides. That being said…she seems to be
an honorable and approachable person…so I can’t rule out the possibility.”
Smiling, Makoto replied “Well, that’s still better than nothing. Just go at your own pace, Kyoko.”
Nodding, Kyoko reflected “Still, I doubt I’ll get as close to anyone as you and Sayaka are.”
Blushing Makoto replied “Oh, well…she’s just been really nice to me, that’s all. But you’ve been
nice in your own way too, Kyoko.” Seeing the doubtful look in her eyes, Makoto continued “I
know life hasn’t been…as easy for you as it has been for me…but just the fact that you’re trying to
trust our other classmates…it really shows that you can get close to people…if you let them.”
“And that’s the question, isn’t it? How much can I afford to lower my guard in front of others?
That’s…a question I don’t even know the answer to right now.”
“Well…like I said, just go at your own pace. You don’t have to rush friendships; just be open to
spending time with our classmates and I’m sure the close friendships will come in time.”
Nodding, Kyoko acquiesced “I suppose…I can consent to that.”

Smiling, Makoto changed the subject, offering “Well, why don’t you say we go get lunch at the
dining hall? I’m kind of hungry.”
Feeling her own stomach rumble, Kyoko nodded in agreement, and with that the two friends
continued to walk down the stairs to the dining hall.
XXX
Present Day
“So even with having bonded with Taka and Sakura, you still doubted whether you could get close
to people, Mommy?”
Nodding, Kyoko explained “Your father had done a lot to help me to lower my walls, Kiki. But it
would still take a while before I could leave myself completely vulnerable. And as your father
would learn, his perspective carried risks of its own. Ones he would learn about the hard way.”
“What does she mean, Daddy?”
Smiling ruefully, Makoto kissed his daughter’s forehead and promised “Tomorrow, Kiki. It’s past
your bedtime.”
“…Stupid cliffhangers…” Kiki pouted cutely before nestling into her pillow, letting her parents
tuck her in before kissing her good night.
XXX
“So how are you going to explain it to Kiki? The moment when…”
Smiling nostalgically, Makoto replied simply “The truth. I’ll tell her exactly what happened, and
we’ll tell her that it wasn’t easy, but at least I had you to help me through it. In any case, let’s get
to sleep. We can work out the specifics of tomorrow’s story in the morning.”
Smiling, she leaned to cradle her husband’s face in her palms, lightly pecking his lips as she cooed
“Good night, Makoto. I love you.”
Smiling, Makoto leaned in to return her kiss, whispering huskily “Good night, Kyoko. I love you
too.”
With that, the Naegis snuggled against each other, soothing each other into slumber.
Bonding Arc Chapter Three: Kyoko’s Warning! Makoto Rejected?
Chapter Summary
After a conversation with Sayaka, Makoto decides to ask her out, despite Kyoko's
warnings to him. Will Kyoko's words ring true? Or is she simply overreacting?
Present Day
“So, what was this hard lesson that Daddy had to learn?”
Looking into her daughter’s curious eyes, Kyoko began “Well, it started not long after my first
training session with Sakura. Makoto, do you want to continue?”
Nodding, Makoto continued “It was the following Monday. We had just gotten out of class and
Sayaka and I were walking to our dorms after having had lunch at the Dining Hall…”
XXX
May 5, 2014
“So, this was the first class in a week that Kirigiri-chan missed, huh?”
“Yeah…she said she had some urgent detective work, so skipping class was unavoidable.”
Kyoko had informed Makoto during their breakfast together that she had to cut class today due to a
recent development in one of her cases that she couldn’t ignore, added onto the fact that she still
needed Fuhito to believe that she was still prioritizing her career above all else, a reason that
Makoto grudgingly understood, even if he vehemently disagreed with it.
“I don’t mind spending more time in class, but I at least need to keep up appearances for my
grandfather. You don’t mind going over the notes with me when I get back, right?”
“Makoto?”
Reawakening from his memory to Sayaka’s concerned stare, he apologized “…Sorry, Sayaka; I
was just lost in thought. What was it you were just saying?”
“…I was asking if I could ask you a question.” Seeing Makoto nod, Sayaka continued with a shy
smile “Do you have a girlfriend?”
Jaw dropping, Makoto stammered “Wh…What!? That’s like, way outta nowhere!”
Giggling, Sayaka asked teasingly “Huh? Are you embarrassed? Does that mean you do?” Before
he could answer, she gave a teasing smile and asked “Is it Kirigiri-chan? You guys have gotten
really close over the past week and a half!”
Me and Kyoko? No, we’re just friends! Still stammering, Makoto denied “N…no, I don’t! A
girlfriend…? Not at all!”
“Then…do you at least have a crush on someone?”

…You…I think… Refusing to voice his thoughts, Makoto demanded “J…just wait a second!
What’s going on here? Why are you asking all these questions?”
Smiling sweetly, Sayaka replied innocently “I was just curious, so I thought I’d ask. Is that bad?”
“I…it’s not that it’s bad…”
Before Makoto could explain himself, Sayaka asked “But it’s only natural I’d be curious, right?
Because we’re classmates and friends, going through the same thing together.”
Nodding, Makoto calmed down, admitting “Yeah, I guess that makes sense…”
Starting to lean into his personal space, Sayaka smiled as Makoto stumbled backwards in surprise,
asking “…So? Aren’t you going to ask me?”
His head cocked to the side in confusion, Makoto asked dumbly “Huh? What?”
…Boy you can be dense sometimes, Makoto… Sayaka giggled and explained “No, not what.
Aren’t you going to ask if I have a boyfriend or not?”
Again with the romance questions? I mean, it’s not like I don’t want to know. Of course I want to
know… Instead of asking, Makoto guessed “You’re really popular, right? So I wouldn’t be
surprised if you did…”
Shaking her head, Sayaka answered “Nooope! I definitely don’t!” Suddenly becoming more meek
and quiet, Sayaka confessed “…The truth is, I’m too busy for things like that.”
“…Because of your idol career?” Seeing Sayaka nod, Makoto voiced “But that’s such a waste!
Your job shouldn’t dictate your love life! If you’re interested in someone, then you should just go
for it! If someone’s worth your attention, then they’ll support you no matter what!”
“Makoto…” Sayaka’s smile regained its full intensity, her meek demeanor melted away as her
sunny disposition returned. “Thank you! You’re right; if I ever decide to start a relationship, then
everything will work out…no, I’ll make it work out! Just like I made it to where I am in my pop
idol career!”
Her smile’s back; that’s good! Though…now that we’re talking about it, I am kinda curious…
“Th…then…do you have a…crush on someone?”
Giggling shyly, a faint tinge of pink dusted her cheeks as she half-answered “Hmhm. I wonder.
Let’s just say…there’s someone I’m interested in.”
Someone she’s interested in… Seeing Sayaka suddenly stare into his eyes, his own green orbs
widened in realization as he guessed with disbelief Wait…me?
Before he could ponder any further, a soft ding broke his attention, Makoto reaching into his
pocket to pull out his phone, his eyes widening as a single notification flashed across the screen.
“Study with Kyoko in 15 minutes.”
“Oh, crap! Sorry Sayaka, but I have to go; I promised Kyoko that I’d help her catch up on what
she missed in class today. We’re going to study in the library and I need to get a move on!”
He was about to run to his room when he heard Sayaka call out to him “Makoto?”
Turning to face her, Makoto saw Sayaka smile sweetly at him as she finished “…I’m…really glad
you’re here.”
Slowly nodding, Makoto smiled back, answering “I’m glad you’re here too, Sayaka” before
bursting into his room, his door slamming shut behind him.
Sayaka smiled before walking to her own door, twisting the key in the lock in preparation for a
soothing shower.
“Don’t go leading him on.”
Hearing the lecturing call, Sayaka turned around to see Kyoko leaning against the opposite wall,
her arms folded across her chest and a serious expression plastered onto her face.
“Kirigiri-chan? Aren’t you supposed to be in the library waiting for Makoto? And what do you
mean, leading him on?”
“I was just coming to grab my Handbook from my room when I overheard you and Makoto
talking. And don’t try to play dumb with me. Your flirtatious choice of words, intimate body
language, and your evasive half-answers could give Makoto mixed messages as to your intentions.”
Smirking, Sayaka taunted “…How ironic, Kirigiri-chan. It wasn’t that long ago that I was
reprimanding you about hurting his feelings. Now you’re warning me about hurting his feelings?
Why the sudden concern? Don’t tell me you’re…jealous, are you?”
Shaking her head, Kyoko answered calmly “Makoto and I are just friends, nothing more. I’m sure
you’re aware of the fact that I wouldn’t be alive right now were it not for his intervention. The
truth is that I owe him a debt, and I trust him. I’d prefer to see him protected from harm if I can
help it, which is why I’m warning you not to put him in a situation where he acts on a nonexistent
attraction.”
“…Is that everything?”
The two women glaring at each other for a few more seconds, Kyoko at last nodded before
confirming “Yes. As you pointed out, I’m on track to be late for my appointment with Makoto.
Good night, Maizono-san.”
Sticking her tongue out, Sayaka at last turned the key into the knob and walked in her room,
slamming the door shut in irritation. Kyoko sighed before approaching her own door, opening it
and momentarily running in to grab her Handbook before walking back out, locking the door
behind her before power-walking to the library, suppressing her emotions that had sprung to the
surface during her confrontation with Sayaka so as not to upset Makoto.
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, Mommy! You and Sayaka really didn’t get along, huh?”
“…It’s not that I disliked her, it’s just…” Kyoko took a deep breath as she looked Kiki in the eye,
explaining “Kiki, I didn’t have a crush on your father back then; that much is true. That being
said, I knew he was important to me. I hadn’t had a friend since Yui, and I wanted to keep him
from getting hurt. When I overheard Sayaka talk to him, I saw the signs of ambiguity, as well as
the potential for a broken heart. So I…got a little…intense and warned her about the consequences
for her actions.”
To her surprise, Kiki simply smiled and replied “You were just looking after Daddy, right?
There’s nothing wrong with that!”
Staring at her daughter in shock for a moment, Kyoko soon smiled and ruffled her hair, thanking
her “Thanks, Kiki. As for what happened next…I saw your father the next day at breakfast. We
were sitting at a secluded table in the corner where he told me that he had come to a decision…”
XXX
May 6, 2014
“I’m gonna ask Sayaka out!” Makoto whispered excitedly, causing Kyoko to freeze up halfway
through biting her apple.
Swallowing the fruit that was already down her throat, she looked at him seriously and deadpanned
“I take it you have some rationale for your intent to start a relationship with Maizono-san.”
Nodding, Makoto scratched his cheek nervously, slightly blushing as he explained “…Well…last
night, before we met up in the library, Sayaka and I had a conversation. And…I think she hinted…
that she might have feelings for me. Plus, we kind of went to middle school together, so we
already have a strong friendship. It wouldn’t be that much of a stretch for her to have a crush on
me, you know?”
So it was that conversation… Trying to choose her words carefully, Kyoko looked at Makoto as
she cautioned “Are you absolutely certain? Think carefully on your choice. I don’t mean to
criticize your judgment, Makoto, but there’s always the chance you could have misread the signals
she was giving you. I’ve seen a handful of murder cases where the culprit killed their victim out of
a misunderstanding…”
“Hold on!” Makoto interrupted “Sayaka would never…”
“I’m not saying she would. However, there’s still the chance for you to be hurt, and I’d rather not
see you come to class with tears in your eyes, or holed up in your room out of depression.”
Kyoko’s eyes softened, her voice lowering to a barely audible volume as she admitted “As my
friend, you’re…important to me, and I’d rather preserve that nearly boundless positivity of yours if
it can be helped.”
Kyoko…I’m…that important to you? Touched by her confession, Makoto bit his lip, choosing his
words carefully as he informed her “Kyoko, I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate your
concern…but I still need to do this tomorrow. If I hold back out of fear, then I’ll just end up living
in regret. So all I can do…is hope that everything will turn out okay, you know?”
I was afraid you’d say that… Kyoko felt a shiver of dread tingle down her spine as she thought I
just hope I’m wrong about this… “If you’re certain. Just be careful, okay?”
Nodding with a soft smile on his face, the two went back to their breakfast, Makoto munching on
his omelet while Kyoko went back to sipping her coffee.
XXX
May 7, 2014
“Hey…Sayaka?”
“What is it, Makoto? And why are you so nervous?”

The two of them were currently sitting on a grassy hill in the greenhouse, at Makoto’s suggestion.
Makoto was starting to sweat, anxious about his next question.
“Um…I was wondering…we’re close friends, aren’t we, Sayaka?”
Nodding, Sayaka giggled as she confirmed “Of course we are, silly! We did go to middle school
together after all!”
His smile losing some of its anxiety, Makoto gave her a bashful smile as he asked “So…since
we’re so close…I was wondering…” He took both of her hands in his own, surprising Sayaka as
he asked “Sayaka, would you like to go see a movie with me? And maybe…grab some dinner
afterwards?”
Sayaka’s eyes widened, realizing exactly what Makoto was asking. Her eyes drooped as she
reluctantly withdrew her hands from his grasp, fiddling with a strand of her blue hair as she bit her
lip, trying to figure out what to say next.
“Sayaka…”
“Makoto…you’re a really sweet boy, you really are! It’s just…I…like you…just not…like-like
you.”
Stammering while trying to figure out where he went wrong, Makoto asked “B…but…what was all
that about on Monday? When you were asking if I had a girlfriend or a crush on someone? And
when you looked me in the eyes and said there was someone you were interested in? That
wasn’t…to see if I was single and to hint at a crush on me?”
So she was right…I did lead him on… Kicking herself for giving Makoto the wrong signals,
Sayaka took a deep breath and confessed “The truth is…Leon’s been acting sweeter in the past
month than I expected…and we’ve found a mutual interest in music…so I was starting to wonder if
I should ask him out to see if we were compatible. And since you and I are really good friends…
you seemed like the only boy in our class I could come to for advice.”
So she wanted…my advice?
Makoto felt torn; of course being responsible for giving Sayaka the resolve to chase after her crush
was heartwarming, but he also felt disappointed that it wasn’t him she was interested in.
Looking down guiltily at her lap, she apologized “So yesterday, after class…I asked Leon out, and
he said yes…Makoto…I’m so sorry…I didn’t mean to…I swear I…”
“It’s cool, Sayaka, really…” Makoto forced out, though he couldn’t keep the lump from forming
in his throat, nor the sadness in his smile. Gingerly standing up, he excused himself “I have to go
do some homework. I’ll see you in class tomorrow, Sayaka.”
“MAKOTO!”
But Makoto didn’t even stop; without missing a beat, he continued walking out of the greenhouse,
leaving Sayaka alone, the chickens in the chicken coop her only companions now.
Sighing, she moaned “…What have I done?”
XXX
“I take it your attempt didn’t go as planned, am I wrong?”

Makoto had been crying in his room when he heard the doorbell ring. Gingerly getting up to see
who it was, he opened the door to see a pensive Kyoko on the other side. Seeing him look at her in
surprise, Kyoko let herself in, Makoto not really objecting as he closed the door behind her,
watching her walk over to the chair at his desk, turning it around to face him as she sat down in it,
Makoto walking back to his bed to sit down on the mattress, his fingers interwoven with each other
in his grasped hands as they sat in silence until Kyoko broke it with her question.
*Sniff* “…Was I…that obvious?”
“…You probably didn’t notice, but you ran by me in a hurry as you entered your room. Your
rushed pace was remarkably different from your usual, leisurely walk. It could have meant you
were in a hurry, but given what you told me yesterday, it seemed more likely that it was due to the
fact that you were suffering from heartbreak and wanted to deal with your emotions privately.”
Makoto sat in silence, then nodded and confirmed “You’re not wrong…Sayaka turned me
down…”
Sighing, Kyoko told him in a neutral tone “…I did try to warn you about the consequences of
choosing this path, Makoto. Love is volatile; while it can make people feel exceptionally happy, it
can also lead to some of the worst consequences imaginable. I tried to spare you from those
consequences…obviously in vain.”
“Y…yeah, you did try to warn me, and I ignored it. I feel like such a fool; I should have tried to
clarify with Sayaka what she meant before I got my hopes up.”
Seeing Makoto whimper in front of her, Kyoko sat in silence, her eyes softening as she tried to
deduce her next path forward. As good as she was with solving mysteries, her inexperience with
people made her feel ill-equipped to heal Makoto’s broken heart. At last she took a deep breath
and began to speak.
“Makoto…I’m no expert in romance, so I don’t know how helpful this will be. But…despite not
winning Sayaka’s heart…you still have her as a friend. Besides, I don’t believe she led you on
with malicious intent; she didn’t mean to deceive you, nor do I think she was comfortable with
having to turn you down. Am I wrong?”
*Sniff* “No…you’re not wrong. I just goofed, that’s all that happened. We’re still friends.”
“And take it from someone who spent years without any friends; being your friend is a blessing in
and of itself. And in case that doesn’t convince you, I’ve seen how content and cheery the class is
during the days I’ve attended. Even Fukawa-san and Ikusaba-san have become more tolerable
since they got to know you.”
Headmaster Kirigiri said the same thing last month! So rapped up in Kyoko’s words, Makoto
didn’t even notice her getting up from the chair until her leather-encased thumbs wiping the tears
from his eyes, the Ultimate Lucky Student finally looking up at her as he gasped “Kyoko…”
Looking at him seriously, Kyoko almost pleaded with him “Don’t wallow in your depression,
Makoto. Our class wouldn’t be the same without your boundless optimism; everyone would worry
about you and be saddened by your own sorrow…me included. If you need some space, then take
some time to yourself. Class is optional anyway; missing a couple of days won’t kill you, and I’m
sure anyone in our class would be happy to loan you their notes. And if you feel yourself getting
lost in your despair, then don’t hesitate to go see the school therapist. There’s no shame in seeking
help; you taught me that with the Akafuku case.”
During their initial tour, the 78th Class learned that Hope’s Peak also had a therapist to assist any
students who needed professional help. As a matter of fact, said therapist was a former alumnus of
Hope’s Peak Academy: Miaya Gekkogahara, the Ultimate Therapist. Makoto had encouraged
Kyoko to go take advantage of Miaya’s services in Kyoko’s final hours in the infirmary, only for
the Ultimate Detective to decline.
“My pyrophobia only extends to blazes large enough to encompass large areas. I can handle
small kitchen fires and household fireplaces just fine. In my case, Gekkogahara-sensei’s services
aren’t required.”
Shaking his head, Makoto declined “Thank you, Kyoko, but I’m not feeling that bad. Actually
Kyoko, I need to thank you. Your pep talk…it really made me feel better. Don’t worry, I’ll still
come to class tomorrow…and I won’t avoid Sayaka either. We’re still friends, and I’ll cherish that
forever. Thanks for cheering me up, Kyoko!”
Letting a small smile show, she released his face from her grasp, nodding as she said “I’m glad…
so, you’re going to be alright?”
Nodding, Makoto answered “Yeah…I’ll be alright.”
Nodding, Kyoko felt a rush of relief as she replied “I’m glad to hear that, Makoto. Well then, if
you’re really going to be okay, I’ll head over to the dining hall. Would you like to come with?”
Hesitating for a moment, Makoto’s stomach answered for him, rumbling as the boy blushed in
embarrassment, replying “Yeah…dinner sounds good.”
As they walked in the hallway, Makoto reached for her hand, gripping it in a gesture for her
comfort. Freezing for a second, Kyoko recovered, squeezing his hand back once during their walk,
releasing each other once they arrived at their secluded table.
XXX
“He seems to be doing better…”
Kyoko turned around, having just finished escorting Makoto back to his room when she heard the
feminine voice address her. Turning around, she saw an unusually sheepish Sayaka Maizono.
Once she had Kyoko’s attention, Sayaka looked at the floor guiltily, kicking her heel with her toe
in a very Makoto-esque fashion before guessing “I guess Makoto told you what happened, right
Kirigiri-chan?”
Nodding, Kyoko informed her “We talked, and he’s doing better now. I’d advise against going to
talk to him currently though. Give him some space; knowing Makoto, he’ll probably seek you out
first anyways…he’s not one to let a friendship die over a misunderstanding.”
Nodding, Sayaka replied “That’s good. At least he’s healing…thanks to you, Kirigiri-chan.
You’re a good friend to him…better than I was. In fact, you two would probably make a good
couple.”
Sighing, Kyoko stressed “As I’ve said before, Makoto and I are just friends, nothing more…”
“You say that, but can you say for sure that you can’t imagine yourself in a relationship with him?
Kirigiri-chan, I don’t think you grasp just how much you care about him. At even the slightest hint
of him getting hurt, you chewed me out, and when your prediction was proved right, you consoled
him, you healed him! Contrast that with me…”
Sayaka sighed, taking a deep breath as Kyoko’s eyebrow raised in curiosity.
“Makoto and I were good friends; we had a history. But even though we were close, I ended up
hurting him when he sought affection from me. Over the past few hours, I kept asking myself over
and over if I could ever prioritize his welfare over mine. And…I’m not sure I can. If I were
pushed against the wall, if I were ever forced into a position where I had to choose between myself
and him…I can’t say for sure if I’d choose him.”
“Maizono-san…”
“…You on the other hand…based on your actions today...I can’t see you ever stabbing him in the
back…like I might if push came to shove…” Sighing, Sayaka finished “Look, I don’t know if
what you two have is love, a crush, or just an unusually strong friendship…All I know for sure is
that you’re better for him than I am.”
Taking all of this in, Kyoko took a deep breath and repeated “Makoto and I are good friends.
That’s all there is to it.” Turning around to walk to her dorm room, Kyoko dismissed “Good night,
Maizono-san.”
“…Yeah…good night, Kirigiri-chan.”
Kyoko closed the door behind her, leaving Sayaka alone in the hallway as she breathed a sigh of
fatigue. Gathering her nightgown, she stepped into her bathroom, disrobing as she let the water
heat up. Once she was satisfied, she undid her braid and stepped inside the stall, letting the water
soak her hair and run down her back like a waterfall, reflecting on the day’s events as she applied
shampoo to her long, lavender locks.
Well…that was an unusually fatiguing day. At least Makoto came out relatively unscathed. And
Maizono-san…I can’t say we’re friends…but I feel like I understand her a little better than before.
She genuinely cared for Makoto’s well-being; her mistakes just forced her into a situation where
she had no choice. Looking at her scarred hand, she wondered “Could I have the same potential?
If I were forced into a corner, would I do as Maizono-san did, and put myself before him?”
XXX
Present Day
“I can’t believe Sayaka broke your heart like that, Daddy! How could she pick anyone other than
you?”
Smiling sadly, Makoto wrapped an arm around his daughter, telling her “Kiki…despite what you
may think, I’m not perfect. Nobody is, and especially when I was still a teenager, I wasn’t going to
appeal to everybody. Besides, things didn’t turn out too bad; Sayaka and I still stayed friends in
the end. Plus…if Sayaka and I had gotten together, then I wouldn’t have been able to marry your
mother, and you would never have been born.”
Taking over for Makoto, Kyoko cooed “And you are our greatest gift, Kiki. Nothing could ever
replace you in our lives, and we wouldn’t want to give you up for anything!”
“Mommy…Daddy…” Kiki cried tears of joy, her parents beaming as they hugged her together,
planting kiss after kiss all over her face until she giggled in a fit.
Once they let go, Makoto finished “Anyways, it’s time for bed, Kiki.”
Nodding, Kiki nestled into her pillow, her parents bringing up the blanket to her chin, tucking her
in as they cooed “Good night, Kiki. We love you.”
*Yawn* “…You too…”
Once they heard her snore, Makoto and Kyoko crept out of the room, closing the door behind
them.
“Well, that went well I think.”
Nodding at her husband, Kyoko smiled and sighed with relief, agreeing “Yes, better than I
expected. I was afraid at how Kiki would handle seeing her beloved Daddy’s heart broken, but
everything turned out okay.”
Smiling softly, Makoto urged “Let’s head to bed too, honey. After you?”
Rolling her eyes, Kyoko began walking to their bedroom with her husband in tow, eager to sleep
after an emotionally exhausting tale.
Bonding Arc Chapter Four: Leon’s Apology! Take Me to the Baseball Game!
Chapter Summary
Feeling guilty for being indirectly responsible for Makoto's heartbroken state, Leon
gives him two tickets to an exhibition baseball game where he and his former team
will be playing as an apology. Who will Makoto bring as his plus one?
Present Day
“So what happened next, Daddy? Did you and Sayaka make up?”
“Well, I did see her in class the next day, but things were still a little awkward between us. It
wasn’t until dinner on Friday that I found out why…”
XXX
May 9, 2014
“…It’s been two days and Sayaka still hasn’t shown up for breakfast, lunch, or dinner…I hope
everything’s okay…”
Kyoko sipped her coffee, a concerned frown on her face at seeing Makoto’s worry. Before she
could think of what to say, they found themselves distracted by a boisterous call.
“Yo! Makoto! Kirigiri-chan!”
They saw the Ultimate Baseball Star Leon Kuwata walking up to their table, waving with one hand
and an easy grin on his face.
As he approached them, Kyoko stopped drinking her coffee, gulping down what liquid was already
in her mouth before asking “Can we help you, Kuwata-kun?”
Before Leon could answer, Makoto asked “Hey, Leon…have you seen Sayaka at all?” They are
dating now, so if anyone would know, Leon would!
Waving off his concern, Leon assured him “Oh yeah; she’s just spending a couple of days with the
other members of her idol group. That’s…actually what I came to talk to you about.” Leon
suddenly became serious, surprising the other two Ultimates as he rubbed the back of his neck
nervously, appearing pensive as he began to explain.
“Sayaka…told me about what happened earlier this week. She hasn’t been here lately because she
wanted to give you some space, Makoto. She said she wanted to give you the time and distance to
heal without the pain of seeing her outside of class to distract you.”
Gaping in shock, Makoto suddenly adopted a guilty expression, waving his hands in front of him as
he exclaimed “Oh no! I didn’t want her to feel like she had to avoid me! We’re all still friends,
and I don’t hold what happened against her! I’m fine, really.”
“Yeah…I had a feeling that would be your response. I even told the chick as much, but she was
adamant. Truth is…I kinda feel bad about it too. I didn’t mean to steal Sayaka from you, Makoto.
So I…kinda want to make it up to you…so, here.”
Leon held out two paper tickets, gesturing for Makoto to accept them. Curious, Makoto gingerly
took them, inspecting them until he read aloud the description on the front.
“Admission for noon event at Hanshin Koshien Stadium.”
Nodding in confirmation, Leon explained “After you got me back into baseball, my old team called
and said they were doing an exhibition match this coming Sunday. They asked me if I wouldn’t
mind pitching, and after I accepted, they gave me two free tickets to invite a couple of friends. So,
I’d like you to have them, as a token of my apology for inadvertently causing this mess.”
“Y…you don’t have to apologize, really, Leon. I appreciate the tickets, but you don’t have to feel
guilty…”
“Please, dude, just take them. It’ll really clear my conscience, so just come, okay?”
Seeing that further arguing was pointless, Makoto reluctantly nodded, looking over in Kyoko’s
direction as he asked “Hey, Kyoko; you ever been to a baseball game?”
Shaking her head, Kyoko answered “Sports games were never something my grandfather indulged
me in, as they never had any relevance to Detective work.”
Nodding in understanding, Makoto asked “Well then, wanna be my plus-one and come with us on
Sunday? Baseball can be really fun to watch when you go in person.”
“…there’s no reason to decline, and I suppose a change of pace is necessary sometimes…” Kyoko
smiled and accepted “Alright, why not? Besides, I’m looking forward to, having fun again.”
Grinning, Leon exclaimed “Great! Well, I’m gonna go check in with Sayaka. See you both on
Sunday!”
With that, Leon waved goodbye and left the Dining Hall, leaving the two Ultimates with their new
tickets.
XXX
May 11, 2014
“Do people normally buy so much food and impractical merchandise when attending one of these
games?”
She watched as Makoto carried half a dozen hot dogs in his arms, a bright red foam finger with “LL
#1” printed on the front in bright white font attached to his right hand, and several bobbleheads of
various players, including one in the likeness of Leon, sticking out of various pockets of his
backpack. Kyoko on the other hand had a simple cup of cola in one hand and a single corn dog in
the other.
Chuckling sheepishly, Makoto replied “Well, everyone’s a little different. I just got so many hot
dogs because I love them so much, but my Mom hardly ever buys them because she says they’re
unhealthy.”
“Perhaps you should listen to her” Kyoko deadpanned, making Makoto chuckle.
“Yeah, I know…but everyone deserves to treat themselves once in a while, and I can’t think of a
better excuse to pig out than a free baseball game! And as for the merchandise, well I thought the
foam finger and bobblehead would look good in my room as decorations.”
“And the spares?”
“Well there’s one for you, and the others I’d send home to my parents and little sister as
souvenirs.”
“You…bought one for me, too?” Nobody’s ever gotten me a gift…ever…
Makoto looked at her incredulously as he answered “Of course I did; you agreed to come with me,
so it would be rude of me to not get you something while we’re here.”
Makoto smiled at her as though he had just said the sky was blue, or two plus two equaled four.
Kyoko meanwhile was still mentally frozen in shock, still processing this new way that Makoto
continued to surprise her. Eventually they found their seats; sitting down next to each other
between two other families in the packed stadium, Makoto placed the hot dogs in his lap before
reaching into his pocket and withdrawing a bobblehead, handing it to her.
Blinking once more in shock, Kyoko gratefully accepted the gift, replying “…Thank you. This
really means a lot to me.”
Smiling at Kyoko’s acceptance, Makoto stared ahead at the stadium, wiping the sweat from his
brow as the heat started to pass over the two Ultimates.
Even Kyoko was visibly affected by the temperature; taking a sip of her cola sooner than she had
expected, she guessed “I take it the weather is why you told me to dress lightly?”
Makoto was dressed in a short-sleeve brown T-shirt and blue shorts that stopped at just above his
knees, while Kyoko, after some brief clothes shopping after realizing that the only clothes she
packed were her Detective outfits, settled on a pink blouse and a purple skirt that was identical to
the one she sported as a Detective, but made of a thinner material. Instead of her high-heel purple
boots, she wore lavender sneakers with some short, white socks. Instead of his trademark
sneakers, Makoto wore black and red Velcro sandals.
“Yeah, it’s getting hotter, and baseball stadiums don’t exactly have robust air conditioning. So
dressing light for these kinds of things is greatly encouraged.”
Their conversation was interrupted by the announcer, whose whistle rang across the stadium
through the loudspeaker.
“Welcome one and all, to this special exhibition batch between the Tokyo Little League and the
Daiei Senators! Throwing the first pitch is a former member of the Little Leagues who has
graciously decided to come out of retirement, Hope’s Peak Academy’s very own Ultimate Baseball
Star, Leon Kuwata!”
Dressed in a red jersey and white pants and shoes, Makoto and Kyoko saw Leon on the monitors,
taking his place on the field along with the other players. They watched as the umpire gave his go-
ahead, the lead batter winding up his bat. Leon’s eyes burned with a fiery determination as he
wound up his pitch, a fastball launching from his right hand at a breakneck pace. Before Kyoko
could even realize what was going on, they heard the umpire yell to the other players.
“Strike Three! OUT!”

XXX
“Hey! Leon!”
After the game had ended, Makoto’s cell phone beeped with a text from Leon asking him and
Kyoko to meet him outside the stadium. After some minor searching, they saw Leon waving them
over. As they approached him, they saw him writing on a baseball before giving it to a teenager
with spiky, wavy white hair. Turning around, the mystery individual was revealed to have one
green-colored eye, while the other was apparently closed due to having gotten a black eye.
“Sorry again!” Leon called out as the teenager walked away without another word. Seeing
Makoto and Kyoko, Leon called out “Hey, guys! Glad you got my text!”
Approaching him, Makoto asked “So, what’s the story behind the guy you gave that baseball to?”
“Oh, him? He’s actually one of our upperclassmen. Name’s Nagito Komaeda; apparently he’s the
77th Class’s Ultimate Lucky Student. One of the foul balls from today’s game hit him right in the
eye, so I autographed it as an apology.”
…And I thought I was unlucky… Makoto deadpanned as he started to wonder which one of them
had the worse luck.
“So why did you ask us to meet you here, Kuwata-kun?”
Smiling as a group of teenagers dressed in similar jerseys walked up behind Leon, he revealed “I
wanna introduce you guys to my team. Boys, these are my friends from Hope’s Peak, Makoto
Naegi and Kyoko Kirigiri.”
Everyone bowing slightly in greeting, Makoto replied “It’s nice to meet you all.”
Kyoko nodded, only for their greeting to be interrupted as a loud, boisterous voice yelled out from
just inside the stadium “Hey! You guys started without me? Sorry I’m late; I had to take a shit!”
Makoto and Kyoko’s eyes widened as a black-haired man the size of Mondo walked up wearing a
blue and white track suit, rubbing his neck and wearing an embarrassed smile.
“Oh hey, come here, Coach!” As the muscular man approached them, Leon introduced “Guys,
this is my former baseball coach who manages my team in his spare time: Nekomaru Nidai. He’s
actually another one of our upperclassmen; the Ultimate Team Manager.”
Bowing, Makoto greeted “It’s nice to meet you, Nidai-senpai. I’m Makoto Naegi, Class 78’s
Ultimate Lucky Student, and this is Kyoko Kirigiri, the Ultimate Detective.”
Kyoko bowed slightly in greeting, while Leon suggested “Hey, the guys and I were just talking
about getting a group photo? You guys wanna join in?”
Looking at Kyoko, Makoto asked “What do you think, Kyoko? I don’t have any objections, but if
you don’t want to…”
Kyoko didn’t particularly look forward to having her picture taken, but she also couldn’t miss the
excited joy in Makoto’s eyes that reminded her of a little kid.
Unwilling to quash that joy, she shrugged and conceded “…As long as it’s just one, I suppose I
don’t mind.”
“Sweet! Alright everyone, gather round!”
Nekomaru started setting up a camera as Leon ordered “Alright Makoto, you and Kyoko get in
front. Be sure to stand arms’ length apart.”
As they obeyed, Leon then moved between them, wrapping his arms around their waists and
grinning a wide, toothy grin. Kyoko sighed, but otherwise didn’t object, if only to get this over
with.
“Alright, is everybody ready?” Seeing everyone nod, Nekomaru announced “Three, Two, One,
CHEESE!”
XXX
Standing back in the hallway of the dormitories, Makoto and Kyoko looked at their group photos,
autographed by Leon as additional souvenirs for his friends.
“So, how did you like it? Did you have a fun time?”
“…It was definitely a new experience. I can’t say that I’d go to sports games regularly…but I
suppose seeing one every once in a while isn’t too bad.”
Smiling, Makoto replied “I’m glad to hear that…it was really nice of Leon to introduce us to give
us these tickets and introduce us to his friends.”
“…Yes, I suppose it was. I can’t say that I’d be hanging out with him a lot; we simply don’t have
that much in common. But he seems approachable enough, and for all his flirting he knows to keep
his hands in respectable places, so I wouldn’t have any reason to decline spending time with him
every now and again.”
“That’s great, Kyoko. You’re doing really well bonding with everyone so far.”
…I am, aren’t I? Though…I doubt any of this would have happened if it wasn’t for you…
Before she could think to vocalize her thoughts, Makoto’s stomach growled, making Kyoko roll her
eyes in exasperation.
“How can you still be hungry after six hot dogs?”
Chuckling sheepishly, Makoto defended “Hey, it’s been a while since the baseball game. And
besides, it’s right around dinner time.”
Sighing once more, Kyoko turned around and offered “Come on; let’s drop our souvenirs off in our
rooms and head to the Dining Hall. Then you can fill your belly with something healthy.”
Gulping at her tone, Makoto obeyed “Yes, ma’am” before following Kyoko to drop off their
souvenirs.
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, was that your first date?”
Chuckling, Kyoko informed her “No, Kiki, that wasn’t our first date. We weren’t interested in
each other romantically yet, and remember your father was still reeling from getting rejected by
Sayaka.”
“Oh, pooey!” Her pout changing to a look of excitement, she remarked “But still, that sounds like
fun, Daddy! Can I go see a baseball game someday too? Please, please, please?”
Chuckling, Makoto ruffled Kiki’s hair as he said “Sure, pumpkin. We can make a take-your-
daughter-to-work-day next week and we can ask the boys and girls baseball teams to have an
exhibition match, just like the one your mother and I saw.”
“YAY!”
Giggling at her daughter’s excitement, Kyoko continued “Tonight though, it’s time for bed.”
Kiki snuggled into her pillow as her parents tucked her in, snoring as they crept out of the bedroom
to go snuggle in their own bed.
Bonding Arc Chapter Five: The Ultimate Murderous Fiend Appears! Makoto
Stands Up to Kyoko?
Chapter Summary
After an argument with Toko, Hina accidentally knocks over a pepper shaker, causing
Toko to sneeze and switch to Genocide Jack. Will Makoto survive his first encounter
with a serial killer?
Present Day
“Alright, Kiki, ready for more storytime?”
“Yeah! I can’t wait to hear more of how you bonded with Daddy and the others!”
“…Well…” Makoto began nervously “it wasn’t all rainbows and unicorns, Kiki. Believe it or not,
we did have our occasional arguments.”
“You guys argued? With each other?”
Seeing Kiki’s incredulous stare, Makoto answered “Yes, and you’re about to hear the story of our
first real argument."
Kyoko continued "You see…it happened the Saturday after we went to Leon’s baseball game. I
had just finished my training with Sakura and we had gathered in the Dining Hall for lunch.”
XXX
May 17, 2014
Wiping the sweat off her brow with a hand towel that Sakura had handed her, Kyoko smiled at
seeing Makoto wave her over. She made her way over to sit next to Makoto at the long table with
everyone else, while Sakura sat next to Hina.
“So, how’s your training with Sakura been going?”
“It’s exhausting, but I feel a remarkable improvement with each session. I can see how Sakura
obtained her title of Ultimate Martial Artist.”
Nodding, Sakura remarked “She becomes tougher to pin down with each spar we have. In truth, if
she decided to dedicate herself completely to the path of becoming the Strongest Human Alive, she
might even surpass me someday.”
Nodding at the praise, Kyoko replied “Thank you, but I have no interest in dedicating my life to
improving my physical strength; only enough to ensure that I don’t meet an untimely demise
anytime soon.”
Nodding, Sakura took the plate in front of her and started grabbing her lunch, Makoto, Kyoko, and
Hina following suit. Makoto started to reach for some rice from the bowl in the center, only for
another hand to touch his. Looking up, he saw Sayaka, who looked just as surprised as he did.
Withdrawing her hand, she said sheepishly “Oh, sorry, Makoto. You go ahead.”
Makoto smiled sweetly and took a spoonful of rice, only to dump it on her plate before scooping
his own.
“Makoto! You didn’t have to do that, really! I…”
“I did it because I wanted to be nice to my friend, Sayaka.” Smiling warmly at Sayaka who was
now staring at him incredulously, he assured her “I’m not upset anymore, Sayaka, and I was never
upset at you. So please…don’t keep kicking yourself about this. It’s all water under the bridge as
far as I’m concerned, so please stop feeling like you have to avoid me. Please, Sayaka?”
Her incredulous blue eyes started to soften at his words, her frown twitching into a smile as she
nodded and whispered “Okay, Makoto.”
Everyone except for Byakuya, Toko, Mukuro, and Junko smiled at the scene, touched by the
resolution of the messy love triangle that had temporarily divided their class.
The silence was eventually interrupted by Toko, who scoffed “Ugh…I h…hate romantic comedies
like this.”
Before Makoto or Sayaka could think to object, Hina scowled, slamming her hands on the table and
demanding “What’s your deal, Fukawa? You just ruined the mood!”
“O…of course you would defend them, you i…idiot swimmer girl…”
“IDIOT SWIMMER GIRL?”
Sakura glared as they watched Toko and Hina go back and forth, Kyoko pinching her nose as she
grew weary of their pointless feud.
Leaning into Kyoko’s ear, Makoto whispered “Yeah, Toko’s…not the easiest person to get along
with. Even I can only tolerate small conversations with her. She always seems to think that
everyone’s out to get her, so she becomes skeptical of anyone who genuinely tries to be her friend.”
Kyoko nodded in comprehension, thinking …Maybe it’s best if I avoid Fukawa-san, if only to
spare myself an unnecessary headache.
The two continued to watch as Toko continued to rile up Hina, making her blush red with
embarrassment as she scowled in anger.
“Fukawa, I’m warning you…don’t…OOPS!”
Time froze as Hina accidentally knocked over a nearby pepper shaker, sending a small cloud of
pepper in Toko’s direction.
Toko’s nose twitched as she covered her face with her hands, trying to withhold her sneeze as her
eyes widened in fear before narrowing them in a glare at Hina.
“You…i…idiot bi…bimbo! Look what you’ve done!”
“Sorry! I didn’t mean it, Fukawa-san, really!”
“Toko, are you okay? Do you want me to get you a tissue?”
Kyoko felt a sensation of dread tingle down her spine as Toko refused “No you nit…nitwit! Get…
out of here be…before…”
Eventually she couldn’t hold back any longer; Toko sneezed and hung her head, only to giggle
before progressing into a cackle, everyone else visible creeped out at her demeanor.
“T…Toko?” Makoto ventured, getting up as he asked “Are…are you okay, Toko?”
“Toko? Please, Toko’s such a loser name!“
When Toko lifted her head, everyone leapt from their seats and stepped back in fear. Her eyes
turned to a fiery crimson, and her tongue had elongated, slithering like a serpent. Her eyes settling
on Makoto, who gulped at this new Toko, she flipped forward onto the table, making Makoto
stumble backwards.
A creepy grin on her face, Toko asked “Hey, you’re kinda cute. Who are you, squirt?” Tapping
her chin as Makoto shook with fear, her eyes widened with realization as she exclaimed “Oh, that’s
right! You’re Mahkyutie!”
Mahkyutie…is she talking about…me?
Makoto’s look of fear merely intensified as Toko withdrew a pair of razor-sharp scissors from
under her leg, proclaiming “Congratulations, Mahkyutie! You’re officially cute enough to die at
the hands of the Ultimate Murderous Fiend, Genocide Jack! Or better yet, let’s go with Genocide
Jill!”
Genocide Jack! Toko…is GENOCIDE JACK?
…Of course, it makes perfect sense. Kyoko realized A split personality, a high school student…
Genocide Jack was lying right under our very noses!
She didn’t have any time to ponder further, as Jill prepared to lunge, screaming “DIE,
MAHKYUTIE!”
“MAKOTO!”
Makoto screamed in terror, closing his eyes as he prepared for the inevitable, thinking …Well, it
was a short life…
Only the end never came; in the blink of an eye, Kyoko had tackled Jill to the ground, wrestling the
scissors out of her hands before reaching into her jacket and withdrawing a pair of handcuffs,
restraining Jill to the leg of the table.
“Ah, pooey! My first failure!”
Everyone else breathed out a sigh of relief, though none as big as Makoto, who looked at Kyoko
gratefully, thinking Kyoko, I owe you my life!
Withdrawing her cell phone from her pocket, Kyoko threatened “I’m calling the police to collect
you; you’re going to spend the rest of your life in a cell, Genocide Jack!”
“Wait, NO!”
Everyone gaped, turning to see the unlikely source of the objection: Makoto Naegi himself.
Everyoone stared at him with disbelief, unwilling to believe that the boy was actually defending
the one who tried to off him.
Makoto Naegi…have you lost your mind? Seeing Makoto’s surprisingly determined eyes, she
sighed and acquiesced “Let’s go into the kitchen; we need to talk.” Turning to the rest of the class,
Kyoko asked “Sakura, could you make sure she doesn’t escape.”
Nodding, Sakura moved directly in front of Jill, warning her “Be warned, cretin, if you try to
escape…” Her eyes blazed with fury as she roared “THERE WILL BE NO FORGIVENESS FOR
YOU!”
Satisfied, she ordered “Makoto…Kitchen…Now.”
Gulping, Makoto nodded, following Kyoko into the kitchen. Once the door was closed, Kyoko
sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose as she turned around, staring at him with an exasperated
look on her face.
“What are you thinking? Did your ears completely shut off when Genocide Jack revealed herself?
Do you even know who Genocide Jack is?”
How could I not? It’s all over the internet! Looking at his feet, Makoto summarized “A
monstrous villain who’s murdered scores of victims in a brutally bizarre fashion…The word
bloodlust was left at each murder scene, written in the victim’s own blood. They strike without
warning, and disappear without a trace. Yeah, I know who Genocide Jack is.”
Nodding, Kyoko asked “Then answer me this. What possible rationale could you have for wanting
to defend that monster?”
Taking a deep breath, Makoto conceded “I know…that Genocide Jack has done a lot of terrible
things…many, many worse deeds than Shutaro Fukuka ever did. Believe me, Jack deserves to be
locked away where she can’t hurt anyone ever again. But…Kyoko…” Makoto looked up at her, a
steely determination in his normally warm eyes and an angry scowl on his face as he protested.
“But Toko didn’t do those things! I know Toko, and she wouldn’t go and kill somebody. We
can’t hold her responsible for what Genocide Jack did! It’s not right, and you know it!”
Kyoko sighed, averting her eyes; the pure hearted passion that he displayed against Shutaro that
caused her to admire him was now becoming a thorn in her side…a thorn that she didn’t know how
to prune.
“…Then what do you propose we do? The fact remains that Genocide Jack is still in this school,
unrestrained might I add. As long as Toko is free, then so is Genocide Jack. I don’t like it either,
but one can’t be restrained without the other.”
“There’s gotta be a way to keep Jack dormant, though; a way to stop them from killing again! All
we have to do is find it. Please, Kyoko, just give me some time to figure something out! Maybe
we can convince Jack to give up killing!”
…You intend to reason with a serial killer? One that just tried to off you? Makoto Naegi, that is
the craziest plan I’ve ever heard. …then again…a lot has happened that I would have deemed
impossible. So it just might be crazy enough to work.
Seeing Makoto’s pleading, puppy dog eyes, she caved and gave him what he wanted.
“…Official policy requires me to report any leads within twenty-four hours. If you can figure out a
way to restrain Genocide Jack without harming Fukawa-san by noon tomorrow…I’ll pretend this
incident never happened.”
Beaming, Makoto bowed and almost cried “Thank you, Kyoko! I promise, I’ll figure out
something. I just need to…”
“WHAT THE HELL?!”
Gasping, Makoto and Kyoko dashed out of the kitchen, only for Makoto’s mouth to gape open in
shock while Kyoko’s eyes widened at the sight before them. Jill was using her uncuffed arm to
hug against Byakuya’s leg, nuzzling her face against his pants as her eyes closed in an attempt to
appear cute.
Byakuya tried to pry his leg free of Jill's grasp in vain as he yelled “Get the hell off of me, you
wench!”
“No way, Master! You’re totally cute! In fact, you’re too cute to kill! Plus, Miss Debbie Downer
likes you, so there’s no way I can kill you! I’ll do anything so long as I can keep being near you,
Byakuya!”
A light bulb went off in Makoto’s head as he walked up, to the surprise of Kyoko as he reasoned
“Hey, uh Jill? I’ve got a deal for you; if you promise to never kill anyone ever again, then we
won’t turn you in and you can hang out with Togami-kun all you want.”
Blanching, Byakuya shook his head and protested “No way! I re…”
“You’ve got a deal, Big Mac!”
…Well that was easy…Kyoko deadpanned as she looked at Makoto, who was now looking at her
expectantly. Sighing, she reasoned Well, a deal’s a deal… before walking up and taking a key
from her jacket, unlocking Jill’s cuffs.
Rubbing her wrists with her hands, Jill exclaimed “Thanks a lot, Nancy Drew! Now…come here,
cutie!”
Stepping backwards in fear, Byakuya eventually hightailed it out of there, yelling “You’ll pay for
this, Naegi!”
“Ohh, Master! You don’t have to play hard to get!”
Everyone watched as the former serial killer chased after the unlucky object of her affections,
sweatdropping as they collectively asked themselves What just happened?
XXX
Kyoko sat in her nightgown, fiddling with a strand of her hair as she reflected on the day’s
events…and on her first actual confrontation with Makoto.
I knew he possessed such courage…he wouldn’t have been able to expose Shutaro otherwise.
But…I somehow didn’t anticipate that I’d have to confront it…or that I’d cave to it. Makoto
Naegi…
Her thoughts were interrupted by the ring of her doorbell. Curious, she got up and cautiously
opened the door, her eyebrows raised in surprise as Toko stood meekly in front of her, a neutral
frown on her face.
She must have switched with Genocide Jack…Kyoko deduced as an awkward silence passed
between the two.
“Look…I…I know you pro…probably don’t want to se…see me right now. But I…I need to ask…
ask you something.”
Taking a second to mull over Toko’s request, Kyoko sighed, opening the door fully as she turned
around and walked to her bed, ordering “Enter” before sitting down on it, the Ultimate Writing
Prodigy obeying the command when she quietly walked inside, stopping a few feet away from
Kyoko.
“…Well, out with it. You said you had something to ask me?”
“D…don’t r…rush me! Th…this is hard enough as it is!”
Nodding, Kyoko replied “My apologies. Continue.”
Taking a deep breath, Toko asked “Why? Wh…why didn’t you tu…turn me in? You’re a de…
detective, right? So why didn’t you tu…turn me in? You know…for all the bo…boys that Ge…
Genocide Ja…Jack has killed?”
…Because Makoto begged me not to. Even Kyoko felt that line of reasoning was too cruel to tell
Toko, regardless of how true it was. Instead, she decided to go with Makoto’s line of logic,
informing her “You’re not Genocide Jack, and Genocide Jack isn’t you. To have you arrested for
her crimes…would be a miscarriage of justice. Besides, you were there when we neutralized the
further danger from Genocide Jack.”
“…Actually…we don’t sh…share memories. Only basic information and fe…feelings.”
…That’s new. I wonder what else we don’t know about Genocide Jack… “Ah. In that case, I’ll
fill you in. After your initial switch, Makoto made a deal with your Alter Ego. He promised that
she could spend time with Togami-kun any time she wanted if she promised to never kill anyone
ever again.”
Staring at the Ultimate Detective in shock, Toko processed “So…I can be with Master…and never
kill anyone ever again?” A stream of drool streamed from her lips, the Ultimate Writing Prodigy
struck with a lovesick expression as she embraced herself, moaning “This is…a dream…a dream
come true! You…you’ve made me…so …happy! How…how can I ever re…repay you?”
Kyoko was about to decline her offer, until she realized Wait…this could be the perfect opportunity
to learn more about her…besides, I can’t imagine another opportunity coming by where we would
actually talk to each other. Nodding, Kyoko accepted “Very well. In that case, I’d like to learn
more about your other half. Tell me everything you know about Genocide Jack.”
XXX
Kyoko closed the door behind Toko, sighing in relief before walking back to her bed collapsing
onto the mattress as she stared at the ceiling.
*Phew* “That was exhausting. I had no idea that Toko’s childhood was so traumatic…or that it
would have so many parallels to mine.”
To accommodate Kyoko’s request to know everything there was to know about Genocide Jack, it
had become necessary to learn about Toko’s childhood, including her parental issues, distrust of
others, and betrayal by loved ones, all of which Kyoko identified with.
“Getting to know Toko…it was like looking at my reflection in a funhouse mirror.”

“She always seems to think that everyone’s out to get her, so she becomes skeptical of anyone who
genuinely tries to be her friend.”
“Heh, yeah, we’re not so different after all…” Kyoko mused, reflecting on Makoto’s earlier
description of Toko. “I don’t know if I can necessarily call Toko a friend yet…but we’re similar
enough that it’s possible. Maybe…I should take a page from Makoto’s book…maybe I should
try…bonding with Toko…”
XXX
Present Day
“And that’s how your Aunt Toko and I became friends, Kiki.”
“Wow, Mommy. I can’t believe that she wasn’t in love with Uncle Hiro back then…or that Aunt
Jill tried to hurt Daddy.”
Smiling at his daughter, Makoto explained “A lot’s changed since we first went to school together,
Kiki. Remember, I used to have a crush on Sayaka, and your mother used to be adamant about not
forming friendships with anyone. But now look at where we are.”
Smiling, Kyoko mused “Indeed. Your father and I are married, we had you, and soon Aunt Toko
and Uncle Hiro will be giving you a cousin.”
After Kiki’s fifth birthday, Toko and Hiro told the Naegis that they would be expecting their first
baby around Christmas. Kiki cheered at getting a new playmate while Kyoko smiled softly and
Makoto boisterously congratulated them, hugging them both and promising to hire two new
substitute teachers so that he could give them full parental leave.
A thought crossed Kiki’s mind; she looked at her father and asked “But Daddy, why wasn’t Aunt
Toko in love with Uncle Hiro?”
“…Well, pumpkin, believe it or not none of us were especially fond of Uncle Hiro when we were
in high school. You’ll hear one reason why later in the story.”
“Really? What happened, Daddy?”
Chuckling, Makoto assured her “Tomorrow, Kiki.”
Pouting, Kiki grumbled “Stupid cliffhangers…” before obediently nestling into her pillow, her
parents tucking her in and kissing her good night before the young girl fell into slumber.
Bonding Arc Chapter Six: Hiro the Blackened? Kirisaba to the Rescue!
Chapter Summary
Makoto goes missing after making plans to talk with Hiro. When the Ultimate
Clairvoyant returns to campus without him, Kyoko decides to investigate. What
happened to our favorite Ultimate Lucky Student?
Present Day
“So why was Uncle Hiro disliked in school?”
“Well Kiki, there were a lot of reasons; he never seemed to take anything seriously, he told bogus
fortunes, and he was something of a cheapskate in his youth. All of these things made him off-
putting. But what really made him universally disliked back then was what he almost did to your
father.”
“What did he do to Daddy, Mommy? Was it bad?”
Nodding, Kyoko continued “You see, it all started on the Tuesday after the incident with your
Aunt Jill. We had just finished lunch when your father told me…”
XXX
May 20, 2014
“You’re meeting up with Hagakure-kun?”
Nodding, Makoto replied “Yeah, he said that there was something important he wanted to ask me,
but that it had to stay private, so I agreed to meet him after lunch.”
Sure enough, the Ultimate Clairvoyant was absent from the Dining Hall, evidenced by the empty
seat at the long table in the center of the room. Makoto wiped his mouth with a napkin and stood
up, gathering his dishes and walked to the kitchen to deposit them in the sink before walking back
to the small table he and Kyoko shared.
“Well, I’m gonna try to get there early. I’ll see you later, Kyoko.”
Nodding in acceptance, Kyoko watched as Makoto left the room, a chill of dread almost making
her shiver as he disappeared from sight.
…I don’t know why…but I’ve got a bad feeling about this…
XXX
Over an hour had passed, and Makoto had yet to return. Growing worried, Kyoko felt that tingle of
dread creep up her spine as she walked over to Makoto’s dorm. She rapped on his door with her
fist, but after a few seconds, no answer. Biting her lip, she rang his doorbell, only for there to be no
answer.
“Makoto? Makoto?”
Even after calling his name, the Ultimate Lucky Student didn’t even give a hint that he was there.
What’s going on? Surely talking with Hagakure-kun shouldn’t take this long…where could he be?
It was then that out of the corner of her eye, she saw Hiro pacing down the hall, an anxious and
pensive expression on his usually carefree face.
Frowning, she thought That’s weird…what’s wrong with him? And why isn’t Makoto with him?
Suddenly becoming suspicious, she decided to investigate; strolling over, she called out to him
“Hagakure-kun.”
Spinning around in a panic, Hagakure gave an uneasy smile, chuckling as he replied “Oh, Kirigiri-
chi. Is there uh…something I can help you with?”
Taking note of his unusually nervous demeanor, Kyoko asked “Do you know where Makoto is?”
Freezing for a split second, Hiro laughed “Oh, Makoto? I uh…I haven’t seen him…for serious.”
Her eyes narrowing, Kyoko reminded him “But he said he was going to meet with you after lunch.”
“Oh…uh…right…” Hiro’s eyes darted back and forth like a cornered animal as he denied “Well,
yeah…we met up…but I haven’t seen him since…I don’t know where he is…for serious.”
…He’s lying…
As a Detective, Kyoko was well-versed in spotting liars, and Hiro gave all the obvious tells of a
fib.
“Yasuhiro Hagakure…” she growled “Don’t lie to me. I know that you know where Makoto is.
So, where is he?”
One crack. Then another. One by one, they started to form in his resolve, until Hiro fell to his
knees, crying and hugging her legs as he begged “Please! You’ve gotta save the little guy! I’ll do
anything!”
…So he is in danger. Dammit, I should have stopped him from going! Pushing her guilty emotions
to the side for now, she pressed “Calm yourself, Hagakure-kun. Now, what do you mean? Is
Makoto in danger?”
Letting go of her legs and standing up, Hiro babbled “I’m in huge debt to the Yakuza, and to save
my own life I made a deal with them that I’d get them an organ they can sell on the black market.
But I love my organs! I don’t wanna give ‘em to someone else! So I…”
“…You tricked Makoto into meeting up with the Yakuza in your place…” Kyoko deadpanned,
seeing Hiro nod meekly as she reflected on the amount of blind trust one would have to have in
order to fall for such a scheme. …Yep, Makoto is the only one in our class who’s trusting enough
to fall for it.
Kyoko felt a strange mixture of shock, anger, and pity swirling in her, but lost the opportunity to
express it when Hiro’s cried “Please! You’ve gotta go bail him out! He’s the only friend I’ve got
in this place! For serious! I don’t want the little guy’s blood on my hands!”
Swallowing her emotions, she reasoned I can deal with Hagakure later. Makoto’s in danger; he
needs help now. Taking a deep breath, she urged “Hagakure, where is Makoto?”
“There’s a warehouse behind the 7-11 near campus. That’s where I told Makoto to go, so he’s
probably there.”
Nodding, she told him “We’ll continue this discussion later.”
Ignoring his “THANK YOU!”, she walked away to plan her next course of action.
I have no idea how many Yakuza are in that warehouse, or how well-armed they might be. Martial
arts may not cut it this time; I’ll need someone with actual weapons expertise. Let’s see…maybe
Leon, he’s good with a bat…no, playing baseball is different from using one in a fight. Maybe
Mondo…but if any of the Yakuza are girls, then we’d have a problem.
It was then that Kyoko looked up at where she had stopped; staring her in the face was the only
door with two nameplates. The one on top read “Enoshima”, while the one below it read
“Ikusaba”.
Of course, Ikusaba-san is the Ultimate Soldier, so… Kyoko felt the tingle of dread down her spine
again as she remembered the bad feeling she had about the twins, only for her to shake the thought
away as she resolved That’s not important now; Makoto needs help immediately, and she’s our
best option. I’ll have to deal with the consequences later. Besides…
Kyoko flashed back to their first day of class, where she defended Makoto in the face of Taka’s
accusations of tardiness.
There’s no question that she values Makoto’s friendship, so there’s no way she’d say no to saving
him.
Her path chosen, she rang the doorbell and waited for a few seconds only for Junko to slam the
door open, her eyebrows raised in surprise before the Ultimate Fashionista grinned.
“Oh, hey, Kiri!” She greeted in a boisterous, sing-song voice. “What are you doing here? Did
you need any fashion tips or something? Wearing the same outfit day in and day out must get
awful boring!”
Rolling her eyes, Kyoko greeted “Hello, Enoshima-san. Is your sister available?”
“…Well, that’s disappointing. You’re telling me that you wanna spend your day with useless ol’
Muku? Well, to each their own.” Leaving Kyoko’s line of sight, Junko called “Hey Mukuu! I
don’t know why, but Kirigiri-san’s here looking for you!”
It wasn’t long before Kyoko found herself face-to-face with Mukuro Ikusaba, a surprised look on
her face.
“…Hello, Kirigiri-san. Was there something you needed?”
Nodding, Kyoko replied “I’m in need of your assistance, Ikusaba-san. Makoto’s in danger…”
That was all she could get out before Mukuro walked away and out of sight. Taking her leave as a
refusal, Kyoko sighed and turned around.
…Well, that didn’t go according to plan at all. I guess Sakura’s going to be my best bet…
Before her thought could finish, she felt a tap on her shoulder. Turning around, her eyes widened
as she took in the sight of Mukuro; the Ultimate Soldier had a serrated dagger sheathed at her
waist, twin katanas strapped to her back in an X-shape, and cradled in her hands was an assault
rifle. Not to mention the multitude of extra bullet magazines attached to her belt.
A steeled expression on her face, Mukuro asked with pure determination in her voice “Where is
he?”
XXX
…How can one person be allowed to have so many weapons of destruction in their bedroom? It
might be wise to have a word with the Headmaster about the school’s weapons policy…after we
get Makoto out of there…
Mukuro’s access to firearms left Kyoko extremely unnerved, and only furthered her need for
caution around the Ultimate Soldier, but for the moment she was grateful that such an advantage
was currently on her side.
Finally approaching the warehouse, Kyoko looked around, her eyes settling on an open window.
Placing her finger to her lips and gesturing towards the opening, she watched Mukuro nod and
follow her, climbing in silently and creeping behind some crates, out of view of the Yakuza.
Kyoko looked out from their hiding place to see a group of Yakuza in black suits, some armed with
simple pistols while others were unarmed.
Her gaze settled on Makoto, who was currently tied to a wooden chair with rope, struggling to get
out as one of the unarmed Yakuza approached him with a scalpel, warning him “Stop your
struggling, kid. Hagakure said we could have your organs to give to the boss, so we’re just gonna
take a kidney and we’ll stitch you up so you can go on your merry way.”
“But…but I didn’t even consent! Please, don’t take my organs!”
“Sorry, kid. Doesn’t matter whether you consented or not. This is the arrangement Hagakure
made so he could pay off the debt he owes to Fuyuhiko.”
Fuyuhiko? The Ultimate Yakuza, Fuyuhiko Kuzuryuu?
As a Detective, Kyoko was all too familiar with the name Kuzuryuu. Several murders she had to
investigate had the Kuzuryuu handiwork all over them. To her great annoyance, the chief had
dropped every case that involved the Kuzuryuu clan, citing the extreme risk to their officers that
came with crossing the infamous crime syndicate. Add in the fact that one of them was her
upperclassman, and the clan was all but untouchable.
Shaking the irritation from her mind, she turned back to Mukuro and whispered “There are a dozen
in total. The six on the left are armed with pistols, the five on the right aren’t armed, and the one
closest to Makoto has a scalpel. Do you have anything in your utility belt that can obscure us so
that we can disarm them and knock them out?”
Lifting a forest-green grenade from her person, Mukuro suggested “This smoke grenade should do
the trick.”
Nodding, Kyoko strategized “Okay. You throw it in the center, then disarm and incapacitate the
five with pistols. I’ll take down the six unarmed guards, then we’ll meet in the center and take the
one threatening Makoto together.”
Nodding, Mukuro readied her grenade as Kyoko counted from three to zero with her fingers. Once
her gloved fist was closed, Mukuro pulled the pin, throwing it in the middle as a cloud of smoke
burst from the opening, covering the warehouse in its cloak.
“Come on, kid. Don’t be like that” the lead Yakuza said in response to Makoto’s whimpering.
“Just a few little incisions, then it’ll be all over…”
“Hey, what’s that?”
“It’s a smoke grenade!”
“WE’RE UNDER ATTACK!”
*cough, cough*
“Ow, what the?”
“Agh!”
Wh…what the… Makoto wondered, opening his eyes as the smoke cleared to reveal all of the
Yakuza unconscious, the one who was about to stab into Makoto now face-down on the ground,
his head currently under the heels of Kyoko and Mukuro. Gaping in shock, Makoto gasped
“Kyoko? Mukuro?”
Kyoko nodded while Mukuro wordlessly unsheathed her dagger, walking behind Makoto and
severing his binds with a single slash, making the Ultimate Lucky Student breathe a sigh of relief
as he rubbed his wrists.
“Holy crap! You guys totally saved my life! But…how did you two know…where to find me?”
Kyoko explained “Hagakure-kun confessed to tricking you into coming here. I told Ikusaba-san
and we tracked down this hideout.”
“I see…Hiro begged me for my organs on Monday, but I didn’t think he’d take things so far after I
told him no!”
As much as she wanted to scold him for being so trusting, she let it slide for now, recognizing that
they weren’t out of the woods yet and sighed “We’ll discuss this back on campus. Come on. Take
my hand and don’t let go.” Seeing Makoto obey, she gripped his hand like a lifeline as she ordered
“Ikusaba-san, make sure to stay in front of us and keep your assault rifle at the ready, in case any
reinforcements arrive.”
No sooner had she said that when an angry yell rang “WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED IN
HERE?!”
Makoto hid behind Kyoko while Mukuro cocked her rifle at the source of the voice; a short, baby-
faced boy in a tailor-made black pinstripe suit, covered with short, blond hair and golden eyes
narrowed at the two intruders.
Fuyuhiko Kuzuryuu…Kyoko and Mukuro realized as they stared down the Kuzuryuu heir and his
trio of armed guards.
“I asked you a fucking question. What the fuck are you two doing at my hideout? And with all my
men unconscious, no less?”
Before Mukuro could get trigger-happy, Kyoko spoke up, replying “Your men were about to slice
into my classmate and confiscate his organs to sell on the black market to satisfy Yasuhiro
Hagakure’s debts.”
“…Wait, what?”
Her eyebrows raised in surprise, Kyoko asked “You mean you didn’t know about this?”
Shaking his head, Fuyuhiko denied “Look lady, all I know was that we got a call from Yasuhiro
this morning saying he had found a way to repay his debts I passed off the call to one of my
subordinates who handles debt collection and he told him the details. I came by to collect the
money, but apparently I need to check in with my goons about the details of their operations.”
“…You mean…you wouldn’t have approved of this?”
A disgusted look on his face, Fuyuhiko ranted “Are you kidding me? Look, it’s Kirigiri, right?
The Ultimate Detective? I wouldn’t expect you to understand my family’s business, but being a
Yakuza doesn’t mean taking whatever we want and killing whoever gets in our way. There’s an
honor to being a Yakuza. We have our own rules and laws that we obey, and if those rules get
broken, then there’s a price to pay!”
An honor to being a Yakuza… The thought was baffling to Kyoko, but nonetheless she nodded her
head and asked “So, since you wouldn’t approve of forcefully taking Makoto’s organs to satisfy
Hagakure’s debt, is he free to go?”
Nodding, Fuyuhiko confirmed “He’s never done anything to cross us; if anything this is an
embarrassment for the Kuzuryuu clan. And even if I did approve of this, it wouldn’t be wise to kill
a student of Hope’s Peak, and I’d rather not cross the Ultimate Detective and the Ultimate Soldier.
The three of you can go, and as an apology I’ll even suspend all debt collection against Hagakure
until he graduates.”
Kyoko nodded, turning to Mukuro who sighed and lowered her rifle, strapping it to her back on top
of her katanas.
“And don’t worry, I’ll give my men a good dressing down once they wake up. Just get the fuck
out of here, and don’t let me catch you interfering with our operations again!”
With that, Mukuro started to walk forward, eyeing the Yakuza with suspicion until they left the
warehouse, Kyoko close behind her dragging a shivering Makoto by the hand, his own gripping
her like a lifeline.
XXX
“Yasuhiro Hagakure.”
Once they got back to campus, in order to avoid having Hiro’s corpse turn up the next day riddled
with bullet holes or knives, Kyoko collected the Ultimate Clairvoyant and brought him and Makoto
to the Headmaster’s office. Mukuro initially wanted to come as well, but relented when Makoto
assured her that everything was fine and thanking her for saving him. Barely hiding a blush, the
Ultimate Soldier returned to her room while the other three went to recount the tale to Jin.
Sighing, Headmaster Kirigiri pinched the bridge of his nose, closing his eyes which had been
glaring at his student with a stern, disapproving glare. Hiro shook with fear, while Kyoko had a
similarly disapproving look on her face as Makoto sat awkwardly between them, twiddling his
thumbs and remaining quiet.
“Do you dispute anything in Kyoko’s testimony?”

Hanging his head, Hiro admitted “No, Headmaster.”
Glaring at Hiro once more, Jin scolded “I trust you realize just how serious this matter is? You
tricked Makoto Naegi into almost donating his organs to the Yakuza against his will. If you had
succeeded, that would have likely killed him. Disregarding the obvious moral atrocity of one
student causing the death of another, such an incident would have blackened the very reputation of
Hope’s Peak Academy. I should expel you for what you almost caused.”
No! Please, Headmaster! The moment I stop being enrolled at Hope’s Peak, I’m dead!
Seeing Hiro whimper, Jin closed his eyes, taking pity on the boy and continuing “However…
Kyoko has also said that you were cooperative in her investigation, and that if it weren’t for you
coming clean, Makoto might never have been found until it was too late. She also said that you
expressed remorse for your actions.” Jin turned his gaze towards Makoto, softening his eyes and
addressing “Makoto.”
Jumping in his seat, Makoto’s back stiffened as he stammered “Y…yes Headmaster Kirigiri?”
Giving Makoto an easygoing smile, Jin told him “Since you’re the victim in this case, I’ll leave his
fate in your hands. Should Yasuhiro face punishment for his actions, or do you think he’s learned
his lesson?”
Hiro froze in his seat, realizing Oh no! Why on earth would he let me stay after what I almost did
to him? I mean…even Makoto’s kindness must have limits! …Well, it was a short life…
Taking a deep breath, Makoto turned his head to face the Ultimate Clairvoyant and told him
“Hiro…you tried to get me to give up my organs to pay for your debt, and when I refused, you sent
me to be taken hostage by the Kuzuryuu clan. I’ve never been more scared in my life, and if it
weren’t for Kyoko and Mukuro, I’d probably be dead in a ditch right now.”
Sighing, Hiro interrupted “I get it, alright? You’re mad at me, you hate me, and you want me
gone. So go ahead, roast me, boil me, just throw me to the sharks and get it over with.”
“…I don’t hate you, Hiro.”
Hiro gaped, turning to see a smiling Makoto as he continued “I mean…yeah, I’m not happy with
what you did, but you’re still my friend, Hiro. And friends forgive each other for their mistakes.”
…This can’t be happening! This has to be a dream!
But no matter how many times, Hiro discreetly pinched himself, the scene didn’t change, assuring
him that this was reality.
“So, I forgive you, and based on what Kyoko said, I think you’ve already learned your lesson.
Expelling you would be…a touch cruel, I think…”
“Ma…Makoto!”
As Hiro started to cry at his unexpected good fortune, Jin sighed and decided “Well, Makoto has
spoken. You will not be punished; just make sure not to do it again. Now, you three should go;
it’s late and I doubt you three have had dinner yet, so I would encourage you to get some dinner at
the Dining Hall.”
Nodding the three left the Headmaster’s office, a crying and cheering Hiro racing out of there,
followed by Makoto and Kyoko.
XXX
“I should be surprised that you let him off easy…but honestly, this fits your personality to a tee.”
Chuckling nervously as they sat at their usual table, Makoto asked “Am I really that easy to read?”
“Like I said before, you’re foolishly open…emphasis on foolish. I just hope you realize now the
costs of being too trusting.”
Suddenly becoming serious, Makoto reflected “I’ll admit, I need to watch myself more around
him. But, Hiro’s not really that bad of a guy when you get to know him. He’s really easygoing,
and if he wouldn’t charge such outrageous prices for them, his fortunes would make for some
harmless entertainment that can actually make you laugh.”
“So you’re saying he has a future as a clown…”
…I mean, that’s not wrong, but it sounds kind of harsh, doesn’t it?
Sighing, Kyoko acquiesced “It seems that you’ve already decided to continue hanging out with
him…so I guess I can try to befriend him too…” If only to keep you out of trouble.
Smiling, Makoto remarked “I’m glad. By the way, you and Mukuro must be getting along well if
you decided to ask her for help.”
“…I needed someone who could handle a potential firefight, and she was the best candidate. That
being said…I can’t deny that we’re…similar in some respects. I’ll concede that we could at least
tolerate each other’s presence if we were trapped in a room together.”
Nodding his acceptance, Makoto sipped his water, with Kyoko going back to drinking her coffee.
Hiro and Mukuro… Kyoko reflected on the day’s events, as well as her two classmates. The
former is a cheapskate who needs to be scrutinized with a close eye. The other…despite my
intuition, she’s proven to be dependable. Perhaps it would be worth it to bond with the both of
them…
XXX
Present Day
“I can’t believe Uncle Hiro did that to you, Daddy! How could he sell you out like that?”
Chuckling nervously, he assured her “Kiki, we were all different people in high school than we are
now. Uncle Hiro has changed, and he’s no longer a cheapskate. For all of your mother’s warnings
about his fortunes, he’s become an honest businessman and teacher. Not to mention he and Aunt
Toko have chosen to have a child together, so believe me, he’s become a lot more responsible since
that incident.”
Looking to her mother, Kiki asked “Is that true, Mommy?”
Reluctantly, Kyoko nodded, assuring her daughter “He’s changed for the better, Kiki. Hiro is now
one of our most trusted friends, a man that we’re proud to call a brother, and one you should be
proud to call your Uncle.”
Nodding, Kiki accepted “Okay, Mommy. Okay, Daddy.”
Ruffling her hair, Makoto said “Alright, Kiki; it’s bedtime.”

After tucking their daughter in and kissing her good night, Makoto and Kyoko crept out of her
room, closing the door behind them and retiring to their own room for the evening.
Bonding Arc Chapter Seven: Kyoko’s First Cyber Investigation!
Chapter Summary
When Kyoko is assigned to a cyber robbery case, her lack of experience with
electronics leaves her stumped. Desperate, she attempts to seek out the assistance of
the Ultimate Programmer. Will Chihiro be receptive to Kyoko's plea?
Chapter Notes
This chapter was requested by NotFanFicNet my Tumblr Ask Box. Please read and
comment, and enjoy!
Present Day
“So who did you bond with next, Mommy?”
“Well, to explain that, I must first explain the circumstances that led me to interact with them. You
see, I was in a meeting at the Police Station when I was assigned a case…”
XXX
May 23, 2014
“Ten Million Yen?”
The Chief nodded, confirming “That’s right. Ten Million Yen was stolen from the local bank last
night, but we haven’t found any signs of breaking and entering, no fingerprints, no locks being
picked, nothing. We think this might have been done electronically.”
“I see. So you think the culprit might have transferred the money to another account without
actually entering the building?”
Nodding, the Chief replied “Yes. I know that your specialty is murder cases and not robbery or
cyber cases, but all of our other Detectives have their hands full with other cases.”
“So since I’m the only inactive Detective at the moment, you’re asking me to take this on,
correct?” Seeing the Chief nod, Kyoko closed her eyes, a momentary silence passing between the
participants before Kyoko opened her eyes again and declared “I’ll do it.”
Looking at her appreciatively, the Chief praised “As expected from the Ultimate Detective. Good
luck, Kirigiri-chan.”
With that, the meeting concluded and Kyoko went back to campus to get a good night’s sleep,
determined to tackle this case with a refreshed mind.
XXX
Present Day
“And you solved the case in record time, right Mommy? Mommy can solve anything!”
Giggling at her daughter’s enthusiasm, Kyoko replied “Actually Kiki, I had a rather tough time
with it. It was the first case I was legitimately stumped on, and I didn’t exactly take to running into
a brick wall very well…”
XXX
May 24, 2014
Kyoko slammed her head against her desk, frustrated by her lack of progress. She was indeed a
prodigy among Detectives, and her title combined with her pride as a Kirigiri ensured that she took
on every case that was assigned to her. However, she specialized in cases that involved physical,
tangible evidence. As such, this was her first case involving cybercrime, and the lack of physical
evidence made her feel out of her element.
She was currently in her room, staring at her laptop as she tried to google some of the relevant
terminology, only for her frustration to increase as things just weren’t clicking.
“Bot? Cookie? Phishing? What do these even mean? And who came up with this lingo
anyway?”
Taking a deep breath, she forced herself to calm down and came to a realization; she needed help.
The old Kyoko would have insisted on pain of death of doing things by herself, insisting that
partners would only slow her down. But this was the new Kyoko, one who acknowledged that
there was strength in bonding with people and seeking out help. A lesson she would never have
learned were it not for Makoto.
“Unfortunately, he’s probably not going to be what I need right now. I need someone who can
teach me the theory of cybercrime so I can apply it to this case. Let’s see…I could try Taka…but
he only studies what’s taught in school, so he may not possess the knowledge I need. Togami-kun
runs a conglomerate; he might know something about how a company uses cyber technology…no,
he’s more the kind to give orders, not offer help…”
Kyoko mulled over her options until a light bulb flashed in her head and she came to a realization.
“Fujisaki-san! She’s the Ultimate Programmer, so surely she knows something about cdyber
crime and hacking. It’s worth a shot…”
Her path clear, the Ultimate Detective stood up, closing her laptop and exiting her room.
XXX
*Ding, Dong*
Before long, the door opened to reveal the petite Chihiro Fujisaki, a surprised and somewhat
nervous expression on her face.
“Oh! Kirigiri-san. Can I…help you?”
Nodding Kyoko explained “Yes; I’m working on a case and I require your assistance.”
At those words, Chihiro blanched, turning as pale as a ghost as she stammered “A ca…case?
With…mu…murders? But I’m…I’m totally useless! I’m not str…strong at all! I’d just drag…
drag you down!”
“Fujisaki-san, I think you might have the…”
Closing her eyes, Chihiro started to cry, apologizing, “I…I’m sorry…” before gently closing the
door in Kyoko’s face.
…Well, that didn’t go well. I didn’t even get to tell her what I needed her help for. Although…I
guess my line of work can be a little intimidating to the uninitiated… She reflected, looking back
on her request for Makoto’s help in April. I may need his help to clear things up…
XXX
May 25, 2014
*Knock, Knock*
Chihiro opened the door, smiling as she greeted “Oh, Makoto!” Looking at who was next to him,
she asked with confusion “And…Kirigiri-san?”
Nodding, Makoto explained “Kyoko said that she needed your help with a case…”
Her eyes widening in fear, Chihiro retorted “But…I already told her I’d be useless at investigating
murder scenes…”
“Chihiro…” Makoto soothed, the sound of his voice making the Ultimate Programmer relax as he
explained “Kyoko’s not gonna make you accompany her to a crime scene. This case isn’t even a
murder case at all.”
“It…it’s not?”
Nodding, Kyoko took over and explained “A couple days ago, there was a bank robbery that my
higher-ups believe was committed via electronic transmission. I was asked to investigate, but my
experience with computers is minimal, and my experience with hacking is zero. I need someone to
explain the theory of hacking to me so I can conduct my investigation.”
Her eyes widening in realization, she asked “You mean…someone as talented as you…doesn’t
know much about computers?”
Nodding, Kyoko admitted “Until fairly recently, my grandfather didn’t even permit me to own a
cell phone.”
Nodding in understanding, Chihiro replied “Oh, I see. In that case…” Chihiro had a rare,
determined expression as she vowed “Then…I’m gonna do my best!”
Opening the door fully, she gestured for them to come inside, Makoto smiling and Kyoko nodding
in gratitude as they came in, Makoto closing the door gently behind them. Chihiro pulled up a
spare chair, booting up her laptop as Kyoko took a seat, Makoto standing behind them watching
the two work.
Kyoko looked at the main screen, trying to analyze the layout until her eyes settled on an icon,
reading “Alter…”
Immediately, Chihiro turned her laptop out of view and yelled “DON’T!!!” Kyoko flinched in
surprise, making Chihiro look down in guilt as she apologized “Sorry…that icon is just related to
an NDA I signed with a company, so I can’t let anyone know about it right now. Let me just get a
web browser up and we can continue.”
Nodding, Kyoko averted her gaze until Chihiro nodded, turning the screen back into Kyoko’s line
of sight.
“Okay, so this case involved an electronic robbery?”
Nodding, Kyoko explained “Yes, we believe that the culprit was able to withdraw the money
remotely. So how would someone transfer money remotely?”
Nodding to signal her comprehension, Chihiro explained “Well…they probably were able to hack
into the bank’s central computer that stores all the account information. Once they got in, it’s
really just a matter of programming a transfer to a separate account.”
Nodding, Kyoko asked “Okay, so how do they get in the computer?”
“Well, there’s two likely paths. The first would be that they got the credentials from someone who
already has clearance.”
Nodding, Kyoko mused “So, there’s a chance that the culprit could have been at the bank, then
pocketed the information from an employee?”
Thinking for a moment, Chihiro answered “It’s possible…they could have phished for it.” Seeing
Kyoko’s confused stare, Chihiro explained “Phishing means that they could have sent an e-mail
pretending to be someone the user knows and tried to get them to disclose the credentials.”
“Okay…and what’s the second path?”
“They could have found a back door…a way around needing the credentials, then accessed the
central computer. It would require a specific hacking software, though.”
Nodding, Kyoko asked “And are there multiple varieties of hacking software.”
“Yes, hacking has become something of its own industry. I can give you a list of popular ones so
you know what to look for.”
“…Thank you. Is there any way to track them after they hack in?”
“Hmm…” Chihiro thought long and hard before answering “Well, if it was accessed remotely,
then they probably left their IP address. It’s a string of numbers that basically acts as a computer’s
ID. Once you have that, you could use a GPS to track where it was being used.”
Nodding, Kyoko thanked her “Thank you, Fujisaki-san. You’ve been a great help.” Getting up,
she continued “Excuse me, but I need some time to digest all of this information.”
“Oh, okay. Good night, Kirigiri-san.”
Nodding, she dismissed her “Goodbye.”
“Thanks again for helping!” Makoto called out before following Kyoko outside.
XXX
May 31, 2014

“Fujisaki-san.”
Chihiro looked up from the dining table to see Kyoko looking down at him, asking “A moment of
your time?”
Nodding meekly, Chihiro followed Kyoko to the table where she and Makoto usually occupied.
Kyoko gestured for Chihiro to sit down. Obeying, the Ultimate Programmer took her seat across
from Kyoko, squirming in her seat as though she had just earned a trip to the Headmaster’s office.
“Ano…Kirigiri-san…is everything…”
“I’m not upset with you, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
“Y…you’re not?”
Shaking her head, Kyoko explained “On the contrary, I’ve come to express my gratitude.” At
Chihiro’s incredulous stare, Kyoko continued “Your instruction came in very handy. We were able
to track down the culprit’s IP address to an Internet Café. From there the manager was able to give
us the name of the person who occupied it at the time of the transaction. Congratulations,
Fujisaki-san; you helped put away a criminal.”
Chihiro sat there in disbelief; never in a million years did she imagine her talents would lead to
this. If you had asked her what her future entailed, she would have been more likely to say
programming video games, or computer applications, or advancing A.I.
“You mean…My talents…were that beneficial?” Seeing Kyoko nod, Chihiro beamed, a wide
smile stretching from ear to ear as she squealed “YAY!”
Seeing the normally nervous and shy Chihiro so happy warmed Kyoko’s heart, a warmth she
realized was not so different from the optimism she felt from Makoto’s aura.
She’s…genuinely pleasant to be around…and we have some common ground, so… Clearing her
throat, Kyoko offered “Chihiro, if you don’t mind…I wouldn’t mind if you would teach me more
of what you know about the theory and applications of computer hacking. My boss is already
talking about putting me on more cybercrime cases, so some additional education in your field
could really benefit my abilities as a Detective.”
Gasping, Chihiro asked “You mean…you want to learn more…about what I do?” Seeing Kyoko
nod, Chihiro leapt out of her seat and bounced up and down, giving off the impression of a cute
bunny rabbit as she squealed “YAY! Thank you! Don’t worry, Kyoko. I’ll be sure to do my best!
I’ll teach you as much as I know! Oh, I’ve got to come up with lesson plans! See you in class,
Kyoko!”
“Fujisaki-san, no running!”
Kyoko watched as Chihiro ran back to her dorm, tailed by Taka who was trying to lecture her for
not walking more leisurely. Kyoko chuckled at her antics as Makoto finally walked in, as though
tagging in with Chihiro.
Taking is seat, Makoto remarked “Chihiro sure seems happy; did something happen?”
Nodding, Kyoko replied “Her instructions helped to solve my case. I realized that I still have
much to learn about cybercrime, so I asked if she wouldn’t mind teaching me more about
programming and hacking.”
Smiling, Makoto praised “That’s great! You’re really connecting with people on your own now,
Kyoko.”
“…I suppose I am…” Kyoko mused. “Still, the fact that we have some common ground is
probably more coincidental than anything else. And it wouldn’t have happened at all if you hadn’t
eased Chihiro’s nerves.”
“Come on, give yourself a little more credit Kyoko. You did all the hard work; I just gave a little…
nudge, that’s all.”
Chuckling, Kyoko admitted “I suppose it is getting easier with each classmate.”
“Plus you’re smiling more; that’s real progress, Kyoko!”
Barely hiding a blush, Kyoko averted her gaze, protesting “You don’t have to exaggerate so
much.”
Seeing that she was trying to hide her flustered state, Makoto took pity on her and dropped his
compliments before things got out of hand.
Standing up, Kyoko offered “I’m going to grab some lunch. Care to join me?”
Nodding, Makoto followed the Detective as they went to grab some grub, both pleased with how
her interactions with Chihiro had turned out.
XXX
Present Day
“Chihiro sounds really cool, Mommy! Just one question…what’s hacking?”
Makoto turned to face his daughter, informing her “It’s something you’re a little too young to grasp
just yet, Kiki. Once you enter middle school, we’ll tell you what it is.”
“But that’s so looonnngggg!”
Chuckling, Kyoko ruffled Kiki’s hair, encouraging her “Be patient, sweetie. Treasure your
childhood; it’ll be gone before you know it!”
“…Okay…” Kiki groaned, her parents smiling at her pout.
It was then that Kyoko announced “Okay, Kiki; time for bed.”
Once Kiki had nestled into her pillow, her parents brought the blanket up to her chin, tucking her in
before kissing her good night.
*Yawn* “…You too.”
Makoto and Kyoko smiled at the sight of their snoring daughter, reluctantly turning away to sleep
in their own bed.
Bonding Arc Chapter Eight: A Culprit Escapes! Swimming Lessons with
Hina!
Chapter Summary
When a culprit escapes after being chased through a lake, a humiliated Kyoko
reluctantly accepts Hina's offer for swimming lessons. Will Kyoko bond with the
Ultimate Swimming Pro through her teachings?
Present Day
“So what happened next, Mommy?”
“Well, let’s see…it was later that week, after school. I was on a case and pursuing a culprit
when…”
XXX
June 4, 2014
“You’re under arrest!”
“You’ll never catch me!”
The culprit, a tall, lanky man, raced through the grassy plains of the park, Kyoko in hot pursuit. A
confident smile tugged at her lips as she slowly but surely started gaining on him, handcuffs
already in hand as the space between them dwindled more and more.
Suddenly, a lake appeared in the distance, the culprit’s eyes shining in relief as he made a beeline
for the water, diving in without a second thought. Placing the cuffs back in her pocket, Kyoko
dived in after him without missing a beat, determined to apprehend him as her boots kicked in the
water.
However, this culprit may as well have been a fish; once he started kicking and stroking, he was
moving twice as fast as he was on land, while Kyoko found her speed slightly reduced as her
stamina decreased. No matter how fast she stroked her arms or kicked her feet in the water, she
could not catch up to him.
How…how is this possible?
Eventually he disappeared from sight, the culprit cackling as his voice rang out in the evening sky
“SMELL YA LATER, DETECTIVE!”
Coming to a stop, Kyoko tread in place, closing her eyes as the frustration boiled within her. Once
she opened her eyes, Kyoko let out an angry yell, punching the water and accidentally splashing
herself.
…So much for being the Ultimate Detective. Might as well get back to campus and inform the
Chief tomorrow…
Slowly treading her way to the other side, Kyoko somberly got out of the lake, wringing out her
hair, only for her eyes to widen as she saw the very culprit she had been chasing, tackled to the
ground and handcuffed by a brown-haired woman wearing a familiar black suit jacket, black shirt,
and khaki shorts, glasses framing her green eyes.
“…Yui…”
Her ponytail whipped to the side as she turned to face her former protégé and partner, her eyebrows
raised in surprise as she returned “Kyoko…”
An awkward silence passed, each of them recalling the last time they had parted, averting their
gaze until the culprit broke it, yelling “GET OFF ME!!!”
A swift punch from Yui knocked him unconscious, allowing the two Detectives to return their
focus to each other.
“You’re…on this case too?”
Nodding, Yui explained “This guy’s been responsible for a number of kidnappings in the Saitama
Prefecture. The Police Department in Kazo assigned me to this case, and I’ve been tracking him
all through Tokyo.”
Nodding, Kyoko replied “He’s responsible for a murder not far from Hope’s Peak, so the Police
Department asked me to investigate and apprehend him.”
Nodding in understanding, Yui offered “If you were assigned to this case, it is kind of your
jurisdiction. I’ll hand him over and…”
Shaking her head, Kyoko declined “You…apprehended him fair and square. Taking credit for
your accomplishments would be…undesirable.”
Taking in Kyoko’s sopping wet form, Yui frowned, offering “Still, you’re sopping wet. Why don’t
I grab a towel from my car and you can dry yourself off.”
“…Not necessary. I’ll get dry once I get back to campus.” Turning around, she dismissed
“Goodbye, Yui.”
“Kyoko!”
Kyoko walked off, vanishing from sight as Yui continued to call out after her.
XXX
“Kyoko, are you okay? You’re wet!”
Although Kyoko had stopped dripping water once she got back on campus, her clothes were still
dark from having absorbed so much water. Her frustrations with having failed to catch her culprit,
combined with the emotional stress of having run into Yui again left her in a very unpleasant mood,
to the point that the good-natured Makoto was met with an iron-hard stare and a growl from his
friend.
“Not now!” Seeing Makoto flinch in shock at being yelled at, Kyoko’s eyes softened, guilt
flooding her heart as she apologized “My apologies, Makoto. I shouldn’t have snapped at you like
that.”
“You don’t have to apologize…” Makoto assured her. “Just…why are you upset? I’m your friend,
Kyoko. You can talk to me about these things.”
Unable to resist, Kyoko sighed and disclosed “I’m wet because I was chasing a culprit and he
escaped when he jumped into a lake and swam faster than I could keep up”, leaving out her run-in
with Yui.
“Oh…okay, I think I get it. I’m sorry they got away, Kyoko.”
Shaking her head, Kyoko replied “Don’t; you’re not to blame for this; the fault lies with me. I
think…I’m slipping.”
Shaking his head, Makoto denied “That’s not true, Kyoko! You’re…”
“I’ve been slipping. First, Jutaro caught me off guard because my combat skills were rusty. Now,
I failed to catch a criminal because I wasn’t a good enough swimmer. I fear this may be a trend,
one I’m not comfortable with…”
“Kyoko…”
“If it’s swimming training you need, I can help you out!” Both turned to see Hina and Sakura
walking up to them, the Ultimate Swimming Pro rubbing the back of her neck sheepishly as she
apologized “Sorry; Sakura and I were walking back to our rooms and we couldn’t help but
overhear.”
“Kyoko…is this true?” Sakura asked, a concerned expression on her face as she asked “Is your
swimming proficiency causing you to have doubts regarding your qualifications as a Detective?”
Glancing over to Makoto for guidance, who only nodded encouragingly, Kyoko reluctantly
nodded, laying her insecurities bare to someone other than Makoto.
Hina then deduced “It’s because you want to be the very best, right? You want to strive for that
gold medal? I’m the same way!” Clenching her fists with a determined expression on her face,
Hina continued “No matter what it is, I always have to strive for that gold medal! And if
something’s preventing me from reaching that gold medal, I just have to work even harder! And if
one of my classmates is struggling to reach their goals, I wanna help them reach that gold medal!”
Kyoko stood there, shocked that Hina was willing to go so far out of her way to help her, and
simultaneously surprised at how invigorated and determined she was feeling just by listening to her
speech.
…It’s not all that different from Makoto’s optimistic aura… she realized as she mulled over Hina’s
offer. It’s not all that different from me asking Sakura for sparring practice. Nodding, Kyoko
accepted “I suppose there’s no harm in giving it a try.”
Beaming, Hina squealed “Great! We’ll get started on Saturday after lunch! I’ll meet you and
Sakura over at the pool!”
Watching her run off, Sakura explained to a curious Kyoko “I like to join Hina’s swimming
practice for a more relaxing workout. We’ll see you on Saturday, Kyoko.”
Nodding, Kyoko watched Sakura walk of after the energetic Hina, leaving the Ultimate Detective
alone with the Ultimate Lucky Student.
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, Auntie Hina was really nice to do that for you!”
Smiling nostalgically, Kyoko replied “Yes, she was very nice. Out of all of our classmates, I’d say
she and your father were the friendliest and most outgoing.”
Smiling energetically, Kiki replied “And she’s always super helpful, and a great teacher! She was
a great teacher to you, right Mommy?”
Giggling, Kyoko confirmed “Yes, she was. I remember when I had my first training with her. I
had finished my sparring session with Sakura and had just had lunch with your father. I then went
to the locker room to change and when I got out…”
XXX
June 7, 2014
“Hey, Kirigiri-chan!”
Kyoko stepped out of the locker room to see Hina and Sakura standing at the edge of the pool,
wearing Academy-issued blue one-piece swimsuits, baring their shoulders but otherwise fitting like
a glove over their bodies. Kyoko wore an identical swimsuit, covering just enough to obscure her
rear while exposing her powerful legs. Abandoning her braid, two strands of hair fell on either side
of her face, but the rest of her long, lavender hair was tied into a ponytail to keep it out of the way.
Nodding, Kyoko replied “Thank you for taking the time out of your day to assist me, Asahina-san.”
Pouting, Hina protested “Oh, come on! None of that “Asahina” stuff! I’m helping you because
you’re my friend, and I told you, my friends call me Hina!”
I’m your…friend? Touched at being called a friend by someone other than Makoto, she
acquiesced “Very well, Hina.”
Grinning, Hina looked around and asked “Hey, where’s Makoto? Don’t you guys normally stick
together like glue?”
…Are we really that close? Shaking the thought from her head, Kyoko explained “Makoto insisted
that this was a good opportunity to spend time with other girls in our class, so he declined to come.”
“Nah, this is a good opportunity for you three to bond and have girl time. Besides, I…” Makoto
blushed as he admitted “I’d rather not be in a position where the others can accuse me of trying to
take a peek…”
“Kyoko?”
Shaking the memory from her head, Kyoko apologized “Sorry, Hina. So, shall we begin?”
Nodding, Hina began “Okay! First, what techniques do you know?”
“I know the basics. My grandfather ensured that I knew the basic front stroke and flutter kick so
that I wouldn’t drown.”
“Okay then! Since you never learned the other strokes, we’ll start with that.”
“Hina…” Sakura interrupted. “Perhaps it might be best to start with seeing how she does in the
water before teaching her anything new. Then we’ll have an idea as to her capabilities.”
“Great idea, Sakura! So, Kyoko, you ready to get in the water?”
Nodding, Kyoko sat down on the edge of the pool and dropped into the nearest lane, slightly
shivering as her skin registered just how cold the water was.
Jumping in after her, Hina gave her a minute to warm up before suggesting “It might be a good idea
to take the gloves off in case…”
“The gloves stay on.”
Kyoko’s voice became immediately hard, making clear that there was no room for argument. Hina
cocked her head in surprise, but ultimately shrugged and let it go.
“Whatever floats your boat, I guess. Alright, just do a lap from this end to the other and back
again. Sakura, would you mind, going to the other end of the lane?”
Nodding, Sakura got into place, swimming to the other end of the lane. Once Sakura waved her
hand in the air to signal Hina, she began to count down.
“Okay, ready, set, GO!”
Kyoko immediately began to kick, circling her arms in a constant stroke. With some time, she
eventually reached Sakura, who waved to signal Hina. Kyoko then turned around, treading water
before resuming her stroke, making her way back to Hina.
Once she arrived back to where she started, she looked up at Hina expectantly, who crossed her
arms and cocked her head in a thinking pose before appraising “It’s not a bad start…but I think you
can definitely do better. Your main issue is that you’re not pushing yourself hard enough from the
start, which is limiting your performance when you really try to give it your all.”
That does make sense… Nodding, Kyoko asked “So how should I change that?”
A light bulb shone in Hina’s head as she opened her palm, slamming her fist onto it as she
exclaimed “I’ve got it! Here’s what we’ll do; we’re going to train each component of the stroke
separately, to build up the power and endurance of your individual limbs before we put them all
together. Understand?”
Nodding, Kyoko replied “Very well. So how should we start?”
“Let’s start with your flutter kick. We’ll do a few laps up and down the lane using only our feet to
push us forward. You can tread water with your arms, but that’s it. That sound good?”
Nodding her agreement, Kyoko treaded water on the end of the lane, eventually flanked by Hina
on her left and Sakura on her right.
“Alright, Kyoko. Remember, Sakura and I are here to help, so let us know if you need it, okay?”
Seeing the Ultimate Detective nod, Hina finished “Alright, on three. ONE, TWO, THREE!!!”
XXX
“Great work today, Kyoko! Next week we’ll work on putting everything together.”
Hina’s praise rang in Kyoko’s ears as she stepped inside the locker room, slowly stripping her
swimsuit from her body, her arms and legs sore from all the exercise she had done today.
That was exhausting. Hina’s training could give Sakura’s sparring sessions a run for their
money…
Once she was nude, she reached for her locker, swiping her Handbook across the lock so that it
would open, revealing her normal Detective clothes. Grabbing the pile from the locker, she placed
the swimsuit inside and sat down on the bench, giving a sigh of exhaustion as she got dressed.
Once properly clothed, she closed her locker and walked out of the locker room and into the
hallway, where she bumped into Makoto.
“Oh! Sorry, Kyoko.”
Shaking her head, she reassured the apologetic boy “It’s fine; don’t worry about it.”
Nodding, Makoto asked “So, how was your time with Hina and Sakura?”
“It was…productive. I’ll admit, the school would be wise to hire her as an instructor after she
graduates. Her lesson intensity combined with her willingness to work personally with a student
would do wonders for their performance.”
Smiling, Makoto agreed “Yeah; she’d be a pretty good P.E. instructor. And…how did you like
spending time with her?”
Nodding, Kyoko answered “She’s very personable, and she has this…energy about her.”
“It just leaves you invigorated, doesn’t it? Being in her presence, it just makes you feel so
energized, right?”
“…I suppose that’s one way to put it. I don’t know how much we have in common, but our mutual
desire to be the best in our field may be a good place to start. We’ll see if these swimming lessons
turn into something more.”
Smiling, Makoto replied “I’m glad. It helps that Sakura’s there to keep her in check. Hina can get
a little…carried away at times. But she always means well, and Toko notwithstanding, there’s
really not a mean bone in her body.”
Nodding in agreement, Kyoko mused Yes…she is very friendly…just like someone else I know…,
glancing at Makoto as they continued walking through the halls.
XXX
Present Day
“I’m not surprised you were so tired, Mommy. Auntie Hina’s great, but her swimming lessons
always left me tired!”
Makoto and Kyoko smiled at the memory, recalling when Kiki was first learning how to swim and
Komaru took pictures. Kyoko watched with a fretting expression, while Makoto smiled without a
care in the world, entrusting his daughter in Hina’s care. As it turned out, Kyoko had nothing to
worry about; Kiki had enjoyed her lessons, though her arms and legs were so sore that nap time
came early, the three of them curling up on the couch together as a family.
“Yes, Auntie Hina can be a little…intense. But, that’s why your father hired her; she knows how
to push the other students to output their best performance. And her overall friendliness makes her
well-suited to teach others.”
“Yeah! I bet she’d make a great Mom one day!”
Makoto and Kyoko looked at each other; Hina and Byakuya had expressed plans to the Naegi
parents that they wanted to try for a baby soon, but after hearing of Toko’s pregnancy, they opted
to hold off until after Toko and Hiro returned to work so as not to burden Makoto with a severe lack
of staff.
Turning their gaze back to their daughter, Makoto and Kyoko ruffled their daughter’s hair and
agreed “Yes, she would. And one day, she will be. In the meantime though, it’s bedtime, young
lady.”
Nodding, Kiki nestled into her pillow, feeling the warm blanket cloak her as her parents tucked her
in, kissing her good night before retiring back to their room.
XXX
“…I’m not looking forward to telling Kiki about what happened next. You remember that time,
right, Makoto?”
Kyoko snuggled against her husband’s chest, grasping Makoto’s pajamas in her fist as he looked
down at her with worry.
Leaning to kiss her cheek, Makoto assured her “I know honey, but it’s an important part of our
history, so we can’t just skip it. Besides, it’ll be okay; that was all in the past, and we’ll tell Kiki
that our mistakes back then don’t reflect who we are now.”
Reluctantly nodding, Kyoko nuzzled her nose in his chest, Makoto rubbing her back as she fell
slowly into slumber.
“Good night, Kyoko. I love you.”
*Yawn* ”…Love you too.”
Kyoko fell into dreamland, her worries forgotten for now as her smiling husband soon joined her,
making sure her thoughts were filled with nothing but happiness.
Bonding Arc Chapter Nine: Chihiro’s Secret! Kyoko’s Anger?
Chapter Summary
When Makoto accidentally finds out the truth of Chihiro's gender, the Ultimate
Programmer swears him to secrecy. When he refuses to tell Kyoko upon being asked,
she becomes angry with him, despite his apologies. Will their misunderstanding
threaten to drive Naegiri apart before it can truly blossom?
Present Day
Biting her lip, Kyoko reluctantly answered “Well…I didn’t bond with anyone new, specifically.
You see…what happened next was the first time…I was angry at your father.”
Gasping in shock and horror, Kiki asked “You got angry at Daddy? But what for?”
It was then that Makoto took over, answering “You see, Kiki, a few days after your Mother’s
swimming practice with Hina and Sakura, I came to know something that I had no right to know…
something that I swore to keep secret from your mother.”
“But…why, Daddy? I thought you two never kept secrets from each other.”
“Because it wasn’t my secret to tell. Regardless, this secret was something that would threaten to
drive our newfound friendship apart. It happened right after gym class…”
XXX
June 11, 2014
“Alright kids, class dismissed!”
Back in their uniforms after having changed, the 78th Class filed out of the gymnasium, the
exception being Makoto, who was more fatigued than the others from the rigorous exercise. A
minute after the gym was empty, he finally found the energy to walk, and started to head out and
back to his dorm in order to rest.
“WATCH OUT!”
Turning around, Makoto found himself colliding with the petite form of Chihiro, who was still in
the girls’ changing room when class had been dismissed.
“Oof!”
“Agh!”
The two rolled as they fell, finally landing with Makoto on top of the young girl.
A sheepish smile on his face, Makoto apologized “Sorry, Chihiro. I’ll get off of you…”
Makoto’s voice trailed off, his knee brushing against Chihiro’s skirt, the Ultimate Lucky Student
freezing as he registered exactly what he was feeling.
No way…could it be…is Chiihiro… “Chihiro…are you…”
Makoto yelped as Chihiro shot up, knocking him off balance. Before Makoto knew what was
happening, Chihiro was dragging him by the wrist out of the gym at a breakneck pace.
XXX
Chihiro slammed the door behind them, locking the door in a panic, unnerving the confused
Makoto. Hyperventilating, the Ultimate Programmer turned to face him, tears streaming down her
face as Makoto had a worried expression on his own.
“Chihiro…what’s going on?”
Taking a few deep breaths, Chihiro managed to calm down enough to reluctantly confess “I’m…
a…guy, Makoto. I dress like a girl, I present as a girl, but biologically I’m male.”
…So that was what I was feeling through her…his…their skirt. “But why, Chihiro? Why did you
feel the need to live as a different gender?”
Chihiro sat down on their bed, Makoto following suit as he lay his hand on their shoulder, his eyes
trying to convey a warmth and acceptance that Chihiro sorely needed at the moment.
Wiping the tears from their eyes with their wrist, Chihiro explained “When I was a child…I was
bullied relentlessly because I was weak.”
Makoto’s eyes softened, empathizing with Chihiro and recalling his own memories of dealing with
bullies at his former school.
“Then…one day…I decided…that if being weak as a boy was going to get me harassed…then I’d
be weak as a girl instead. Because…most girls aren’t that strong, right? Then that way…I’d be
safe.”
“Chihiro…”
The Ultimate Programmer grabbed onto Makoto’s uniform jacket suddenly, surprising the boy as
they begged “Please! Don’t tell a soul about my secret! Not even…not even Kyoko! If anyone
found out…my life would be ruined!”
“Hey, hey, Chihiro, it’s okay, really!” Chihiro let out a gasp of shock, Makoto’s arms embracing
them in a reassuring hug as he vowed “I promise…I won’t tell a soul until you want me to.”
Is this really happening? Someone found out my secret…and isn’t treating me any differently?
Tears falling down their cheeks, Chihiro returned the embrace and sobbed “THANK YOU!
THANK YOU, MAKOTO!” Makoto smiled and sat there, holding his friend until they separated,
the Ultimate Programmer wiping their cheeks as they apologized “Sorry I dragged you out like
that.”
Shaking his head, Makoto assured them “Don’t worry about it; you were scared, so I can’t blame
you for reacting like that. Though, I do have one question…” At Chihiro’s questioning stare,
Makoto explained “I’ll of course refer to you as a girl when we’re in public, but in private, what
would you prefer I refer to you as?”
Mulling it over, Chihiro decided “Since you know my secret…I guess you can think of me as male
if it helps.”
Smiling, Makoto nodded in acceptance, replying “Alright then, thank you for clearing that up. I
promise, I won’t tell your secret to anyone, not even my own mother.”
Chihiro smiled softly, a warm, bubbly feeling flooding his heart.
Makoto accepted me for who I am…he didn’t call me a freak…didn’t call me names…didn’t call
me weak. Maybe…could the rest of my class…feel the same?
XXX
Present Day
“Wait, so Chihiro was a boy?”
Nodding, Makoto explained “Yes, Kiki. There are some people who, for one reason or another,
don’t match up emotionally with the gender they were born with. There are some boys who feel
like they should be girls, and some girls who feel like they should be boys. There are even some
people who feel like they aren’t a boy or a girl.”
“…This sounds really complicated…” Kiki admitted, her head feeling like it was spinning.
Kyoko replied “It is, Kiki. Just remember that people should always be treated as the way they
would like to be treated. If someone says they are a girl, regardless of how they look or sound, you
are to refer to them as a girl. Same principle if someone says they are a boy, or if they have no
gender.”
Still not quite getting it, Kiki nonetheless nodded, obeying “Okay, Mommy. But then, how did
that make you angry at Daddy?”
“Well, it was later that evening, after dinner. I had noticed your father seemed out of it, and he
seemed to be putting an unusual amount of effort into choosing his words carefully during our
conversation. So, I decided to confront him about it once everyone had left the dining hall…”
XXX
June 11, 2014
“Makoto, could you stay behind for a moment?”
Confused as to why Kyoko would ask him to stay in an empty Dining Hall, Makoto nonetheless
nodded, sitting back down at the table that he and Kyoko occupied.
“I’ll be blunt; you’re hiding something from me, aren’t you?” Seeing Makoto freeze in his seat,
Kyoko closed her eyes, remarking in her thoughts Knew it… “So, what is it you’re hiding?” She
asked as she opened her eyes.
Makoto averted his gaze, looking at anywhere except Kyoko’s face as he denied “…I can’t tell
you.”
What is so important that he can’t even tell me? He always tells me everything! Trying another
approach, Kyoko took a deep breath and asked “What is it you always keep telling me? You can
tell me these things? Whatever it is, you can tell me. If you don’t want anyone to overhear it, just
e-mail it to my Handbook.”
Kyoko’s tactic was met only with silence, the conflicted, somber expression still plastered on his
face.
“I’m sorry. I really am.”
“…So that’s it? An apology, but no answer? I’m shocked, Naegi. I’ve told you some painful
things about my past, at your urging, might I add. But the moment I ask for some transparency
from you, you see fit to clam up. I never expected such hypocrisy from you.”
Makoto whimpered at hearing Kyoko’s anger, but his commitment to Chihiro made him stay
silent, unwilling to betray the secret of a friend just to satisfy another.
Seeing that her lecture was going nowhere, Kyoko decided to stop wasting her time; she got up,
dismissing him “Goodbye” before walking out of the room, her boots creating little earthquakes in
his heart.
Neither of them noticed the petit Programmer standing out of view, a guilt-ridden expression on his
face as he began to regret putting his friend in this awkward position.
What have I done?
XXX
June 12, 2014
Kyoko hadn’t come to class that day; in fact, nobody had seen her at all today. None looked as
troubled by this as Makoto, who couldn’t help but worry.
I don’t understand…is she…avoiding me?
Makoto left class upon being dismissed, barely able to focus on the lesson as the anguish from
Kyoko’s confrontation yesterday combined with the worry from her disappearance today harmed
his concentration. It wasn’t until after dinner on his way back to his dorm that he ran into Kyoko,
the Detective carrying several large binders under her arm.
In an attempt to patch things up with her, Makoto opened his mouth only for Kyoko to silence him,
ordering “Go away, I’m busy. I don’t have time to deal with you.”
His heart breaking once more, Makoto hung his head, somberly walking to his door and shutting it
behind him. With the Ultimate Lucky Student gone from sight and out of mind, Kyoko continued
walking to her own dorm, opening the door and closing it behind her. She failed to notice Chihiro
standing just around the corner, once more witness to her mistreatment of Makoto.
XXX
June 13, 2014
“Thank you for the lesson, Chihiro. It was very educational, and I look forward to being able to
implement your education in my next case.”
Chihiro had just finished teaching Kyoko about malware, though both parties had their attentions
divided. After two days of cooling off, Kyoko was starting to have second thoughts about ignoring
Makoto, while Chihiro was struggling to come up with the resolve to set the Ultimate Detective
straight.
“Good night, Chihiro.” Kyoko dismissed before exiting into the main hall, though she didn’t get
very far as she bumped into the very person she was avoiding: Makoto Naegi.
“Oh, Kirigiri-san. S…sorry…”
The two stood there awkwardly, Makoto averting Kyoko’s eyes while Kyoko struggled to come up
what to say, still miffed and angry with him for his secrecy while simultaneously wondering if she
might have gone too far. It wasn’t long before Chihiro stumbled onto the scene, his frustration
growing as his eyes flickered back and forth between the two.
Eventually his frustration erupted, the Ultimate Programmer almost shouting “I…I can’t take it!”
Seeing Makoto and Kyoko gasp and turn towards him, Chihiro ranted “I can’t take it! You two
used to be the best of friends! You were always there for each other, and for all of us! But now…
you guys own’t even talk to each other…all because of me…”
Because of you?
“Chihiro, don’t be silly!” Makoto tried to reassure him “Kyoko and I are just having some issues.
It doesn’t…I mean you…”
Shaking his head, Chihiro interrupted “It is, Makoto. If I hadn’t sword you to secrecy, this never
would have happened! Keeping my secret…it’s not worth it…if it causes my friends to fight!”
Your secret? So that’s what Makoto refused to tell me? Her eyes softening as she realized just
how unfair she had been to Makoto, she tried to repair the damage she had done, gently protested
“Chihiro, you don’t have to…”
Shaking his head, Chihiro rejected “No…I have to. If I don’t stand up when my friends are
fighting, then I’ll have proved that I’m weak. The truth…” Chihiro gulped, hanging his head as
he declared “The truth is…I’m a boy.”
Makoto smiled with pride at Chihiro’s resolve, while Kyoko froze at the revelation, for once
caught completely off-guard.
So…that was his secret? Then…it makes sense why Chihiro would want to keep that secret. And
Makoto… She glanced at Makoto, realizing of course he would want to protect his friends…that’s
just who he is…
It was then that Makoto spoke, assuring Chihiro “You were really brave to come out and tell us
something so personal, and we promise to keep this secret, right Kirigiri-san?”
Nodding, Kyoko answered “As long as it doesn’t become instrumental in solving a case, then I see
no reason to disclose this secret.”
Nodding, Chihiro replied “Thank you both, but if keeping this secret was enough to cause you two
to fight, then I can’t condone keeping it. I don’t want to cause any more rifts in our class.
Besides…I’m tired of being weak. So…I’m thinking I should come clean…to everyone. Then…
even if my body is weak…at least my heart will get stronger. And then…I’ll get better.”
Nodding, Makoto told him proudly “If that’s your decision. We can tell everyone at breakfast.
And I promise, no matter what, Kyoko and I will support you, if nothing else. But I have hope that
everyone in our class will accept you for who you are Chihiro.”
Tearing up, Chihiro blubbered “Th…thank you! I’d better…I’d better get some sleep. Good
night.”
Chihiro closed the door, leaving the two former friends alone in the hallway. It wasn’t long before
Kyoko gestured for Makoto to follow her. Obeying, the Ultimate Lucky Student followed her into
her room, closing the door behind him as he followed to sit next to her on her bed.
An uncomfortable silence passed before Makoto asked hesitantly “Ano…are you still mad at me?”
“…I’m not.” Seeing Makoto gasp in surprise and relief, Kyoko continued “You were trying to
protect Chihiro; you didn’t want to betray his trust simply because I asked you to confide in me.
I’ll admit, at first I thought it was because you didn’t trust me completely…like I trusted you
completely.”
“Kiri…”
“Kyoko. You can still call me Kyoko.” Seeing Makoto’s relieved expression at the implications
beyond that continued permission, she blushed as she admitted “I…overreacted a bit. I expected
you to keep the secret about my hands from everyone, and to tell me everyone else’s secrets upon
command. That double standard was wrong of me, and I’m sorry.”
“Kyoko…” Smiling at her, Makoto assured her “I do trust you completely, you know, in case you
were worried. I’m sorry making you feel insecure about that.”
“Makoto…”
Kyoko smiled, a soft smile, feeling at peace now that their friendship had survived this turbulent
incident.
And now it’s stronger than ever. Makoto…you truly are my closest friend…
XXX
June 14, 2014
“Alright everybody! Before we eat, Chihiro has something she’d like to say!”
Everyone turned in their seats to face the Ultimate Programmer upon Makoto’s announcement, he
and Kyoko standing behind Chihiro as silent encouragement.
Chihiro looked up at Makoto, who smiled and urged “Go on, Chihiro.”
Taking a deep breath, Chihiro confessed “Everyone…I’ve been keeping a secret from all of you,
and I’m sorry. But I’m going to come clean, right now. The truth is…I’m actually…a boy.”
“Holy shit!”
Mondo’s mouth hung open, the outburst ringing through everyone else’s mouths as they all
thought the same thing, staring incredulously at Chihiro as though he just told them that clouds
were green.
The silence was broken by Junko’s cackle, who pounded her fist against the table in a laughing fit
as she exclaimed “Oh man! You mean to tell me that little Chihiro here is actually a crossdressing
male? Oh man, how hilarious, right Muku?”
Chihiro started to whimper, his greatest fears coming true as he realized …I was right…they think
I’m pathetic. I should just drop out before they go and post this on the internet…
“Junko! Such ridicule is most certainly unwelcome in a school environment!”
Huh?
Chihiro looked up, wiping the tears in his eyes as he saw Taka passionately defending him.
Mondo spoke up next, defending “Hell, the little dude’s got real balls to come out like that to us.
Some of the guys in my gang are bigger cowards than this little guy.”
I’m stronger…than some bikers?
Nodding, Sakura concurred “Indeed. Chihiro has shown us an incredibly strong core. Anyone
who dares to insult him…deserves no forgiveness!”
One by one, most of the others had given similar statements of support, Byakuya, Mukuro, and
Toko choosing to stay neutral.
Chihiro’s eyes watered as he thought You guys…you all…accept me?
Taka then turned to glare at Junko, pointing at her and demanding “Well, Junko? Do you have
anything to say for yourself?”
Sighing, the Ultimate Fashionista conceded “Alright, alright, maybe I went a little too far. So I’m
sorry and all that jazz.”
Even you, Junko? You…apologized? The Ultimate Programmer stared up at Makoto and Kyoko,
beaming as they returned it with small smiles.
Makoto…Kyoko…thank you! You gave me the strength…to be myself!
I’m so proud of you, Chihiro. You found your own strength, all by yourself!
As Makoto continued directing thoughts of praise at Chihiro, Kyoko thought gratefully Thank you,
Chihiro. You showed me the error of my behavior, and gave me the strength to admit to my own
faults. She looked down at her gloves, realizing You had the strength to reveal something about
yourself…and I still lack the resolve and courage to reveal my own secret to anyone of my own
volition.
She looked to Makoto, musing as she continued to look at the Ultimate Lucky Student while the
others congratulated Chihiro.
Could I be willing…to show my hands to anyone…if I spend more time in your company? Could I
find the strength that Chihiro found?
XXX
Present Day
“And that’s the story of how your father and I made up after our first fight.”
“Wow, Mommy! Chihiro was so strong!”
“Yes…” Makoto concurred “He was…stronger than most of us.”

“So does that mean you and Daddy never fought again, Mommy?”
Frowning, Kyoko shook her head and replied “As ashamed as we are to admit it, no, that wasn’t
our last serious fight. We had a couple of other squabbles…ones we would take back in a heartbeat
given the chance, Kiki.”
“But understand, Kiki. How we acted when we were younger…it doesn’t have any bearing on
who we are now. Those fights made us love each other more in the end, and ultimately they were
all in the past. We don’t let the fact that we fought stop us from loving each other. You’ll
understand better when you’re older, but disagreements are part of a relationship. It’s how you
solve them that matters, and for all our stumbles, we’ve emerged intact, and now not only do we
have each other, but we have you. We’re a family, Kiki, and nothing can break us apart!”
“Mommy…Daddy…”
Kiki turned around and tried to hug her parents, Makoto and Kyoko leaning down to embrace their
daughter in a group hug.
Once they separated, Kyoko told her “Alright Kiki, it’s time for bed, alright?”
Nodding, Kiki nestled into her pillow as her parents tucked her in and kissed her good night.
“Good night, Kiki. We love you!”
“I love you…” *yawn* “…too…”
Once Kiki was finally snoring, Makoto and Kyoko smiled, taking each other’s hands as they
walked out, closing Kiki’s door behind them as the went to their room to slumber, wrapped in the
blanket of their tried and tempered love.
Bonding Arc Chapter Ten: Sayaka’s Curiosity! A Girls’ Day Out!
Chapter Summary
Having caught wind of Kyoko's recent bondings with a majority of her classmates,
Sayaka decides to try to get to know the Ultimate Detective better and invites her to go
shopping with her, Hina, and Sakura. Will Kyoko enjoy their girls' day out?
Chapter Notes
This chapter is part of an ask submitted to my ask box on Tumblr by NotFanFicNet.

Please read and comment below, and enjoy!
Present Day
“Well…believe it or not, I ended up getting closer with Sayaka.”
“But I thought you already got close with Sayaka. You know, after she broke Daddy’s heart and
you comforted him?”
“Well…I can’t deny that I got to understand her a little more. But I can’t truly say that we bonded
yet. You see, it was later that week. We had just finished lunch, and your father had just left
when…”
XXX
June 19, 2014
“You’ve really changed, Kirigiri-chan.”
“Hm?”
Kyoko looked up from her coffee cup to see Sayaka moving to sit down where Makoto had been,
softly smiling at her.
“What do you mean, Maizono-san?”
“Oh come on, don’t play dumb! We’ve all seen the change in your demeanor since Makoto saved
you. You used to avoid class at almost any cost, not to mention any opportunity to mingle with any
of us. But now, you’ve been studying with Taka, sparring with Sakura, training with Hina, not to
mention meeting with Chihiro and learning her…his secret…sorry, still getting used to that.”
Kyoko nodded in understanding as Sayaka continued her praise “You’ve even managed to befriend
Fukawa-san and Ikusaba-san! That’s no easy feat, Kirigiri-chan.”
…Gossip sure travels fast around here… Kyoko deadpanned before she hesitantly replied “…I’ll
admit, I have become a bit more…sociable in the past couple of months. But still, you’re probably
exaggerating…”
Shaking her head, Sayaka refuted “I also talked with Leon after you and Makoto went to that
baseball game. He said that you were a really cool friend to know.”
A…cool…friend? …Me?
“So I’ve…gotten a little curious. And I know we haven’t exactly interacted much. So, I was
thinking…maybe we should get to know each other better?”
“Do we even have anything in common, Maizono-san?”
“Well we won’t know until we try, right? How will we know if we can be friends if we don’t
bother to learn about each other?”
That sounds…like something Makoto would say… Sighing in surrender, Kyoko acquiesced “What
did you have in mind?”
“Well…I had already been planning to go shopping this Sunday with Hina and Sakura. So why
don’t you join us? It could be a fun girls’ night out, and we could really learn a lot about each
other!”
Kyoko frowned; shopping was not one of her favorite pastimes. She generally only bought the
bare necessities, and couldn’t see herself having a good time going to the store and loading up her
room with impractical junk.
…Then again, I didn’t think I’d enjoy going to a baseball game, or swimming, or having friends at
all. In fact, I almost can’t recognize my past self now…I really have changed… Throwing caution
to the wind, Kyoko nodded in consent and agreed “Alright; I suppose I can work with that. Where
did you have in mind?”
Smiling, Sayaka replied “Oh; there’s this great shopping mall in Shinjuku that I love to frequent,
and there’s this great karaoke bar that we can grab dinner at! I’ll e-mail you the address; meet us at
the entrance at noon on Sunday, okay?” Seeing Kyoko nod, Sayaka jumped up, cheerfully
replying “Great! I’ll see you then!”
Kyoko watched Sayaka walk off, disappearing from sight as Kyoko sipped the remainder of her
coffee.
…Did that just happen?
XXX
June 20, 2014
“That’s great, Kyoko!” Makoto congratulated her as they walked through the hall after she told
him of her newfound plans.
“Are you certain this won’t be an inconvenience? I know we usually have done something on
Sundays, so…”
After befriending Makoto, they ended up hanging out together on Sundays, doing something
whether it was studying, helping out with one of her investigations, or just sitting together in
comfortable silence. The regularity was never planned…it just happened due to Makoto being her
best friend.
Shaking his head, Makoto assured her “It’s fine. Truthfully, I kind of promised my little sister that
I’d hang out with her on Sunday anyway. We’re meeting outside of the gates and I’m gonna show
her what’s in the area.”
“I see…”
“Besides…” Makoto continued while smiling “I’ve said before how it’s important to have some
girl friends you can talk to. I know things with Sayaka got…complicated last month, but she really
is a great friend to have. Plus it’s also a good opportunity to learn more about Hina and Sakura.”
Kyoko nodded in acceptance before turning around, informing him “Well, I need to go to the
station and work on a few cases. Goodbye, Makoto.”
“…Yeah, goodbye, Kyoko.”
XXX
Present Day
“You really didn’t want to come with, Daddy? But I thought you loved spending time with
Mommy!”
Chuckling, Makoto answered “Well…I won’t say that wouldn’t have liked to spend time with her,
but every girl needs some time to spend away from other boys. You’ll understand once you grow
up a little more.”
Nodding, Kyoko replied “Indeed. I didn’t know it at the time, but spending time with other women
was something I really needed. It gave me someone to confide in…things that were…too
embarrassing to tell your father at the time.”
“But what could have been too embarrassing to tell Daddy?”
Makoto and Kyoko looked to each other, slight blushes on their faces before Makoto told her
“You’ll know when you’re older.”
Pouting, Kiki groaned “Fine…so how was the actual shopping trip?”
“Well, I had taken the train to Shinjuku, and had just finished walking when I saw…”
XXX
June 22, 2014
Kyoko looked up, standing in front of a long, rectangular white and silver building, a sign standing
on the roof that displayed a blue and white crown, text printed in blue font.
“Keio?”
“Oh, Kirigiri-chan!”
Kyoko looked to see Sayaka running up to her, Hina and Sakura tailing closely behind the Ultimate
Pop Sensation.
Nodding, Kyoko greeted “Maizono-san. Hina, Sakura.” Glancing towards the massive building,
she asked “So, this is the shopping mall you were mentioning?”
Nodding, Sayaka answered “Uh-huh! Welcome to the KEIO! It has everything you could ever
want; clothes, music, video games, and that karaoke bar is right next door! So, what should
we…” It was then that Sayaka’s eyes settled Kyoko’s Detective uniform; pointing at her, she
exclaimed “Kirigiri-chan?! Is that what you choose to wear for outings?”
Kyoko looked herself over before replying “…It’s what I always wear outside of class. I did buy a
blouse and skirt when I went to that baseball game with Makoto, but only because he said it would
be hot and encouraged me to dress lightly. I assumed that a shopping mall would have air
conditioning, so…”
Huffing, Sayaka moaned “Geez! You’re thinking way too practically! Your wardrobe isn’t just
for warmth and protection; it’s a symbol of your identity! It’s supposed to make a statement!”
“A…statement?” Kyoko replied dumbly.
“Look!”
Kyoko’s attention shifted to Sayaka’s clothes; the pop idol wore white and pink sneakers, a hot
pink t-shirt that exposed her shoulders and an acceptable amount of cleavage, and a blue skirt that
matched her eyes.
“I’m a pop idol, so even when I’m not on stage, my outfit should reflect that! My blue skirt helps
to accentuate my eyes, my hot-pink shirt shows off my sense of fashion that matches my idol
costumes, while my sneakers show that I’m warm and approachable!”
“I see…”
“Look at Hina next!” Running around and tugging Hina by the arm, Sayaka continued “Look!
Her low tank-top exposes just enough to accentuate her femininity, while her red track jacket and
denim jorts just screams “I can compete just as well as any boy!” Right?”
Hina blushed at being so critically examined, while Kyoko admitted I suppose that makes sense…
Finally, Sayaka pointed to the bulky Martial Artist and exclaimed “And Sakura! Her ripped sailor
suit serves two purposes! It simultaneously says “I’m a girl and have a feminine side,” while
simultaneously warning people “Just because I’m female doesn’t mean I can’t kick your ass with
my eyes closed!” Get it?!”
Taking in all this information, Kyoko closed her eyes, musing …I had no idea an outfit could say
so much…
“You though; purple’s a nice color on you I’ll admit, it brings out your eyes and your hair. And
the skirt’s not bad; that part’s fine. Your top though; the button up, the jacket, and the tie that
sticks out like a sore thumb…it makes you look like you’re all business. That’s fine when you’re
on the job, but when its just you and your classmates or your friends, it’s way too stuffy and
formal. And your boots…”
“My boots…?”
“They’re not bad, per se. They warn people that you can kick their ass anytime, but for a casual
outing, it’s better to go a little more casual. Like…maybe some steel-toed sneakers. Then you’d
be a little more open and inviting, but still give off the impression that you’re tough as nails!”
Nodding, Kyoko admitted to herself When you put it that way, I suppose my outfit is a little
bland…
A determined look in her blue eyes, the hardness reminding her of the time she chewed he rout for
being so harsh with Makoto, Sayaka declared “That’s it! Our first stop has to be the clothing
store. Come on, Kirigiri-chan!”
“H…hey!”
Kyoko found herself being dragged by the wrist into the KEIO mall, Hina and Sakura jogging
close behind her.
…What on earth have I gotten myself into?
XXX
“Old Navy?”
Nodding, Sayaka replied “Uh-huh! It’s an American chain; they sell casual clothes. Nothing too
fancy, but enough to give your wardrobe a sense of flair.”
Nodding in reluctant acceptance, Kyoko followed Sayaka inside, finding herself surrounded by
stacks of jeans, racks of shirts, various causal clothes, anything she could ever ask for in the
clothing department. The Ultimate Detective, not having had a clue about fashion prior to today,
felt overwhelmed and intimidated.
Where would I even start? Seeing Sayaka sift through the various clothes, Kyoko hesitantly asked
“So…where should I start looking?”
“Hmmm…” Sayaka mused “So your skirt’s fine. It’s a good color for you. I’d say the first step is
to find a top that can complement it. You said you wore something more casual when you went to
that baseball game with Makoto, right? Can you tell me what you wore?”
Nodding, Kyoko replied “Let’s see…I believe it was…a plain pink, short-sleeve shirt.”
Hina squealed “Oh, you must have looked so cute in that, Kyoko!”
“I…I’m not sure that…”
“Okay, that’s a good starting point. We can look at some pink shirts. Come on!”
Seeing the other girls run ahead, Kyoko sighed as she followed after them, lest she get lost in this
unfamiliar environment.
XXX
“…How’s this?”
Kyoko walked out of the changing room, the top of her Detective uniform currently hanging inside
the stall on a hook. Instead, covering her upper body was a plain dark pink T-shirt, its length
covering just past the waistband of her skirt.
“That’s great, Kirigiri-chan! It compliments your skirt so well!”
“Yeah!” Hina continued after Sayaka “It totally looks cool on you, Kyoko!”
“I must say, it does suit you…” Sakura complimented.
“Th…thank you…”
“Although…” Sayaka criticized, causing the Ultimate Detective to look up as she continued
“You’ve gotta drop that awkwardness. You’ve gotta walk out with confidence! Show us that you
own those clothes! Here!”
Sayaka dug through the pile she had collected, tossing Kyoko a similarly pink shirt with a picture
of a magnifying glass printed on it.
“There; not only does it match your shirt, but it shows off your Detective persona. Now get back in
there and try on that shirt. And remember, you own that shirt!”
Kyoko turned back around and went through the entryway, placing the new shirt on the seat as she
pullet the current one over her head. Tossing it next to the new shirt, Kyoko bent down to pick up
the new shirt, holding it by the sleeves as she looked in the stall’s mirror, looking over her half-
bare form.
“Confidence…how am I supposed walk confidently into a world I know nothing about? How do I
know this’ll actually look good or cute or whatever covering my body?”
Although Kyoko never looked it, she did have some amount of vanity; what teenage girl didn’t
want to feel good about how they looked? With her mother Hibiki dead and her grandfather never
having remarried after his wife divorced him, Kyoko never had a female role model growing up to
teach her about things like fashion and body image.
With all her training focused on being a good Detective, Kyoko’s mind never wandered to any
subjects of real femininity, her only exposure being analyzing the motives of different culprits and
victims. But now that she had bonded with Makoto and learned to bond with other people, now
that she was thrust into this new, totally subjective world where practicality was basically thrown
out the window, she started to feel insecure and self-conscious about her appearance.
Are my breasts too big? Are they too small? Is my belly too plump? Does this shirt show too
much of my breasts? Does it not show enough? All these questions and more swirled around
Kyoko’s head, making her feel dizzy as she wished more than ever that Makoto was here to guide
her.
“You’re getting soft, Kyoko. Makoto’s not here, and besides, he’s a boy. He’s right; this is
something he just can’t help me with. I just have to…”
“Hey, Kyoko? It’s Hina; are you okay in there?”
Taken out of her confusion by the Ultimate Swimming Pro’s concerned voice, Kyoko take a deep
breath, telling herself “Just pretend you’re on a case. You’re undercover and you’re wearing a
disguise so the culprit doesn’t suspect anything. You can do this, you can do this…”
Kyoko gingerly put her limbs and head through their respective holes, pulling the shirt down until
the hem stretched over her waist.
…Walk with confidence. Walk with confidence…
Kyoko took a deep breath and narrowed her eyes, turning to open the door and strutting out of the
changing room, confidence in her every step. The Detective looked to Sayaka, who nodded in
approval, making her internally sigh in relief.
“That’s more like it! Great job, Kiri!” Hina and Sakura nodded in accord, making the insecure
Detective feel even more relieved as Sayaka continued “We can get a few of those and a few of the
plain ones so you have some variety and can alternate.”
That makes sense, I guess… “So are we done with shirts now?” Kyoko asked, ready to move on to
something else.
“Not yet; just a couple more.” Kyoko watched with concern as Sayaka held out a V-neck shirt and
a shorter shirt, both of them the same dark pink as the other two she tried on, the pop idol
encouraging “Here, try these on real quick, okay?”
Sighing, Kyoko caught the shirts as Sayaka tossed them to her before turning around to walk back
into the changing room. Eventually, she walked back out, remembering to show her faux
confidence as she came back out, the shirt fitting loosely around her torso while the V-neck
exposed just enough to put the top curves of her breasts.
“Wow, Kiri! You look really sexy in that shirt!”
Frowning, Kyoko looked down at her partially exposed chest, observing “It kind of leaves my heart
vulnerable to an assault, doesn’t it?”
Pouting, Sayaka retorted “You’re thinking too practically again! Forget the criminals, or the
weapons, or whatever! Just think about YOU!”
…Just about me?
“Anyway, there’s still the other shirt left, so try that one on now, then we’ll be done!”
Sighing, Kyoko walked back in, only to come out wearing the shorter T-shirt. Her midriff exposed
by the short length of the shirt, Kyoko’s self-confidence was now gone, the Detective repeatedly
trying to pull the fabric down to cover her bare belly.
“It’s…a little short, don’t you think?”
Sayaka giggled and replied “It’s supposed to expose your belly, Kiri! Trust me, it totally attracts
boys, and combining those shirts with your confident walk, Makoto’s sure to fall head over heels
for you!”
“…Why would I want him to fall for me?”
“’Cuz you’re totally crushing on him!”
“…Wait, Kyoko has a crush on Makoto?” Hina asked confused.
“I…I think you’re under a misunderstanding. Makoto and I are just friends, that’s it.”
“Then why do you two spend more time together than anyone else on campus?” Sayaka pointed
out.
Nodding, Hina concurred “They do always eat three square meals a day together…”
“And you guys are like…way closer than just plain friends. I’ve seen how you always smile in his
presence, and he smiles at you too!”
“He’s my first friend. It’s only natural I’d be at ease around him…”
“Come on, Kiri! Denial isn’t just a river in Egypt. My intuition is always spot-on. You like him,
and I bet he likes you too! So just go and show him you’re interested!”
“Yeah!” Hina concurred “It’s like I always said, you’ve gotta try for that gold medal. So go and
reach for that gold medal of love!”
“That’s not…”
“Hina, Sayaka, that’s enough.”
“Sakura…” Hina trailed off at Sakura’s unusually hard tone.
“But…” Sayaka started, only to be silenced by Sakura’s disapproving glare.
“If they really are just comrades as she claims, then such talk will only be pestering her. If she is in
love, as you claim…then it’s best that she approaches her loved one without our intervention.”
“…You speak from experience, I assume?”
Nodding reluctantly, Sakura closed her eyes and admitted in response to Kyoko’s question “Even I
have the heart of a woman.”
“Sakura…”
Seeing she was now outnumbered, Sayaka acquiesced “Alright, I won’t push the issue anymore. I
just…wanted to help my friends be happy, you know?”
I’m your friend? Reluctantly, Kyoko nodded and expressed “Your concern is…appreciated, but
I’d rather you drop this subject for the time being.” As Sayaka nodded with an apologetic look on
her face, Kyoko reflected on their exchange realizing …She does have a point though. I don’t
know if it’s Makoto, but…if I were to fall for a boy…it might be beneficial to have a set of clothing
that would show more skin than normal. These two show too much, but maybe…
Kyoko’s eyes wandered until she settled on another article of clothing. Walking over to it, she took
one off of the stack before walking back into the changing room, the other three girls bewildered at
what just happened. Before they could talk amongst themselves, Kyoko walked back out with a
much more natural confidence, wearing a hot pink tank top that exposed her shoulders and ended
just above the waistband of her skirt, the word “Kibou” printed across the front in big, black font.
“Is this a good compromise?”
Looking her over for a moment, Sayaka smiled, exclaiming “Kiri, that looks so cute on you! Great
choice!”
Nodding, Hina concurred “Yeah! And it looks perfect for playing basketball in!” Seeing Kyoko’s
curious expression, Hina explained “It’s an American sport. Hope’s Peak is bound to have the
equipment for it; I can teach you sometime!”
Nodding, Sakura concurred “That shirt may have even been inspired by Hope’s Peak. See the
word on the front? Kibou, as in Kibougamine Gakuen, the Japanese name for Hope’s Peak
Academy.”
Nodding, Kyoko asked “…So you think I should get this?”
Nodding, Sayaka answered “Yeah! It draws attention to you, plus it really just suits you, Kiri!”
“…Kyoko…” Seeing Sayaka’s surprised stare, the Detective elaborated “You called me your
friend, so I suppose if we’re friends, we should be on a first-name basis, Sayaka.” Seeing Sayaka
slowly smile and give a thankful nod, Kyoko finished “Well if that’s everything, then I’ll change
back into my normal clothes and we can pay for these.”
With that, Kyoko walked back inside, out of view as she closed the stall door behind her, pulling
the tank top over her head as she looked at herself in the mirror one more time, a twinkle of self-
confidence that wasn’t there at first shining in her violet eyes.
Allowing a small smile, she mused Confident…I guess…I’ve found it…at least enough for this.
Sayaka…thank you…for helping me find it in this strange world of yours…
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, Mommy, Sayaka really shipped you and Daddy hard!”
Chuckling, Kyoko replied “Yes, Kiki. She knew my own feelings well before I did.”
“I had no idea she tried to get us together so early!” Makoto interjected.
Blushing slightly, Kyoko admitted “Well…the whole conversation was kind of embarrassing, at
least to my teenage self, so I’m not really surprised I never told you about it then. And after we got
married…it just didn’t really seem important anymore…”
Smiling, Makoto intertwined their fingers and assured her “Hey, I’m not upset about it, honey. It’s
actually kind of endearing, getting to learn a little more about your feelings like this…”
“Makoto…” Kyoko gasped as her husband leaned in to meet her lips in a soft kiss, his wife
hungrily returning it with equal gentleness.
The sappy gesture disgusted the five-year-old Kiki, who stuck out her tongue and interjected “Ugh,
Mom, Dad, that’s gross! You’re gonna give each other cooties!”
Separating, Kyoko retorted “Kiki, there’s no such thing as cooties. Understand?”
Nodding meekly, Kiki replied “Okay, Mommy. So what happened next?”
Makoto looked at the clock on the wall and told her “Tomorrow, Kiki. It’s past your bedtime, and
this is a good stopping point.”
Yawning, Kiki reluctantly complied, snuggling into her pillow as her parents tucked her in, wishing
her sweet dreams as the five-year-old girl fell into slumber. Makoto and Kyoko then walked out,
closing the door behind them as they went back to their bedroom to pick up where they left off.
Bonding Arc Chapter Eleven: Sayaka’s Past! Dinner and Karaoke!
Chapter Summary
As their shopping trip continues, the girls go to a music store and a karaoke bar. Will
Kyoko learn something new about Sayaka during the remainder of their girls' night
out? And will she discover a hidden talent?
Chapter Notes
This chapter is the second part of the ask sent by NotFanFicNet referenced in the
previous chapter’s notes. Please read and review, and enjoy!
Present Day
“So where did you guys go next, Mommy?”
“Well, after I got changed, we bought a few of each shirt and left the store. We went to grab a
quick bite at the food court…”
XXX
June 22, 2014
“Alright, Kyoko…where do you want to go next?”
Sayaka looked at her expectantly, the Ultimate Detective changed into one of her plain dark pink
shirts at Sayaka’s recommendation.
“We’re already in a social outing, so why don’t you go change into one of your new shirts?”
Hina and Sakura looked at Kyoko as well, curious as to what Kyoko would want to do. Said
Detective sat there, resisting the urge to squirm in her seat.
Why are you asking me? I’ve never done this before… At last, Kyoko shrugged and replied “Why
don’t I just follow your lead.”
Sighing in disappointment, Sayaka turned to Hina and asked her “Alright then…Hina, is there any
place you’d like to go?”
Hmm…let’s see…I would like to check out the sporting equipment…but that probably wouldn’t
appeal to Kyoko. Now let’s see…what hasn’t she done before…Oh! An idea coming to her, Hina
asked “Kyoko, do you listen to music at all?”
Shaking her head, Kyoko admitted “My grandfather kept me so focused on my Detective training,
music was never something I was exposed to.”
Nodding, Hina asked “Sayaka, that new album of yours just got released, right?”
Nodding, Sayaka confirmed “Yeah. We released three new songs on it. Why do you ask?”
“Well, since Kyoko hasn’t really listened to music yet, why don’t we grab a copy of your CD and
pick up a collection of music for Kyoko?”
Beaming, Sayaka answered “Great idea, Hina. Sakura, is that good with you?”
Shrugging, Sakura answered “I suppose I could try to pick up some workout music while we’re
there.”
“Great! Then we’re all in agreement.” Stnading up energetically, Sayaka grabbed Kyoko’s wrist
again as she urged “Come on, let’s go!”
Kyoko was barely able to grab her bag of clothes in time before being dragged to another store.
First clothes, now music…I’m seriously out of my element…
XXX
“Disc Union?”
Nodding, Sayaka explained “Yeah; they’re a popular music chain. They carry a little of
everything, so we should be able to find you some music you might enjoy. Come on!”
Sayaka and Hina rushed in, leaving Kyoko and Sakura to follow slowly in their wake.
“Feeling overwhelmed? Their excitement when it comes to music is impressive, isn’t it.” Seeing
Kyoko nod in agreement, Sakura explained “I’m not much of a connoisseur of the medium, but I do
like to have something to play in the background so that my exercises don’t become tedious.”
“And Hina? Sayaka I understand, her being the Ultimate Pop Sensation, but Hina never struck me
as the music type.”
Nodding in understanding, Sakura explained “Her brother Yuta liked to listen to music, and
because they were so close, she grew fond of it too.”
“I see…”
“Geez, come on you slowpokes! Sayaka and I are waiting for you!”
Chuckling and shaking her head, Sakura urged “We’d better get in there before she scolds us
again.”
Nodding, Kyoko followed Sakura inside before splitting up, Sakura walking over in Hina’s
direction, while Kyoko walked over to where Sayaka was. She looked over to where the Ultimate
Pop Sensation was looking and noticed her hand on a CD case. Picking up a copy for herself,
Kyoko inspected the small, square box; on the front was an image of Sayaka singing into a
microphone while in a pink, frilly dress, with alternating layers of light and medium pink colors,
complete with a pink bow on her chest.
“…Is this your new album, Sayaka.”
“OH MY GOD!”
“IT’S SAYAKA MAIZONO!”
“THE ULTIMATE POP SENSATION! AND SHE’S JUST SHOPPING IN A REGULAR

MUSIC STORE?”
“EEEEEKKKKK!”
“I LOVE YOU, SAYAKA!”
“CAN I HAVE YOUR AUTOGRAPH, SAYAKA!”
Kyoko found herself pushed back as a crowd of screaming fans, armed with photos and pens and
miscellaneous merchandise flooded the store, surrounding Sayaka and bombarding her with
various requests, from autographs to photos to dates, to even begging her to carry their baby!
…Don’t these people know anything about personal space? Or privacy?
But Sayaka took it all in stride, giggling and consenting to the picture and autograph requests, but
broke the hearts of everyone else when she told them “Sorry, but I’m taken.”
“AWWWWWWWWW!”
Eventually the crowd dispersed, except for one lone teenage girl with a head of short-brown hair
and an ahoge that Kyoko thought was oddly familiar.
Nervously, the stranger walked up, in contrast to all the other fans politely asked “Ano…excuse
me, Maizono-san? Can I get your autograph? I’m a huge fan of your music…”
Smiling warmly, Sayaka acquiesced “Of course. What would you like me to sign?” The girl took
the copy of Sayaka’s new album she had just bought, handing it and a pen to Sayaka who accepted
them, uncapping the pen and preparing to write, asking “And who am I making this out to?”
“Oh, sorry. It’s Naegi, Miss…”
That made Kyoko do a double take, properly taking in the girl’s features as that name rung a bell.
Naegi? Wait…
“I kind of promised my little sister that I’d hang out with her on Sunday…”
Could she be…
“Alright, let’s see…
To Naegi-chan,
Ganbatte!
-Maizono Sayaka”
Handing the photo and the pen back to her, the Naegi girl squealed in joy and thanked her excitedly
“Thank you! I gotta go; my Onii-chan’s waiting for me at the food court. Thanks a lot, Maizono-
san!”
Kyoko and Sayaka watched as the pleased Naegi ran off and out of view. Shaking her suspicions
from her mind, Kyoko turned to Sayaka who had a sheepish and apologetic expression.
“Sorry about that…this stuff kind of comes with the territory of being an idol, you know?”
Shaking her head, Kyoko commented “I don’t think I could ever get used to that. Honestly, I don’t
know how that kind of attention doesn’t get on your nerves.”
Smiling grimly, Sayaka asked “What would you say if I told you that I came to rely on it?” Seeing
Kyoko’s curious expression, Sayaka elaborated “You see, my mother died giving birth to me, and
my father was always working late to pay the bills, so I spent a lot of nights alone and rarely saw
him.”
…So she grew up without a parent…just like me…Kyoko realized, understanding that Sayaka had
more in common with her than she first thought.
“I was really lonely…but that all changed when I saw a pop star on TV for the first time. She was
so pretty, like a princess. She could sing, and dance…But more than anything else…looking at her
smile, I could feel my loneliness melting away. I decided that I wanted to give my encouragement
to others. And seeing their smiles of joy, makes me smile long after my performances end.
Knowing that my fans pay such attention to me and smile at all of my performances…it makes me
feel…loved, you know? The kind of love my mother never had the chance to show me…and what
my father was always too busy to provide…”
…So where one of us decided to shut off relationships entirely from a lack of parental love, and
another convinced herself that everyone was out to get her, Sayaka decided to fulfill that need by
giving it to others…
Realizing exactly what she just confessed to, Sayaka blushed in embarrassment, apologizing “Oh,
sorry about that. You probably didn’t want to hear my backstory…”
Shaking her head, Kyoko admitted “Actually, hearing your motivation to become an idol was…
interesting. Perhaps…”
Their conversation was interrupted when Hina ran up to them with a pile of a dozen CDs in her
arms, Sakura following closely behind her with a single CD in her hand.
“Hey, Kyoko! I got you a bunch of CDs! Each one is a different genre, so you can see which ones
you like and which you don’t!”
Nodding appreciatively, Kyoko replied “Thank you, Hina. But, how am I supposed to play them?”
Before Hina could blush being so ditzy, Sayaka interjected “I have a spare CD player in my room.
I can give it to you, free of charge.”
“That’s…a little much, isn’t it?” Kyoko asked, a little uncomfortable with how much she was
being gifted today.
Smiling while shaking her head in amusement, Sayaka assured her “Kyoko, we’re doing this
because we’re your friends and want to do something nice for you. Surely Makoto must have
given you something by now, right?”
Kyoko flashed back to the bobble head that Makoto gave her from Leon’s baseball game, which
was still sitting on her shelf, admitting …I can’t argue with them on that one… Sighing, Kyoko
surrendered “Alright, I’ll accept them.”
Sayaka and Hina beamed, followed by Sakura who lightly smiled at the scene.
Looking at her phone, Sayaka’s eyes widened, exclaiming “Oh my gosh! I can’t believe it’s been
so long! We’d better get to that karaoke bar if we’re gonna get a good seat.”
“Hang on; we still have to pay for our CDs!” Hina objected.
Frantically picking up a handful of her albums from the rack, Sayaka then confiscated the one in
Kyoko’s hand, tossing them onto the stack that Hina was lugging.
“Here! You and Sakura go pay for our CDs, Kyoko and I will go reserve our seats at the
restaurant. I’ll reimburse you after we get back to campus.”
“Got it! Just leave it to me!” Hina promised.
“Come on, Kyoko! Let’s blow this popsicle stand!”
“H…Hey!”
Kyoko found herself being pushed out of the store before being dragged by the wrist again, Sakura
and Hina slowly disappearing from view as Sayaka dragged her out of the mall.
Why me…?
XXX
Kyoko sipped at her tea, having finished her ramen dinner while Sayaka sat across from her, eating
her hot dog, her french fries having been cleared from her platter. Hina sat next to the Detective,
having also decided on a ramen dinner, while Sakura sat across from the Ultimate Swimming Pro.
Her plate of BBQ chicken wings cleared, the Ultimate Martial Artist was now wiping the sauce
from her lips with her napkin.
Clearing her throat, Sayaka asked “So, did you have fun today, Kyoko?”
Slowly nodding, the Ultimate Detective replied “Today was…interesting. I had no idea so much
thought went into picking out one’s clothes…and learning about your motivations for becoming an
idol was…intriguing.”
“So…you wouldn’t mind doing this again?” Hina ventured.
“…While I wouldn’t do things like this every day…I wouldn’t be opposed if you all introduced me
to something new every once in a while.”
Sayaka beamed at the apparent success of today’s events, while Hina grinned and Sakura closed
her eyes and let a small smile cross her lips. Kyoko permitted the smallest of smiles to cross her
lips, choosing to let her guard down for once in the company of friends.
“So…” Hina began “It’s getting a little late…perhaps we should pay for our food and…”
“Tell Mom and Dad I said hi, Komaru!”
All four of their eyes widened at the familiarity of their voice, Kyoko thinking It can’t be…
But when they turned their heads, sure enough, Makoto stood at the entrance, talking to the very
same Naegi girl who had asked for Sayaka’s autograph.
“I will, Oni-chan. Thanks for showing me around. Too bad we couldn’t see your dorm, though!”
…So I was right; they are related…
Chuckling Makoto agreed “Yeah…Hope’s Peak can be kinda strict when it comes to security.
Still I think we had a good time, don’t…”A horn interrupted the siblings, Makoto sheepishly
smiling as he urged “You better go.”
Makoto wrapped his arms around Komaru, who returned the embrace, replying “Good-bye, Onii-
chan. I love you.”
Squeezing her tight, Makoto replied warmly “I love you too, Komaru.”
The four observers couldn’t help but smile at the scene between the Naegi siblings, Kyoko starting
to feel a quick burst of jealousy before pushing it back down. Komaru waved to her brother before
dashing out the door, leaving Makoto alone at the entrance.
“Hey, Makoto!”
Kyoko glared at Sayaka, as if to say “What are you doing?!” as Makoto turned towards his
classmates, smiling and walking over.
“Oh hey, Sayaka, Kyoko, Hina, Sakura! What are you all doing here?”
Smiling, Sayaka explained “We were just ending our girls’ day with some dinner here. And you?”
“Well…I was spending the day with my little sister, and she wanted to grab your new album, so I
promised her we could go grab it today. And she likes karaoke, so I promised her we would have
dinner here. We just paid for our food and she went home with Mom and Dad.” Scratching his
cheek nervously, Makoto commented “She told me she ran into you and got your autograph.
Thanks for doing that; I hope she didn’t inconvenience you guys.”
Waving his concern off, Sayaka assured him “Oh don’t be silly; she was very sweet. Did you guys
get to hear any karaoke yet?”
Shaking his head, Makoto answered “Umm…no…it seems to be a slow night here. Nobody wants
to get on stage for some reason…”
At this revelation, Sayaka grinned mischievously, causing Kyoko and Sakura to look at her in
concern and worry.
What are you…
“Excuse me? Waiter-san?” Seeing the waiter walk over to their table, Kyoko blanched as she told
him “My friend here and I would like to do a karaoke duet!”
Nodding, he replied “Very well; right this way, ladies.”
Sputtering as Sayaka circled around the table and pulled her out of her seat, Kyoko objected “B…
but I…”
“I didn’t know you sang, Kyoko…” Makoto interjected, a curious expression in her eyes.
“I…I don’t sing…I’ve never sang…I don’t know how to sing…”
Pushing her from behind, Sayaka assured her cheerfully “Don’t worry, Karaoke’s easy, and I’ll be
doing it with you! Besides, didn’t you just say you didn’t mind trying new things?”
“Th…that’s true…but…”
Kyoko felt her voice die down as Sayaka pushed her up the stairs and onto the stage, the announcer
holding the microphone in front of Sayaka as he asked “And who are we listening to today?”
Giggling, Sayaka answered “I’m Sayaka, and my friend here is Kyoko.”
“Okay!” The Announcer pulled the mike back as he announced to the crowd “Sayaka and Kyoko
are going to do a duet for you all!”
Kyoko looked like a frightened animal, totally frozen in shock as the microphone was handed off
to Sayaka. The Ultimate Pop Sensation lay a reassuring hand on Kyoko’s shoulder as she
whispered words of encouragement.
“It’ll be fine. I’ll sing first, so just copy my lyrics, okay? And don’t worry about your
performance; the goal of karaoke is to have fun.”
To…have fun? Hearing Sayaka’s encouragement, then glancing at the crowd and seeing Makoto
smile at her, Kyoko took a deep breath, steeling her resolve and telling herself It’ll be fine…it’ll be
fine…
Sayaka took a deep breath of her own, and with a melodious voice, sang “Kitto Shooting Love
Shooting Heart.”
Seeing the crowd look at her expectantly, Kyoko sang with a shaky voice “Kitto Shooting Love
Shooting Heart.”
Smiling at Kyoko, Sayaka continued “Motto takaku takaku.”
With just a smidge more confidence, Kyoko copied “Motto takaku takaku.”
With her well-practiced melody, Sayaka continued “Gimon fuan USO bakari kakemeguru nichijou,
Togisumasareta kono sekai ni ukabu na mo nai yuuki, Yozora no hoshi tachi ni uchiakeru negai
wa, Otona ni naru ni tsurete chiisaku chiisaku natteku no kana.”
Her voice losing its shakiness after having sang a couple of lines without incident, Kyoko
mimicked “Gimon fuan USO bakari kakemeguru nichijou, Togisumasareta kono sekai ni ukabu na
mo nai yuuki, Yozora no hoshi tachi ni uchiakeru negai wa, Otona ni naru ni tsurete chiisaku
chiisaku natteku no kana.”
Looking down, Kyoko saw her friends smiling at her performance. Feeling her anxieties pushed
back to the recesses of her mind, Kyoko regained her true confidence as she continued to copy
Sayaka’s lines without missing a beat.
“Dare ka no BUUTSU wo haku yori hadashi de hashiritai, Kagayaku chikara ga dare ni mo aru.”
“Kitto Shooting Love Shooting Heart, Miageta sora ni PURIZUMU, Yume ni tsuzuku youna michi
wo fumishimete, Zutto Shooting Love Shooting Heart, Machikogareteta mirai he, Motto takaku
takaku tonde yukitai, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star...”
“Kioku no katasumi ni korogaru ENTAAPURAIZU, Shokisettei no kono sekai wa oboete ite

kureru ka na.”
“Kizutsuita dake kokoro wa yawarakasa wo mashite, Kodoku ni makenai tsubasa ni naru.”

“Ima wa Shooting Love Shooting Heart, Kokoro nakusanai you ni, Hoshi ni todoku youna mizuiro
no kotoba, Zutto Shooting Love Shooting Heart, Mabushii hodo no mirai he, Motto tsuyoku nareru
yuuki ga hoshii.”
“Kitto Shooting Love Shooting Heart, ima wa chiisana TAMAGO mo, itsuka takaku takaku tonde
yukeru yo ne, Zutto Shooting Love Shooting Heart, Machikogareteta mirai he, Motto takaku
As the last lyric passed Kyoko’s lips and the duet ended, the crowd erupted in applause, making
Kyoko blush at being praised by total strangers.
“Great job!” Sayaka whispered as they stepped down the stairs, Makoto walking over and patting
her on the back in congratulations while Sakura glared at Sayaka for her stunt, to which the idol
merely gave a sheepish smile.
XXX
“You know, you really do have a good singing voice.”
Her face painted red in a seemingly permanent blush, Kyoko denied as they walked back to their
dorms “You’re exaggerating, Makoto.”
Shaking his head, Makoto insisted “I’m serious. Once you really got going, it sounded kinda…
pretty…like…what was her name…oh yeah, a singer named Hikasa Yoko.”
Smiling wryly, she teased “You seem to have a considerable knowledge of music. Are you
planning to become a pop idol yourself?”
Bellowing in boisterous laughter at the mere thought of that idea, Makoto denied “No…I’m not cut
out for it like Sayaka is. My sister just likes to watch a lot of anime, and Hikasa-san just voiced a
lot of characters is all. I always would watch anime with her, so that’s the only reason I know of
her.”
Nodding in acceptance, Kyoko continued to walk in silence with Makoto until they reached her
dorm, bags of clothes and CDs in hand.
“So…” Makoto began ”…Did you enjoy your girls’ night out?”
Nodding, Kyoko confirmed “…It was…interesting. We expanded my wardrobe, and I now have a
lot of music I need to listen to so I can determine what genre I’m into.”
Nodding, Makoto replied “I thought that shirt looked different. It um…it kind of looks…nice on
you.”
“It does?”
Nodding, Makoto confirmed “Yeah. It goes well with your skirt…plus…it kind of shows how far
you’ve come with opening up to others, wearing something more casual.”
“…I suppose it does…” Reaching for her door, Kyoko bid him “I need to get to bed. Good night,
Makoto.”
Nodding, Makoto replied “Okay…good night, Kyoko.”
Kyoko closed the door behind her, dropping the bags on the ground and deciding to empty them
tomorrow morning. For now, she opted to grab a nightgown from her preexisting wardrobe,
heading over to the shower.
Once she had turned the water on, she shed her clothes, stepping into the warm water. As she
lathered her hair, she looked down at her nude body, feeling a surge of self-confidence that she
lacked when she was trying on shirts at Old Navy earlier. Smiling, she continued to rinse the suds
from her lavender hair, until Makoto’s words rang in her head.
“You really do have a good singing voice.”
“Do I really? Does my voice sound…that good?”
Deciding it wouldn’t hurt to listen to herself now that she was in the privacy of her shower…for
investigative purposes, she opened her mouth and started to sing, recalling the lyics that Sayaka
had inadvertently taught her.
XXX
Present Day
“Is that when you started singing in the shower, Mommy?”
Baths with her daughter and shower sex with her husband notwithstanding, Kyoko had a habit of
singing in the shower, as her husband could easily attest to.
Nodding, Kyoko confirmed “Yes, Kiki. If Sayaka hadn’t dragged me up on that stage and forced
me to find my singing voice, I don’t think I would have ever developed the habit.”
“Not like we’re complaining.” Makoto commented “Your Mama’s singing voice is so pretty…it’s
like having our own private concert every day.”
Blushing, Kyoko deduced “…You two have been pressing your ears to the door while I’ve been
showering, haven’t you?”
Makoto and Kiki both had bashful smiles on their faces that just screamed “Busted!”
Sighing, Kyoko smiled and replied “…Whatever. It’s not like I’m trying to hide it or anything. In
any case, it’s past your bedtime, Kiki.”
“…Will you sing me a lullaby, Mommy? I really want to hear you sing again.”
Keeping her soft smile, Kyoko nodded “Of course, sweetie.” Turning to her husband, Kyoko
encouraged “Makoto, why don’t you head to bed? I can tuck Kiki in once we’re done.”
A little disappointed that he couldn’t be privy to this particular concert, Makoto hid it with a smile
as he leaned down and kissed his daughter on the nose, cooing “Good night, Kiki. Daddy loves
you.”
Nodding, Kiki replied “You too, Daddy.”
As Makoto turned around and left the room, Kyoko watched her daughter lean over and lay her
head in her lap. Smiling, she stroked Kiki’s hair as she started to sing an old lullaby from when
Kiki was a baby.
“Hush little baby, don't say a word,

Mama's gonna buy you a mockingbird.
And if that mockingbird won't sing,
Mama's gonna buy you a diamond ring.
And if that diamond ring turns to brass,
Mama's gonna buy you a looking glass.
And if that looking glass gets broke,
Mamas gonna buy you a billy goat.
And if that billy goat won't pull,
Mama's gonna buy you a cart and bull.
And if that cart and bull turn over,
Mama's gonna buy you a dog named Rover.
And if that dog named Rover won't bark,
Mama's gonna buy you a horse and cart.
And if that horse and cart fall down,
You'll still be the sweetest little baby in town!”
Kyoko looked down at Kiki, the little girl snoring in slumber. Kyoko smiled before turning her
gaze to the door, calling out quietly “I know you’re there.”
Chuckling sheepishly, Makoto scratched his cheek and apologized “Sorry, I just couldn’t resist.”
Sighing, Kyoko smiled and beckoned “Well, come on. There’s room up here for you too.”
Grinning, Makoto walked around to the other side of the bed and crawled in, draping the blankets
over the three of them. The Naegi patriarch draped a hand over Kyoko’s, gently resting against his
daughter’s belly.
Smiling nostalgically, Kyoko cooed “Doesn’t this remind you of when she was still just a toddler?
When we could all cuddle up on one bed after a long day? I…I miss those days, Makoto. She…
she’s growing up so fast!”
Smiling softly, Makoto assured his wife “Hey, honey, it’s okay! We’ve still got time with her; she
is only five after all. We’ve still got a few more years left before she really grows up. So let’s
treasure the moments we can still have with her.”
Nodding, Kyoko agreed “Okay, Makoto.”
Wrapping their free arms around each other, Makoto and Kyoko fell into slumber on their
daughter’s bed, Kiki squeezed between them in a loving sandwich as they slept, cramped but
comfortable as a loving family.
Bonding Arc Chapter Twelve: Class Representative Election!
Chapter Summary
Koichi and Chisa inform Class 78 that the student body will be holding a Spring
festival and that they must elect a Class Representative to help plan the event. Who
will the Class elect as their Representative?
Present Day
“So what happened next?”
“Well, spring was coming to an end and the school had an annual celebration to mark the passing
of the season and its shift into summer. But before we could plan it, our class needed to nominate
someone who would lead our class’s participation.”
Nodding, Makoto took over for Kyoko “And we ended up making our decision the next day in
class. You see, Kizakura-sensei came in and…”
XXX
June 23, 2014
“Alright, kids, settle down.”
Koichi walked in, followed by Chisa Yukizome and a short girl with light pink hair that curled at
the bottom. The class looked in surprise, wondering what the teacher of the 77th class, and
presumable one of her students, was doing here.
“Alright, you may be wondering why you received a notification on your Handbooks telling you
that this class was mandatory. Well, every year on the last day of June, Hope’s Peak holds a
school festival to celebrate the passing of spring and the coming of summer. It’s a nice little break
before you guys start studying for finals in July.”
Grinning, Chisa interjected “Plus it’s a great way to celebrate just how closely you all have bonded
as classmates!”
Smiling at his colleague, Koichi agreed “Indeed; it’s one of the few events where the Main Course
and Reserve Course students can mingle with each other.”
Makoto frowned; since befriending Kyoko, she had during one of their hangout sessions told him
about the existence of the Reserve Course and how they were largely segregated from the Main
Course since they attended by paying exorbitant tuition fees instead of being scouted for talent.
Makoto had frowned that day, not liking the system at all, but kept his opinions to himself for fear
of rocking the boat and getting expelled.
“Anyway, this festival is actually planned by the two Main Course classes at Hope’s Peak. Each
class nominates and elects a Class Representative who will…well…represent the class during the
planning process, as well as other multi-class functions.”
I see…so that pink-haired girl, she must be Class 77’s Representative.
Makoto’s musing was interrupted as Koichi asked “Alright, now that you guys know the drill, it’s
time to start nominations. Does anyone have anybody they’d like to nominate?”
Hmm…it should probably be someone who’s experienced in leadership. Maybe Byakuya…except

he’d try to take charge of everything. Maybe Taka…he’d certainly make sure all the rules were
enforced…except that might clash with the “fun” part of the festival. Let’s see…there’s gotta be
someone who…
“I nominate Makoto Naegi.”
Makoto’s deliberations came to a halt as his eyes widened in shock, the entire class shifting their
gaze in surprise at the source of the nomination: Kyoko Kirigiri, who resisted the urge to squirm in
her seat, uncomfortable with the entire class staring at her.
Maybe I should have waited for someone else to nominate him. Well, too late now…
Luckily for her, their gaze then shifted right to Makoto, who froze in shock, sputtering “M…ME?!
Why am I qualified to lead the class? I’m completely average!”
…Your self-confidence really needs work, Makoto… Keeping that thought to herself, Kyoko
simply replied “You’re good at connecting with people. You’ve brought us all closer together as a
class. Your strengths in camaraderie and collaboration make you an ideal choice to be our Class
Representative.”
Seeing most of the others nod in confirmation, Koichi asked “Alright, so does anyone second
Makoto’s nomination?”
“…I second it.”
Everyone’s gaze shifted to the Ultimate Soldier, surprised that the two most stoic people in class
had been the ones to suggest the nomination. Mukuro blushed in embarrassment at the attention.
“MUKURO!”
Laughing, Junko pounded her fist on the desk, teasing “Go, Muku! First you save him from the
mob, then you put him into power? It’s only a matter of time before he falls head over heels for
you!”
“I…It’s not like that, Junko!”
Calming the furious blush that had appeared on his own cheeks, Makoto retorted “Anyway, I don’t
want power! I just want to be a normal high school student!”
…You probably picked the wrong high school to enroll in, Makoto… Kyoko deadpanned.
“A…Anyway, shouldn’t someone with more experience in leadership be our representative?

Like…Byakuya…or Taka?”
Shrugging, Byakuya pointed out “I’m going to be the CEO of a global conglomerate. I might as
well permit a commoner to have a minor spot of leadership before I take the reins.”
Taka on the other hand passionately refuted “If I’m barely qualified to lead the Public Morals
Committee, why would I be at all suited to represent us for a festival? Besides, with your superior
knowledge of games and fun, I cannot think of anyone more qualified to be our Class
Representative than you, Professor Makoto!”
…I take back what I thought earlier about not minding the title…
“Alright then…” Koichi started, directing the class’s attention back to him. “Does anyone have
any other nominations? Does anyone object to Makoto’s placement on the ballot?” Seeing
complete silence, Koichi declared “Alright, then. Since Makoto is the only candidate, he wins by
default. All he has to do is accept the election, and he’ll be the new Class Representative.”
Wait…I get a choice?
Seeing Makoto’s surprised expression, Koichi confirmed “Yes, we can’t make you if you
ultimately don’t want to. It’s ultimately your decision. Should you decline, we’ll simply hold
another nomination process and exclude you from consideration.”
Any consideration he might have had for dropping out was immediately dashed as the rest of the
class looked at him expectantly. Although he still felt extremely nervous, he felt his anxiety start
to trickle out of his mind and heart when he crossed stares with Kyoko and Mukuro, subtle warmth
and encouragement sparkling within their violet and greyish-purple eyes.
Sighing, Makoto surrendered “I’d hate to disappoint everyone after they’ve expressed so much
confidence in me…alright, I’ll do it.”
Most of the class applauded, akin the Ultimate Lucky Student blush in embarrassment as Koichi
nodded and gave a small smile.
“Excellent. Now then, to get you oriented, you get express permission to skip class in order to
attend planning meetings. Lecture summaries and homework assignments will be sent to your e-
Handbook so you don’t fall behind. To start, you’ll leave with Yukizome here so she can get you
acquainted with her class.”
Chisa giggled in glee as Makoto got up from his desk, feeling the jealous stares of his classmates
on his back.
“Welcome to the Spring Festival Planning Committee, Makoto!” Moving behind the pink-haired
girl, who seemed to look at him with a partially unaware expression, Chisa introduced “This is the
Class Representative for Class 77: meet Chiaki Nanami, the Ultimate Gamer.”
“Nice to meet you…I think.”
I think? Nevertheless, Makoto smiled, bowing his head as he greeted “It’s nice to meet you,
Nanami-senpai.”
Clapping her hands once, Chisa announced “Okay! Now that you’re both acquainted, let’s head
over to my classroom so I can get you acquainted with my other class and you two can work out
meeting times. Follow me!”
Chiaki followed the cheerful Chisa put of the classroom, Makoto following closely behind her as
the trio vanished out of sight.
“Okay!” Koichi announced, recapturing his class’s attention “Makoto may get to cut class, but we
still have work to do. So, turn to the first chapter of your final novel on your e-Handbooks.”
The rest of the class activated their e-Handbooks, opening the digital copy of “The Dutch Shoe
Mystery, By Ellery Queen.”
XXX
Present Day
“I can’t believe you were the first to nominate Daddy back then. I figured it might have been
Sayaka, or Auntie Hina.”
Blushing slightly. Kyoko admitted “I’m…not entirely sure why I did, either. It just…sort of
happened.”
Makoto smiled, but let the subject drop. Realizing that neither he nor Kiki were going to push it
any further, Kyoko breathed a sigh in relief.
“I’m a little curious, did you get even a little jealous at all? I mean, Daddy was going to be
spending hours alone with a girl who wasn’t you!”
Shaking her head, Kyoko replied “I’ll admit…it was a little strange. Having spent so much time
seeing your father in and out of class, only to go a week while barely seeing him at all…it was a
change. But no, I wasn’t jealous. Remember, your father and I were just best friends; we weren’t
attracted to each other yet. And even if I did love him, I knew that they were simply spending time
as colleagues, not sneaking out on dates.”
Nodding in acceptance, Kiki replied “Okay, Mommy.”
Frowning in nostalgia, Kyoko reminisced “I didn’t end up seeing him until the day of the festival.
And when I did…”
XXX
June 30, 2014
“You look exhausted…” Kyoko deadpanned as Makoto sat in front of her at their usual table.
Kyoko took note of how his hands shook as he tried to get some egg and rice into his mouth with
his chopsticks. Not to mention his usually lively green eyes, which were now half-shut, their shade
now dull, and dark circles formed underneath them.
Barely nodding, Makoto slurred “Chiaki and I had to pull a couple all -nighters to get the festival
done in time. I haven’t caught a wink of sleep in like two days.” Catching view of her beverage,
he reached for it, moaning “Ooh, coffee!”
“That’s…my coffee…” Kyoko objected too late as Makoto downed the beverage in one gulp,
sighing as his eyes started to get part of their shine back, opening all the way.
Now having the energy to express emotion, Makoto gave her an apologetic look as he replied
“Sorry, Kyoko. I just…really needed coffee.”
Normally, Kyoko would have been exceptionally displeased if someone drank her morning coffee.
However, seeing just how tired Makoto was, not to mention his complete lack of formalities when
mentioning his upperclassman counterpart, left her concerned enough about his health to let it
slide.
“It’s fine; I’ll just grab another cup before the festival.”
“Can you grab me another one too please? I’m starting to see why you love Civet Coffee so
much!”
Looking at him in concern, she cautioned “I don’t want you to get addicted to caffeine. Besides,
rather than consume more coffee, it might be more beneficial for you to go back to bed and get
some sleep before the festival.”
“But I…” *yawn* “I don’t wanna be late. Nanami-senpai and I are supposed to open the festival
together!”
Rolling her eyes at his obstinance, Kyoko decided “Then I’ll come and get you before you’re
scheduled appearance. It isn’t until one, so that should be plenty of time.”
“Really? You’d do that? Thanks, Kyoko! You’re…” *yawn* “The best friend…a guy could
have.”
Makoto failed to notice Kyoko’s light blush as he dragged himself out of the dining hall and into
his room.
XXX
“Makoto?”
Kyoko stood in front of his door, ringing the doorbell as promised. But for all her ringing and light
knocking, Makoto gave no indication that he was even on the other side. If it wasn’t for their
conversation earlier in the morning, she would have stopped ringing and knocking long ago and
gone to search elsewhere.
Kyoko frowned, remembering just how tired he had been when he dragged himself to their table,
realizing He must have been really tired…
“Yo! Kirigiri!”
Kyoko saw the bulky form of Mondo Owada approaching, Taka following closely behind him.
Seeing Kyoko’s questioning expression, Taka clarified “The Headmaster came by and told us that
Makoto hadn’t come to his designated spot to prepare to open the festival, so I suggested we go
search for him.”
“Yeah; what he said. Anyways, didn’t you volunteer to go get him so he wouldn’t be late?”
Nodding, Kyoko explained “That’s what I’ve been doing, Owada-kun. I’ve been knocking and
ringing his doorbell, but he hasn’t answered. I think he might still be asleep.”
Taka clenched his fists and narrowed his eyes, seething “To be late on the day of the spring
festival…such tardiness is unbecoming of a Class Representative!”
Sighing, Mondo interjected “…Anyway…we just need to wake him up if I understood that.”
Seeing Kyoko nod, Mondo proceeded to kick the door with his foot, the collisions creating
earthquakes that could be felt down the entire hallway as he roared “HEY, MAKOTO! WAKE
THE FUCK UP!”
…Boys and their testosterone… Kyoko sighed as Taka tried to restrain the Ultimate Biker Gang
Leader.
“Owada-kun! That’s enough; you’ll destroy the door!”
“Oh yeah?! Well if you’re so smart, why don’t you tell us what to do?”
Nodding, Taka answered “Simple; we’ll just open the door and go inside, then we’ll be in a better
position to awaken our Representative.”
“That’s stupid” Kyoko scolded. “There’s no way a sleeping person wouldn’t lock their…”
Kyoko’s voice died as Taka twisted the doorknob, opening the door before walking in with
Mondo, leaving Kyoko standing outside to utter dumbly “…door…” Apparently he would…
Kyoko sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose as she scolded “Makoto Naegi, you are
unbelievably careless…”
With that, Kyoko walked inside, her eyes gazing at the scene of Mondo and Taka standing on
either side of the slumbering Makoto, a thin line of drool streaming down his smiling lips.
He looks…peaceful… Kyoko thought, for a moment happy that Makoto was at least getting rest.
Unfortunately, Mondo did not have the delicateness required to hesitate; grabbing the Ultimate
Lucky student by the shoulders, Mondo shook his delicate frame, yelling “Wake up, man! Get
your ass up!”
“Mondo!” Taka objected “Such a violent approach is not appropriate for a school environment!”
Before Kyoko could move to help Taka restrain him, Makoto yawned, opening his eyes and, once
Mondo released his shoulders, sat up, rubbing his eyes as the figures of Mondo, Taka, and Kyoko
came into focus.
“Good…” *yawn* “…Good morning, guys. What are you all doing in my room?”
“Makoto! You’re late for the opening ceremonies!”
Nodding at Taka’s passionate scolding, Kyoko explained “I tried to get you, but you wouldn’t
answer your door because you were asleep.”
“Yeah, I had to come and shake you awake, dude!”
Makoto’s eyes widened as he pulled at his hair, jumping out of bed as he exclaimed “Oh, man! I’m
in so much trouble! I gotta go meet Nanami-senpai!”
With that, Makoto raced out of the dorms at a speed that would have made Sakura proud, vanishing
from sight in a cloud of dust, making the other three sweatdrop.
Taka nodded approvingly, commenting “And I didn’t even have to lecture him about bringing
dishonor to the class by being late.”
Rubbing the back of his neck, Mondo commented “I should get going; I have to get my exhibit
ready.”
As Mondo and Taka left the dorms, Kyoko thought I should probably put one of those new shirts
to use and change into something more casual.
With that, she left Makoto’s room and walked to her own dorm, opening the door and slipping
inside, closing, and locking, the door behind her. With that, she walked over to her closet, grabbing
one of the pink T-shirts with a magnifying glass logo on it before stripping her top half. As she
slipped the T-shirt over her head and pulled the hem down her waist, she reflected on the events
that just transpired.
Mondo Owada…his sense of tact leaves much to be desired…but he’s dependable if a task requires
brute force…
Keeping the thought in mind as she exchanged her high socks and boots for her white socks and
pink sneakers, Kyoko got off her bed, walking to her door and opening it, closing it behind her as
she began her leisurely pace to the school festival.
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, Daddy, you sure were tired! Is that why Mommy says when you can and can’t drink
coffee?”
Just as Makoto locked up all the alcohol in the house after Kyoko averted becoming an alcoholic
when Komaru and Hina babysat Kiki, Kyoko had similarly controlled the flow of caffeinated
beverages in their house after she found him nearly passed out at the dining room table, surrounded
by a dozen coffee mugs.
Makoto chuckled sheepishly and confessed “…Yeah, that’s why…” as re remembered that fateful
day.
“Makoto Naegi, that’s way too much coffee at once!”
“But honey, we’re in a crunch at the school. I’ve got a lot of meetings and paperwork on my plate,
and I need the caffeine to keep myself awake.”
“I don’t care! This is a real problem, Makoto. You can’t be drinking this much coffee. I’m
cutting you off; from now on, you’ll get ONE cup in the morning, then I’m locking the rest of the
coffee where you can’t get it. And just to be safe, I’m calling Hajime so he can make sure you
don’t become an addict.”
“But honey…”
“Don’t HONEY me! And no buts; this is for your own good, sweetie!”
“Sweetie?”
Blinking, Makoto came out of his memory as he saw Kyoko and Kiki looking at him in concern.
Laughing it off, he apologized “Sorry, I was lost in thought…”
A concerned frown on her face, Kyoko turned to Kiki and apologized “Kiki, I’m sorry, but we
might have to cut story time a little short. Your father looks tired, and he needs a good night’s
sleep so he can function tomorrow.”
Nodding understandingly, Kiki replied “Okay, Mommy.” Climbing onto her father’s lap, Kiki
cooed “Sweet dreams, Daddy!”
Smiling warmly, Makoto returned the hug while easing Kiki into laying down, her head cushioned
against her pillow. Reluctantly releasing her from his embrace, Makoto brought the blanket up to
her chin as Kyoko got off the bed, leaning down to meet Kiki in an Eskimo Kiss.
“Sweet dreams, pumpkin…” Makoto cooed as Kyoko leaned down to kiss her forehead.
“Good night, Kiki. Mommy loves you!”
Yawning, Kiki replied “Love you too…” before drifting into slumber as Kyoko nudged Makoto
out of the bedroom to make sure he actually went to sleep.
Bonding Arc Chapter Thirteen: Hope’s Peak Spring Festival!
Chapter Summary
At long last, Hope's Peak Academy's Spring Festival has arrived. After getting to a late
start, Makoto and Kyoko walk around to partake in the various festivities.
Present Day
“So how was the festival, Daddy? What did you and Mommy do?”
Smiling in nostalgia, Makoto answered “Well, luckily I had arrived just in time to complete the
opening ceremonies with Chiaki. I had just gotten offstage and rejoined your mother…”
XXX
June 30, 2014
Makoto breathed out a sigh of relief as he walked back to Kyoko, Chiaki walking in the opposite
direction to mingle with her class.
“You have a talent for public speaking. No wonder you were picked for Class Rep.”
Chuckling nervously, Makoto answered “…I’m honestly not sure how I was able to keep it
together; I was so freaking nervous the whole time.”
Kyoko looked at him sympathetically as she assured him “Well, you pulled it off, and it looks like
the festival’s off to a good start.”
Makoto and Kyoko looked around the outside area; there were several exhibits and stands that the
students had set up, rotating so that all exhibits would actually have an audience.
Mondo and Kazuichi Soda had built some replicas of the Crazy Diamonds’ motorcycles, Chiaki
and Chihiro had set up a traditional arcade, Hiyoko Saionji had set up a dancing class, Teruteru
Hanamura had set up an American style café (none of the girls would volunteer to start a maid
café), and Akane Owari and Sakura Ogami had set up a martial arts show.
In addition, Mukuro and Peko Pekoyama set up a swordplay exhibition, Mahiru Koizumi had set
up a photography exhibit, Celeste set up a booth to teach people how to play poker, Hifumi had set
up a stand where he was selling his doujinshi, Taka and Sonia Nevermind had set up a lecture
explaining the importance of leadership, Mikan set up a booth showing various medical supplies
and explaining their usage, Sayaka and Ibuki Mioda were putting on a dual concert, Junko set up a
red runway and changing stall where she was showing off her various fashion outfits.
Meanwhile, Nekomaru Nidai and Leon had put on an exhibition explaining how different physical
sports worked, Gundham Tanaka put on an animal performance show, enhancing his hamsters with
dark magic spells, as he put it, while Hiro set up a fortune telling booth. All in all, it was a pretty
good setup, each booth set up to demonstrate each student’s unique talent. The only ones who
hadn’t set up something were Makoto, due to having to set everything up, Fuyuhiko Kuzuryuu,
who claimed he needed to keep details about his Ultimate Yakuza talent secret, Nagito Komaeda
due to still being suspended, and Kyoko, who for reasons similar to Fuyuhiko didn’t feel
comfortable demonstrating her Detective talents to an audience.
Turning his attention to said Detective, Makoto remarked “That shirt looks really good on you, by
the way. Is that from your shopping trip with the girls?”
Feeling awkward, Kyoko reluctantly nodded, answering “Yes…I figured today was a good day to
go casual. You…think it looks good?”
Nodding, Makoto replied “Yeah…they go really well with your sneakers. And it’s nice…seeing
you so comfortable with everyone now to step outside your comfort zone.”
An awkward silence passed between the two until Kyoko changed the subject, asking “So…which
exhibit should we check out first?”
“Oh, umm…Chiaki and Chihiro’s arcade looks good. You ever been to an arcade?” Shaking her
head in response, Makoto replied with a smile “Well, then this should be a fun new experience for
you. Come on!”
Kyoko followed after the Ultimate Lucky Student, letting him guide her as she went to experience
her first festival.
XXX
“Excuse me? Nanami-senpai?”
Makoto gently tapped her on the shoulder, the slumbering Chiaki awakening from her sleep bubble
as she replied “Oh, sorry about that. Welcome to the arcade. We’ve got skee ball, balloon
popping, and whack-a-mole…I think…”
You think?
Seeing Kyoko’s incredulous expression, Chihiro smiled sheepishly and assured her “Don’t mind
her; she always ends her sentences like that. It’s…kind of her catchphrase. So, what would you
like to play?”
Kyoko felt indecisive; never having been to an arcade, she wasn’t sure what to start with.
Seeing Kyoko look to him for guidance, Makoto suggested “Why don’t we start with skee ball?
That’s a good one to get your feet wet.”
Nodding, Kyoko answered “We’ll start with skee ball.”
Nodding in understanding, Chihiro pressed a button on his laptop, and two of the lanes lit up, nine
brown balls falling down the tube into Makoto and Kyoko’s pools respectively.
Picking up a ball, Makoto explained “Here, I’ll demonstrate. You see those rings at the end,
shaped like a bullseye? The goal is to get your balls in any of those rings. The closer to the end
they land in, the more points you get. You roll the ball with an underhand motion, like this.”
Makoto moved his hand slowly, allowing Kyoko’s eyes to rack his movements as he wound his
arm back before swinging it forwards like a pendulum, releasing the ball and watching as it slowly
rolled up the ramp, falling into the 10-point hole.
Makoto grinned sheepishly as he commented “Of course, if I went at normal speed, it probably
would have jumped farther.”
Nodding, Kyoko took a chance and grasped the first of her balls, clutching it comfortably as she
took an experimental throw, watching the ball roll up and over the ramp and landing into the 20-
point hole.
“Not bad for your first throw, Kyoko. So, do you think you’ve got it?”
Nodding in confirmation, the two proceeded to throw the rest of their balls, Makoto landing his in
the 10, 20, and 30-point holes, while Kyoko landed hers in the 30, 40, and 50 point holes
respectively.
Makoto whistled and complimented “Not bad, Kyoko. You’re a natural at this.”
“…Accuracy has been a skill I’ve had to develop as a Detective. And I imagine that my training
with Sakura and Hina has helped to develop my arm strength. So what’s next?”
“Hmm…how about Whack-A-Mole?” Seeing her nod, Makoto asked “Can we try the Whack-A-
Mole, please?”
Chihiro input a few commands into her computer, restarting the skee ball machines for the party
behind them, while activating the Whack-A-Mole machine as the duo walked over to it.
Picking up the black, foam hammer for Kyoko to see, Makoto explained “So, the way this game
works is that mechanical moles will pop out of these holes for a few seconds. The goal is to hit
each of them with the hammer before they disappear. It starts out with only one mole or two at a
time, but as the game goes on, more moles will pop out simultaneously. The more moles you
whack, the more points you’ll get. You good?”
Nodding, Kyoko picked up her mallet with one hand while Makoto grabbed his with two. Once
the timer hit zero, the first mole popped out, both players hitting theirs with ease. As the game
went on, both players continued whacking their moles, Makoto hitting his in a frantic flurry as he
struggled to keep up, while Kyoko went more calmly and methodically. At the game’s end,
Makoto had whacked a little more than half of his moles, while Kyoko had hit nearly all of hers,
only missing a couple.
Wiping the sweat off his brow, Makoto panted, turning to grin at Kyoko as he praised “Wow,
you’re…good at this…”
“…This game is essentially a test of reaction time and reflexes. My laser focus allows me to react
quickly and expend little energy when I hit my target.” Observing his sweaty form, Kyoko
critiqued “You would do better if you didn’t let your emotions guide your swings.”
Of course she’d use an arcade game to dole out criticism…
“So…all that’s left is the balloon popping game, right?”
Seeing Makoto nod, they left the machine, walking over to the bar counter where Chiaki was
setting up the balloons, having heard their conversation.
Passing three darts to each of them, Chiaki greeted “Welcome. Each balloon is connected to a
prize.” Makoto and Kyoko’s gaze wandered to the shelf, where numerous plushies were sitting as
Chiaki explained “Simply pop the designated balloon, and you’ll get the corresponding prize.”
“I see…and what prizes are there?”
“The large balloon nets you a Caterpie plushie. The medium balloon nets you an Agumon plushie.
The small balloon gets you a Detective Conan plushie.”
Kyoko’s eyes sparkled at the mention of Detective Conan. Other than the news, the only TV show
that Fuhito let her watch was Detective Conan, as he viewed it as a way to compliment her
Detective training. As a result, she became rather fond of the series and its characters; it was the
only anime she could actually quote.
Kyoko stepped up and took careful aim before winding her hand back and throwing her darts.
Luck was not on her side unfortunately; for all of her skill with accuracy, all three of her darts
ended up missing the balloon by a hair, causing the Detective to sigh in disappointment.
Chiaki frowned and apologized “Sorry…that one can be tough to hit, so don’t feel bad, Kirigiri-
san.”
Makoto frowned, seeing the rare forlorn expression on Kyoko’s face. Deciding he didn’t like
seeing Kyoko Kirigiri so disappointed and sad, Makoto stepped up with a determined expression,
gathering his darts and taking aim at his targets.
In a miracle of Ultimate Luck, Makoto managed to pop all three balloons with his darts, leaving a
gaping Kyoko, plus Chiaki who was staring at him with an impressed expression as she walked to
get all of his prizes.
“Impressive; I don’t think even Nagito has been able to pull that off. Congratulations, here are
your prizes…I think.”
Gratefully accepting his promises and pocketing them in his jeans, Makoto handed the plushie of
Conan to Kyoko.
Her eyes widening in surprise, Kyoko stammers “But, Makoto…this is…your prize…”
Smiling, Makoto rebuffed “You looked really disappointed when you didn’t win it, and I don’t like
seeing my friends sad, so I decided I’d win it for you. Go on, take it. It’s yours.”
Gratefully accepting the present, her gaze shifted back and forth between the plushie and her
friend, Kyoko felt her emotions bubbling up to the surface. In an attempt to hide her feelings,
Kyoko broke a cardinal rule; she walked up and embraced Makoto, burying her face against his
shoulder.
“Wha…Kyou…Kyoko?!”
“Th…thank you. This really means a lot to me…”
Encouraged by her reply, Makoto returned the embrace, deciding that it was okay since she had
initiated it. At last Kyoko released him, unable to hide a slight blush as she suddenly felt
embarrassed at what she had just done.
“My apologies, Makoto. I shouldn’t have…”
Shaking his head, Makoto assured her with a redder blush on his face “No, no, it’s fine. I’m…
really glad…you trust me so much…” The two stood awkwardly, not really sure about how to
proceed until Makoto gave it a try, suggesting “Why don’t we try grabbing some food?”
Not trusting herself to speak, Kyoko merely nodded, following Makoto over to Teruteru’s snack
café as they went to fill their stomachs.
XXX
After dropping their prizes quickly at their respective dorms, Makoto and Kyoko continued
walking around the festival after visiting Teruteru’s café, Kyoko scolding him after they left about
the three hot dogs and full plate of French Fries he had consumed while she only had a single
cheeseburger. It wasn’t long until they reached Hiyoko’s dance exhibit, the Ultimate Traditional
Dancer just finishing a demonstration of a traditional ballroom waltz.
“Alright, you’ll probably all stink at it, but who wants to try their hand at a ballroom waltz?”
Seeing most of the men observers gaze at her, she flinched in disgust, moaning “Ewwww! Not
with me! Find your own dance partners so I can laugh over how much you trip over each other’s
feet, you perverted weirdos!”
Makoto and Kyoko sweatdropped at Hiyoko’s mean disposition. They both looked to each other,
silently agreeing not to partake in this attraction. Neither Makoto nor Kyoko were comfortable
dancing or performing in public, and Hiyoko’s unwelcoming demeanor just sealed their refusal for
both of them.
It was then that Teruteru crept up behind them, speaking seductively “Hey! Kyoko, was it?
How’d you like to be my dance partner? And maybe afterwards…we can…do a different kind of
dance?”
It took all of her self-restraint for Kyoko to resist shivering in disgust at being hit on by the same
boy who harassed Sayaka on their first day. Although Makoto no longer felt the urge to deck his
upperclassman, due to having become properly acquainted with the petit, pudgy cook, he still was
able to glare disapprovingly and try to politely caution him against his current course of action.
“Hanamura-senpai, I don’t think…”
“Naegi-kun, do me a favor and scram, won’t you? You’ve gotten all day with this lovely cherry
blossom, and last I checked, you hadn’t asked her to be your dance partner. Besides, she hasn’t
given an answer yet, has she?”
“Th…that’s true, but…”
Ignoring Makoto, Teruteru started to run a hand down her back, making the Detective shiver as he
continued “So whadda ya say, Mademoiselle? Shall we…HEY!”
Kyoko and Makoto sighed in relief at not having to deal with Teruteru themselves; that honor now
belonged to Mondo, whose purple eyes were now seething with flames of anger at the perverted
cook as the Ultimate biker Gang leader pulled him into the air by his hair as he growled.
“Yo! Can’t you tell when a lady’s not interested in ya? I had hoped you’d have learned your
lesson after you tried to hit on Sayaka. But since you obviously haven’t, I’m gonna do what
Yukizome-sensei didn’t have the balls to do. You’re fuckin’ dead, ya hear?”
Clasping his hands together in a whimpering prayer, Teruteru begged “Please! Don’t kill me! In
fact, you can’t kill me! Yeah, the headmaster would never allow it!”
“The Headmaster…”
“Will take things from here, Mondo. Kindly put Hanamura down and return to your exhibit.”
All of their eyes turned to Headmaster Kirigiri, who was standing next to Chiaki, both of them
glaring disapprovingly at the Ultimate Cook. Sighing, Mondo dropped Teruteru, who gracelessly
fell on his butt with a plop.
“Ow…”
“Yeah…I should probably get back there…can’t leave Soda-senpai to host it alone. Alright, see
you guys!”
Mondo waved off as he walked out of sight, leaving Jin to deal with the offending student.
Chiaki then scolded “Teruteru, you can’t go touching other women without their permission. I’d
rather not uppercut you again…I think.”
You think?
Again?
Unaware of Makoto and Kyoko’s respective thoughts, Jin nodded, ordering “Teruteru Hanamura,
follow me to my office, please. We will discuss your…discretion there.” Jin glanced with concern
at Kyoko, as if to ask “Are you okay?”
Blushing with embarrassment at being rescued by her estranged father, Kyoko merely nodded
before Jin beckoned Teruteru, the Ultimate Cook hanging his head, a look of surrender on his face
as he followed the Headmaster to face his punishment.
“Sorry about him…” Chiaki apologized. “He’s not all bad; he just needs to learn to keep his mouth
and his hands to himself. I hope this didn’t ruin the festival for you.”
Shaking their heads In unison, Makoto reassured Chiaki “Don’t be silly, Nanami-senpai. We’ve
been having a great time!”
Nodding, Chiaki replied “I’m glad. There’s not much better than being at a festival with a special
someone.”
Both underclassmen now blushing, Makoto denied “Oh, no, Kyoko and I aren’t…”
“I have a special friend too…” Chiaki interrupted “His name’s Hajime Hinata, and he’s in the
Reserve Course. I haven’t seen him in a while, but I was hoping he’d come to the festival…but he
hasn’t come.” Looking at them with an unusually intense stare, Chiaki counseled “You two have a
special bond; I’m not usually good with life sims, but I can tell it by looking at how close you are.
Whatever you do, don’t lose that bond…or each other…” Sighing, Chiaki finished “Well, I’ve got
to get back to manning the arcade. Goodbye, Makoto, Kirigiri-san.”
Watching her walk away, the two stood around awkwardly, not knowing what to make of her
advice.
At last, Makoto broke the silence, suggesting “So…ano…shall we check out the other exhibits?”
Nodding, Kyoko followed Makoto, both still lost in thought at their upperclassman’s guidance and
not really watching where they were going.
XXX
Once all the exhibits had closed, all the classes gathered together to watch a movie together.
Makoto and Kyoko sat in the front row on the grass, while Sayaka and Leon sat to their left. What
surprised them was when Mondo sat on Kyoko’s right.
“Oh, hey Mondo.” Makoto greeted. “Any particular reason why you chose to sit next to us? We
don’t mind…”
“Just making sure you-know-who doesn’t get a chance to try anything again.”
Mondo pointed with his thumb, Makoto and Kyoko’s gaze shifting to a cowering Teruteru, who
was being watched with a stern eye by Chisa, her hand securely on her washizaki in case he tried to
creep out of her sight.
Before Kyoko could claim that she could take care of herself, Mondo explained “I know that
Yukizome-sensei can handle her students, and I know you can handle yourself, Kirigiri-chan…just
figured I’d be added insurance, you know? I meant it when I promised I’d stick up for any of you
guys, and my bro always told me that a man always keeps his promises.”
Owada-kun…Mondo…
While Kyoko sat in admiration of Mondo’s dedication, Makoto smiled in thanks as the projector
booted up, Kazuichi pressing the “Play” button before the screen faded to the opening.
XXX
“It was really nice of Mondo to defend you like that, huh?”
Makoto and Kyoko were walking to their dorms, the festival officially over and done with.
Kyoko nodded and concurred “Yes…he’s quite dependable. He and Sakura both seem to take
honor seriously.”
Smiling, Makoto agreed “Yeah…I’ll admit…he can be a bit…loud at times, but he really is
someone I can count on in a pinch.” Looking apologetic suddenly, Makoto continued “…I’m sorry
I didn’t act to defend you from Hanamura-senpai’s advances…”
Frowning, Kyoko tried to reassure him “Makoto…you know I’m…”
“…Capable of protecting yourself, yeah, I know. Still, I should have been more forceful in telling
Hanamura-senpai to back off. But because I was too gentle…he…tried to touch you…and that’s
unforgiveable. I failed as your friend today, Kyoko, and for that, I’m sorry…”
“Makoto…”
Kyoko frowned, the guilty and forlorn look on Makoto’s face not sitting right with her, clashing
with her image of him as an almost eternally smiling, optimistic boy. Eventually she decided to
break her cardinal rule one more time; turning to face him, she wrapped her arms around his waist,
pulling him close.
“Ky…Kyoko?!”
Ignoring the blush that was quickly spreading across her cheeks, sha urged him “Don’t get too
depressed about this; it wasn’t your fault. To be honest, I hope you don’t change. The Makoto
Naegi who’s kind, sociable, and befriends everyone…I prefer you this way. This is…you.”
“Kyoko…”
Releasing him and turning around before he could see the blush that was still on her face, Kyoko
finished “Well, I should turn in for the evening. Remember to get a good night’s sleep, Makoto. I
don’t want to have Mondo break down your door again.”
Chuckling at the memory, Makoto replied “Okay. Good night, Kyoko.”
Makoto watched as Kyoko closed the door behind her, heading back into his room before double
checking his alarm clock to make sure it was working.
Some time later, Kyoko, now showered and laying on her mattress, was reflecting on the day’s
events as she tried to get to sleep.
Mondo Owada…he’s certainly proven himself worthy of my trust…if only where my physical safety
is concerned. And Nanami-senpai…
Kyoko thought back to Chiaki’s words as her gaze shifted, settling on the Conan plushie that was
sitting on her dresser. Looking back on Makoto winning that plushie to see her happy, as well as
the two times they hugged, Kyoko shook her head and smiled.
I do know one thing…Makoto’s my best friend. He’s helped me to open up…I’ve met and
befriended so many people now because of him. Meeting him, being saved by him, becoming his
best friend…I wouldn’t trade those for the world!
With that, Kyoko settled under the blankets and fell asleep, at peace with herself.
XXX
Present Day
Wow, Mommy! Was that the moment when you realized you were crushing on Daddy?
Gigging, Kyoko explained “No Kiki, at that point I still viewed your father as simply my best
friend. We had gotten closer, and honestly, I didn’t think at the time that I could get close enough
to someone to love them romantically.”
Nodding, Makoto agreed “It was similar with me; I was just grateful to have your mother as my
best friend. Especially after…Sayaka’s rejection…” Makoto smiled at his frowning wife to assure
her that he was okay before continuing “I wasn’t emotionally ready to think about someone
romantically. I was honestly content just to have your mother’s support as my best friend.”
“But we would eventually move past that hurdle, Kiki. Eventually your father and I would start to
fall in love with each other, just not yet.”
“Okay, Mommy. So what happened next? Did you bond with any more of your classmates after
the festival?”
Nodding, Kyoko affirmed “Yes, I did still have a couple more classmates to bond with. But that
will have to wait for another day; it’s past your bedtime, young lady.”
Yawning, Kiki nuzzled her pillow without argument, feeling the warmth of the blanket cloak her
and the softness of her parents’ lips press against her cheeks as they tucked her in and kissed her
goodnight. Falling into slumber after their verbal expressions of love, Kiki vaguely registered the
door closing as her parents walked out, leaving the young girl to fall into dreamland, fantasizing
about her parents’ undying love for each other.
Bonding Arc Chapter Fourteen: Poker with the Ultimate Gambler! Junko
Enoshima Crashes the Party?
Chapter Summary
After winning a game of Othello with Makoto, Kyoko finds herself challenged to a
game of poker, Reluctantly agreeing after Celeste taunts her, Junko bursts in and
demands to be part of the game too. What zany antics could possibly result from this
three-way match?
Chapter Notes
This chapter was requested by NotFanFicNet via my ask box on Tumblr. Please read
and comment below, and enjoy!
Present Day
“Well, after the festival, we had to start studying for finals. I came across your father in the library
and noticed he looked stressed from studying so hard. I took pity on him and invited him to the
Game Room to play a game of Othello. We had just finished when…”
XXX
July 4, 2014
“And…match.”
Makoto looked from Kyoko’s victorious expression to the Othello board sitting at the table.
Kyoko had been leading the entire game, always turning his pieces black while he could barely
turn enough of her pieces white to stay competitive.
“…Othello isn’t your strong suit, is it, Makoto?”
Chuckling nervously, Makoto scratched his cheek as he agreed “…Yeah…strategy games in

general I’m mostly bad at. I mean, I enjoy them…but there’s no question that I’m more likely to
lose against someone who knows what they’re doing.” Makoto smiled and continued “Still, I had
fun; thanks for inviting me to play with you, Kyoko.” Standing up, Makoto began “Well, I should
get back to studying…”
“In that case, perhaps she wouldn’t mind playing against someone…more her speed.”
Standing up, Kyoko turned her head along with Makoto to face the Ultimate Gambler herself,
Celestia Ludenberg, her deceptive smile plastered on her face.
“My apologies; I couldn’t help but overhear. …In truth, I was seeking you out, Kirigiri-chan.”
Immediately suspicious, Kyoko asked cautiously “…And why were you seeking me out?”
“Well, after seeing you spend time with most of our other classmates, it had occurred to me that we
had yet to be properly acquainted. …Besides, your performance in the Smash Tournament back in
April intrigued my competitive side, so I was curious to see how you would perform in a one-on-
one game that’s a little more…luck based. So how about it, Kirigiri-chan? Care to have a friendly
wager on a game of poker?”
Narrowing her eyes, Kyoko declined “I don’t gamble.”
Even if she were the type to partake in bets, she remembered the one instance that Makoto had
foolishly accepted a bet with Celeste. It had been a close game, but Celeste had managed to pull
out just ahead, and taken the small allowance that his parents had sent him in a care package as her
trophy. Celeste’s giggling, gloating words still rung in her ears as she recalled Makoto’s warning
to her against playing a game with stakes with her.
“Let this be the price for this lesson: Never bet against the Ultimate Gambler, Celestia
Ludenberg.”
Sighing disappointedly, Celeste moaned “Most unfortunate. And here I was hoping that we could
get to know each other over a friendly game of cards…I’d have hoped that Makoto would have
taught you the importance of getting to know your classmates. …I guess you and he aren’t as close
friends as I thought you were…”
Kyoko narrowed her eyes in slight anger; her bond of friendship with Makoto was one of the things
she treasured most in this world, and hearing Celeste belittle that made her want to accept just to
teach her a lesson. But the more rational part of her brain prevented her from giving into Celeste’s
goading. Before Makoto could raise an objection on her behalf, Kyoko settled on a compromise.
“Celeste…I will play with you…as long as there is no wager of value.”
Sighing in disappointment, Celeste reluctantly agreed “I suppose there is nothing to be done. Fine
then, I’ll just have to settle for bragging rights.” A thought coming to her, Celeste asked “I
apologize for not considering this earlier, but do you know the rules of poker?”
Taking her previous seat and cleaning up the Othello board, Kyoko nodded, disclosing “I had to
learn the game when I had to go undercover during one of my cases.”
Taking Makoto’s seat, Celeste smiled, replying “Excellent; I’m so glad I don’t have to waste any
time explaining the rules to you. Now…”
“Wassup, bitches!”
All their heads turned to see the grinning Junko, making a peace sign with her right hand as she
strolled into the Game Room, the rest of the class crowding in behind her.
Ignoring Junko’s rude entrance, Celest merely smiled and asked politely “Is there something we
can help you with, Enoshima-san?”
Shifting personas to resemble that of a punk rock star, Junko nearly screamed “Hel yeah! First, it’s
Junko! We’re all buddies now, right? So none of that Enoshima-san crap, ya hear?”
Put off by Junko’s change in demeanor, Kyoko cautiously nodded and replied “Noted, Junko. So,
why are you here again?”
“’Cuz I wanna play too!” Seeing Kyoko and Celeste’s incredulous stares, Junko continued “Come
on! Celeste’s not the only one who hasn’t gotten acquainted with Kyoko here! The two of us
haven’t had some girl time, either!” Hanging her head and changing her expression to one of great
depression, Junko moaned “You even went on an adventure with plain, boring, useless ol’ Muku.
But not…me? You didn’t even come and visit my runway by yourself at the festival; you and
Luck Boy were joined at the hip.”
“Junko, we didn’t…” Makoto tried to pacify before being interrupted by Junko.
*Sniff* “To be put lower on the friendship scale than Muku, to be treated like I don’t even exist…it
fills me with such despair…” Junko switched back to her rock star personality as she exclaimed
“And that should be a crime at Hope’s Peak Academy, right?!”
Kyoko was very weirded out by Junko’s multiple personality twists, reinforcing her decision to
keep her distance from the Ultimate Fashionista. That being said, they were now presented with a
dilemma.
She probably won’t leave us alone until we say yes, and she probably brought the class with her to
exert peer pressure on us, so… Kyoko sighed, turning to Celeste and asking “I know you said you
wanted a one-on-one game, but…”
“This is fine.” Her eyebrows raised in surprise, she watched as Celeste giggled “Having two
opponents just makes it easier for me to crush you both under my heel. Plus, having an audience to
witness your collective downfall will make the bragging rights all the more socially valuable.”
Junko pulled up a chair and sat down, grinning as she reverted back to her original persona
“Excellent! Alright, dole out the cards and the chips, sister!”
XXX
Things did not go according to Celeste’s plan. As the Ultimate Gambler, she was used to being the
center of attention, the player to be ganged up on during group poker matches. Instead, Kyoko and
Junko were laser focused on each other, barely paying Celeste any mind when she took her turns.
This is insulting! I am the Ultimate Gambler; this game is my specialty! You should be watching
my every move, not pretending I don’t even exist!
Adding to her annoyance was Junko’s psychological taunts towards Kyoko. If they had been
directed towards her, they might have been tolerable. Even if that were the case, Celest would still
have been slightly annoyed at the new persona Junko was using, talking down to Kyoko as if she
were everyone’s private instructor.
She even brought GLASSES! Who brings glasses solely to play poker?
Celeste had to subtly take deep breaths to calm herself and focus on the game. Kyoko on the other
hand was blissfully unaware of Celeste’s struggle, her attention diverted between planning her next
move and analyzing the Ultimate Fashionista, who had rubbed her the wrong way ever since she
had first arrived on campus.
“Well, Miss Kyoko? It’s your turn. Are you struggling to decide your next move? Glancing at
Makoto like you usually do in times of indecision won’t help you gain an edge.”
Kyoko clutched her cards tighter, on edge as she wondered How…does she know about my
unconscious habits? Or about my…dependence on his guidance?
After being helped by Makoto so many times with coming out of her shell, glancing at him for
help had become something of an unconscious habit, proof of how close they had become as
friends. She had thought she was being subtle, but…
Either I’m being more obvious than I thought…or she’s way more analytical than I gave her credit
for. Junko…is fashion truly your ultimate talent?
“Tick, tock, tick, tock. We’re waiting, Kyoko. It’s time for you to make a move. Nobody likes a
woman who’s indecisive about what she wants, not even Makoto over there.”
What…is she getting at?
Celeste’s anger began boiling as she seethed This isn’t fair! I want her to play mind games with
ME! Is being taken seriously as the Ultimate Gambler so much to ask?
Mondo whistled as he commented “Damn, Junko’s playing hard against Kyoko, bringing up her
friendship with Makoto like that.” Said Luckster shuffled awkwardly, feeling embarrassed at being
an unintended part of the game as Mondo continued “Seems like this game’s just between Junko
and Kyoko. It’s like Celeste isn’t even playing.”
Everyone else in the peanut gallery nodded in agreement, which proved to be the last straw. Her
self-control cracking, her red eyes burned with the intensity of a crimson flame, losing her accent as
she yelled, pointing her metallic-covered finger at the two.
“WILL YOU TWO JUST SHUT IT ALREADY! I AM CELESTIA LUDENBERG, THE

ULTIMATE GAMBLER! WHEN I PLAY, I WANT A CHALLENGE! BRAGGIGN RIGHTS
AREN’T WORTH A PENNY IF MY OPPONENTS DON’T EVEN TRY! QUIT TREATING
ME LIKE I DON’T EVEN EXIST, GODDAMMIT!”
As Celeste hyperventilated, the audience stepped back in fear, Mondo whispering “Holy Shit!” at
the Gambler’s outburst.
Realizing what she just did, took a deep breath before clearing her throat, regaining her accent and
putting on a shaky smile as she apologized “Ah, pardonnez-moi. That was…uncalled for.”
Shifting her attention to Celeste, Kyoko replied “No, it’s our fault. You suggested this game, so
we should show our gratitude by treating you as a serious opponent.”
Nodding and removing her glasses, Junko concurred “Yeah, sorry, and all that shit.”
Smiling, Celeste replied “Excellent! So, shall we continue the game?”
Kyoko nodded and finally placed down her next card, gesturing for Junko to take her turn.
XXX
By the time the deck had been exhausted, Kyoko, Celeste, and Junko all had an equal number of
chips, ending the game in a three-way tie. With the match now over, everyone went their separate
ways, Kyoko asking Makoto if she could join him in the library for a study session, desperate for
some relaxing normalcy after having indulged Celeste and Junko. Makoto of course was all too
happy to oblige, happy to spend time with his best friend.
“So, Newton’s first law of motion says that an object at rest, stays at rest, while an object in
motion, stays in motion, ne?”
Kyoko nodded, continuing “So if a ball is resting on a flat surface, then it’s speed is…”
“That would be zero km/h, right?” Kyoko nodded, a small smile on her face before Makoto asked
“So…that game with Celeste and Junko got pretty intense, huh?”
Nodding, Kyoko answered “…Yes, I had no idea Celeste had such a fiery temper.”
Chuckling nervously, Makoto replied “Yeah, but she doesn’t show it often. Usually she just uses a
forceful kind of politeness. I’ve only seen her lose her temper once, and it was during the first
couple weeks of school.” At Kyoko’s questioning stare, he elaborated “She ordered Hifumi to
make her some milk tea and he didn’t brew it right.”
“Ah” Kyoko nodded in comprehension. Still, as long as I don’t engage in any bets with her, I
suppose she might be a relatively harmless game partner. Junko on the other hand… Her mind
wandering to her other opponent, she commented “Junko on the other hand…I don’t know what to
make of her. I can usually read people pretty well, but she seemed to shift personalities on a dime.”
Nodding, Makoto agreed “Yeah…to be honest, I always feel a little nervous around her. I never
really know what to expect whenever I talk to her.”
That can be dangerous… Kyoko concurred, recalling several instances when she felt tense from
having to be around a witness or culprit who seemed unpredictable. There’s just something about
her that seems…off.
“I mean it’s not like I’m gonna exclude her or anything…just I have other people I’d rather hang
out with more, if that makes sense. Like…you and Sayaka are my really close friends, I’d say
Leon, Hina and Sakura are the next up, followed by Mondo, Taka, and Chihiro, then Mukuro,
Hiro, Toko, and Hifumi, while Celeste, Byakuya, and Junko are more like something between
acquaintance and friend.”
Nodding, Kyoko mused So you have different circles of friends…I suppose that makes sense…
Looking down at his e-Handbook, Makoto apologized “About earlier…I’m sorry I didn’t object to
Junko’s taunts earlier. I was just…afraid that if I involved myself, I’d inadvertently make things
worse. I know that’s just what Junko’s like and all that, but that’s still no excuse for not sticking
up for you like I should have…”
Letting out a breathy chuckle, Kyoko teasingly scolded “We’ve gotta work on your tendency to
apologize for things out of your control…” Showing him a small smile, she reassured him “It’s
like you said, that’s just who Junko is. I don’t have to acknowledge them, just tolerate them.
That’s what you do, right? You don’t let a few ill remarks stop someone from being your friend,
right?”
Nodding, Makoto smiled, confirming “Yeah; my classmates are my friends, faults and all. Junko
may make me nervous, but that lack of normalcy can make a day fun and exciting. I just have to
deal with the taunts as…part of the territory of being her friend.”
As Makoto looked back at his notes, Kyoko’s lips tugged downwards in a concerned frown. She
flashed back to the warning Celeste gave after Makoto headed for the library, before she could
follow.
“I may have underestimated Junko. Take it from someone who’s especially skilled at lying and
reading people; there’s something seriously off about her. Engage with her at your own peril.”
She recalled the game, how Junko was able to get under her skin by taunting her with her
friendship with Makoto as ammunition. Having a potential adversary who could make her squirm
while she could not return the favor didn’t sit right with her.
I’m going to have to befriend her too…if only so I can protect myself from her…
XXX
Present Day
“Junko seems…creepy, Mommy.”
Nodding, Kyoko confirmed “Yes, Kiki. I didn’t know it at the time, but Junko Enoshima was the
most fearsome opponent I’ve ever had to contend with.”
“But why do you call her an opponent, Mommy? I know you said she wasn’t a good person, but
why an opponent? Did you have to fight her?”
Makoto took over, kissing his daughter’s forehead as he assured her “You’ll understand when
you’re older, pumpkin. Anyway, it’s bedtime.”
“Awwww!” Kiki moaned, but obeyed “Okay, Daddy” before snuggling against her pillow.
Bringing the blanket up to her chin, they kissed her good night, creeping out of the bedroom as
Kiki snored and slumbered, eager to get to bed themselves.
Bonding Arc Chapter Fifteen: Kyoko the Love Expert?
Chapter Summary
Not long after her poker game with Celeste and Junko, Hifumi approaches Kyoko and
asks her for advice on how to win Celeste's heart. Will the Ultimate Detective have
any advice for the Ultimate Fanfic Creator?
Present Day
“Well, as it turned out, that game with Celeste wasn’t the end of it. You see, one of our other
classmates decided to approach me about it the next day. Your father had just left to go call your
grandmother when…”
XXX
July 5, 2014
“Ano…Miss Kirigiri?”
Kyoko looked up from her coffee, her eyebrows raised in surprise as she found herself approached
by Hifumi Yamada, the Ultimate Fanfic Creator.
“Yamada-kun? Is there something I can help you with?”
Nodding nervously, Hifumi confirmed “Yes…if it’s not too much trouble…I was wondering if I
could ask you for your advice on something?”
My advice? For what? And why me? The only possible way I could see our talents intersecting is
Detective Conan. I’ll admit to being fond of the series, but not enough to write fanfic about it.
Baffled, yet intrigued, Kyoko asked “And what subject do you wish to be counseled on?”
A determined shine in his eyes, Hifumi admitted “I need…a woman’s advice…on how to win the
affections of Miss Ludenberg!”
Kyoko’s eyes widened in shock; never in a million years did she ever think someone would take
her for a love expert. In fact, she considered herself the least qualified person to give advice about
love.
Admittedly intrigued, Kyoko asked “Yamada-kun, why do you want advice on winning Celeste’s
affections?”
“Well…it’s just…despite my love of 2D, Miss Ludenberg is…unique among the women of the 3D
variety. She’s like a Magic Girl Princess, elegant, beautiful, courteous. But when she’s pushed to
her limits, BAM! She transforms into a fierce, angry warrior! It’s like Sailor Moon merged with a
real life princess; it’s the perfect fusion of 2D and 3D!”
Hifumi’s eyes turned into pink hearts as he praised the Ultimate Gambler, causing Kyoko to
sweatdrop. Sighing as she continued to feel baffled, Kyoko decided it would be best not to try and
pick apart the rationale in his motivations.
“So, I decided to profess my love for her by becoming her dutiful servant. Day in and day out, I
make her morning tea and follow her every command. But, we’re almost at summer vacation, and
she still refuses to acknowledge me. The TEA gets more love from Mistress Ludenberg than I do!”
“I…see…” Moving on from his motivations, Kyoko asked “But Yamada-kun, why do you think
I’m the right person to ask about this subject?”
“Well, I mean…you did play that poker game with her the other day. So surely you must have at
least a C-Level Support Conversation!” Getting on his knees, Hifumi clasped his hands together as
he begged “Please, you must know them! What she likes, what she dislikes, her character
motivations, her skill proficiencies? Please, I must know them!”
Kyoko flinched, creeped out by Hifumi’s begging and use of game terminology that she clearly
was unaware of. Taking a deep breath, she tried to calmly set him straight.
“Yamada-kun, all we did was play a game of cards. I had no interactions with her in the twenty-
four hours since. Frankly, you know more about Celeste than I do.”
Standing up, Hifumi acknowledged “Okay…but even if you don’t have any Support with Miss
Ludenberg, surely as a 3D girl you must have some words of wisdom in the art of love!”
Sighing, Kyoko replied “I just know I’m going to regret asking, but why do you think I’m an
expert in this?”
“Because…well…you’ve already leveled up that skill to the maximum limit, right?”
Kyoko’s eyes widened as she realized Oh no…is he implying what I think he is…
“Because you and Mr. Naegi have achieved S-Rank status with each other, right?”
…I’m going to assume he means that Makoto and I are in love with each other. Kyoko felt like
banging her head against the table as she cursed Damn, I was afraid of this. First Sayaka, then
Junko, now Hifumi? Who next, Byakuya? Taking a deep breath, Kyoko kept her neutral
expression as she informed him “Yamada-kun, Makoto and I aren’t in a relationship. We’re just
friends, understand?”
His head cocked in confusion, Hifumi pointed out “But you two eat alone together every day. Not
to mention how you were practically attached to each other when you approached my booth at the
festival. Plus you didn’t deny it when Miss Enoshima pointed out how much you depend on him.
Not to mention how much you started socializing once Mr. Naegi recruited you into his party.”
Kyoko felt her cheeks flush red from embarrassment and annoyance as Hifumi seemed lost in his
own little world.
In fact, Miss Kirigiri, there’s no other way to look at it! It’s like you’re one of those intense
Kuudere anime girls, and Mr. Naegi is…”
Kyoko felt her self-restraint snap; her blush now gone, she yanked Hifumi by his tie, glaring at him
as the Ultimate Fanfic Creator yelped in fear.
“Alright, if I give you some general advice about talking to women, will you stop talking about
me and Makoto?”
Seeing Hifumi nod violently, Kyoko sighed and let go of his tie, the portly boy falling down before
standing back up. If he had any comments about what just happened, he was thankfully smart
enough to keep them to himself.
Taking a deep breath, Kyoko advised “First, your speech pattern. Most people don’t talk using so
many anime and video game references. I can barely understand you when you speak. I
understand that it’s part of your talent and your hobby, but talking like that right out of the gate is
going to be off-putting to anybody who might want to be your friend. So tone down the code
words until you get close to someone, and just talk like a normal person…like Makoto.“
Nodding, Hifumi asked hesitantly “So…if I leave out my fanfic speak for the time being…then…
I’ll gain Mistress Ludenberg’s appreciation?”
Frowning, Kyoko replied “That’s another thing. You’ve got to stop thinking of yourself as her
servant. If you just let her boss you around, then all she’ll think of you as is someone she can
manipulate. I’ve had several cases where the victim ended up dead because the culprit tricked
them into doing what they pleased. Do you want to end up like that?” Seeing Hifumi shake his
head violently, Kyoko counseled “Then stand up for yourself once in a while and let her know
you’re a person, not just her butler.” Of course…with how forceful Celeste can be on a good day,
that might be difficult…
Nodding, Hifumi accepted “Okay, so talk normally, and stand up for myself. Anything else?”
Nodding, Kyoko promised “Two things. One, try talking about what she likes. It’ll show that your
consideration of her feelings.” Of course, given her reputation as the Queen of Liars, that might be
difficult… “Two, I remember from the Smash tournament in April that you said something lewd to
Celeste. Very few girls find that attractive, and if her reaction is anything to go by, she is not an
exception. Wait until you’ve become good friends with her for that, and even then, keep it private.
Nobody else needs to see or hear it.”
Nodding, Hifumi smiled gratefully and replied “Thank you Miss Kirigiri! With your sage
wisdom…I mean, with your advice, I’ll be sure to win Mistress…Miss Ludenberg’s, heart before
the year is over!”
Watching him walk off, Kyoko sighed in relief, glad for the exchange to be over.
Well, I may prefer not to socialize with him, but he does mean well. I’m not the expert he was
looking for…but maybe he’ll become a bit more tolerable after this…
XXX
July 6, 2014
“AAAIIIIEEEEEEE!”
All of the eyes in the room turned to see a bent-over Hifumi, being sat on by Celeste, sippling her
milk tea as she used his head as a footrest.
Giggling, she declared “Now…as punishment for your insubordination, you shall be my chair for
the rest of the day. Do you understand, little piggy?”
Hifumi squealed “YES! Your little piggy promises to repent for his insolence. Please don’t eat
me. Well, I guess it depends on what kind of eating. If it’s that kind of eating, then I suppose…”
“Keep such disgusting thoughts to yourself, you perverted piggy!” Celeste yelled as she spanked
him.
“AAAAIIIEEEEEE! Of…of course, Mistress!”
Giggling once more, Celeste gloated “I do so love coercion.”
Shaking her head, Kyoko sighed Well, I tried. I suppose this is just who Hifumi is…for better…or
for worse…
She then turned back to Makoto, opting to continue their conversation as everyone else just
shrugged, accepting the scene as normal for Hope’s Peak Academy.
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, Mommy! You actually gave love advice…before you fell in love with Daddy?”
“Well…I wouldn’t call it love advice, per se…”
“Nevertheless, it is good advice for making friends in general, Kiki.” Makoto advised “When you
do make friends at school, it is important to talk as much about them as you do yourself. And no
matter what, I want you to be able to stand up for yourself. If someone asks you to do something,
you don’t have to do it. It’s perfectly okay to say no.”
Nodding, Kiki accepted “Okay, Daddy.”
Smiling, Kyoko finished “Well then, it’s bedtime, sweetie. Tomorrow I’ll tell you about the last
classmate I connected with.”
“YAY!”
Kiki settled into bed, hugging her pillow as her parents brought the blanket up to her chin, kissing
her cheeks as they bid her good night. Once she had fallen asleep, Makoto and Kyoko crept out,
closing the door behind them as they prepared to go to bed themselves.
Bonding Arc Chapter Sixteen: A Chess Match with the Ultimate Affluent
Progeny!
Chapter Summary
Still reeling from his loss to Kyoko at the Smash Tournament in April, Byakuya
challenges her to a chess match to prove his itellectual superiority. Will the Ultimate
Affluent Progeny get his revenge against Kyoko for defeating him?
Chapter Notes
So, believe it or not, this isn't the last chapter of Bonding Arc. There will be one more
chapter posted tomorrow to wrap it up, then an interlude on Saturday. After that, I'll be
taking a temporary hiatus to plan and write out the next Arc in the series: Intimacy
Arc.
Before we begin the chapter though, I feel obligated to tell you that there may be at
least one occasion where my terminology doesn't exactly match up with chess's official
definitions for those terms. In those cases, just know that I'm opting to use their more
general definitions for literary purposes.
Now that the public service message is out of the way, please read and comment
below, and enjoy!
Present Day
“So let’s see…first you befriended Daddy, then you studied with Taka, then you trained with
Sakura, then after Sayaka rejected Daddy you and Daddy went to Leon’s baseball game. Do I have
that right so far?”
Kyoko nodded, gesturing for Kiki to continue.
“Next you talked with Aunt Toko after Aunt Jill tried to hurt Daddy, then you and Mukuro rescued
Daddy from Uncle Hiro’s plan to sell his organs to the Yakuza. Afterwards you asked Chihiro’s
help with your investigation, followed by asking Auntie Hina to help you get better at swimming
after a bad guy got away…”
Makoto nodded proudly, impressed at his daughter’s ability to keep up with their lengthy story so
far.
“Then after your fight, you went shopping with Sayaka, Auntie Hina, and Sakura. After that, was
the spring festival where Mondo saved you from being hit on by Teruteru. Then you played poker
with Celeste and Junko, and finally you gave Hifumi advice. …That’s everything, right?”
Nodding, Kyoko confirmed “Excellent memory, Kiki. I still ended up bonding with one other
student before summer vacation came. Can you guess which one?”
Grasping her chin with her hand in a thinking pose that mimicked her mother’s to a T, Kiki
deduced “Hmm…it would have to be…Uncle Byakuya, right?”
Nodding, Kyoko smiled and confirmed “Very good, Kiki. I ended up interacting with him later
that week. You see, Hifumi’s words had been gnawing at me more than I cared to admit. So I was
lost in thought when…”
XXX
July 11, 2014
“You know, for someone of your intellectual caliber, I wouldn’t have pinned you for the type to
stare blankly at her notes, Kirigiri. But I suppose that’s what separates ordinary peasants like you
from truly extraordinary people like myself.”
Now out of her thoughts, Kyoko looked up at the smug smirk of Byakuya Togami.
…If it weren’t for that last sentence, that would have been a backhanded compliment… Choosing
to play him at his own game, Kyoko returned “I’m surprised you even acknowledged that anyone
other than you actually has intelligence, Togami-kun.”
Frowning, Byakuya nodded and admitted “Even I will admit that commoners can possess some
measure of intelligence and resourcefulness. Hope’s Peak wouldn’t have scouted you as the
Ultimate Detective if you couldn’t use your brain.”
Figuring that she wasn’t going to get any more studying done…Not that I was getting much done to
begin with…Kyoko closed her notes app and asked “Is there something I can do for you, Togami-
kun?”
Nodding, Byakuya replied with a serious expression “Yes; you owe me a rematch after our last
battle in April.”
Smirking, Kyoko realized “Ah, the Smash tournament. If I recall, I defeated you in a stock melee.
That must have been embarrassing for you; the Ultimate Affluent Progeny, getting his butt handed
to him by a commoner, a girl no less, one who had never played the game before…”
Scowling, Byakuya’s eyes narrowed as he warned “Watch that tongue of yours, Kirigiri, before I
feed it to the vultures.”
Kyoko nodded, turning her smirk into a neutral frown, though her violet eyes still sparkled with
teasing humor.
Taking a deep breath, Byakuya continued “As you admitted, you had never played the game
before, and our match was close. The way I see it, beginner’s luck was simply on your side.
Given Makoto’s presence in the room at the time, I’d say my theory is highly likely.”
“…Your point?”
Glaring at her, Byakuya replied “The circumstances of that game hardly made it a fair test of our
intellects and strategic capabilities. Your poker match with Celeste and Junko proves that you at
least possess enough of a strategic mind to be competitive, but anything involving cards is far too
luck based to be an adequate test of our intellects.”
“Then what are you…”

“A chess match. The oldest game of strategy known to man; it’s the perfect game to see who
possesses the superior intellect, and luck has no factor in its mechanics, regardless of what Celeste
may claim. So what do you say, Kirigiri? Do you accept my challenge?”
Kyoko frowned; she was honestly more of a shogi girl, although Fuhito did train her in the rules of
chess as well, wanting to expose her to a variety of strategy games in order to maximize her mind’s
flexibility, which in turn would make her a more cunning detective. In any case, she was certainly
capable of holding her own in a game of chess, and the thought did sound appealing, even if
Byakuya’s motivation was solely to one-up her.
…It’s not like I was getting much done anyways…besides, this could be an entertaining way to
clear my mind. Sighing, Kyoko stood up, holding her handbook with one hand as she acquiesced
“Very well, Togami-kun. Shall we go.”
Byakuya nodded, gesturing for the Ultimate Detective to follow him. They walked together out of
the library, passing by the stairs to the third floor in favor of the stairs to the first floor, much to
Kyoko’s surprise.
“We’re not going to the game room?”
Shaking his head, Byakuya explained “Celeste may prefer to humiliate her competition in front of
an audience, but I have enough tact to ensure that private contests stay private. Besides, the chess
sets at Hope’s Peak are barely better than the cheap plastic knockoffs they sell at bargain stores.
We at the Togami Corporation prefer to test each other’s intellect with more refined tools worthy of
a Togami’s use.”
Nodding in comprehension, they continued walking until they reached Byakuya’s dorm. Inserting
the key and twisting it, Byakuya pushed the door open, gesturing for Kyoko to enter first.
“…Never know you to be courteous, Togami-kun…” Kyoko replied, her eyebrows raised in
surprise as she walked inside, Byakuya closing the door behind her.
Kyoko looked around, noting the literal red carpet she was walking down as she took in the various
paintings, sheet music, and antique coin collection on his desk. To her left was a round table with a
white tablecloth draped on top, with two finely carved wooden chairs on either end.
Sitting on top was a glass chess board, so clear Kyoko could see her reflection in it, as well as the
glass chess pieces that she could tell were painstakingly crafted by hand. Picking one up, she
admired the craftsmanship as she examined the pawn in her hand. Part of her wanted to feel the
texture against her skin, but she dared not expose her scars to anyone, especially someone as
vindictive as the Byakuya Togami.
Not even Makoto has earned THAT privilege…
Chuckling, Byakuya asked “Impressed? This chess set is a family heirloom handed down from
Togami to Togami. You should consider yourself extraordinarily privileged; only those with an
intellect worthy of a Togami’s challenge have ever seen this particular set. Bear in mind
though…” Byakuya’s eyes narrowed as he pointed at her and warned “Should you break a single
piece during our game, I’ll sue you for every yen you own!”
Given how much money he has, that’s probably no idle threat… Kyoko nodded and replied
“Noted. So, shall we begin?”
Byakuya nodded and allowed her “Since I’m the one challenging you, I’ll allow you a small
handicap and permit you to choose which color you wish to be.”
Let’s see…White goes first, so since I don’t know his strategy… “Black.” Kyoko decided.
Smirking, Byakuya replied “Ah, so you’re permitting me to go first to try and read my strategy.
Not a bad tactic, Kirigiri. But how far will it take you?” With that, both players sat down at the
table, Byakuya picking up his knight and announcing “Knight to F3.”
XXX
“Tch. How disappointing, Kirigiri.”
Kyoko frowned as she looked at the current state of the board. Although she and Byakuya had
been playing pretty evenly in the early game, with her obtaining control of the board and even
managing to capture the knight he moved on the first turn, things slowly went downhill from
there. Sayaka’s teasing, Junko’s taunts, and Hifumi’s words about her nonexistent relationship
with Makoto had started to creep back into her mind as the match wore on, distracting her from
concentrating on Byakuya’s strategy and causing her to make sloppy moves in the midgame.
As a result, Byakuya maintained about half of his pawns and the majority of his powerful pieces
split between guarding his king and pressing an offense. Kyoko on the other hand was left with a
handful of her powerful pieces, her King at the rear guarded by her rooks, and a handful of pawns
that had yet to be promoted.
Frowning, Byakuya pointed out “Your head’s not in this. You lack focus, and nothing’s more
boring to me than an opponent that isn’t struggling with everything they have.”
Frowning, Kyoko denied “I’m fine, To…”
“Don’t lie to me!” Byakuya spat “Your thoughts are elsewhere…” His eyes widening in
realization, they soon closed, his scowl turning into a smile as he guessed “Is it possible that you
are…in love? With Makoto, right?”
…You’ve got to be kidding me… Kyoko cursed at her unintended prediction from her conversation
with Hifumi coming true.
Chuckling before she could deny it, Byakuya taunted “This is why I don’t bother with infantile
matters like romance and friendship. Those who let it, they lose all sense of good judgment,
becoming a slave to their emotions. This is why commoners like you and your boyfriend will be
forever weak compared to the splendor of superior humans like myself.”
Any practiced denials of a relationship between her and Makoto died on her lips, her eyes narrowed
at the Ultimate Affluent Progeny. Byakuya had essentially echoed the teachings drilled into her
head day in and day out, albeit delivered much more arrogantly than Fuhito ever did.
Teachings I once treated like scripture…until I met Makoto…
The new Kyoko Kirigiri had learned firsthand how wrong those teachings were, especially after
being saved from death by Makoto’s friendship. She had grown as a person, and as a detective
from having learned from each and every one of her classmates, had gained new experiences from
spending time with them all. And if there was one thing the new Kyoko couldn’t abide by, it was
watching someone belittle Makoto’s strength.
“Makoto’s philosophy about friendship isn’t inferior to you. In fact, that dedication to friendship
gives people like us a strength greater than you could ever appreciate, Byakuya.”
His eyebrows raised in surprise at Kyoko’s newfound fiery spirit, Byakuya chuckled and
challenged “Is that so? Well then, prove it, Kyoko.”
I will…
Newfound determination to stick it to Byakuya flooding through her, Kyoko felt her mind cleared,
laser focused on their game. She looked down, analyzing the state of the board until the gears
started turning in her head, her eyes widening in realization as her strategy became clear. Taking
care not to smile so as to not tip Byakuya off, she moved her hand and picked up her next piece.
XXX
“Th…this is…”
Byakuya looked at the board stunned at the ferocious comeback Kyoko had made. Maximizing
the holes Byakuya left in his defenses, Kyoko had managed to capture all of his pieces, leaving just
their two kings left on the board.
“A stalemate…am I wrong?”
Kyoko smirked victoriously, accepting their draw as a victory, having proven her point about the
philosophy that Makoto had taught her.
Knowing when he had been proven wrong, Byakuya admitted “Well, it appears my power as a
Togami was…insufficient to completely demolish you and Makoto’s philosophy…But don’t think
you’ve beaten me!” Byakuya’s eyes narrowed as he proclaimed “You’ve only proven that
commoners like you and your boyfriend have more power within you than I thought possible.”
Kyoko’s eyebrow raised in surprise, the Ultimate Detective becoming disturbed as Byakuya closed
his eyes and chuckled.
“Which is greater? My philosophy of commoners being beneath truly talented people like me? Or
will your philosophy about the power of friendship and bonding overcome me? This is…actually
exciting!” Byakuya opened his eyes, grinning as he finished “I’m already eager for our next
contest, Kyoko. Be sure not to disappoint me.”
With that, Byakuya got up and walked over to the door, opening it. Taking the hint, Kyoko got up,
pushed her chair in, and walked out of the room. It wasn’t even five seconds after Byakuya closed
the door behind her that she ended up bumping into a familiar face.
“Oh, Kyoko…sorry.”
Shaking her head at the sheepish Ultimate Lucky Student, Kyoko assured him “It’s fine. Where
are you off to?”
“Oh um…just to go study for the English part of our final exam in my room.” A light bulb turning
on in his head, he turned to the detective and asked “Hey, Kyoko! Can you give me a hand with
studying? I can’t understand the antagonist’s motivations in the Ellery Queen book we’re reading,
and since you love her works so much...”
Her expression falling into an easygoing smile, Kyoko nodded, walking along with him as she
agreed “Sure, I’ll help you. What chapter do you need help with reviewing?”
As they walked to his dorm, Makoto started to babble about their past English homework and what
he had been struggling with. Kyoko was only half-listening, Byakuya’s words starting to ring in
her brain.
“Is it possible that you are…in love?”
Is it? Could they be onto something? Could I really see myself…in a relationship…with Makoto
Naegi?
Shaking the thought from her head, she followed Makoto onto his bed, getting their e-Handbooks
out as she began to answer his questions about their English book.
Byakuya likes to play head games, he likes to flout his supposed superiority. He’s an excellent
strategist, and I can’t deny that I could enjoy testing my mental muscle against him once in a
while. But on this…Makoto’s just my friend. And if I fool myself into thinking there’s something
more there…I could lose that friendship forever…
Her mind clear for the time being, Kyoko enjoyed her time tutoring Makoto in his room, his
expressions of comprehension and smiles of gratitude bringing genuine joy to her heart.
XXX
Present Day
“Wow! Uncle Byakuya was so mean!”
Nodding Kyoko explained “Your Uncle Byakuya is someone who has to be knocked down a peg
or two in order to change his mind about something. He’s kind of…set in his ways like that.”
“Okay…But I still don’t get it!” Before Kyoko could ask why, Kiki exclaimed “Even after hearing
Sayaka, Auntie Hina, Junko, Hifumi, and Uncle Byakuya say it, you STILL didn’t let yourself fall
in love with Daddy?”
Chuckling, Makoto interjected “Kiki, your mother was…stubborn back then. Plus, I wasn’t
actively showing romantic interest back then, so it’s not like we had any incentive to take a risk
like that. Your mother and I were the best of friends back then, and even though we would
eventually fall in love, at the time we were content to just be friends. It was safe for us, and we
were comfortable with it.”
Still not really getting it, Kiki nonetheless accepted “…Okay, Daddy. So Mommy, now that you
had bonded with everyone in your class, what happened next?”
Smiling, Kyoko answered “Well, not long afterwards we had our final test before we left for
summer vacation. Tomorrow we’ll tell you more about our last day before summer vacation,
alright?”
Nodding, Kiki accepted “Okay, Mommy.”
With that, Kiki snuggled against her pillow, her parents covering her with the blanket and kissing
her good night. With their little princess now slumbering, Makoto and Kyoko quietly crept back
into their room, snuggling against each other for the evening.
Bonding Arc Chapter Seventeen: The Last Day of School! See You Soon!
Chapter Summary
With their exams behind them, Class 78th decides to spend one last day together
before they leave for summer vacation. How will Makoto and Kyoko bid farewell
after several months of bonding with each other and their classmates?
Chapter Notes
So, here we are at the conclusion of Bonding Arc. As a reminder, tomorrow I will post
the second interlude before going on a temporary hiatus to write out Intimacy Arc.
Please read and comment below, and let me know what you thought of Bonding Arc
overall. Thank you, and enjoy!
Present Day
“So what happened next, Mommy? You said you had just finished your exams, right?”
Nodding, Kyoko confirmed “Yes; we had just gotten our final grades back and your Auntie Hina
suggested we celebrate our summer vacation with a day at the pool. We all agreed, and…”
XXX
July 25, 2014
*Snap*
Byakuya took the photo, being roped into it by Hina who continued to pester him until he sighed,
agreeing to do it if she would go away. The Ultimate Affluent Progeny looked away from the
expensive camera, fiddling with the options until the high-definition image appeared on the
viewing screen.
“It’s done!” He called out to Hina who nodded, blowing her whistle and causing everyone to turn
their attention to her up in the lifeguard tower.
“Byakuya just finished taking our photo! Come on and let’s have a look!”
Curious, everyone else shrugged and either walked over to where Byakuya was, or swam until they
could lift themselves out of the pool, then walked over to the Ultimate Affluent Progeny. The class
huddled over Byakuya’s shoulder as they looked at the image on the camera’s viewing screen.
Hina was shown cheerfully blowing her whistle at Sakura who had leapt out from underwater,
punching a giant fake salmon as the enormous ripples she had created threw Hifumi into the air as
well, splashing Hiro who was trying in vain to get out of the way, as well as Taka who decided to
try and swim through her tidal waves as a challenge.
Mondo on the other hand stood off to the side, out of range as he surveyed the pool in front of
him. Chihiro meanwhile was off in another lane, giggling as he saw all of his friends playing with
each other. Mukuro on the other hand was treading water away from the action.
Smiling in approval, Hina commented “It’s definitely a nice memory, but I still can’t believe that
you, Celeste, and Toko didn’t want to change and get in the water!”
Indeed, while Byakuya had been the one to take the picture, Celeste and Toko were seen standing
far away from the ooposite end of the pool, dressed in their usual everyday clothes by the single
locker.
Sighing, Byakuya scoffed “My time has better uses than jumping in a recreational body of liquid to
swim with you plebians. I only came because somebody wouldn’t leave me alone unless I agreed
to come and take pictures.”
Nodding, Celeste replied “There is nothing I hate more than getting water on my face.”
“…Anyway…” Hina continued, a grin on her face “…Wow, Junko; your luck is just awful when it
comes to class photos!”
“What? Let me see!” Junko snatched the camera out of Byakuya’s hands, her nose crinkled in
disgust as she whined “OH COME ON! My beautiful face, obscured by those splashes! Thanks a
lot, Leon!”
Indeed, the photo showed Leon a good distance away from Chihiro and Mukuro, splashing water in
Junko’s face just before the Ultimate Fashionista recoiled.
“Hey, come on, babe!” Leon objected, rubbing his neck in a sheepish expression as he grumbled
“How was I supposed to know he was gonna take the pic right then and there?”
Pouting, Junko mumbled “Fine, fine…I blame Makoto anyway…”
“How is it my fault? I’m not anywhere near you or Leon!”
Makoto was right, he was standing at the side of the pool, behind Hina’s lifeguard tower as he was
looking in Kyoko and Sayaka’s general direction, who were having a conversation when the click
of the camera shifted their gaze towards Byakuya.
“Because, you always said you tend to have more bad luck than good luck. So, your bad luck just
rubbed off on me, making this indirectly your fault.”
…I don’t think that’s how luck works, Junko…Makoto deadpanned as Junko continued to rant.
“I’ll get you for this…I just have to…” Junko angled the camera until her eyes widened, her lips
spreading into a grin as she cackled “Oh man! Hey Leon, better watch yourself! Looks like
Makoto still has the hots for Sayaka!”
Shaking his head, Makoto denied “Th…that’s not…”
“Lay off, Junko!” Leon scowled as he walked over to Makoto’s side, ready to defend his best
friend. “You know that’s a sensitive subject for Makoto.”
“Yeah; that’s so uncalled for!” Sayaka interjected.
“Sayaka…Leon…”
Throwing his arm around Makoto’s shoulders, Leon continued “Besides, he has too much respect
for us to even think of making a move on Sayaka. He’d never betray our trust like that; he’s too
good of a friend for the thought to even cross his mind.”
The rest of the class nodded in agreement; seeing she was outnumbered, Junko pouted “Fine, I’ll
take it back…” Smiling smugly, Junk pressed forward “But if he’s not lusting after Sayaka…then
he’s totally fantasizing about Kyoko!” turning to her sister, Junko teased “Better hurry up and
woo your man, Muku, or Kyoko will claim him all for herself!”
Blushing, Mukuro objected “Th…that’s not it, Junko…”
“Yeah!” Makoto stammered “We…we’re just friends! I’m not gonna think such things about my
friend like that!”
“Are you suuurrreeee? The evidence would suggest…”
“Junko, enough!”
Everyone froze at Sakura’s voice, everyone turning to the Ultimate Martial Artist who was glaring
disapprovingly at Junko.
“Pestering someone about such private feelings, regardless of how true or false they may ring is…
ugly!”
“Sakura…”
Seeing most of the class join Sakura in glaring at her, Junko shrugged and apologized “Fine…sorry
and shit…”
With Sakura nodding, the rest of the class dispersed from the scene, Byakuya confiscating his
camera and walking out of the room without another word. Makoto and Kyoko stood at the edge
of the pool, the boy blushing from the recent teasing accusations, while Kyoko shuffled
awkwardly, both unable to look each other in the eye. A mischievous look in her eyes, Junko
grinned, sneaking up behind them and pushing them from behind, the Ultimate Lucky Student and
Detective falling face first into the pool.
“Agh!”
“Urgh!”
They both lifted their heads out of the water, spitting water out of their mouths as they looked up at
the guilty Fashionista, Kyoko glaring at her while Makoto just shivered as he tread water.
“Junko! That was mean!”
“Yeah! Sayaka’s right; they could have drowned!”
Turning towards Sayaka and Hina, Junko protested “What? It’s just a pool? Besides, they both
needed a good splash. Makoto here was looking pretty feverish, so he needed a good cooldown!”
Makoto’s blush darkened in color as Junko continued “And Kyoko here hasn’t gotten in the water
at all yet today! We’re at a pool to swim, right?”
“Yeah, but…”
As Hina and Sayaka continued bickering with Junko, both Makoto and Kyoko sighed in
exasperation, Makoto willing his blush away as he turned to Kyoko, an easy smile on his face as he
suggested “…As long as we’re both in the water, wanna race a few laps in the pool? I’m kind of
interested to see how much you’ve improved from Hina’s swimming lessons.”
Closing her eyes, Kyoko gave a small smile in return and acquiesced “I suppose there’s no harm in
a friendly competition.”
With that, Kyoko gently splashed his face, causing Makoto to flinch backwards in surprise as he
cried out “Gah!”
By the time his vision cleared, Kyoko was already a few feet ahead of him, a smug grin on her face
as she turned her head to face him, stroking away as she teased “Try to keep up!”
“Hey! No fair, Kyoko!” Makoto laughed as he struggled to match her speed, legs kicking like his
life depended on it as he moaned “Wait for me!”
Now witness to their impromptu contest, Hina broke off her argument with Junko, racing back up
the lifeguard tower as she yelled “Wait guys; I’ve gotta referee! Just go to the end of the pool and
wit for my whistle!”
Kyoko let out a breathy chuckle as Makoto laughed, the two of them bubbling with mirth as they
held onto the edge of the pool, waiting for Hina’s signal as their other classmates got back in the
other lanes of the pool.
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, Junko was mean!”
Nodding, Makoto agreed “Yeah, she was. At least in this case though, her tendency to pull pranks
didn’t get us hurt, so I was willing to forgive her for that.” …Though there are some things I
simply can never forgive her for…
Smiling at the memory, Kyoko nodded, admitting “Yes, although being pushed into the water was
not my choice…I had fun…swimming circles around your father.”
“Well of course you had fun, you’re the one who won our little game!”
With a teasing smile, Kyoko replied “Are you implying that you didn’t have fun also? As I recall,
you were laughing and grinning the entire time, despite getting a face full of water.”
Chuckling awkwardly, Makoto admitted “…Yeah, I had fun. You know I like spending time with
you, honey; I always did, always will.”
“Makoto…”
“…Mommy, Daddy, can we go swimming with Auntie Hina again soon?”
Nodding, Makoto agreed “I don’t see why not. We can go to the artificial beach at Hope’s Peak
this weekend and make some sandcastles.”
Excited, Kiki turned to her mother and asked “You’ll come swimming with us too, right Mommy?”
Generally, Kyoko was the kind of girl who liked to relax on a towel and work on her tan while
reading a good book, smiling as she watched her husband and daughter splash each other in the
distant ocean. However, she couldn’t say no to her daughter, who was pleading up at her with her
father’s signature puppy dog eyes.
Smiling, she ruffled Kiki’s hair and promised “Sure, sweetie. It sounds like fun.”
“YAY!” Calming down, Kiki asked “So, what happened next?”
Makoto continued “Well, before long we got out of the water and dried off and changed before we
went back to our dorms to pack. After saying goodbye to Koichi, Chisa, and your grandfather, we
slowly left the campus one-by-one. Eventually, only your mother and I were left in front of the
gates, waiting for our rides home…”
XXX
July 25, 2014
“So…it’s been quite an interesting few months here, hasn’t it?”
Kyoko nodded, smiling as she concurred “Indeed. If someone had told me when we first met in
April that we would become the best of friends, I would have scoffed at them.”
“Was I…really that unlikeable back then?”
Shaking her head, Kyoko watch Makoto breathe out a sigh of relief as she explained “Far from it. I
simply didn’t think I could get close to anyone. You proved me wrong, and I’ve never been more
pleased to have been wrong.” Settling into a neutral expression, she continued seriously
“Makoto…your friendship is something I’ve come to value. And you’ve helped me to become
more social and make so many new friends…”
“Hey, give yourself a little more credit, Kyoko! I admit, maybe I gave you a little push, but
eventually you made friends without my help…”
“But I never would have found the courage to do so if you hadn’t insisted that I try to bond with
our classmates. And because of that, you helped me to grow. As a detective, as a teenager, and as
a friend. And for that, there are no words in my vocabulary to express my gratitude.”
Smiling widely, Makoto replied “…I’m gonna miss seeing you, Kyoko.”
Allowing her lips to tug into a small smile, she replied “I admit…it’s going to be…strange…not
seeing you every day. I fear my cases may become boring without your input.”
“I’m sure you’ll do fine. They don’t call you the Ultimate Detective for nothing!”
Kyoko smiled at the compliment, opening her mouth to return it before dual honks interrupted their
conversation. A black, shiny car sat behind a white, moderately well-kept car.
Makoto smiled, explaining “My parents and sister. I should probably…”
Nodding, Kyoko explained “My grandfather’s also here too. I should head out too…”
“I’m glad to have met you, Kyoko…” Makoto wrapped his arms around her in a brief hug, making
her stiffen with shock at the affectionate gesture. Realizing what he just did, Makoto blushed,
releasing her as he apologized “Sorry, I didn’t mean…”
*Honk*
Smiling sheepishly, Makoto grabbed his suitcase and started walking off, finishing “See you in
September, Kyoko!”
Nodding, Kyoko grabbed her own suitcase, Makoto watching her load it into her grandfather’s car
and get in before the Kirigiris drove off.
…Goodbye, Kyoko Kirigiri…
Sighing with a melancholy feeling, Makoto closed the trunk before getting in the back seat with his
sister. Once everyone was buckled, Hana shifted the gear, gently pressing on the gas as she drove
her family away from Hope’s Peak Academy.
“So Makoto, did you enjoy the past few months at Hope’s Peak Academy?”
“Did you make any new friends, son?” Shingi followed after his wife’s question, curious to know
as their son had kept tight-lipped on details during their weekend phone calls with him.
“And did you get a girlfriend? Please tell me you’re bringing home a cute girl during your summer
break, Onii-chan!”
Chuckling, Makoto shook his head and replied “Sorry Komaru, I haven’t dated anyone during my
time at school. I did make some good friends though, and I’ve got some cool stories to share after
we get home.”
Nodding, Shingi replied “I can’t wait! It’s been rather quiet without you, son!”
With that, a comfortable silence fell in the car as Hana continued driving. Makoto leaned back,
closing his eyes and planning to take a nap before a soft crinkling in his pants prevented him from
going to sleep.
“Huh?”
Opening his eyes, he felt underneath his bottom until he felt something within his back pocket.
Curious, he reached inside, pulling out a small scrap of paper with some writing on it. With
Komaru looking over curiously, he read to himself.
“705-5531-175
Call if you need anything.
-Kyoko Kirigiri”
…She snuck it into my pocket when I hugged her, didn’t she?
“Kyoko Kirigiri? Onii-chan, who’s that?”
Smiling, Makoto replied “Just a friend I made at school.”
A teasing smile on her face, Komaru asked “Are you sure? She must really like you if she gave
you her phone number. She’s totally your girlfriend, isn’t she?”
Blushing, Makoto shook his head violently as he denied “No, she’s really not! We’re just best
friends, that’s it!”
Giggling, Komaru replied “Then why are you blush…”

“Komaru, stop teasing your brother.”
“Awwww….sorry, Onii-chan.”
Smiling good-naturedly, Makoto ruffled his sister’s hair as he accepted “It’s okay, Komaru.”
Their mother smiling at having peace restored between her two children, Makoto and Komaru
relaxed in the car as they waited for the drive to be over. While Komaru took a nap, Makoto
instead reached into his pocket to withdraw his cell phone and pull up his contact list.
XXX
“You seem unusually happy.”
Fuhito took note of Kyoko’s smile, his eyebrow raised in curiosity as he observed his
granddaughter. A far cry from the stiff, serious detective he had raised that only gave smirks of
victory upon solving a case, this Kyoko seemed more laid back, relaxing in her seat and radiating a
smile that indicated genuine happiness.
Toning down her smile to a more neutral expression, she denied “It’s nothing, grandfather.”
Suspicious, but accepting his granddaughter’s response for now, Fuhito shrugged and told her “I’ll
permit you the evening to get settled back in, but I expect you to get up bright and early in the
morning to continue your casework at the station.”
Nodding, Kyoko replied “Of course, grandfather.” Holding back a sigh, she lamented …Well, it
was nice while it lasted…guess it’s back to living in the Kirigiri Mansion again…
While Kyoko had gotten used to living in her grandfather’s mansion as a child, she couldn’t deny
that she appreciated the autonomy and overall friendlier environment that Hope’s Peak provided
for her. With her newfound experiences, going back to the mansion felt more like entering a prison
than a homecoming.
It was then that her phone vibrated from within her jacket. The vibration tickling her breast,
Kyoko curiously reached inside and saw a text message. Opening it, she smiled as she read to
herself.
“You too! Call me even if you just want to talk!
-Makoto Naegi”
Looking at her curiously, Fuhito asked “What was that about, Kyoko?”
Shaking her head, she denied “Nothing important, grandfather.” As she relaxed in the seat, her
mood visibly improved, making the elder Kirigiri frown in concern as she thought Maybe this
summer will be a bit more tolerable…with him to talk to…
XXX
Present Day
“And that was how we parted ways after a term of bonding.”
“Wow! You guys had a lot of fun experiences in school, huh?”
Smiling, Kyoko agreed “Yes, Kiki; we did. I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything, and
it’s all thanks to your father.”
Before Makoto could open his moth to argue, Kiki asked “So, what next?”
Smiling in nostalgia, Makoto answered “Well, tomorrow we’ll share one story of our respective
vacations.”
“But I wanna hear more noooowwwwww!”
Ruffling hair daughter’s hair, Kyoko urged “Patience, sweetie. Tomorrow, okay?”
“Okay, Mommy…”
Chuckling at his daughter’s pouting while she curled under the blankets, Makoto and Kyoko
leaned down to kiss her cheek.
*Yawn* “…Love you too…”
Their little princess soon slipped into dreamland, snoring as her green and violet eyes slowly shut.
Smiling, Makoto nudged his wife out of the room, closing the door behind him as they retreated to
their room, curling against each other as they dreamed of their return to school,…and the start of
their mutual attraction.
Interlude Two: The Strongest Bond of Friendship! The Beginnings of
Intimacy?
Chapter Summary
With the fall term only a week away, both Makoto and Kyoko find thmselves
confronted by their respective families about the strength of their bonds of friendship.
Will the two of them admit that they're more intimate with each other than they first
thought?
Chapter Notes
Well, here’s the interlude between Bonding Arc and the upcoming Intimacy Arc. As a
reminder, I’m gonna take some time to write out Intimacy Arc, so until then please
read and comment below, and enjoy!
Present Day
“So did you guys see each other at all during your summer vacation?”
Makoto replied “We did meet up one time as a class, but for the most part your mother was just too
busy with her detective work to plan visits. Remember, her grandfather was still her guardian at
this point, so she didn’t have the autonomy to hang out like she did at Hope’s Peak. We did
however end up talking by phone pretty much every day, and it was during one of those
conversations towards the end of our summer break when…”
XXX
August 25, 2014
“I can’t believe there’s only a week left until we start the new term. I can’t wait to see you again,
Kyoko.”
Makoto laid down on his bed, eyes closed and holding his phone up to his ear as Kyoko scribbled
away at casework in her room. Her phone was propped up against several books that were lying on
her desk, the speakerphone option activated so that she could talk to him while she worked.
Makoto could almost hear her smile through the phone, recalling when she told him in no
uncertain terms how much his calls meant to her during their vacation.
“Your stories help to break up the monotony of the paperwork I have to do in my detective work.
Ironically, the distraction of your calls has actually increased my efficiency by keeping my
boredom away.”
Kyoko nodded as she agreed “Yes; these calls have been acceptable, but there’s something to be
said about seeing someone face-to-face.”
“Yeah, I…”
“Makoto! Dinner’s ready!”
Holding the phone away from his ear, Makoto yelled down “Okay, be right there, Mom!”
Returning the phone to his ear, Makoto apologized “Sorry, but Mom just said dinner’s ready,
so…”
Kyoko chuckled on the other end as she replied “It’s okay; go fill your belly and spend time with
your family.”
Nodding, Makoto replied “Okay; same time tomorrow, Kyoko?”
“Sure. Goodbye, Makoto.”
“Goodbye, Kyoko!”
Makoto hung up the phone, sighing with disappointment at having his conversation with Kyoko
cut short before he stretched his arms and legs. Gingerly getting off the bed, he walked downstairs
to meet his family at the dinner table.
XXX
“Itadakimasu!”
The Naegi family soon dug into the delicious dinner of onigiri, shrimp, and butter-soaked
vegetables that Hana had cooked that evening. Makoto was just chewing his second shrimp when
Komaru broke the silence.
“Ne, Onii-chan, when are you going to bring your girlfriend home?”
His eyes widening in shock, Makoto chocked on the shrimp which had been lodged in his throat,
pounding his fist against his chest until the shrimp jumped back onto his tongue. Taking a deep
breath through his nose, Makoto grabbed his water and took a gulp, swallowing the shrimp
properly before he turned to address his sister with a blushing face.
“Wh…What? Komaru, I already told you! I’m not dating anyone!”
“Oh, come on, don’t play dumb!” Komaru retorted “You and Kyoko talk on the phone every
single day! I swear, you almost spend more time talking with her than you do spending time with
us!”
Nodding after swallowing a bite of his onigiri, Shingi agreed “She’s right, son. Not to mention that
you wouldn’t stop talking about her after we picked you up from the water park that day you met
with your class a couple weeks ago.”
“Sh…she’s just who I hung out with the most. She’s my best friend, why wouldn’t I talk about her
the most?”
A teasing grin on her face, Komaru replied “Hey, there’s nothing wrong with you being close to a
girl, Onii-chan. That just means you’re already intimate with her.”
Makoto blushed even more furiously as he stammered “In…intimate? No, we’re just…”
“Just friends, we all heard you the first time! But it’s obvious you like her, and based on how
much she talks to you, I’d say she likes you back! So just man up and ask her out already so you
can get closer already! …Just not too intimate, okay Onii-chan?” Komaru had a sly grin on her
face as she teased “I don’t want to be an Auntie just yet…”
“Komaru, enough.”
Makoto and the others turned to the now stern matriarch who had just put her foot down at
Komaru’s teasing. Admittedly, Hana had become curious about her son’s alleged love life as the
close of summer vacation came closer and closer. But there was a limit to how much she would
allow her daughter and husband to embarrass Makoto.
In a rare moment of seriousness, Shingi nodded and concurred “That’s right. Teasing your brother
is all in good fun, but alluding to his sex life is going too far.”
Looking at her plate in guilt, she nodded and apologized “You’re right…sorry, Onii-chan…”
When Komaru looked up, she saw her now calm brother giving her a warm and reassuring smile,
nodding to let her know that all was forgiven.
With the air now cleared, Hana offered “Makoto, even if you and Kyoko really do just have a
platonic friendship, we wouldn’t mind if you invited her over sometime. We’d love to meet your
friends from school.”
Nodding, Makoto’s eyes drooped and explained “Kyoko’s…busy. She’s a detective, so she’s
always got a boatload of casework to do. She doesn’t really have time to go hang out on a whim.
Inviting her over would prove…difficult.”
Hana nodded, and the Naegi family went back to eating their dinner in peace. After everyone was
done, they all got up and went their separate ways to prepare for bed. It was some time later that
Makoto, showered and dressed in a simple white T-shirt and a pair of boxers, turned off the lamp
next to his bedside and curled under the blankets, trying to get to sleep.
Are they right? Are Kyoko and I really…intimate? Thoughts of Kyoko wrapped in his embrace,
holding him against her as she looked down at him with an amorous shine in her eyes flashed
through his mind before he shook the thoughts away, chiding Get your head out of the clouds,
Makoto. You and Kyoko…Komaru’s teasing must be getting to you…
*buzz*
Makoto had just closed his eyes when his cell phone vibrated next to his lamp. Eyes opening,
Makoto yawned, reaching over to check his smartphone. Displayed on the screen was a simple
text notification. Curious, Makoto unlocked his phone, going to the messaging app and opening
the newest text.
“From: Kyoko Kirigiri
Good night, Makoto…pleasant dreams.”
Smiling, Makoto tapped the reply bar, typing “You too, Kyoko :)” before tapping the send icon.
Placing the phone back on his dresser and plugging it in to charge, Makoto closed his eyes, a single
thought crossing his mind as he fell into peaceful slumber.
Kyoko and I are close; we trust each other and are open with each other more than anybody. If
that’s what it means to be emotionally intimate with your best friend…I’m content with that…
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, Daddy! Auntie Komaru and Jii-ji sure liked to tease you about you and Mommy!”
Chuckling, Makoto agreed “Yeah; your Auntie Komaru liked to get on my nerves when we were
kids, and your Jii-chan…well, he was always a bit of a jokester.”
Nodding, Kiki asked “So…when you went to sleep that night…did you wake up the next day
realizing that you were in love with Mommy?”
Chuckling, Makoto shook his head and answered “No Kiki; I had come to terms with the fact that
she was my closest friend, but I was still in denial about my attraction to her.”
“But why, Daddy?”
Deciding to spare Makoto from his daughter’s inquisitiveness, Kyoko saved him by interrupting
“Kiki, would you like to hear the story of what happened after I hung up with your father?”
Nodding gleefully, Kiki answered “Okay!”
Makoto breathed a sigh of relief, shooting a grateful glance at Kyoko before she began “So once I
had finished with my casework for the evening, I went to the dining hall to have dinner with your
great-grandfather Fuhito. We were having a quiet dinner when…”
XXX
August 25, 2014
“Have all my teachings been going in one ear and out the other, Kyoko?”
Kyoko paused; gulping down her current sip of miso soup, she placed her soup bowl down on the
table and looked at Fuhito, confused as she inquired “What do you mean, grandfather?”
“You’re not as quiet as you think you are; I can hear you talking with that assistant of yours…
Naegi, was it…when I pass by your room.”
Inwardly cursing herself for forgetting to completely close the door to her room while working on
paperwork.
“He’s my friend, grandfather. Besides, I’m always working on…”
“Working on casework while you talk. I do have eyes, Kyoko, and I can see you working away
while you talk on that phone of yours.”
Nodding, Kyoko replied “Yes, and multitasking is a crucial skill to have as a detective. That was
one of the first lessons you taught me grandfather, am I wrong?”
Fuhito frowned; up until recently, Kyoko had been obedient, accepting his every teaching as
though it were scripture. Ever since she came back from Hope’s Peak however, she had become
more combative, argumentative, and even more expressive, if only marginally.
Did something happen…after the Akafuku case…that changed her? Clearing his throat, Fuhito
continued “Be that as it may, your attention has been more…divided since you attended Hope’s
Peak. The Police Chief has told me that in the last couple of months of your first term, you had
been spending less time at the station than before. And don’t forget, there’s the time you insisted
on going to that water park with your class a couple of weeks ago when you could have been doing
casework.”
“I increased my caseload the week prior so that I wouldn’t be behind. I’ve still been prioritizing
my detective work and adjusting my schedule accordingly. As long as I do that, I’m permitted to
have friends and a social life, aren’t I?”
Reluctantly nodding, Fuhito admitted “Perhaps. But simply having a social life isn’t my chief
concern. You’re getting close to that Naegi boy, aren’t you?”
Not sure where he was going with this, Kyoko defended “We’re friends and classmates; of course
I’d be closer to him than I would any other assistant at the station.”
Frowning, Fuhito shook his head and explained “It’s more than that. I see the look in your eyes
when you chuckle at what he says on the phone, and I remember the look in your eyes when I
picked you up from the water park. It was the same look I saw in your father’s eyes when I first
met your mother.”
Finally understanding what her grandfather was hinting at, Kyoko narrowed her eyes and asked
“What are you implying, grandfather?”
“I’m suggesting that you’re letting him get too close, Kyoko. I’ve told you again and again that
getting close to people can only hurt you in the long run, and ever since the Akafuku case, you
seem to be ignoring my teachings about putting your detective career above all else.”
What if I want more out of my life than just my career?
Kyoko and her grandfather engaged in a staring contest, neither one backing down until Fuhito
finally sighed, breaking their gaze as he admitted “…However, the chief has also told me that
despite you spending less time on casework during your time at Hope’s Peak, you’ve been getting
stronger, faster, smarter. He says…that he’s never seen such prowess as a detective before…”
You can thank Makoto, Hina, and Sakura for that…among others… Kyoko reflected as she
reminisced on her times bonding with Makoto and her trainings with Sakura and Hina.
“…Given that your time at Hope’s Peak has somehow improved your skillset as a detective…then I
suppose there are worse things than having a circle of friends…” Fuhito looked at her sternly as he
warned “Just remember that your detective work always comes first. And make sure you don’t
become intimate with that Naegi boy…emotionally or otherwise. Remember, that mistake is what
led you to don those gloves on your hands.”
Kyoko looked at her hands as she mumbled “…Yes, grandfather…”
Satisfied, the Kirigiris went back to their dinner, not speaking for the rest of the evening.
XXX
Don’t become intimate with Makoto, huh?
Kyoko lay on her bed, deep in thought as her unfinished Ellery Queen novel sat by her phone on
her dresser.
But how do I know I haven’t already? It’s not like I have a frame of reference to tell…
Kyoko frowned at her grandfather’s warning; she highly doubted that her relationship with Makoto
would result in any kind of physical intimacy.
But emotional intimacy…there’s no doubt I trust Makoto more than anyone else besides my
grandfather…and more than I though would have been possible after Yui…but does that make us
emotionally intimate?
Kyoko thought back to their numerous phone calls over the summer, Makoto telling her all of his
family stories, while she expressed her feelings of frustration and accomplishment over any given
case she was working on that week.
Smiling, she realized I’ve never had anyone I wanted to give my phone number to…and certainly
nobody I would look forward to conversing with day after day. I guess…we are emotionally
intimate…
Looking over to her phone, she grabbed it with her hand, pulling up her messaging app and tapping
on Makoto’s contact before typing “Good night Makoto…pleasant dreams.”
Satisfied, she put the phone back on her dresser and plugged it in, closing her eyes as she prepared
to go to sleep herself.
*buzz*
Her eyes flashing open again, she looked at her vibrating phone, pulling it over without unplugging
it, seeing a single reply to her text.
“You too, Kyoko :)”
Kyoko smiled, happy at Makoto’s reply before she placed the phone back on her dresser, closing
her eyes as she fell asleep, looking forward to tomorrow’s conversation with the Ultimate Lucky
Student.
XXX
Present Day
“Was that when you fell in love with him, Mommy?”
“…It’s honestly hard to say, Kiki. All I knew was that I enjoyed talking with your father and that I
felt closer to him than I did with anyone else.”
Nodding, Makoto offered “There’s room to argue either way, Kiki. It could have been the start of
a crush, or it could have just been friends who trusted each other like family. I think it’s safe to say
that your mother and I thought of each other almost like family, given how inseparable we were,
but we can’t say if it was a romantic attraction at the time.”
Nodding, Kyoko finished “Yes, but there’s no denying that once we returned to Hope’s Peak, we
started to get closer and closer until we did eventually fall in love later that year. And tomorrow,
you’ll finally get to hear that part of our story.”
“YAY! I can’t wait!”
Without another word, Kiki curled up under the blankets, grabbing the soft fabric with her own
petite hands and drawing them up to her chin herself. Giggling at her enthusiasm, Makoto leaned
down and kissed her cheek.
Nodding, Kiki immediately fell asleep, Makoto and Kyoko sweatdropping at how quickly she went
to sleep.
“Wow; she must really want to hear that part of the story, if she went to sleep without being told.”
Nodding, Kyoko got off the bed, proposing “So, shall we? It’s time for us to head to bed too.”
Smiling, Makoto followed her outside, closing Kiki’s door behind him as they retreated to their
room, falling into slumber as they continued to dream of their days of falling in love.
Intimacy Arc Chapter One: Back at Hope’s Peak! A Man’s Fantasy?
Chapter Summary
Now back at Hope's Peak, the girls decide to reconnect by taking a communal bath in
the sauna. Left along in the dining hall, Teruteru encourages Makoto, Hifumi, and
Hiro to go and seek a peek on the girls while they bathe. Will Makoto give in to the
temptations of "A Man's Fantasy"?
Chapter Notes
So, I kind of lied. I’ve written the first two chapters of Intimacy Arc, and am
comfortable enough with their placement in the DR Gaiden Timeline that I decided to
post them. So, here’s Chapter One, and Chapter Two will happen tomorrow.
Afterwards though, I cannot promise when future chapters of Intimacy Arc will be
posted. Please read and review, and enjoy!
P.S. This chapter references events in a one-shot I recently posted, The Ultimate
Detective and The Ultimate Hope Gaiden: Summer Reunion at the Water Park! The
fic can be found at https://archiveofourown.org/works/23854951, so if you haven't
read it already, I would recommend doing so. It's not strictly required, but I would still
recommend it.
Present Day
“Alright, Kiki. Are you ready to hear the story of how your mother and I fell in love?”
Nodding energetically, Kiki exclaimed “Yeah! I’m really excited! When does this story take
place?”
Chuckling Makoto placated “Alright, alright…it started the day before our fall term was set to
begin. We had just gathered in the main hall when…”
XXX
August 31, 2014
“Hey, Kyoko!”
The Ultimate Detective turned around, smiling warmly at Makoto who was waving at her, a wide
grin on his face as he ran up to her, Hina and Sayaka giving her a berth so she could reunite with
Makoto in some measure of privacy.
“Makoto…it’s good to see you. I’d ask if your summer went well, but…”
Kyoko reflected on their daily phone calls and texts where Makoto would tell her all about the fun
he had with his parents and sister. In return, she would give him cliffnotes versions of her day-to-
day work as a detective.
Nodding, Makoto replied “Yeah, and I loved hearing your detective stories; they were always so
exciting!”
Rolling her eyes at his enthusiasm, Kyoko denied “They’re really not, Makoto. Not everything is
like the Akafuku case; it can be very monotonous sometimes.”
Shaking his head, Makoto denied “Not to me! What you do is amazing, Kyoko, really!”
Makoto’s compliments never failed to warm her heart; even in her worst moods, Makoto’s words
always seemed to cheer her up in a heartbeat.
Before their debate could continue any longer, they found themselves interrupted by a familiar
groan “Ugh! When are you two going to stop flirting and seal the deal already? Either that or woo
Muku, Makoto!”
They turned to see Junko walking up to them, a blushing and objecting Mukuro following close
behind.
Shaking his head, Makoto stammered simultaneously with Mukuro while blushing “N…no! It’s
not like that, Junko!”
Junko giggled before teasing “See? You’re even talking in sync! You two are made for each
other!”
Kyoko felt a mild irritation bubble within her, confusing the girl as she wondered why she would
get annoyed about a relationship between Mukuro and Makoto.
It’s not like it would be a bad matchup; they’re both shy and she’s proven that she can watch his
back. So why…?
“Anyway…Kyoko! I think you’ve kept my photo album long enough!”
Seeing the Ultimate Fashionista hold out her hand expectantly, Kyoko sighed, reaching into her
pocket and withdrawing the SD card from her jacket, handing it back to Junko and informing her
“I’ve only deleted the offensive photo; nothing else has been touched.”
Pouting, Junko whined “Aww, you’re no fun! And don’t tell me you didn’t at least look at a few
of my photos! I wouldn’t blame you; it would have been the perfect opportunity to get some
snazzy outfit ideas to impress our favorite Luckster after all!”
Makoto started to imagine Kyoko in some of Junko’s various model outfits, before shaking his
head and concluding that those wouldn’t fit Kyoko’s style at all.
Shaking her head, Kyoko denied “My wardrobe prioritizes function over fashion. A few T-shirts
for casual functions and to have a little color variety are all I need.”
Sighing, Junko replied “…Whatever. Come on Muku; let’s go unpack!”
As the twins vanished from sight, Kyoko sighed, already exhausted from dealing with the Ultimate
Fashionista before suggesting “We should probably go unpack too. Our dorms are right next to
each other; what do you say we walk back together?”
Nodding, Makoto smiled and agreed “Sure; let’s go!”

With that, Makoto dragged his suitcase behind him as he followed Kyoko back to the dorms.
XXX
Present Day
“You were jealous of Mukuro, Mommy?”
Reluctantly nodding, to Makoto’s surprise, Kyoko admitted “…In a manner of speaking, I suppose
in retrospect the idea of your father having a romantic relationship did leave me a little jealous. In
hindsight…it was probably the first time I was consciously aware of my crush on your father…
although I didn’t realize it at the time.”
Nodding with some level of comprehension, Kiki asked “And did you have a crush on Mukuro,
Daddy?”
Shaking his head, Makoto answered “No, Kiki; I counted Mukuro as a good friend, but I can safely
say that she was more enamored with me than I was with her. And although I can’t deny that I was
attracted on a physical level to your mother at the time, my emotions had yet to catch up to my
hormones.” Seeing Kiki’s confused expression, Makoto finished “You’ll learn about that stuff
when you’re in middle school pumpkin.”
Reluctantly, Kiki nodded and accepted “Okay, Daddy. So what happened next?”
Kyoko replied “Well, Chisa and Koichi had thrown us a welcome back dinner after we finished
unpacking and settling in. They had just left when your Auntie Hina had an idea that I and the
other girls agreed to.”
XXX
August 31, 2014
“A communal bath?”
Kyoko nodded, explaining “Hina suggested that the girls have one in the sauna to reconnect after
our summer vacation, so we’re spending some time there.”
Celeste then walked up, the other girls forming an entourage as she asked “Well, ladies? Shall we
go?”
Nodding, Kyoko followed the others, waving goodbye to Makoto before vanishing out of sight.
Makoto soon found Hiro sitting where Kyoko used to, the Clairvoyant sighing dejectedly as he
lamented “Talk about unlucky, for serious. I was gonna take some time in the sauna to recharge
my spiritual energy…”
Hifumi soon pulled up a chair, just as dejected as he moaned “Me too; I’ve been having some
writer’s block and was hoping a night in the sauna would kickstart my inspiration! Of course, I’d
be happy to give that up for Miss Ludenberg’s comfort…but she didn’t even ask me to fetch her
towel for her!”
The duo opened their mouths to sigh when a familiar voice interrupted them “Then why are youse
just sitting here instead of using these lemons to make delicious lemonade! Some very sexy
lemonade at that!”
All three of them turned their heads to see Teruteru approaching, pushing a cart filled with dirty
dishes.
His eyes narrowing in suspicion, Makoto nonetheless asked politely “Can we help you, Hanamura-
senpai?”
Shaking his head while grinning a perverted grin that made Makoto’s spine tingle with dread,
Teruteru answered “Non non non, mes amis. It seems to be me who can help you, by offering
some very candid advice!”
His brow furrowed in suspicion, Makoto asked “And what advice would that be. Hanamura-
senpai?”
“What I’m telling you is, this is the perfect chance for you to sneak a peek!”
Completely dumbfounded, Makoto could only utter a confused “…Huh?”
Grunting in indecision, Hifumi’s eyes suddenly blazed in determination as he stood up, pointing at
Teruteru and declaring “You’re absolutely right?”
Huh?
Hiro was similarly dumbfounded, reminding the Ultimate Fanfic Creator “I thought you were all
about the 2D…”
Teruteru’s eye twitched, unbelieving how reticent the other two underclassmen were being before
lecturing them passionately “Makoto, Yasuhiro, an opportunity like this doesn’t come along very
often…It’s the ideal setting of a man’s fantasy. I can’t go because I have these dishes to clean, but
there’s nothing stopping the three of you.”
A man’s fantasy?
Makoto flashed back to his time at the water park, remembering how Kyoko’s swimsuit
accentuated her curves, how her slender legs cradled his own, and how soft her covered breasts felt
against his bare back.
So then…I could…see that…up close…NO! I can’t believe I’m even entertaining the idea! It’d be
the perfect way for Kyoko to never trust me ever again! Remembering the emotional torture of
their first fight last term, Makoto ironed his resolve, shaking his head as he declared “No, I can’t do
it. I can’t treat the girls like that.”
As Hifumi and Teruteru gaped, the upperclassman stammered “B…bu…but…what about your
man’s fantasy?”
Slamming his hand down on the table in a rare act of defiance, Makoto’s eyes blazed with
righteous fury as he rejected “I’m not sure a real “man’s fantasy” should be about spying on girls
and stuff…But anyway, I’m not gonna spy on them!
Before he could walk away, he felt his right arm being grabbed by Hifumi’s hands, who declared
“If you don’t wanna take a peek, fine Mr. Naegi. But I cannot risk letting you tell any of the others
of our scheme, so I must take you as my hostage!”
His eyes widened in shock, Makoto asked incredulously “Hifumi, what’s gotten into you?”
As if that wasn’t enough of a surprise, Makoto felt Hiro grab his other arm, hesitantly admitting
“…I gotta admit, I’m kinda curious to see if Ogre’s actually a girl. Besides, seeing a naked woman
might be just the purification ceremony I need to recharge my spiritual energies. So, I’m coming
too.”
How is spying on our naked classmates purifying anything? “Not you too!” Makoto moaned,
struggling in vain to get away from his classmates as they dragged him away.
As they disappeared from sight, Teruteru waved at them, a nosebleed dripping from his nose as he
urged them “Have a smashing good time!”
XXX
“HEL…MMMPH!”
“Shh…not so loud, Mr. Naegi!”
“Yeah, or Ogre and the others will catch us. Now help us push open the door ajar so we can see!”
Once more, Makoto felt tempted to surrender to their whims by the promise of seeing Kyoko’s
womanly charms before steeling his resolve. Shaking his head, he began kicking at the door to the
sauna as his captors waded through the piles of skirts, shirts, shoes, socks, bras, and panties.
He barely got a pair of kicks in before the duo moved one of their legs each to block his own,
Hifumi whispering “Mr. Naegi, are you trying to get us caught? Just use your hand to push the
door open ajar.”
Despite his struggling, Makoto felt his right arm pulled forward, the boy whimpering as he heard
the door creak open. Remembering his promise, Makoto resisted temptation and closed his eyes.
The other two barely got a flash of their man’s fantasy before a series of feminine voices rang in
their ears.
“What was that?”
“Did someone leave the door open?”
“No, I didn’t…EEK! SOMEONE’S PEEPING THROUGH THE DOOR!”
“It’s one of the boys!”
“Quickly! Cover up and get them!”
Hiro and Hifumi screamed, gracelessly dropping Makoto on the floor of the changing room as they
screamed “RUN!”
A flurry of action erupted in the sauna and changing room, Makoto thankfully oblivious to it as he
kneeled on the floor, whimpering in fear and closing his eyes as a storm of screams and angered
yells threatened to make him go deaf.
XXX
August 31, 2014 (earlier that evening)
“Ahh, man what a nice bath!”
Nodding in agreement with Hina, Celeste sunk deeper into the tub, sighing “Getting a chance to
stretch out and relax is a true pleasure.”
A rare smile passed Kyoko’s lips as she felt the warmth of the water relax her muscles that she
didn’t even know were sore, agreeing “Indeed.”
The usually hyperactive Sakura couldn’t help but agree, feeling more lethargic as she mused
“These warm waters truly are therapeutic. I may not even need a protein coffee after this bath.”
Even Toko wasn’t immune to the bath’s effects, the normally antagonistic writer unable to keep
the pleasured sigh from exiting her warmly smiling lips.
The calm was interrupted when Junko spoke “Yeah, the water’s nice and all, but surely we didn’t
come in here just to soak and wrinkle like old prunes. This is the perfect opportunity for us to
gossip! You know, about boys and junk!”
…I was just looking forward to some peace and quiet, too…
Kyoko sighed with the other girls as Junko began “So…” turning to Sayaka, she asked “So,
Sayaka…what’s new with you and Mr. Rock Star Kuwata?”
“Oh, umm…well he’s still honing his baseball talents, but he’s taking lessons from Mioda-senpai
to try and learn the guitar.”
“Wow! That must be awful boring, sitting all alone while he goes to his practices.”
Shaking her head, Sayaka refuted “Not at all, Junko. Truth is, my idol rehearsals keep me super
busy too, so I don’t have a lot of free time to spend with him, either.”
“Then why date him if you don’t have time for him? Why not just let him down easy like you did
with Makoto?”
Sayaka looked down guiltily, remembering the time that she broke Makoto’s heart, until her
concentration was broken by Sakura’s interruption of “Junko, that’s enough. You’re only twisting
the knife further. They’ve since made up, so there’s no point in bringing it up again.”
Sayaka looked gratefully at the Ultimate Martial Artist before Junko sighed and acquiesced “…
Fine, we’ll talk about something else. Speaking of our favorite Luckster though…Kyoko!”
The detective internally sighed as she steeled herself for Junko’s inevitable teasing.
“I couldn’t help but notice how your eyes narrowed just slightly when I suggested that Makoto ask
out Muku earlier today.”
“Wait…” Hina asked “Makoto likes Mukuro?”
“Well, I don’t know about Makoto…but I can definitely say that Muku has the hots for him!”
Blushing, Mukuro stammered “Junko, th…that’s not…”
Ignoring her sister, Junko continued “Anyways, back on topic…you liiiiikeeeeee him, don’t you
Kiri?”
Hesitating for just a split second, Kyoko shook her head and denied “Makoto and I are just
friends…”
“Then why the subtle look of annoyance? I bet if he happened to be peeping in here right now to
sneak a peek at what’s under the bra and panties, you’d secretly be over the moon, wouldn’t you?”
Kyoko couldn’t help but imagine for a moment Makoto ogling at her nude form, which only made
her flush with embarrassment as she sunk deeper into the pool and wrap her arms around her
breasts to preserve her modesty, forgetting that her assets were obscured by the water.
Narrowing her eyes while still blushing, Kyoko denied “No, I would not be…”
*BANG, BANG*
The discussion interrupted, all of the girls’ gazes shifted over to the door.
“What was that?” Kyoko wondered as they all tried to figure out what was going on.
Frowning, Hina pointed out “Look, the door’s slightly ajar. Did someone leave the door open?
Sayaka, you were the last in; did you forget to close it?”
Shaking her head, Sayaka denied “No, I didn’t…” She then caught the sight of an eye in the
crevice, causing her eyes to widen in shock, shrieking as she covered her own breasts with her arms
“EEK! SOMEONE’S PEEPING THROUGH THE DOOR!”
Taking note of their intruders, Junko deduced “It’s one of the boys.”
“Quickly! Cover up and get them!”
Following Celeste’s command, the other girls quickly grabbed their towels and rose out of the
water, tying the fabric around them to cover their nudity before racing out of the sauna, their
cheeks flushed red from embarrassment and their eyes blazing with a fiery rage as they sought to
punish the peeping toms.
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, you guys sure seemed scary, Mommy.”
Nodding, Makoto agreed “Take it from me, Kiki; there is no fury on this earth quite like a
woman’s scorn.”
“So…were you terrified of Mommy, Daddy?”
Nodding, Makoto admitted “Yes, Kiki, I was. Not only could she kick my butt, but I was terrified
of losing her trust.”
Kyoko then interjected “Everything turned out okay, though.” Giving a teasing smile, she
continued “If we didn’t resolve it, you wouldn’t be here.”
Both Naegi girls giggled before Kiki asked “So how did you resolve it, Mommy?”
Nodding, Kyoko answered “That will have to wait for tomorrow; it’s past your bedtime.”
“Awwww…”
Nonetheless, Kiki snuggled into her pillow while her parents brought the blanket up to her chin,
kissing her nose as they bade “Good night, Kiki. We love you.”

Smiling at their snoozing daughter, Makoto and Kyoko quietly crept out of her room, closing the
door behind them as they went to slumber themselves in their own room.
Intimacy Arc Chapter Two: Makoto’s Punishment?
Chapter Summary
Having caught them in the act, the girls of Class 78 quickly incapacitate Hiro and
Hifumi. They now turn their sights to the Ultimate Lucky Student, unaware of his
innocence in their scheme. Will Makoto's luck kick in and get him out of this mess?
Present Day
“So what happened next, Daddy?”
“Well, your mother and our other female classmates had just finished subduing Uncle Hiro and
Hifumi for peeping on them. Fortunately, because I was already kneeling on the floor with my
eyes closed, I ended up unharmed. Though they soon turned their attention to me once I was the
only boy still conscious in the room…”
XXX
August 31, 2014
Hifumi and Hiro sat in the far corner of the changing room, bruised and knocked unconscious from
the girls’ assault, tied up with a couple of spare towels. That left Makoto, who, not having moved
from his kneeling, whimpering state, was now surrounded by his female classmates, still wrapped
in their towels as they debated what to do with the alleged Lucky Pervert.
“I say we drag him and his cohorts to the Headmaster’s office, have them all expelled for their
sexual depravity!”
Expelled?! Trying to raise his voice, Makoto opened his eyes, but still kept them focused on the
floor as he attempted to deny “N…no, I…”
He found himself silenced by Celeste’s interruption as she agreed with Junko “Yes, that seems
fair.” Withdrawing the black, thorned whip whose handle was adorned with faux roses, she
smirked as she suggested “We can restrain him with my rose whip to make sure he doesn’t
escape.” Sighing with a hint of regret, she lamented “It’ll be a pity to lose a loyal servant and our
Class Rep, but c’est la vie, I suppose.”
Makoto blanched, remembering that particular rose whip; he had found it at a cosplay shop and
gave it to Celeste because he thought it suited her Gothic Lolita style.
…I’m seriously regretting getting that for her now… Trying to raise his voice one last time, he
started “It’s not what you think, honest…”
“Qu…quiet y..you…pervert! It’s o…off to the He…Headmaster with y…you!”
Sayaka, Mukuro, and Hina all frowned, starting to feel like having Makoto expelled was taking
things a bit too far. However they remained silent, still too mortified by the accusations against
Makoto to raise their voices in objection.
So it fell to Kyoko to be the sole voice of reason; suppressing her own feelings of embarrassment,
she cautioned “He may be a suspect, but he still deserves fair treatment. Besides, it’s still too early
to say that he was a willing participant in this crime, wouldn’t you say?”
“Huh?” Junko looked at Kyoko incredulously as she questioned “How could you not think that?
He was with Hifumi and Hiro when they were spying on us!”
Shaking her head, Kyoko rebutted “Because there’s ample evidence to make it unclear whether he
truly is guilty.”
Finally raising her voice, Sakura insisted “I would like to hear this evidence.”
Nodding, Kyoko continued “Think back to the banging on the door. If Makoto did go along with
it, why the banging on the door? If he really wanted to get away with the perfect crime, it would
make more sense to avoid making as much noise as possible. And both the volume and the
frequency of the noise was too great for it to be accidental.”
Nodding, Sakura asked “So you’re saying that the bang we heard earlier was deliberate?”
Nodding, Kyoko answered “Precisely.”
It was then that Celeste asked skeptically “Even so, can we really clear Makoto of suspicion based
solely on a single coincidence?”
Shaking her head, Kyoko explained “Not at all. There are other reasons to doubt his guilt in this.”
“I would like to hear these reasons.”
Nodding to Sakura, Kyoko continued “I know it was a bit of a blur, but think back to our assault
against Hiro and Hifumi. Weren’t Makoto’s eyes closed during the skirmish?”
“Hey, she’s right!”
“Yeah; Makoto only opened his eyes after we started talking about what to do with him!”
Nodding at Hina and Sayaka’s respective conclusions, Kyoko reasoned “If he really did want to
catch us in a state of undress, wouldn’t it make more sense to keep his eyes open? It doesn’t really
make sense for him to keep his eyes closed if he wanted to peep on us while we were naked in the
bathtub.”
Reluctantly, Toko admitted “I…I guess that makes s…sense. But…how d…do we know for s…
sure?”
“The only way we’ll come to the truth is if we let him explain his side of the story. We clearly
heard Hifumi and Hiro yelling to run when we caught them, so their guilt can be inferred. But
since we can make no such inference when it comes to Makoto, we need to hear his account.”
Finding their courage, Hina and Sayaka nodded and agreed with the Ultimate Detective.
“She’s right!”
“Yeah! If we’re going to report Makoto and get him expelled, we at least need to give him the
opportunity to refute our accusations.”
Nodding, Sakura concurred “Convicting a culprit without giving them the opportunity to defend
themselves is simply vengeance, and there is no honor in baseless vengeance. Junko, Celeste,
Toko, if you insist on such a grievous miscarriage of justice…” Sakura glared at the three girls,
roaring “There can be no forgiveness for any of us!”
Nodding, Celeste admitted “…I suppose simply listening is fine.”
Seeing Toko wordlessly grimace and nod, Junko felt a tug on her arm. Turning, she saw Mukuro
grasping onto her, an intense, pleading stare in her eyes.
“Junko, please…”
Sighing, she acquiesced “Alright, fine. We can hear him out.”
Looking down at the Ultimate Lucky Student, Kyoko urged “Well, Makoto? Here’s your chance
to correct the record.” Staring at him with a stern, yet oddly comforting gaze, she asked “What
happened, Makoto?”
Is…is this really happening? Makoto looked up, amazed that he was getting a chance to explain
himself. He then realized that it was hard to see all of them, being in the middle of a female circle.
Wanting to address them all, Makoto asked “Is… is it okay if I sit on the bench while I give my
account? So I can be at eye level with all of you…”
After a moment of consideration, Kyoko nodded and granted “That should be acceptable. Hina,
Sayaka, would you please escort him to the bench.”
“Sure.”
“Come on, Makoto. Upsee-Daysee.”
Makoto kept his eyes focused straight ahead of him as he walked within their grasp, the two
women letting go once they arrived at the wooden bench so that he could turn around and sit
down. Walking back to the other girls, Hina And Sakura rejoined the horizontal line they had
formed, standing a couple of feet in front of Makoto as the boy gathered his nerves before taking a
deep breath and explaining his account.
XXX
“And then you guys surrounded me.”
Nodding, Kyoko accepted “I see. So Hanamura-senpai gave you all the idea to indulge in a
“Man’s Fantasy”, and when you refused, Hiro and Hifumi dragged you along for the ride so you
couldn’t tell anyone else. That explains the banging on the door; that was to warn us, right?”
Makoto nodded, confirming “Yeah.”
“And when we came out, you closed your eyes so as to respect our privacy to the extent you were
able, correct?”
Nodding once more, Makoto replied “Yeah; I would never peep on you all. I respect you all too
much to violate your trust like that, honest!”
Looking at the other girls, Kyoko asked “Well? What’s your verdict, everyone?”
Sakura was the first to speak, deciding “We can’t hold him responsible for being taken against his
will, especially when he tried so hard to avoid becoming a participant.”
Nodding simultaneously along with Mukuro, Sayaka and Hina agreed “Yeah!”
Shrugging, Celeste conceded “I don’t take particular issue with his account.”
Frowning, Toko accepted “F…fine…I guess you’re not a per…pervert after all.”
Seeing she was outnumbered, Junko sighed and conceded “Fine. I guess he’s innocent.”
Nodding, Kyoko agreed “Well then, that settles it. Makoto, go back to your room and we’ll forget
this ever happened.”
…Did that really just happen? Makoto, not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, leapt up from the
bench, bowing deeply and crying “Thank you! I won’t forget your kindness!” before dashing out
of the changing room and back to his dorm.
Well, that settles that. Now we just have to deal with them… Turning to the still unconscious
perverts, Kyoko continued “Now, we still have to decide what to do with them.” Before Junko
could reiterate her suggestion to turn them in to the Headmaster, Kyoko interrupted “If we just
report them, I wouldn’t put them above trying to frame Makoto as the mastermind to save their own
skins, making our prior debate pointless.”
Everyone else nodded at Kyoko’s argument, with Junko asking “So what do you suggest we do?
Do we really just let them go free?”
“…I think the trauma of being bruised and beaten by a battalion of angry women should be a
sufficient deterrent. And if they try anything like this ever again, we can always go tell Mondo.”
Everyone nodded, remembering the tale of how Mondo nearly made Teruteru wet himself for
trying to hit on Kyoko.
Looking at the two bound offenders, Kyoko suggested “We should probably have someone bring
them back to their rooms and untie them.”
Nodding, Sakura offered “Very well; I’ll do it.”
Seeign the other girls nod in gratitude, Kyoko suggested “Int hat case, we should probably go
change and go back to our rooms; we’ve probably all had enough excitement for one day.”
Everyone mumbled in agreement and, after making sure that Hiro and Hifumi were still
unconscious, began to change and file out. Soon only Kyoko was left, the nude detective lost in
thought as she found herself reflecting on Junko’s taunt.
“I bet if he happened to be peeping in here right now to sneak a peek at what’s under the bra and
panties, you’d secretly be over the moon, wouldn’t you?”
Kyoko couldn’t help but look over her naked form, palming her bare breasts, belly, and buttocks as
she felt an insecurity take root not unlike the one she felt when she went clothes shopping with
Sayaka, Hina, and Sakura.
If he did happen to catch me…in that state…would he have…found me attractive? Cute, even?
“Hey, Kyoko? Are you alright?”
“Yeah, you’ve been in there for a while.”
Shaken out of her trance by Hina and Sayaka’s concerned calls, she called out “I’m fine; I’ll be out
in a minute.” Shaking her head, she admonished herself What are you thinking, Kyoko Kirigiri?
You’re letting your hormones control you! Makoto Naegi is your friend. He’s already seen what’s
under your gloves; that’s as much of you as he’s going to see. Stop entertaining such foolish
fantasies!
With that, she began to slip on her detective uniform, exiting the bathhouse and heading straight to
her dorm, acknowledging Hina and Sayaka with a nod as she passed by.
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, you guys sure had a crazy first day back, huh?”
Nodding, Makoto replied “Yeah; I certainly didn’t expect to be forced into a “Man’s Fantasy”
before class could even start up again.” Makoto then became serious as he cautioned “I do hope I
don’t have to remind you to respect the privacy of others when you’re older, understand?”
Nodding, Kiki repleid “I understand Daddy.”
Smiling, Makoto ruffled his daughter’s hair as he murmured “That’s my girl.”
Looking at the clock, Kyoko announced “I’m afraid our first day in class will have to wait until
tomorrow; it’s bedtime, sweetie.”
Pouting, Kiki nonetheless laid back on the bed, feeling the blanket brought up to her chin as her
parents kissed her cheeks and bade her good night. Falling into slumber, Kiki watched her parents
close the door behind them as they retreated back to their room.
XXX
“You thought I wouldn’t find you attractive, Kyoko?”
Makoto held her hand as they laid in bed, the former detective blushing in embarrassment as she
looked away from her husband and admitted “…I was a different girl back then than I am now,
Makoto. I was just starting to get in touch with my inner teenage girl, and I didn’t know how to
deal with things like romantic feelings and teenage hormones…”
“And now…?”
“…In all honesty, sometimes I’m still amazed that you see anything in me at all. I’ve come to
terms with it, but it doesn’t change the fact that I’m a scarred, impure woman, and some nights I
wonder how you can…Hey! Makoto!”
Her husband had taken the opportunity to roll onto his wife, grinning at her with a lustful shine in
his eyes as he concluded “Well then…I’ll just have to remind you how much I love you!”
With that, Makoto leaned down and pressed his lips to her own, cupping her breasts in his hands
and caressing them through the fabric of the nightgown, Kyoko closing her eyes and moaning as
she surrendered to the heat building inside her.
“Ohh…Makoooootoooooo…” she suddenly felt her voice silenced as his tongue dived into her
mouth, caressing her tongue and gums in sync with his thumbs.
Seeking more of him, Kyoko reached for the zipper of his pajamas and pulled it down, stroking his
chest as Makoto continued to remind her of just how much he loved her.
Intimacy Arc Chapter Three: A Trap for Sayaka! Hina the Ultimate Fish
Food?
Chapter Summary
As the new term starts, Sayaka invites her class to a private concert and Kyoko
resumes swimming practice will Hina. But is a vicious surprise waiting for our two
lovely Ultimates?
Present Day
“Well, we started the new term the next day. It still felt a little awkward due to the prior evening,
but things settled into a comfortable mood eventually. And then…”
XXX
September 1, 2014
“Alright, alright…everybody ready? Then…say cheese!”
*Click, Snap*
The flash went off, tossing the camera back to Hina and grumbling “There; I took the picture, you
happy?”
Grinning slyly, Hina finished chewing her donut and replied “Yeah, thanks, Hiro!”
As part of his punishment for peeping on them, Hina had made Hiro take a class photo of their first
day back, without giving him a chance to be in one himself. Catching the veiled threat, Hiro
agreed without complaint, leading to the photo that Hina was just expecting while the Ultimate
Clairvoyant slinked off to his desk.
“Come on, everybody! Check out the photo!”
“In a minute, Hina; I haven’t finished my donut yet! Thanks a bunch for bringing them by the
way.”
“Here, here!” Cheered most of the class as they gathered around Hina, donuts in their respective
hands.
Upon inspecting the photo, Taka grimaced, criticizing “Leon, you really should take class photos
more seriously! Silly poses are unacceptable for a school environment!”
Sighing, Leon shook his head and groaned “Ease off, man! It just makes the photo more
memorable!”
Sighing, Taka conceded “I suppose this is but a minor flaw. More importantly…MONDO!”
“Huuuhhhh?” Mondo slurred, still waking up. “Oh, Taka, what is it now?”
Pointing his finger at the Ultimate Biker Gang Leader, Taka declared with a ferocity that ensured
Mondo was wide and awake “YOU are what’s up! You know that sleeping in class is extremely
unacceptable in a school environment! And now your zonking off has ruined the class photo for
everyone!”
“…Dude, I didn’t get a wink of sleep last night. Just…” *yawn* “…lay off, alright?”
As the two argued back and forth, Byakuya sighed out of frustration. Between Mondo and Taka’s
pointless argument, and Genocide Jill giggling in his ear behind him, his patience was already
being tested.
He let out a sigh of relief as their argument was brought to an end by Junko, who interrupted “Hey,
if anything, it just makes it funnier! I’m sure the photo’s not ruined…” Junko took one look at the
photo, then amended “Nevermind, it’s been ruined.”
“See?! Even Junko ag…”
“Not because of Mondo counting sheep, Mr. Hall Monitor! It’s ruined because you all failed to
capture my face again!”
Celeste giggled into her palm and teased “For an Ultimate Fashionista, your luck with class photos
appears to be horrendous.”
“Shaddup, Celeste! If it wasn’t for you trying to chat my ear off, my beautiful face would have
been the star of the show!”
Celeste shrugged and replied “I simply wanted to get to know a worthy opponent better. I do so
apologize if my timing was far from ideal.”
“…Anyway…” Sayaka interrupted “I have an announcement to make.” Everyone’s attention

turned towards the Ultimate Pop Sensation, Sayaka continued “I’m doing a reunion concert with
my idol group, and we decided to make it a private showing for all of you!”
“SCORE! You’re the best, Babe!”
Sayaka giggled at Leon’s enthusiasm, while Makoto replied “That’s great, Sayaka! My sister and I
love your music; she’ll be over the moon when I tell her you held a private concert for us! Can I
get a recording to send her?”
Everyone responded with varying degrees of enthusiasm. Even Kyoko couldn’t help but be a little
intrigued, having been curious about seeing Sayaka’s talent ever since she forced her to sing a
karaoke duet in front of Makoto.
“Alright, alright, kids, settle down! Now, turn your textbooks to page…”
As Koichi began his lecture, they failed to notice a grin coming from a certain someone in the
classroom, wheels turning as their brain started to work.
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, Daddy! Sayaka gave a private concert just for you guys? That must have been so cool!”
Nodding, Makoto smiled nostalgically and replied “Yes, Kiki, it started out cool. However,
something happened that we didn’t expect. For you see…”
XXX
September 5, 2014
The class watched as Sayaka sang on stage, the other three members of her idol group singing in
sync while dressed in the same kind of ruffled pink dress and high boots that she was.
Makoto turned to face Kyoko and quietly mused “She really is quite talented, isn’t she?”
Nodding, Kyoko replied “Indeed, and her group helps to provide some pitch variation that
compliments her melodious voice.”
The class sat in six rows of two, with Hifumi sitting in the way back by himself, and, as arranged
by Sayaka, Makoto and Kyoko sitting side-by-side.
…No doubt one of her more subtle attempts to push us together…Kyoko deduced, remembering
how she had encouraged the Detective to flirt with Makoto, and even forced her to sing to Makoto.
…Still…I won’t deny…this is nice… she admitted as she and Makoto exchanged stares before
simultaneously blushing and averting their gaze back to the show, just in time to see the number
end, the idol group taking a bow as the class applauded the show.
Smiling, Sayaka walked down the stairs from the stage, walking down to meet her class as their
applause died down. Makoto returned that smile, only for it to turn into a gaze of horror as he leapt
up from his seat, jumping at Sayaka.
“Sayaka, look out!”
“AAHHHH!”
“Makoto!”
After the tumble and chaos had settled, everyone else leapt up from their seats to see Sayaka’s idol
group surrounding her, the girl nursing her foot as Makoto lay a few feet away, panting as Kyoko
lay on top of him, also panting as their cheeks reddened.
Everyone’s attention was soon diverted as Leon leapt up, running over to the fallen idol as he
fretted “Sayaka! Babe, are you okay?”
Groaning in pain, Sayaka moaned “Oww…no, I think I sprained my ankle.” Seeing Makoto gently
push Kyoko off him so that he could sit up, Sayaka asked “Makoto, why’d you tackle me?”
Makoto meekly pointed to a spot on the carpet walkway, everyone’s eyes following it and gasping
as they saw a sharp, metal mantrap large enough to capture a human foot sitting there.
“Eek!” Sayaka screeched. “What’s that doing there? It could have taken my foot off!”
“She’s right!” Taka agreed. “Such traps are unacceptable in a recreational environment!”
Scowling with anger, Leon seethed “Alright, who tried to amputate my girlfriend’s foot?”
“That’s what I’d like to know.” Mondo cracked his knuckles as he swore “Anyone who tries to
disfigure a woman is as good as dead!”
As the rest of the class raised their voices in agreement and panic, Kyoko whistled, silencing them
as she urged “Everyone, calm down. I’ll deactivate the trap and investigate its origins. Makoto,
you and Leon help escort Sayaka to her room.”
“Are you sure you don’t need any…?”
Kyoko resisted the urge to smile at his thoughtfulness and replied “It’ll be safer if only one person
stays to deactivate it. I have experience deactivating crude traps, so this shouldn’t be that
difficult.” Besides…I didn’t tackle you out of its reach just so you could chance getting your hand
cut off…
Nodding, Makoto answered “O…okay. Come on, Sayaka…”
Makoto threw Sayaka’s left arm around his neck while Leon did the same with her right arm,
helping her to stand as they supported the injured idol out of the auditorium, her idol group forming
an entourage between her and the rest of the class.
Sighing, Kyoko got to work, carefully dismantling the trap as she forced herself not to think about
the compromising position she and Makoto found themselves in during their rescue attempts.
XXX
Present Day
“But who would want to hurt Sayaka like that? The only thing she ever did was break Daddy’s
heart, and she didn’t even mean to do that!”
“You’ll…find out later in the story, Kiki.” Before Kiki could press further, Kyoko continued “In
the meantime, I’ll tell you about what happened next. You see, I was starting to hit a brick wall
during my investigation, and while continuing my swimming practice with Hina the next day, I
started to vent my frustrations…”
XXX
September 6, 2014
“And I’ve inspected that mantrap from start to finish, and I can’t find any identifying markings. I
honestly don’t know how I can find the culprit of Sayaka’s incident; that trap was the only clue left
behind!”
As Kyoko sighed in frustration, Hina stopped swimming, treading in place as she encouraged
“Hey, cheer up, Kyoko! You just need a break is all, then you’ll crack the case in no time! Here,
come and join me in the water, then when Makoto and Sakura get here we can all help you
brainstorm!”
Smiling wryly, Kyoko replied “I still can’t believe you asked Makoto to come and practice with
us.”
Grinning sheepishly, Hina rubbed the back of her head as she justified “Hey, you guys looked like
you were having fun at the water park and the day before summer vacation, so I thought it would
be even more fun if he joined us regularly, ya know?”
…I don’t disagree with you…
Kyoko remembered their brief games of cat and mouse in the pool, smiling at how much Makoto
laughed in glee even though he lost, and blushed at how her heart warmed at seeing Makoto having
so much fun.
“So whadda ya say, Kyoko? Come on in and let the water wash all your stress away!”
Shaking away her blush, Kyoko smiled and stood up, replying “Sure; I’ll be right there.”
As she got closer to the edge, Kyoko’s eyes narrowed, seeing a school of shadows.
“Hina, get out of the water, now!”
“Aww, but I just got in, how can you…EEEK! PIRANHAS!”
Now panicking, Hina swam in circles, trying to outswim the piranhas that were out for their next
meal. Alas, even the Ultimate Swimming Pro couldn’t outswim a school of fish, and it wasn’t
wrong before one of them finally got a bite.
“OW! LET GO! SOMEBODY HELP!”
“Hina, swim to the edge of the pool, now!”
“What’s the matter?”
“I heard Hina screaming. What happened?”
Kyoko turned to face Sakura and Makoto who, dressed in their school swimsuits, ran over to
Kyoko with panic in their eyes.
Turning back to the pool, Kyoko explained “Somebody let a school of piranhas into the pool and
now they’re after Hina.”
“WHAT?” Sakura roared in disbelief while Makoto’s eyes widened in shock.
Nodding, Kyoko confirmed “It’s true, and one of them managed to bite her. I’m trying to get her to
swim over here so we can pull her out.”
No sooner did she finish than Hina grabbed the edge of the pool, pulling herself up and panted
“I’m…here…OW! My legs are in too much pain to crawl out myself. Please, pull me out before I
become fish food!”
Nodding, Kyoko instructed “Alright. Makoto, grab her right arm and help me pull. Sakura, you do
the same with her left arm. Understood?” The two nodding and grabbing her respective arms,
Kyoko grabbed Hina’s right arm and instructed “Okay, on three. One…Two…THREE!”
They all pulled with all their might, Sakura’s intense strength causing her much stronger pull to
cause Hina to fly into the Ultimate Martial Artist’s arms. Thrown off balance, Makoto and Kyoko
tumbled to the side, ending up with Makoto landing on top of Kyoko.
When Kyoko looked up, she was greeted with the sight of Makoto’s bare chest, her gloved fingers
pressed against the skin.
…It’s so…smooth…and cute… Kyoko observed, a blush tinting her cheeks as she was distracted by
the sight of Makoto’s bare chest covering the entirety of her vision.
“Owww…” Makoto groaned, slowly getting up into a kneeling position as he apologized “Sorry
about that, Kyoko. I didn’t squish you, did I?”
Willing her blush away, Kyoko shook her head, refocusing her attention as she assured him “It’s
nothing. We should…check on Hina…”
No sooner did she say that than they heard Sakura roar “And don’t you ever come near Hina again,
you aquatic bastards!”
Makoto and Kyoko turned their heads, watching as Sakura flung the last of the piranhas back into
the pool.
Looking at the school of fish now occupying the school pool, Makoto chuckled sheepishly as he
lamented “…Guess the pool’s off limits for a while, huh?”
“More importantly…” Kyoko walked over to where Sakura was supporting Hina and asked “Are
you okay, Hina?”
Weakly nodding, Hina groaned “Yeah, I’m…Ow…fine. But I could…Ow…have drowned! What
was a school of…Ow…piranhas doing in the pool?”
Makoto suggested “We can worry about that later. We should get Hina to the nurse’s office.”
Nodding, Sakura concurred “I agree. I’ll carry Hina there. Kyoko, could you get our clothes from
the locker room?”
Nodding, Kyoko agreed “Makoto and I will meet you there once we’re dressed.”
With everyone nodding in agreement, they all went through the doors to their respective locker
rooms, relieved that Hina was mostly unharmed.
XXX
“Are you okay, Hina?”
As Mikan wrapped the last of her lacerations, Hina nodded “Uh-huh! The ointment stings, but
once these bites heal, I’ll be good as new!”
Makoto breathed a sigh of relief, smiling as he and Sakura fretted over Hina’s comfort. Kyoko
however, did not join in on the merriment. Biting her lip in brief hesitation, she cleared her throat,
getting everyone’s attention.
“I hate to sour the mood…but we really should discuss this incident. I’m…troubled by it.”
Frowning, Makoto replied “We’re all troubled, Kyoko. I mean…our friend nearly died! Of course
we’re all troubled.”
Shaking her head, Kyoko clarified “That’s not what I meant, Makoto. Sayaka almost got her foot
amputated yesterday, and Hina was almost eaten by piranhas today. Having two of our classmates
injured one after another is too suspicious to be a coincidence.”
Crossing her arms across her chest, Sakura asked “Are you suggesting that the two incidents are
somehow linked?”
“…Well, I can’t prove it yet, but I can’t deny the possibility either.”
Nodding, Makoto pondered “Regardless of whether they’re separate incidents or if they’re

connected, it bothers me that someone was able to get their hands on a school of piranhas here in
industrial Tokyo.”
Her eyes widening in realization, Hina agreed “You’re right; that shouldn’t even be possible.”
“Yeah…” Makoto continued “With the care required to maintain their health after transporting
them here, you’d have to be a pretty competent breeder to pull it off…”
Breeder… Her eyes widening in realization, Kyoko turned her head and asked “Makoto, wasn’t
there an Ultimate Breeder in Yukizome-sensei’s class?”
Nodding, Makoto confirmed “Yeah, his name’s Gundham Tanaka. He’s admittedly a bit of an odd
fellow, but I can’t imagine he would have any interest in hurting any of us…”
“A…Ano…Ex…excuse me…” Everyone’s gaze turned to the stuttering Mikan, who continued “I
co…couldn’t he…help overhearing. Gu…Gundham men…mentioned earlier…that a sch…school
of fish he had been ra…raising went missing earlier today. And he…he also mentioned one of his
bear tr…traps had been st…stolen, too!”
Makoto and Kyoko looked at each other and, as if operating on the same brainwave, Makoto asked
“Kyoko, are you thinking what I’m thinking?”
Nodding, Kyoko concluded “I think it’s time we paid this Tanaka a visit.” Turning to the Ultimate
Nurse, Kyoko asked “Tsumiki-senpai, where can we find Tanaka-senpai?”
XXX
“Are you accusing me of using my dark mystical powers to do harm to your friends Sayaka and
Aoi?”
Holding his hands up in surrender, Makoto placated the Ultimate Breeder “We’re not accusing you
of anything, Tanaka-senpai. We just heard that you had lost possession of a school of fish and a
beartrap from Tsumiki-senpai, and after Sayaka nearly had her foot amputated by a mantrap and
Hina was bitten by a school of piranhas, we thought maybe you might have an idea as to who
might be responsible.”
Nodding, Gundham narrowed his eyes at Makoto before turning to Kyoko and explaining “While
it’s true that an otherworldly thief managed to avoid my detection and make off with one of my
traps and my aquatic minions, I’m afraid they left no physical clues I could use to discern their
identity.”
I see…How disappointing…
His eyes glowing with a hint of concern, Gundham asked “Tell me, pointy-haired dwarf, where are
my minions now?”
…I’m not that short, am I? Keeping that thought to himself, Makoto replied “They’re still by the
pool; campus security is keeping watch over them.”
Nodding, Gundham promised “I’ll retrieve and secure them later, then I’ll erect a dark magical
barrier to ward off any would-be thieves.”
…Does that mean he’ll tighten his security around the fish? Kyoko pondered, her head spinning
from Gundham’s lingo.
“Tell me, do you still have this trap with you? Perhaps I can inspect it and gleam some clue about
the culprit’s identity.”
If I couldn’t, I doubt you could…but what the hell? I’ve got nothing to lose at this rate…
Fishing for the trap out of the bag she had brought with her, she handed it to Gundham, who held a
palm over it as he closed his eyes and hummed, as though deep in meditation.
“Yes…this is indeed my stolen bear trap…I keep a small supply in case I run into any hellhounds
who are too powerful for my dark talents alone to tame. But there’s…something different…about
this one..It’s power…what the hells?!”
Gundham’s eyes widened, gasping in horror before dropping the bear trap on the floor. Kyoko
quickly scooped it up, placing it back in her bag.
“Tanaka-senpai? Are you okay?”
Slowly changing his gasping expression to a much more serious one, Gundham warned “Little
Dwarf! Sorceress with the All-Seeing Eye! I know not who used my minions and my arsenal to
attack your classmates, but whoever it was…possesses a darkness far more powerful and terrifying
than even my own Evil Eye!”
…I take it that means the culprit isn’t someone we should underestimate…
“Now…” Gundham finished “Leave my domain; I must further train my dark magic if I am to have
even a chance of triumph against this truly evil demon! Farewell, mortals!”
With that, Gundham slammed the door in their faces, causing the two to sigh and sweatdrop.
“…Well, that was a waste of time…” Turning to Makoto as they walked away from the Class 77
Dorms, Kyoko asked “Does he always use such…colorful vocabulary when he talks?”
Chuckling, Makoto admitted “…Yeah, he always talks about dark magic and evil demons. …And
at least we know Tanaka-senpai’s not the culprit, so at least there’s that…”
“And our only lead turned out to be a dead end…” Kyoko sighed and lamented “We don’t know
who attacked Sayaka and Hina, and we don’t have any more clues we can trace.”
Frowning at Kyoko’s dejected expression, Makoto laid his hand on her shoulder and encouraged
“Hey, don’t worry about it! You’re the greatest detective I know!”
Smiling at Makoto’s attempt to cheer her up, she reminded him “…I’m the only detective you
know.”
Chuckling nervously, Makoto admitted “Okay, you got me there. Even so, that doesn’t change the
fact that you’re an amazing detective! I know you’ll find out who our culprit is. It may not be
today, it may not be tomorrow, but I know that someday they’ll slip up, and you’ll be there to catch
them in the act.”
“Makoto…” Kyoko blushed, smiling as she replied “Thank you. Your boundless optimism never
fails to amaze.”
Chuckling, Makoto averted his gaze, blushing as well as he suggested “Hey, whadda ya say we
grab a Civet Coffee from Starbucks as a pick-me-up? My treat.”
Unable to resist the treat of Civet Coffee even if she disliked Makoto’s company, which she didn’t,
Kyoko nodded and accepted “Sure, lead the way.”
Grinning at the Ultimate Detective, Makoto and Kyoko continued walking through the hallway,
looking forward to a quiet evening of enjoying Kyoko’s favorite Civet Coffee.
XXX
Present Day
“Wow! Was that your first date?”
Giggling at her daughter’s enthusiasm, Kyoko corrected her “No, Kiki. That wasn’t a date; your
father was just trying to cheer me up as a friend. Although…” She admitted “I doubt my past self
would have objected even if it was a date.”
Blushing, Makoto admitted “I probably wouldn’t have objected either if you had asked me out
right then and there.”
“…Okay, so when did you guys first date?”
Ruffling his daughter’s hair, Makoto replied “Not for a while yet, Kiki. Remember, your mother
and I were only beginning to crush on each other, and we hadn’t even acknowledged that we had a
crush in the first place.” Looking up at the clock, Makoto finished “Besides, the next part of the
story’s gonna have to wait; it’s past your bedtime, little lady!”
“Awwwwwww!” Kiki whined before plopping her head on the pillow, wiggling under the
blankets.
Smiling, Makoto and Kyoko leaned forward, kissing her on the cheek before cooing “Good night,
Kiki. Mommy and Daddy love you!”
“I love you too…”
As Kiki fell into slumber, Makoto and Kyoko got off the bed, bringing the blanket up to Kiki’s
chin before quietly creeping out of the room, slinking off to the kitchen to make some calming,
herbal tea before going to bed themselves.
Intimacy Arc Chapter Four: The Injured Girls of Class 78! Am I in Love?
Chapter Summary
In the aftermath of Sayaka and Hina's injuries, Makoto and Kyoko go to check up on
them respectively. Will the injured girls of Class 78 have some words of wisdom for
our crushing couple?
Present Day
“Well, it was later that weekend when Leon approached me and asked me a favor…”
XXX
September 7, 2014
“Are you sure about this, Leon?”
Leon smirked as the two walked down the hall of the dorms. Earlier at breakfast, Leon had asked
Makoto if he could give him a hand for today in helping to take care of Sayaka, as her wounded
ankle had made her bedridden for the weekend. Although hesitant, Makoto agreed, and the two
were now carrying plates of eggs and sausage to give Sayaka for breakfast.
“Dude, that’s the third time you’ve asked me that. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you didn’t
want to help Sayaka get better!”
Shaking his head, Makoto answered “No, no, it’s not that, really! It’s just…you’re not bothered at
all, having the boy who crushed on your girlfriend and tried to ask her out helping to take care of
her?”
Leon snorted and dismissed Makoto’s worries “Dude, I don’t put any stock in what Junko says, and
you shouldn’t either. I know you’re not after Sayaka anymore, and you’re not the type to try to
steal other people’s girlfriends. If anything, it would be more accurate to say I stole her from you!”
Leon grinned at Makoto, a silent gesture to let him know he was only teasing. Makoto gave a
small smile before it settled into a small frown.
“…Alright, what’s wrong this time, little buddy?”
Sighing, Makoto answered “It’s just…Sayaka got hurt because of me…should I really be trusted
around my friend who I technically injured?”
“…Wow, she was right; you do try to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders.” Expertly
balancing the plate on one hand, he placed his opposite hand on Makoto’s shoulder, forcing the
Luckster to stop and look at Leon while the Baseball Star assured him “Makoto, whoever set that
beartrap is responsible for Sayaka’s injury. If it wasn’t for you and your quick thinking, Sayaka
might not have a second foot. Whether you realize it or not, you saved her. Now turn that frown
upside down and smile when we reach Sayaka’s room, okay?”
His worries wiped away by Leon’s pep talk, Makoto nodded and replied “Okay, Leon.”
Once Makoto was smiling again, Leon grinned and let go of his shoulder. The two continued
walking until they reached Sayaka’s door. Reaching out with his hand, Leon pressed the doorbell
to announce their arrival.
*Ding, Dong*
XXX
“Hey, babe! We’re back with food!”
Sayaka smiled as she greeted “Hey, Leon! Who’s we…oh, Makoto, hi!”
Smiling, Leon explained “I asked Makoto here if he might lend me a hand today; I needed a little
help carrying your breakfast back for you. You don’t mind if he helps out today, do you?”
Shaking her head vigorously, Sayaka confirmed “Oh, of course I don’t! The more the merrier!
Besides, I trust Makoto.”
Grinning, Leon threw his free arm around Makoto’s shoulders and replied “That’s good; the little
dude was afraid that he might not be welcome after he tackled you away from that beartrap after
your concert.”
Sayaka looked incredulously at Makoto, who blushed in embarrassment, confirming Leon’s words.
Before she could admonish him for thinking such things, Leon told her “I gave him a pep talk on
the way over here though, so it’s all good now, babe.”
Smiling in relief, Sayaka replied “That’s good.” Before she could continue, an uncharacteristically
loud growl roared from Sayaka’s belly, making her blush and giggle in embarrassment as she
admitted “…I guess I am starving…”
Grinning, Leon replied “You got it babe! Makoto, you sit on Sayaka’s left and give her the eggs
and bacon. I’ll sit on her right and give her the sausage, alright?”
Nodding, Makoto followed Leon’s instructions and they both sat on their respective sides of the
bed in front of Sayaka, handing her the plates of food. A good twenty minutes passed by as Sayaka
ate, with Makoto and Leon adjusting her pillows upon request and Makoto running back to the
dining hall to fetch water upon being asked.
Once she was done, Sayaka patted her now full belly, sighing “Ah, that hits the spot!” Turning to
the Ultimate Lucky Student at her bedside, Saya thanked “Thank you, Makoto! You’re the best!”
Scratching his cheek nervously, Makoto denied “Oh, I’m not sure about that. Leon’s the one who
waited on your every need; I just…helped out a bit…” Looking at the couple, Makoto admitted “I
can see why you guys are dating; he takes such good care of you, Sayaka. You’re really lucky to
have him.”
A teasing smirk on her face, Sayaka teased “Like how Kyoko’s lucky to have you?”
His cheeks blushing at her implication, Makoto denied “No…Kyoko and I are just friends…”
“Come on, Makoto. You guys do everything together. You eat together, you study together, you
even help her on her cases!”
Tapping his chin with his finger, Leon interjected “Now that you mention it, I did see them walk
into a Starbucks on my way back from 7-11 to get you some ice for your ankle.”
“Ooh…was that a date, Makoto?”
Shaking his head vehemently, Makoto denied “N…no…it wasn’t a date! I was just trying to cheer
her up since she ran out of leads with your and Hina’s cases.”
“…Did you and Kyoko have fun, dude?”
Taken off guard by Leon’s sudden question, Makoto reflected back on their impromptu outing,
recalling with a barely concealed smile how happy he felt to see Kyoko cheered up, the girl smiling
as they sipped their coffee in silence.
“Yes…but I don’t see…”
“Then what’s the problem, dude? You guys went out together of your own free will, and you both
had fun, so why are you so hesitant to call it a date?”
“B…because we had fun as friends. It must be totally different from what you and Sayaka do…”
Shaking his head, Leon explained “Honestly…it’s not all that different. Sayaka and I go out alone
and eat snacks, watch movies, take walks, things that plenty of friends do with each other. The
only difference is that occasionally I get a kiss for doing those things with her.”
You get…kissed…for doing friend stuff with each other…?
An image of Kyoko pressing her lips against his flashed through his mind, painting a blush on his
face that he just couldn’t hold back, shaking his head violently to wipe away the accidental fantasy.
Giggling, Sayaka teased “Aww, look! He’s already fantasizing about kissing her; that’s so cute!”
“No…I wasn’t…I…”
“Alright, Sayaka, that’s enough teasing him for one day.” Makoto shot a grateful glance at Leon
for his interruption before the Baseball Star handed him the now empty plates and silverware,
encouraging “Look dude, ultimately what you and Kyoko are is up to the two of you. So…just
take these back to the kitchen and take some time to think on what I’ve just said, alright? I can
handle taking care of Sayaka from here on out.”
Knowing better than to look a gift horse in the mouth, Makoto quickly snatched the plates, getting
off of the bed before bowing and issuing a brief farewell before walking out of Sayaka’s dorm.
As Makoto walked down the hallway, he started to ponder Leon’s words.
Do I…like-like Kyoko? I mean…I enjoy spending time with her…and I know that she’s cute…but
do I really have a crush, or is that my hormones talking?
Sighing in indecision, Makoto entered the dining hall, glad that he had some time alone to wash
the dishes and think by himself.
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, Daddy! Was that when you realized Mommy was the one?”
Chuckling, Makoto replied “No, Kiki. All I knew at the time was that a crush on your mother was
possible. I was still wildly confused about my own emotions, and it would take a while before I
could finally get a grip on them.”
Nodding, Kiki asked “So what were you doing while Daddy was with Leon and Sayaka, Mommy?”
“Well…I was on my way to talk to your Auntie Hina. You see, Sakura had just run out of ointment
for her bite wounds and asked me to keep Auntie Hina company while she got more from Mikan.”
XXX
September 7, 2014
“Hey, Kyoko…Owww…”
Sighing, Kyoko deadpanned “I take it you’re not feeling better then…”
Smiling sheepishly, Hina assured Kyoko as she sat on her bedside “Oh, no, it’s not that…it’s
just…” Hina sighed and admitted “I hate being cooped up in my room all day! Sakura and
Tsumiki-senpai say it’s for my own good, but being bedridden like this, I feel like I’m gonna die
like a bunny rabbit!”
“…You really like to be active, don’t you?”
Nodding vigorously, Hina confirmed “YEAH! I’ve always gotta keep moving, struggling to reach
that gold medal! It’s not winning that’s important to me; it’s just trying the best I can to get to the
very top that really gets me excited and moving!”
Kyoko looked at Hina with a mixture of comprehension and amazement. Although some of a
detective’s prestige was based in the difficulty of cases they took on, most of their success came
from their success-fail ratio. The difficulty of cases didn’t matter, just as long as the number of
failed cases was minute compared to the number of solved cases.
It’s probably why I was so frustrated when I couldn’t solve the mystery of Hina’s attacker…
”But as long as my wounds don’t heal, I can’t even struggle out of this bed! Good god, I’m as
useless now as I am on the field of love!”
Love? Suddenly curious, Kyoko replied “I never took you for the type to feel insecure about
romance, Hina.”
Nodding glumly, Hina confessed “Well, yeah. I mean…I know I have a fit figure, but people at my
old school told me I’m not very ladylike. And I’ve never been in love, so how can I be any good at
it?”
…So…we’re not really all that different…
Like Hina, Kyoko had no experiences with romance. With her mother dead before she hit puberty,
her father out of the question, and her grandfather dissuading such feelings at all, she lacked the
experience and foresight to deal with any romantic feelings or give any sound advice about it.
“I tried asking Makoto to pretend to be my boyfriend and run a few skits with me to draw out my
feminine side…but it didn’t go well…”
Her eyebrows raised in surprise, Kyoko wondered You asked Makoto for advice? But the only girl
he ever asked out turned him down…
Her eyes widening in recollection, Hina exclaimed “Oh, but he did have one piece of advice that
really cheered me up!” Suddenly curious, she gave Hina her attention as the bedridden Ultimate
revealed “He said, “I think you're fine just the way you are. Because, I mean, that's who you are.
And falling in love is supposed to be fun, right? If you stress out about it, where's the fun in that?”
It was totally great advice!”
Falling in love…is supposed to be fun?
Before she could ponder any further, the door opened, revealing Sakura entering the room with a
bottle of ointment and some gauze.
Looking gratefully at Kyoko, the Ultimate Martial Artist thanked “I appreciate you looking after
Hina for me. She didn’t try to get out of bed, did she?”
Shaking her head, Kyoko answered “She made very clear that she’s frustrated by her inability to
move, but she hasn’t tried to disobey her medical advice.”
Nodding, Sakura gave a teasing smile, glancing at Hina as she replied “That’s good. The first day
we moved her from the Nurse’s office, she tried countless times to try and move around on her
own. I was afraid we might have to tie her down to the bed.”
Hina pouted, blushing in embarrassment as she groaned “Geez, Sakura, did you have to say that out
loud? I learned my lesson, alright?”
Letting out a brief laugh at her friend’s expense, Sakura dismissed Kyoko “I can take it from here;
I’m sure you have work you need to be doing.”
Nodding, Kyoko got off the bed and walked towards the door, hearing Hina’s call as she closed the
door behind her.
“Bye, Kyoko! Thanks for keeping me company!”
XXX
“I think you’re fine just the way you are…”
Kyoko found herself reflecting on Makoto’s advice about love, even if the advice wasn’t originally
meant for her.
I can’t believe I’m even entertaining the idea, but even if I wanted to fall in love, the only person
who’s accepted me completely is Makoto, and even if I…
“Falling in love is supposed to be fun, right?”
Like Makoto, the detective found herself flashing back to their outing at Starbucks, remembering
how much fun she had with him…both sitting in silence at the café, as well as doing things like at
the spring festival last term.
Sighing, Kyoko shook the thoughts from her head, admonishing herself Get a grip, Kyoko. Just
because you had fun and he accepted you doesn’t mean you two are in love! Besides…he probably
doesn’t even find you cute. Clothes are one thing, but you? There’s no way even someone as
accepting as Makoto can find you cute…
“She’s not cold!”
“Huh?”
Kyoko turned to see that the outburst had come from the dining hall. Curious, she stealthily peered
around the corner to see Makoto, in a rare moment of genuine anger, arguing with Junko.
“Ugh, good god, Makoto! Have you not been paying attention? Honestly I don’t know how you
can tolerate spending so much time with little Miss Detective. I swear, she’s so stoic and unfeeling,
even you can’t find her cute!”
Shaking his head, Makoto denied passionately “No no…I actually think Kyoko-chan is qui…quite
cute!”
Obscured from view, Kyoko gasped, her palms muffling her breath as the shocked detective
thought He…thinks I’m cute?
Makoto blushed, surprised that he was able to muster up the bravado to say something so bold.
Junko looked at him with a shocked expression before her lips curled into a teasing smirk, taunting
“My my…is it possible you…”
Not you too, Junko! Sighing, Makoto interrupted “I’m going to go to my room and study.”
“Bye bye, Makoto!”
Pinching the bridge of his nose, Makoto exited the dining hall, turning to walk to his room,
oblivious to the blushing Detective just outside the entrance to the hallway.
Makoto…finds me…cute? Shaking the thought from her head, Kyoko turned to walk out of the
dorms before Junko could spot her, thinking I need to get to the station…work on some cases…
Yet even when she was knee-deep in paperwork, a small part of her mind couldn’t stop thinking
about how Makoto had called her cute.
XXX
Present Day
“You…heard what I said back there?”
Nodding, Kyoko admitted with a blush “…Yes, I heard it, though not the entire conversation.”
“Ah, well, it wasn’t all that important anyhow…she just came in the dining hall after I was
finished washing Sayaka’s dishes and started teasing me.”
“I’d say it was important!” Both parents turned to Kiki, who continued “She got you closer to
admitting your feelings by goading you into calling Mommy cute!”
Smiling nostalgically, Kyoko nodded and acquiesced “When you put it that way…I suppose it was
a rather important conversation. And not just for your father…hearing what your father thought of
me, even if I wasn’t supposed to hear it, helped me to see myself in a more positive light.”
Smiling, Makoto replied “I…I’m glad I could do that for you, honey.”
Both Naegi parents smiled at each other before turning to their daughter.
“Alright, kiddo, time for bed. We’ll tell you the next part of the story tomorrow, alright?”
*Yawn* “Okay, Daddy.”
As Kiki nestled under the blankets, Makoto and Kyoko kissed her goodnight before quietly
creeping out, retiring to their own room to sleep for the night.
Intimacy Arc Chapter Five: When Turtles and Aliens Attack! Saved by
Genocide Jill?
Chapter Summary
With Sayaka and Hina having just recovered from their injuries, two more attacks on
Class 78 occur. Will the victims survive their encounters?
Present Day
“Well, a few days later, both Sayaka and Hina had healed from their injuries. Normally, on Fridays
I would study programming and having with Chihiro. However, ever since he came out as male,
he had been slowly been getting the urge to become stronger. So he decided to ask Sakura to help
him train starting that Friday. Your father, Auntie Hina, and I decided to go and watch is first
training for emotional support…”
XXX
September 12, 2014
“Alright, Chihiro. Are you ready to start your training?”
Chihiro stood in the gymnasium, fidgeting in a blue unisex track suit he had procured from the
school warehouse.
Looking down with an expression of anxiety, Chihiro answered Makoto “I…I’m a little…nervous.
I mean…what if this is just a lost cause? I mean…look at how fiercely Kyoko trains with Sakura!
…Maybe I should just give up now before I waste everyone’s time and we can do our regular
programming sessions instead. Then I can at least be useful…”
Sighing, Kyoko reminded “Chihiro, remember that I had extensive martial arts training with my
grandfather before I started sparring with Sakura. You’re starting from scratch, so you shouldn’t
put my performance as an immediate goal.”
“Kyoko’s right, Chihiro.” Everyone’s eyes turned to see Sakura walking into the gymnasium, a
reassuring smile on her face as she carried two water bottles in her hands. “Your anxiety is
understandable, Chihiro. I was the same way when I started training under my father?”
“R…really?”
Nodding, Sakura explained “My family owns a dojo that has belonged to the Ogami family for
generations. Each head of the dojo has aspired to be the Strongest Human Alive, and when that
expectation landed upon me, I felt nervous and scared that I would let my father down.”
“So…what did you do?”
Sakura knelt down before Chihiro, placing her hand on his shoulder and smiled warmly, telling
him “My father sat me down and told me that I could go at my own pace, that I didn’t need to
become strong overnight. He also told me that becoming the Strongest Human Alive was as much
about persistence as it was about raw power. So as long as you go at a pace that’s comfortable to
you, you’ll be fine.”
“Oh…okay.” Chihiro smiled and bowed, replying “Th…thank you!”
Standing up, Sakura replied “No need to thank me, Chihiro. I was thinking that we could start by
having you run a couple laps around the gym so that I know what we’ll be starting from.”
“Ooh, can I join too? I just got cleared, so I’ve been dying to get some exercise in. PLEASE
PLEASE PLEASE?!”
Chuckling, Sakura acquiesced “I don’t see why not.”
“YAY!”
As Makoto and Kyoko took their seats in the bleachers, Sakura encouraged as Chihiro and Hina
lined up at the southeast corner “Remember, Chihiro, this isn’t a race. Don’t feel like you need to
keep up with Hina at this stage. Just focus on going at a comfortable pace for you.”
Nodding, Chihiro answered “Okay. I’m…gonna do my best!”
Sakura nodded at Chihiro’s enthusiasm before a loud banging sound came from the gymnasium
doors.
“What?”
Sakura turned around, looking to the source of the noise, her muscles tense in preparation before it
flung open, a stampede of giant turtles and aliens bursting through and charging right at the
Ultimate Programmer.
“AAAHHHHHHH!”
“CHIHIRO, BEHIND ME!”
Said programmer cowered behind the furious Sakura, her punches and kicks demolishing every
unknown foe that dared to try and harm the two. Her shock hidden behind her emotional mask,
Kyoko instantly leapt off of the bleachers, dashing over to the chaos with Makoto clumsily running
after her.
“Kyoko, come back! It’s too dangerous!”
Ignoring Makoto’s warning, Kyoko dove into the fray, launching a flying kick at a rogue turtle that
had just managed to sneak its way past Sakura’s defenses, making the Ultimate Programmer sigh
in relief.
Seeing Sakura’s tankful glance, Kyoko yelled “Makoto, Hina! Get Chihiro out of here! Sakura
and I can cover you and hold them off!”
“But…”
“GO!”
Stunned into obedience, Makoto and Hina each grabbed one of Chihiro’s hands and hurriedly
dragged him out of the gymnasium as the two fighters expertly reoriented themselves to cover his
escape. As soon as they got through the doors, the escaping trio breathed a sigh in relief.
“Come on!” Chihiro cried “We’ve got to get Mondo to come and help!”
The other two nodding in agreement, the trio ran through the halls to get Mondo’s assistance,
Makoto looking back worriedly at the gymnasium doors.
Please be okay, Kyoko!
XXX
“OKAY, WHERE ARE THOSE…”
Mondo’s protective roar trailed off, Makoto sighing in relief as he peeked out from behind the
Ultimate Biker Gang Leader to see the army of turtles and aliens demolished into pieces, a sweaty
Sakura resting against the wall and catching her breath while Kyoko was kneeling on the floor,
sifting through the various pieces.
Seeing that the danger had passed, the two walked into the gymnasium and approached the two
combatants. Makoto opened his mouth to speak when Kyoko interrupted him without even turning
to face him.
“Robots.”
“R…robots?”
Nodding, Kyoko explained “These…creatures were mechanically produced, likely operating

through a remote signal.”
Nodding, Makoto asked “You guys aren’t hurt or anything, right?”
Shaking her head, Kyoko assured him “Our muscles will probably be sore tomorrow, but we are
uninjured.”
As Makoto breathed a sigh of relief, Mondo groaned “Geez, you guys couldn’t have at least saved
a few for me?”
Finally opening her eyes, Sakura turned to Mondo and replied “My apologies; we appreciate your
willingness to help us and we’ll remember to call upon you for assistance if the situation demands
it in the future.”
Rubbing the back of his neck, Mondo replied “…Well, as long as you ladies are safe, then I guess
that’s all that matters.”
Nodding, Kyoko stood up and interrupted “If we’re done expressing our respective gratitude…
there are some things about this incident that concern me.”
…Like the fact that you could have gotten killed?
Oblivious to Makoto’s worries, Kyoko continued “This incident is too close in proximity to Sayaka
and Hina’s injuries to not be connected. And the quality behind these mechanical aliens and…”
“Koopa Troopas.” Kyoko looked curiously to Makoto, who was now kneeling by the scattered
parts on the floor as he explained “Koopa Troopas are a common enemy in the Super Mario Bros.
series of video games. Some of these robots look like they were modeled to look like them.”
Nodding, Kyoko glanced appreciatively at Makoto and replied “I see…thank you, Makoto.”
Returning her attention to the others, Kyoko continued “Anyway, constructing these and
programming them to attack us would take some considerable mechanical skill. Unfortunately,
none of the remains feature any kind of identifying information, so I don’t have any leads to pursue
at this point.”
Nodding, Sakura summarized “I see…so you’re saying that all we have to go on is that the culprit
is likely connected with Sayaka and Hina’s attacks and has skill in mechanics.”
“Ah, shit!” Turning around, Mondo started walking out of the gymnasium, replying “I’ll just leave
the thinking and sleuthing to you guys. Later!”
Nodding, Sakura slowly got up, announcing “I’m going to go check on Chihiro and Hina. Makoto,
where did you leave them before you went to get Mondo?”
“Oh, um…Hina’s staying with Chihiro in his room.”
Nodding, Sakura slowly walked out, leaving the two other Ultimates alone in the gymnasium.
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, that must have been really scary, Mommy!”
Shaking her head, Kyoko answered “At that point in my life, Kiki, facing potentially dangerous
situations came with the job description of detective.” Glancing toward her husband, she remarked
“I think you father was the more worried out of the two of us.”
Makoto nodded his head with a grim frown, staying silent out of a desire to move away from the
subject.
Seeing that her father didn’t want to talk about it, Kiki asked “So what happened next, Daddy?”
“Let’s see, the next day, your Uncle Byakuya “permitted” us to join him on a tour of one of his
facilities still under construction. Chihiro was understandably too frightened from the other day to
go, and Mondo and Sakura opted to say behind to offer their protection until he didn’t feel scared
anymore. So the rest of us were standing in front of the construction site, having just gotten lunch
when…”
XXX
September 13, 2014
“Stare in amazement at the glory before you, peasants. You are witnessing the future site of the
Togami Conglomerate’s new division headquarters.”
Everyone else rolled their eyes at Byakuya’s boasting, looking up at the steel girders framing the
future building, fastened into the concrete base at the bottom.
“…It’s just a construction site…” Celeste sighed and lamented “Honestly…when you invited us to
look at your new headquarters, I expected a certain amount of elegance, not a dirty old construction
site. My favorite dress is going to be all dirty now.”
His eyes narrowed, Byakuya pointed at Celeste and declared “I’ve just made a decision; you will
never be allowed in any of my company properties.”
“…This is fine. My eventual castle will be far more elegant than any of your division
headquarters.”
“Sh…shut it! Nothing you o…own will ever measure up to Master’s ha…hard work!”
As Byakuya worked to silence Toko’s pointless arguments, Makoto and Kyoko turned to each
other, Makoto munching on his burger he brought from the restaurant while Kyoko sipped some
ramen out of a disposable cup.
Seeing her slurp a stray noodle into her mouth, Makoto reached into his pocket and handed her a
single packet, offering “Would you like some pepper with your ramen? It came with my
cheeseburger, but I’m not the biggest fan of adding pepper on my burger.”
Shaking her head, Kyoko explained “That might not be the best idea, considering who’s with us
right now…”
Makoto followed her glance to spot Toko bowing her head in apology to Byakuya, the boy
suddenly realizing what she was alluding to.
Oh yeah, right; the last thing we need is a surprise appearance by Genocide Jill…
Pointing to Toko, byakuya ordered “Now…go with your other disgusting classmates and vacate
yourselves from my premises. I still have to…”
Before he could finish, a giant roller suddenly slammed onto the base, separating the Prodigy and
Writer and causing everyone else to run for cover.
Wh…what just happened? Makoto quaked as Kyoko pulled him behind one of the girders.
Before any of them could think, steam and rocks shot out of the roller’s exhaust, pelting Byakuya
who held his arms up as a shield against the attack.
“What the hell?”
At the same time, the roller slowly moved towards Toko, who screeched and ran away as the
machinery threatened to flatten her like a piece of paper. Seeing two of his friends and classmates
suffer made Makoto panic.
Oh no! Byakuya’s gonna get seriously hurt if those rocks keep coming out! And Toko’s gonna get
flattened like a pancake if someone doesn’t stop that roller. But we’re too far away to stop it; what
do I…wait…
Makoto looked down at his palm, his eyes widening in epiphany as he looked from his palm to
Toko, gears turning in his head as he concocted a plan.
Seeing Makoto tug at the pepper packet, Kyoko frowned, asking “Makoto…what are you…”
“No time!”
Kyoko’s eyes widened as Makoto ripped the pepper packet open, the wind carrying its contents in
Toko’s direction.
Makoto Naegi, have you gone insane? That’s gonna make Toko sneeze, and…
*AHCHOO!*
Toko’s tongue slithered out of her mouth, having turned into Genocide Jill and turning around to
face the still advancing piece of machinery.
“Oh hey, Mr. Roller!” Bowing, Jill greeted “Nice to meetcha! Normally I only kill adorable boys,
and I promised the peanut gallery over there I wouldn’t kill anyone, but…” Spotting Byakuya
being pelted by the rocks coming out of the exhaust, Jill grinned, drawing two scissors from under
her skirt and declaring “Since you’re trying to kill Master too, guess I have no choice! DIE!”
In the blink of an eye, Jill had turned the construction machinery into scrap metal, two pairs of
razor-sharp scissors embedded in the now-dead engine as the roller separated itself from the body.
No longer being pelted by rocks, Byakuya lowered his arms, his slightly scratched face causing Jill
to swoon.
“Oh, Master! Are you hurt? Here, let me heal you with my voluptuous body!”
Before anyone could react, Jill had tackled Byakuya, cradling his head against her breasts as a
creepily cute smile was plastered on her face.
Byakuya tried in vain to push her away, exclaiming “Get off me, woman!”
Everyone else sighed and sweatdropped, before Kyoko turned to Makoto, who sighed in relief
while she gave an impressed stare before walking over to the destroyed machinery, Makoto
following close behind as she started to investigate.
Sifting through the pile of scrap metal, Kyoko picked up a wrench, inspecting it from every angle.
“Find anything, Kyoko?”
By this point the others had joined Makoto behind her, leaning over her shoulder as curiosity
overtook them.
It would be easier to find something if all of you didn’t crowd me… Kyoko thought irritatedly
before her eyes widened as she realized Wait…there’s a name on here… “Soda?”
“I’m more of a Gatorade Gal myself…”
Ignoring Hina’s misinterpretation, Kyoko clarified “It’s a name inscribed on this wrench that was
attached to the roller.”
Makoto’s eyes widened as he realized “Wait, I know that name.” As Kyoko turned to him with
curiosity, Makoto explained “There’s a student in Nanami-senpai’s class with that last name.
Kazuichi Soda, the Ultimate Mechanic. Though I don’t know why his wrench would be here.”
While Makoto was talking, Kyoko’s eyes widened, the gears turning in her head as she concluded
“…right now he’s our only lead, so once we get back on campus, we should have a chat with this
Kazuichi Soda. First though…” Kyoko looked over to Byakuya and Jill, suggesting “We should
separate them. And it wouldn’t be a good idea for us to walk out with Genocide Jill. Makoto, do
you have another one of those pepper packets?”
Fishing through his pockets, Makoto at last pulled one out and announced “Yeah; they gave me
one more with my burger.”
Nodding, Kyoko replied “Perfect. Let’s get to work then and change Jill back to Toko so we can
head back to campus.”
XXX
“Hey, my wrench! Where’d you find it? It had been stolen a little while ago!”
The two of them were now in front of Kazuichi’s dorm room, speaking to the Ultimate Mechanic.
Makoto explained “It was attached to a piece of construction equipment that almost hurt Byakuya
and Toko.”
“Wha…are you serious?!”
Nodding, Kyoko asked “When exactly did your wrench go missing, Soda-senpai?”
“Hmm…about a week ago, I think.”
“Interesting…” Kyoko mused. “Your wrench went missing right before the attack on Chihiro and
Sakura, only to turn up during Byakuya and Toko’s accident. By that same token, it showed up
after Tanaka-senpai recovered his beartrap and piranhas that were stolen from him. I wonder…”
The veiled accusation finally clicking in his head, Kazuichi’s eyes narrowed, the boy objecting
“Hold on! You don’t think I had anything to do with this?”
“Did you have anything to do with this?” Kyoko pressed “You certainly could have created the
robots that attacked Chihiro and Sakura. And your wrench was found at the scene of the crime
earlier today. Plus you and Tanaka-senpai are classmates, so you would have had potential access
to steal one of his beartraps as well as the mechanical knowledge of how it operates.”
“H…hang on! Gundham and I may be in the same class, but he’s just a weirdo who rants about
dark magic and demons all day! I’d never get close enough to him to be able to steal any of his
stuff. Besides, I’m not the only one who’s had things stolen.”
Now interested, Makoto asked “What do you mean, Soda-senpai?”
Sighing, Kazuichi confessed “Around the same time my wrench went missing, Chiaki said that her
copy of Super Mario Bros. was stolen from her room while she was at a meeting planning the fall
festival.”
Turning to Makoto, Kyoko asked “Is this true, Makoto?”
Nodding, Makoto replied “Yeah; she mentioned it during one of our meetings. I’m sorry; I didn’t
think it had anything to do with…”
“It’s fine.” Interesting, so someone seems to be stealing things signifying the talents of Class 77
and planting them at the scenes where our classmates are getting attacked. But who would stand
to benefit from that? Sighing, Kyoko finished “Very well, thank you for your time, Soda-senpai.
Makoto, let’s go.”
Bowing, Makoto finished “Thank you, Soda-senpai!” as he hurried after Kyoko.
XXX
“That was clever of you…using Genocide Jill’s transformation to save everyone from that runaway
roller.”
Makoto placed down his tea, swallowing the liquid in his throat as his eyebrow raised in surprise at
Kyoko’s unusually straightforward compliment. The two sat alone at their usual table, everyone
else having left, affording the two a moment of relative privacy.
“Thank you…”
“I’m not finished.” Makoto sweatdropped at seeing Kyoko’s disapproving glare as she scolded “It
was also incredibly foolish; that little stunt of yours could have easily blown up in our faces had
Jill decided to go on a killing spree afterwards.” Looking down at her coffee mug, Kyoko
admitted “You nearly gave me a heart attack with that monumental risk.”
Irritation bubbling in his chest, Makoto retorted “Well…what about that stunt the other day? You
know, when you leapt into danger to fight off those robots?” As Kyoko opened her mouth to
speak, Makoto held up a hand, silencing her as he continued “I know you can protect yourself,
really I do…but you still could have gotten killed…just like the Akafuku case.”
Her irritation forgotten, Kyoko looked at him curiously, urging him to continue. Getting the hint,
Makoto sighed, making a startling confession.
“Seeing how badly you were hurt back then…it really scared me. I…I had some bad dreams for a
few nights…about what would have happened if I didn’t get to you in time.”
“Makoto…”
Kyoko was silenced by Makoto’s own disapproving glare, startled as he stressed “You really need
to be more careful with your life like that. I’m glad you went to protect Chihiro and that everything
turned out okay…but the fact that it might not have…really scared me…”
Makoto looked down, blushing out of embarrassment at what he had just told her. Kyoko, in an
effort to mend the burning bridge, reached over and rested her hand over his own, causing the boy
to look up in surprise at her unusually warm smile.
“Makoto…believe it or not, I’m scared too. Every day when I go out into the field, I’m at least a
little scared that I might not come out unscathed. These gloves are proof of that, as you are well
aware. Which is why every action I take is deliberate; I didn’t go assist Sakura out of
recklessness. So please, trust that I’m making the right decision, and don’t be so worried about me
from now on, alright?”
Sighing, Makoto shook his head as he declined “I can’t…I’m always worried about my friends. I
was worried about Sayaka and Hina, I was worried about Sakura and Chihiro, and I was worried
about Toko and Byakuya. It’s just who I am, you know? I always put my friends before myself.”
Kyoko let out a breathy chuckle, squeezing his hand as she mused “I shouldn’t have expected
anything else from someone as sentimental as you. Fine, you can worry about me…just don’t let it
impact your sleep, alright? And in return I’ll only criticize your harebrained plans if they go
awry.”
Smiling, Makoto looked up, agreeing “Alright, I can agree to that.”
The two friends stared into each other’s eyes, unconsciously threading their fingers together as they
grew just a tiny bit closer.
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, you guys really loved each other even back then, if you were that worried about each
other.”
Both parents nodding, Kyoko mused “…In retrospect, I suppose we did. Though neither of us
realized it at the time.”
Makoto commented “After all, we were only just starting to toy with the idea that maybe we liked
each other as more than friends. We certainly weren’t ready to make any declarations of love.”
Smiling at his wife, Makoto reached behind Kiki and threaded his fingers with his wife as she
reciprocated his gestures before he finished “Just knowing that we cared about and worried about
each other…that was a huge step for us.”
Both parents blushed before Kiki interrupted “So what happened next?”
Shaking her head, Kyoko replied “Tomorrow, Kiki. It’s bedtime for you now.”
Pouting, Kiki nonetheless snuggled under the pillows, feeling the blanket being draped up to her
chin by her parents, who then leaned down to kiss her good night.
I…love you too…“ Kiki yawned before falling asleep.
Makoto and Kyoko smiled, treading their fingers together again as they left their daughter to
slumber.
Intimacy Arc Chapter Six: Yep, You’re Totally in Love!
Chapter Summary
After his rescue by Genocide Jill, Byakuya comes by Makoto's room and awkwardly
asks for advice on how to express his gratitude to the girl he constantly put down.
Meanwhile, Chihiro decides to share a secret with Kyoko to repay her for saving him.
Will their respective conversations help Makoto and Kyoko to accept their respective
crushes on each other?
Chapter Notes
This chapter is partially the result of an ask submitted to my ask box by NotFanFicNet.
Present Day
“Well, I was relaxing in my room the next day and was about to go to bed when…”
XXX
September 14, 2014
“Byakuya?”
Much to Makoto’s surprise, the Ultimate Affluent Progeny stood on the other side of the door, a
scowl on his face. Before Makoto could ask a single question, Byakuya strolled right in of his own
accord, leaving Makoto flabbergasted.
Can I help you?
Sighing, Makoto closed the door behind him, watching as Byakuya pulled out the desk chair,
turning it around and sitting on it, crossing his arms across his chest and one arm over the other.
“Don’t sigh at me; you should feel honored that I have decided to grace your living quarters with
my presence.”
Yeah, a real honor…
“Anyways, I’ll get right to business; I’m in the uncomfortable position of having to express my
gratitude to a commoner.”
“What do you…”
Sighing in frustration at Makoto’s apparent denseness, Byakuya explained “I’m referring to your
use of Genocide Jack’s combat prowess that stopped that construction machine from pelting me to
death.”
“O…oh, don’t worry about it…”
“I won’t especially now that I’ve expressed my gratitude.”
On second thought…maybe you should worry…
Makoto’s thoughts were halted by Byakuya’s grimace, the Ultimate Affluent Progeny continuing
“It does however leave me in the humiliating position of asking you for your advice.”
“M…my advice?”
Makoto stood there shocked; never in a million years would he have thought that Byakuya would
ask him for advice on anything.
With all the time he’s spent boasting about his superiority to all of us, you’d think that asking
anyone for advice would be beneath him…
Nodding, Byakuya explained “I’m of course referring to how to sufficiently express my thanks to
that disgusting woman Fukawa. After all, she’s the one who did all the hard work, so as much as it
pains me to admit it, I owe her a greater debt than I owe you for my rescue.”
…Well, not calling her disgusting would be a good start… Scratching his head, Makoto suggested
“Well…maybe you could try being…I don’t know…nice?”
Sighing, Byakuya explained “Pleasantries were not a skill set I ever needed as an heir to the
Togami Conglomerate. I’m well aware that my…perspective could use some adjustment in a
school environment…which is why I’m coming to you.” Raising his eyebrow, Byakuya asked
“Well, what’s the issue? You’ve already managed to alter your girlfriend’s personality, surely you
must have some advice on how to adjust my own on a temporary basis.”
“G…girlfriend…?”
Makoto’s head cocked to the side in confusion, not understanding what Byakuya was getting at,
causing the Ultimate Affluent Progeny to sigh and pinch the bridge of his nose.
“Good god the both of you are dense. I’m referring to that Ultimate Detective Kirigiri.”
Blushing in an instant, Makoto stammered “K…Kyoko? We…we’re not dating…”
“Don’t make me repeat myself, Makoto. I already had this conversation with Kyoko prior to our
summer vacation. Anyone with half a brain can see that you two are attracted to each other.”
Blushing even redder, Makoto denied “But we’re not! I admit…she’s…cute…but even if I were…
infatuated with her…there’s no way she’d find anything in me.”
Sighing, Byakuya got up and replied “Whatever; you and Kirigiri dance around each other however
much you want. This whole conversation was a total waste of my time. Goodbye, Makoto.”
Makoto watched as Byakuya slammed the door behind him, leaving Makoto alone in his room.
…What just happened?
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, Daddy. Uncle Byakuya was trying to be nice?”
Nodding, Makoto replied “For once in his life, yes, he was making a concerted effort to try to be
nice to Aunt Toko. Unfortunately, that whole idea hit a snag once the subject turned to me and
your mother. The fact of the matter was that I was infatuated with her, and I just didn’t know it.”
Nodding in understanding Kiki turned to her mother and asked “And what were you doing when
this happened, Mommy?”
“Well, after dinner that evening, Chihiro asked me to come to his room to talk to me about
something. And when I arrived…”
XXX
September 14, 2014
“Sorry for asking you to come by on such short notice.”
Kyoko shrugged as she watched Chihiro close the door behind her and replied “No apologies
necessary. So, what did you want to talk to me about?”
“Well…I wanted to thank you for saving me a couple of days ago. I spent the other day thinking
about what the best way to repay you was…”
“You don’t need to repay me…” Kyoko tried to deny, only for Chihiro to shake his head.
“But I do! I know that Makoto and Hina were the ones who got me out of there, but if you and
Sakura didn’t hold off those robots, I’d be dead! I’ve already committed to a more rigorous
training schedule with Sakura to thank her for her role, but I still need to repay you!”
Sighing, Kyoko shook her head in defeat and gave a small smile, seeing the same kind of
determination and passion within Chihiro that she admired in Makoto.
“Alright then…how did you want to repay me?”
Nodding, Chihiro quickly pulled up a second chair to the desk, urging Kyoko to sit down.
Acquiescing, Kyoko took her seat as Chihiro opened up his laptop.
“Do you remember that first night when you asked me for help solving that case and I panicked
when you saw that application shortcut I didn’t want you to see?”
Nodding, Kyoko recalled “You said it was related to an NDA you signed, right?”
Nodding in confirmation, Chihiro explained “Yes. I’ve decided…as long as you don’t tell anyone
about it…I’m going to show it to you. Not even Makoto knows about this!”
That piqued Kyoko’s interest, especially given that he was the first one to be trusted with the secret
of Chihiro’s gender…even if it was by accident.
To be shown something that not even he’s privy to…this is the ultimate act of trust for Chihiro.
“Alright then…what is it.”
“Let’s see…ah, here we are.”

Chihiro hovered his mouse over an icon as Kyoko read its name.
“Alter…Ego…”
Nodding, Chihiro decided “It might be better to show it rather than explain it.”
Chihiro double-clicked on the icon, bringing up a full-screen window with a green background.
Kyoko’s eyes widened as she saw a 2-D image of Chihiro’s head appear in the center.
She was even more shocked when the image then spoke “Hello, Nice to meet you. I’m Chihiro
Fujisaki…” The image then blushed and continued sheepishly “Eheh…I always get so
embarrassed introducing myself.”
Nodding, Chihiro explained “This is Alter Ego, an Artificial Intelligence I’m developing. It’s a
strong A.I., one that can learn and grow beyond its initial programming. Of course, it’s still in the
beta stage, so I still have a bit of a ways to go before it’s finished.”
Even so…the fact that it can mimic you perfectly…this is WAY out of my ability to comprehend!
Regianing her sense of calm, Kyoko mused “I guess this is why you’re known as the Ultimate
Programmer…”
“…Well, it would be, if I had gone public about this. But you’re the first person I’ve told about
this. I mean…Makoto guessed that I was working on an A.I., but I’ve never showed him this.”
Nodding, Kyoko replied “I see…so was there anything specific you wanted me to do, or did you
just want to show me this?”
Chihiro bit his lip, mullin git over before explaining “Well…there was something I thought of
asking you.” Kyoko’s brow raised in curiosity, Chihiro taking it as a sign to continue “Since this is
only the first version, I need to do some beta testing, but there’s only so much I can test by myself.
I need to expose it to different personalities, but since the development is kind of secret…”
“Ah, so you want me to test it for you?”
Nodding, Chihiro added “Ah, but you can’t take it out of this room. And remember, what happens
in here stays between us, okay?”
Nodding, Kyoko acquiesced “Alright; what do you want me to do?”
Smiling, Chihiro pushed the laptop over to Kyoko’s side, explaining “So at the bottom of the app
is a chat box. Start by typing an introduction and then it’ll ask you a series of random questions.
Just answer them in the chat box as honestly as you can, okay?”
Nodding, Kyoko placed her hands on the keyboard before typing “Hello. My nae is Kyoko
Kirigiri.”
Alter Ego cocked its head in curiosity and asked “Eh? You’re not Master? Oh, you must be that
classmate Master mentioned. It’s nice to meet you. Has Master given you permission to access
me?”
“Yes.” Kyoko typed, Alter Ego smiling after she sent the reply.
“Great! It’s so interesting to meet a new person. So, I’d like to ask you a series of personality
questions. Do you consent?”
“Yes, though I reserve the right to limit the scope of my answers as appropriate.”
“Good. Now then, first question…What is your occupation?”
“Detective.”
“Right…I guess it would make sense for an Ultimate Detective to be a detective. Question Two…
What is your greatest weakness?”
Kyoko pondered her answer for a moment, not used to looking at herself with a critical eye.
Eventually, she settled on an answer, typing “My greatest weakness is that I have difficulty placing
my trust in others.”
“I see…alright, Question Three…How have you worked to mitigate your weakness.”
That’s easy… Kyoko typed “My best friend Makoto Naegi helped me to befriend others after
saving my life.”
“I see…Master did say that you two were especially close…” Kyoko barely withheld a blush as
Alter Ego continued “Alright, Question Three…name one of your fondest memories…”
Let’s see…they all involve Makoto…if I had to choose one, then… “During the Spring Festival,
Makoto won me a Detective Conan plushie that I had failed to win at a carnival game.”
“Sounds fun!” Alter Ego giggled as it continued “Okay, last question. Name three of your favorite
non-career hobbies.”
Let’s see…they would have to be… “Eating with Makoto, Studying with Makoto, and Swimming
with Makoto.”
“Thank you. Analyzing data now…”
After a few seconds, Alter Ego disappeared, only to reappear as the disembodied head of Kyoko.
Her eyes widening in shock, she turned to Chihiro, who explained “The way Alter Ego is
programmed, once it analyzes a user’s personality, it will then attempt to mimic that personality.”
Can it really do that…just from a handful of personality questions?
Before she could ponder any further, Alter-Kyoko introduced “My name is…Kyoko Kirigiri.”
It mimicked me perfectly!
In her own reluctant voice, Alter-Kyoko introduced “I am the Ultimate Detective at Hope’s Peak
Academy, and I am romantically attracted to Makoto Naegi.”
Kyoko’s eyes widened as she couldn’t help but exclaim “A…attracted…to…Makoto?” Looking
over to Chihiro, Kyoko tried to deny “Chihiro, I think your program is a little faulty. I’m not…
attracted to Makoto…”
Before Chihiro could reply, Alter-Kyoko continued “I am attracted to Makoto Naegi due to his
rescue of me from an early grave. Since then, we have done numerous hobbies together and he has
helped me to regain my sense of trust.”
…Everything except the attracted part is true…but I’m not…
“Voice Recognition indicates a reluctance to admit to romantic feelings. Possible causes include a
reluctance to risk losing a close friendship and a lack of experience with romantic confessions.”
I don’t want to lose his friendship…and I don’t have any experience with romance…but that
doesn’t mean I’m reluctant to admit to an attraction that isn’t there…right?
Kyoko’s pondering was interrupted by Alter-Kyoko, who continued “Constructing possible

confession scenario…”
Confession?!
Kyoko froze as Alter-Kyoko disappeared, only to reappear with lavender, pointy cat ears on the top
of her head, making Kyoko’s eyes bulge out of her head.
What the…did Hifumi sneak in and reprogram Chihiro’s computer?
Before she could think of anything else, Alter-Cat Kyoko cooed “Nyaa! Naegi-kun! Your smile
makes my heart go all doki-doki! Please be mine, nyaa!”
*SLAM*
Chihiro jumped as Kyoko slammed the laptop shut, her face redder than it had ever been before.
“Kyoko…I’m sorry, are you…”
Shaking her head, Kyoko forced out “It’s not your fault…Chihiro…I’d just…like to be alone for a
little while. Good bye.”
Kyoko brusquely walked out, slamming the door behind her as she hurried to her room. Once she
got into her bathroom, she quickly disrobed before turning the hot water on.
“Maybe a shower will help me to calm down…”
Discarding her gloves, Kyoko stepped into the shower, lathering her bare body with soap as her
mind wandered back to the last thing Alter Ego said.
“Your smile makes my heart go all doki-doki!”
“It’s true…his smile does make my heartrate go up…but does that really mean…I’m…attracted to
him?” Sighing as she lathered her hair, Kyoko lamented “Things were so much simpler before the
summer…”
XXX
Present Day
“So that’s why you closed the laptop on me when we rediscovered it at Hope’s Peak!”
Blushing, Kyoko admitted “…It was embarrassing…I was caught off guard by you seeing
something I thought you’d never see…and that I was too embarrassed to tell you about when we
were teenagers.”
Nodding in empathy, Makoto comforted “Honey, you don’t need to feel embarrassed like that. I
told you just as much after we found the laptop. Besides…I thought it was…kinda cute…”
Makoto admitted while scratching his blushing cheek.
“Makoto…”
“Umm…Mommy…Daddy…are we still talking about you falling in love during high school?”
Turning to Kiki, Makoto shook his head and answered “No, Kiki; the story just reminded Mommy
and Daddy of something else that happened before you were born.” Seeing his daughter open her
mouth, Makoto interrupted “That can wait for another day, Kiki. We still have this story to get
through after all.”
Nodding, Kiki accepted “Okay, Daddy. So what happened next, Mommy?”
Ruffling her daughter’s hair, Kyoko answered “That’ll have to wait until tomorrow, Kiki. It’s late,
after all.”
“Aww…” Kiki groaned before wiggling under the blankets as her parents pulled them up to her
chin and kissed her good night. Makoto and Kyoko smiled at their daughter’s snores before, still
blushing at the memories, they crept out of her room in order to cuddle in their own.
Intimacy Arc Chapter Seven: A Parade Gone Awry!
Chapter Summary
The Fall Festival has finally arrived and Taka and Hifumi kick off the festivities with a
parade. Will Makoto and Kyoko be able to enjoy the festival as they did in the spring
term? Or will fate have other plans in store?
Present Day
“Well, your father had been working with Chiaki to plan the fall festival, which was going to
happen the following Saturday. Eventually the day came and I was having breakfast with him
before he was to go over the preparations with Chiaki…”
XXX
September 20, 2014
*Yawn*
Makoto blinked the drowsiness out of his eyes as a disposable cup appeared in front of him.
“Huh? Oh…hey Kiri…”
Smiling nostalgically, Kyoko sat down and teased “Pulled another all-nighter? You must be really
tired if you’re calling me Kiri. Here, drink this; it has extra caffeine in it. Figured you could use
the extra energy boost.”
Nodding gratefully, Makoto picked up the cup and brought it to his lips, tilting it as the hot coffee
ran down his throat. Makoto instantly became more alert, sighing in relief and pleasure as his eyes
opened, the shadows under them seeming to slightly lighten in shade, much to the Ultimate
Detective’s relief.
“Thanks, Kyoko. Yeah, Nanami-senpai and I had a really late night yesterday, finishing the final
touches of the festival. We’ll be doing a parade at the beginning and we had to double-check the
route.”
Nodding, Kyoko mused “Well, if it’s anything like the spring festival, then it should be quite
enjoyable.” Recalling the fun she had with Makoto last term, Kyoko barely held back a blush
before changing the subject, teasing “Just don’t fall asleep on us right before your appearance
again. I don’t think Taka would be all too happy to go and wake you up again.“
Chuckling nervously, Makoto scratched his cheek and admitted “…Yeah, he’s taking part in the
parade, so it would be pretty bad if he was late for it trying to wake me up again…”
“…Boy, you two tease each other like an old married couple…”
Makoto and Kyoko instantly looked up to see Koichi grinning down at them, his fedora partially
covering his face. Makoto blushed while Kyoko wasn’t goaded, long used to “Uncle Koichi” and
his penchant for teasing.
“Can we help you, Kizakura-sensei?”
Nodding, Koichi informed them “I just came to pick up Makoto so he doesn’t have a chance to fall
asleep again.”
Does everyone have so little faith in me now?
“Oh, hey Makoto.”
Finally noticing his counterpart, Makoto greeted “Oh, good morning, Nanami-senpai. Did
Kizakura-sensei come to pick you up too?”
Nodding, Chiaki gestured behind her and explained “I hope it’s alright, but Sonia wanted to see the
final preparations with us as we make our rounds, so I told her she could come.”
“Oh, sure, that’s fine.”
Smiling excitedly, Sonia exclaimed “Thank you so much for allowing me to accompany you two
on your rounds! I shall retain the utmost dignity as your honored guest!” Her head suddenly
cocked to the side, a curios expression on her face as she asked “Oh, and who might you be? Are
you acquainted with Makoto here?”
Nodding, Makoto introduced “Nevermind-san, this is my classmate Kyoko Kirigiri. She’s the
Ultimate Detective. Kyoko, this is Sonia Nevermind, the Ultimate Princess.”
Grinning, Sonia immediately reached down and grabbed Kyoko’s free hand, stunning the girl as
she felt her hand being forcefully shook as Sonia squealed with glee.
“Oh it’s so nice to meet you! I’ve never met a real-life Detective before. It embarrasses me to
admit it, but as the Princess of Novoselic, I am…how you say…shuttered?”
Once Sonia had let go of her hand, Kyoko cleared her throat and corrected “Sheltered. The word
you’re looking for is sheltered.”
Facepalming, Sonia giggled “Oh, silly me! You must forgive me; I’m still getting acquainted to
your country’s language, so I tend to mess up some phrases.” After a silence passed, Sonia looked
down in guilt and fretted “Oh, did I offend you somehow? Please forgive me, I meant no
disrespect…”
“It’s not like that, Nevermind-san.” Makoto explained “Kyoko just…takes some time to warm up
to people is all. She’s not really talkative unless she needs to be.”
Her eyes lighting up in comprehension, Sonia replied “Ah, so she’s the silent, brooding type. I
suppose that makes sense as a detective…”
“There you are!”
Everyone turned their gaze to see Chisa running towards them, gently scolding “As great as it is to
see you all forming bonds with each other, you’re going to be late for your rounds if you don’t
leave right now!”
“R…right.” Makoto stood up, coffee cup still in hand as he finished “Thanks for the coffee,
Kyoko. I’ll see you at the festival!”
Bowing, Sonia said “It was a pleasure to meet you, Kyoko!” before hurrying after the others,
leaving Kyoko and the rest of the class to watch their Representative leave to complete final
preparations.
XXX
“So did your rounds go well?”
Makoto nodded as he took his seat next to Kyoko, confirming “Yeah, everything went well. Taka
and Hifumi should be coming through with the float in the next few minutes.”
Kyoko’s eyebrow raised in surprise as she commented “Hifumi and Taka? A bit of an odd choice,
don’t you think?”
“Yeah…well Taka volunteered to represent Hope’s Peak as the Ultimate Moral Compass, and we
needed someone to wave the flag next to the float, so we all drew straws and Hifumi got the short
one…”
Ah, I must have been out on a case during that time…
Kyoko nodded in comprehension before the two of them turned their attention to the route in front
of them. Before long, Leon and Ibuki blew their ceremonial horns, signaling the start of the
parade. Everyone watched as a black and white striped float adorned with the Hope’s Peak
insignia rolled forward, Taka in his white uniform waving to the crowd, a proud smile on his face.
On the ground next to him, Hifumi kept pace, waving a flag with the same emblem as the float,
panting as they went along the route, an entourage of Reserve Course students pulling up the rear.
Seeing the parade go by, Kyoko turned to Makoto and whispered “Well, all-nighters aside, I’d say
you and Nanami-senpai make for good Class Representatives, if this parade is any indication.”
Blushing, Makoto smiled bashfully and asked “You…you think so…?”
Nodding, Kyoko replied “I don’t hand out praise lightly.” Smiling, Kyoko whispered “You did
well…just remember to go to bed early tonight.”
Nodding, Makoto turned his head back to the parade, until a bright pink light caught his attention
out of the corner of his eye.
“Um…Kyoko? What’s that pink light over there?”
“Hm?”
Kyoko followed Makoto’s eyes, squinting to try and get a clearer view. When she couldn’t see
anything more defined, she reached into her jacket and pulled out a pair of binoculars, putting them
up to her eyes. Looking into them, she focused on the light. After a moment, her eyes widened as
she saw the light emanating from the end of a long, metal cylinder.
Removing the binoculars from her face, Kyoko hissed “That’s an ammunition barrel!” As
Makoto’s eyes widened in shock, Kyoko explained “Whatever it is, it seems to be charging some
kind of energy projectile…right at the float.”
Makoto paled as he realized “B…but that means…Taka and Hifumi will get hurt! We’ve gotta
stop that parade and get them out of danger!”
Nodding, Kyoko proposed “I’ll jump on the float and get Taka out of there. You pull Hifumi out
of the eventual blast radius.”
Nodding, the two leapt out of their seats and into action.
XXX
“Wh…what?”
Taka could only stammer, seeing the scorched float that he had once been standing on. Hifumi
could only tremble on the ground where he now sat, still processing that he was almost barbequed.
“Is everyone okay?”
Everyone turned their gaze to see Jin Kirigiri running up to the scene, a worried expression on his
face.
Makoto turned and nodded, confirming “Yeah, we’re fine Headmaster.”
A relieved smile crossing his face, Jin nodded and replied “Good; that was quick thinking,
Makoto. I’m very proud of the both of you.”
Makoto blushed in embarrassment while Kyoko shuffled awkwardly, not quite comfortable hearing
praise from her estranged father.
“Headmaster.”
The three of them turned to see Juzo strolling up, carrying the long, metallic barrel in his arms as he
announced “I secured the weapon; it was attached to a nearby flagpole.”
“Ah, good work Juzo. Now we just need to…Hm?”
Jin looked down to see Kyoko gently tugging on his sleeve to get his attention.
“What is it, Kyoko?”
“…May I inspect it for clues, Headmaster?”
Jin smiled and nodded, agreeing “Of course, Kyoko.” Turning to Juzo, he ordered “Juzo, please
hand Kyoko the weapon you found.”
Grumbling, Juzo reluctantly handed the Ultimate Detective the unknown weapon, who
immediately began to comb every inch of it.
“Let’s see…we know it’s capable of firing some kind of energy projectile, but as for identifying
information…hm?”
“Wh…what is it, Kyoko?”
Her eyes settling on an inscription, she told Makoto “It appears to have an inscription etched on the
side. Let’s see…Novoselic Department of Defense…isn’t that the country where Sonia
Nevermind is from?”
“Y…yeah…But why would a piece of weaponry from her home country be here?”
Everyone turned their gaze to Sonia who stood some distance away, conversing with her
classmates.
Kyoko bit her lip as she confessed “I’m not sure…but it might be worth asking her about this. If
nothing else, maybe we can at least get a better idea as to what this is.”
Nodding, Jin called out “Sonia Nevermind? May we speak to you for a moment, please?”
XXX
“What? Novoselic weaponry was used in the attack?”
Nodding, Kyoko confirmed “That’s right; the projectile came from this ammunitions barrel that
was attached to a nearby flagpole. We were hoping you could tell us more about this weapon and
how it might have ended up on the grounds.”
“THAT’S IT!”
Everyone turned to see a furious Kazuichi stomping over to them, ranting with a shaking fist
“Accusing me is one thing, but insinuating Miss Sonia’s involvement in an attack on our school is
totally out of…”
“KAZUICHI!”
The Ultimate Mechanic found himself silenced as Sonia held up a regal palm to his face, a stern,
angry expression on her face as she ordered “Go back with the others. It’s a fair question and given
the presence of my country’s artillery, I am honor bound to answer it. Understood?”
Sighing, Kazuichi’s shoulders slumped as he obeyed “Yes, Ma’am. Sorry, Miss Sonia.”
After Kazuichi slinked out of view, Sonia turned back to the others, a serious frown on her face as
she continued “Anyways…I remember having a meeting with Novoselic’s Minister of Defense not
too far from the grounds. It’s possible that it might have fallen from his stock he had on hand from
the presentation he was giving me. And now that I can see it more closely, it looks like a paralysis
cannon that Novoselic’s military has been developing.”
“Stun Cannon?”
Nodding, Sonia replied “Yes; it’s supposed to fire a ball of energy meant to stun a target so they
can be apprehended. Although given the scorch marks on the float, it would seem someone
messed with the power settings to make it capable of inflicting grievous burns.” A determined and
apologetic expression on her face, Sonia bowed and vowed “I’ll phone my country’s cabinet as
soon as I can and inquire as to how this weapon became separated from the supply.”
Nodding with an appreciative smile, Jin replied “Thank you for your cooperation, Sonia. You may
go and rejoin your class.”
“Thank you Headmaster.”
With one final bow, the Ultimate Princess walked off, disappearing from view before Jin cleared
his throat and announced “Well, I should go and tell the other students that the festival is
cancelled. You two should go and grab something to eat; you must be hungry after such an
exciting day. Thank you again for your bravery.”
Makoto and Kyoko watched as Jin and Juzo walked off, leaving the two Ultiamtes alone. It wasn’t
long though until Makoto’s stomach started growling.
Makoto turned to Kyoko with a sheepish smile as he confessed “Guess I am a little hungry…”
Letting out a breathy, amused chuckle, Kyoko turned around and urged “Come on; there’s a
McDonald’s not too far from campus; my treat this time.”
“Oh…th…thanks, Kyoko…”
“Don’t mention it.”
Makoto eagerly hurried after the Ultimate Detective, already starting to salivate at the free burgers
waiting for him.
XXX
*Burp*
Makoto blushed, one hand covering his mouth as the odor of processed meat as he sheepishly
apologized “Ex…excuse me…”
A teasing smile on her face, Kyoko quipped “I take it that ravenous belly of yours is satisfied?”
True to her word, Kyoko paid for their meal once they arrived at McDonald’s; all six of Makoto’s
cheeseburgers and his extra-large coke, as well as her grilled chicken salad and yogurt parfait.
Makoto nodded as they walked, his hand moving to rejoin the other to cradle his stuffed belly,
which Kyoko couldn’t help but sneak an occasional glance at. Filled to the brim with fast food and
soda, Makoto’s jeans looked like they were struggling to stay buttoned, his shirt stretched around
his upper belly and exposing his lower belly and belly button to Kyoko’s eyes.
His belly looks…cute…all bloated like that…
Frowning, Makoto asked “Ano…Kyoko…are you okay? You seem a bit…distracted…”
Blushing, Kyoko instantly admonished herself for such inappropriate staring.
Stupid, stupid, Kyoko! You know better than to stare at Makoto like that…even it makes him look
cute, all big and round like that…STOP THAT! BAD KYOKO!
“Um…Kyoko…”
Huffing, Kyoko averted her gaze, dismissing him “It’s nothing. Let’s keep walking; campus is still
a little ways away.”
Frowning, Makoto nonetheless obeyed, following behind Kyoko as he couldn’t help but wonder
what got her so distracted.
So lost in thought was he that Makoto failed to notice her repeated glances at his jiggling belly,
only stopping when they at last parted ways and entered their respective dorms.
XXX
Present Day
Kiki giggled, commenting “Wow, Daddy! Mommy sure loved your belly even back then, huh?”
Kyoko and Makoto both blushed; she because one of her most private secrets was finally out in the
open, and Makoto from shock that Kyoko was physically attracted to him on some level at that
point in their friendship.
Seeing his wife fiddling with her hair, Makoto took it upon himself to reply “Kiki, when you’re
older, you may find yourself staring at another person for apparently no reason. That’s one of the
signs of a crush, and we want you to know that it’s completely normal and okay to sneak a couple
of glances every now and again, as long as you don’t invade the other person’s privacy. We’ll tell
you more when you’re older, but do you understand?”
Hesitantly nodding, Kiki accepted “I…think so, Daddy. So…what happened next?”
Looking at the clock, Makoto suggested “I think it’s time for you to go to bed, pumpkin. We can
continue the story tomorrow, okay?”
“…Okay…”
Sighing in relief at the end of the conversation, Kyoko’s blush finally faded as she and Makoto
tucked Kiki in, bringing the blanket up to her chin and kissing her forehead.
“Good night, Kiki.”
“Sweet dreams, Mommy. Sweet dreams, Daddy.”
As Kiki yawned and fell asleep, Makoto and Kyoko smiled sheepishly at each other, closing the
door behind them as they walked out of Kiki’s room.
Intimacy Arc Chapter Eight: A Heated Duel! Bonds Strengthen?
Chapter Summary
A day after the cancelled festival, Makoto gets roped into witnessing a duel between
Mondo and Taka. Meanwhile, Kyoko decides to check up on Hifumi, who was injured
in the attack. Will their paths cross tonight?
Present Day
“Well…the following evening your mother and I had just finished dinner and went our separate
ways. Your mother went to check up on Hifumi who hadn’t come out of his room all day.
Meanwhile I was studying in my room and started to get hungry again.”
Kiki giggled, teasing “Wow, Daddy. You sure had a hungry tummy when you were in school.”
Seeing Makoto blush, Kyoko teased “He certainly did, and he still does.” She then leaned over,
rubbing both of their bellies through their pajamas as she finished “You both have deep tummies,
my hungry husband and daughter!”
Said husband and daughter giggled, Kyoko’s teasing ministrations just starting to tickle their
ticklish tummies. After a second, she brought her hands back to her lap, her victims’ giggles
subsiding.
“Anyway…I was feeling hungry and went to the Dining Hall. But what awaited me was…”
XXX
September 21, 2014
“Hey, Makoto! Perfect timing!”
“Huh?” Makoto looked with a confused expression at Taka, then Mondo. “What’s going on?”
It was Mondo who spoke next, taking over as he demanded “We’ve got a favor to ask. You’ve
gotta be our witness!”
“Huh? Witness to what…”
Clenching his fist in anger, Mondo seethed “This guy’s been talkin’ shit about me since day one.
Callin’ me a coward and shit like that…”
Not one to take an accusation lying down, Taka interrupted “You are a coward! That’s why you
turn to violence to solve your problems!” Pointing his finger at Mondo with authority, Taka roared
“That’s why you can’t do what society asks of you, why you walk around dressed like that!”
Enraged that the uniform of his and Daiya’s gang was being mocked, Mondo growled “…The fuck
you say? You dunno shit.”
Before Mondo could say anything further, Taka continued as if Mondo hadn’t even spoken at all
“You’ve already lost to yourself, but you’re such a coward you don’t even realize it!”
“So what, you sayin’ you’re not a coward? You think you’re tougher than me?”
“I know I am!”
Mondo scoffed at Taka’s confident declaration, replying “Big words coming from someone who
was almost turned into a wiener dog. And here I was actually worried about you earlier. Okay,
Mr. Hall Monitor, then let’s throw down. Prove you got what I don’t got!”
Pointing his finger in declaration again, Taka roared “I accept your challenge!”
With that, Mondo turned back to Makoto explaining “So that’s what’s happenin’, Makoto. You
gotta be our witness!”
“Wait!” Makoto cried. “You’re gonna…throw down? You’re not gonna like…start punching
each other, are you?”
To Makoto’s relief, a disgusted Mondo denied “Fuck no! I may have some beef with Mr. Hall
Monitor here, but I’d never throw a punch against someone who just survived an attack. I have a
reputation to uphold, ya know!”
Nodding, Taka admitted “Well, at least you have some measure of honor. So what did you have in
mind, then?”
“There’s a bathhouse on the 1 st floor of the dorm, right? With a sauna inside?”
You mean the one I almost died in?
Makoto internally shuddered as Taka deduced “I see…a simple endurance contest, is it? We’re
going to see who can stay in the sauna the longest, am I right!?”
“Goddamn straight! Let’s go, Makoto!”
“Hey, Mondo!”
As Mondo trapped Makoto’s right arm in his elbow, Taka did the same to Makoto’s left, the pair
hoisting Makoto off the ground.
“HEY! COME ON, LET ME GO!!!” Makoto yelled as he helplessly kicked his feet, the two
feuding Ultimates dragging Makoto against his will to the sauna.
XXX
Present Day
“You always get roped into the craziest things, huh Daddy?”
Kyoko shot her husband a teasing smirk, leaving the patriarch to smile sheepishly and scratch his
cheek. Whether it was his run in with Jutaro as a teenager, getting roped into various messes as a
student, or even having to clean up his students’ various messes and screwups, Makoto never had
any boring stories about his day to tell Kiki when he and Kyoko picked her up from his parents.
“Yeah…something crazy was supposed to happen, odds were I’d get roped into it somehow…”
Wife and daughter both nodded simultaneously in agreement before Kiki turned to her mother and
asked “So what were you doing when this went down, Mommy?”
“Well…I had decided to check on Hifumi to see how he was recovering. I had just arrived at his
dorm when the door opened, revealing…”
XXX
September 21, 2014
“Celeste?”
Kyoko’s eyebrows raised in surprise as the Ultimate Gambler closed the door behind her, her eyes
containing a hint of surprise as she asked “Oh, Kyoko. What brings you here?”
Crossing her arms over her breasts, Kyoko returned “I could ask you the same thing. I’m just here
to evaluate Hifumi’s condition, as he was one of the victims in the attack.”
Chuckling, Celeste replied “Then it seems we were both thinking the same thing, though for
different reasons, it would seem. I merely came by to see if Yamada-kun had recovered
sufficiently to resume his expected duties.” Sighing, Celeste lamented “Sadly, it seems I will have
to wait until he can resume making my Royal Milk Tea.”
Yamada-kun? Why the honorific?
Before she could think to ask, Celeste finished “Well, inspect him all you wish. As for me, I’m
going to enjoy a lovely shower before I retire. Good night, Kyoko.”
Kyoko stared at Celeste as she disappeared into her dorm, surprised by how…nice she had been
when referencing Hifumi.
What happened to servant or little piggy? Have things…improved between them?
Tucking the thought away for later, Kyoko turned back to Hifumi’s door, raising her finger to the
doorbell and pressing it.
*Ding Dong*
XXX
“Oh, Miss Kirigiri.”
Closing the door behind her, Kyoko took in the sight of a resting Hifumi, his roundish form
obscured by the blankets covering him up to his chest.
“Are your injuries healing, Hifumi?”
Nodding, the Ultimate Fanfic Creator confirmed “Yeah, they’re just some light burns from the
float’s explosion; nothing that a Burn Heal and some rest at an inn can’t fix.”
Nodding, Kyoko shifted “I saw that Celeste had visited earlier.”
“Oh, yeah…Miss Ludenberg stopped by and graciously permitted me to take a vacation from my
obligations of serving her. And what’s more…she actually sounded…almost appreciative of
me…”
Hm…maybe almost losing her favorite servant has taught her to be a little more respectful towards
those who value her…Kyoko mused.
“You were right, Miss Kirigiri!”
Her head turned curiously towards the recovering Ultimate, Kyoko asked “About what?”
“You know…your advice from last term! It took a while, but I think Miss Ludenberg finally
appreciates me, acknowledges my existence! We’ve finally had a C-Rank Support Conversation!
It’s only a matter of time before we finally hit that coveted S-Rank and we wed after the credits!”
…He’s persistent; I’ve gotta give him points for that… Choosing to entertain him, Kyoko replied
“Well, good luck with that. I’m glad my advice was…eventually beneficial.” Standing up, Kyoko
finished “Well, since you’re obviously doing alright, I will leave your premises. Good night
Hifumi.”
Before Hifumi could call back, she closed the door behind her, sighing before she decided to walk
towards the Dining Hall.
Perhaps I’ll make a cup of tea before I go study in my room…
XXX
Meanwhile, Makoto, having been dragged into the sauna with Mondo and Taka, was sweating like
a stuck pig, feeling overheated and drowsy.
Hot…so hot…I’ve gotta get out of here or I’ll faint!
It was then that Mondo and Taka looked over to the wobbly boy, the Ultimate Biker Gang Leader
commenting “Yo, dude, you don’t look so good. Go on back to yer room!!”
Nodding in agreement, Taka agreed “W…We’ll r…report the results tomorrow morning…!”
“Yeah g…guys, I…I’m taking off…okay…?”
“See ya!”
Makoto stumbled through the bathhouse, and into the hallway, a flash of purple being the last
thing he saw before losing consciousness.
XXX
“Oof! What…”
Kyoko looked down to see what had collided with her and instantly blushed; a nearly naked
Makoto, covered only by a towel tied around his waist, leaned against her, his breath tickling her
neck.
Kyoko barely held back an embarrassed screech as she panicked “Makoto? What are you…
Makoto…?”
Concern overriding her embarrassment, Kyoko paid more attention to the breaths tickling her neck,
realizing He’s not conscious… Immediately worried, Kyoko pressed a gloved hand to his forehead
and frowned, concluding He’s hot, but not feverish, I don’t think.
Kyoko looked towards the sauna where Makoto had run into her from, causing the Detective to put
the pieces together.
Okay, so he spent too long in the sauna and passed out after suffering heat exhaustion. But why…
No, I’d better get him to his room.
Hooking an arm under his knees while securing another one around his shoulders, Kyoko hoisted
him into a cradling grip as she walked down the hallway to the dorms. As she continued walking,
she couldn’t help but sneak a peek at his bare front, her face suddenly feeling heated as her
thoughts wandered to how cute his chest and belly looked.
…Look at me, I’m turning into a blushing schoolgirl…
Kyoko sighed as she approached his door, turning the doorknob with one of her hands while still
holding Makoto before pushing it open, at this point no longer surprised that Makoto had neglected
to lock his door.
For once his carelessness is actually beneficial… she mused as she walked into the room,
proceeding to lay his prone form on the mattress and covering him up with the blankets.
She turned to walk away before turning to face the slumbering Ultimate Lucky Student, concern
and worry suddenly filling her.
…Someone should stay with him…if only to make sure he’s not actually sick…
Sighing, she instead walked over to his desk, pulling out the chair and, after turning it to face his
bed, plopped down on it and kept watch, unable to hold back a smile as she watched him slumber.
He looks…cute while sleeping…
XXX
September 22, 2014
*Yawn* “…Where am I?”
Makoto rubbed one eye with his fist, trying to wake up as his vision came into focus.
“M…my room? How did I…”
“Sleep well, Makoto?”
A shocked expression on his face, Makoto gingerly sat up and turned to see Kyoko sitting at his
bedside, her lips curled in a teasing smirk as she crossed one leg over her knee and her arms were
crossed over her breasts.
“K…Kyoko? What are you…?” Makoto then looked down and yelped, realizing he was
practically naked, pulled the sheets up to cover his chest as he asked in a panic “Where…where are
my clothes?”
Sighing, Kyoko answered “You bumped into me as you ran out of the bathhouse before you passed
out due to heat exhaustion. I expect the clothes you brought are still there.”
“O…oh…but wait, how did I get back to my room if I passed out in the hallway?” His eyes
widening in realization, Makoto stammered in shock “D…did you…”
Nodding, Kyoko finished “There was nobody else in the vicinity, so I carried you and placed you
in your bed. Then I kept watch to make sure you weren’t seriously ill.”
Blushing, Makoto asked quietly “You…carried me? You…watched me sleep.”
Hiding her embarrassment behind a teasing remark, Kyoko confirmed “Yes; you snore, by the
way.”
Looking down in embarrassment, Makoto apologized “Oh…s…sorry…”
“…I didn’t say it as a complaint, Makoto; merely an observation.”
In truth, Kyoko found his snoring to be rather cute, like a lullaby that tried to lure her to slumber
too. There was no way she’d ever tell him that, though.
“Oh…okay…” Looking at the clock, Makoto’s eyes widened in surprise before turning back to
Kyoko and asking “Ano…Kyoko…not that I mind you being in my room…and I don’t mean to
sound ungrateful…but could you please leave so I can get dressed and head to breakfast before
class?”
Nodding, Kyoko got up from the chair she was sitting in, acquiescing “Of course; I should
probably take a quick shower and get dressed into my uniform. I’ll see you at breakfast, Makoto.”
As soon as she closed the door, Makoto sighed, his blush finally fading from his face as he
slackened his grip, the sheets falling to expose his near naked body.
Well, I should actually get dressed…
Getting off of the bed, Makoto untied the towel from his waist, letting it drop to the floor as he
walked to get his uniform on. As he put on the finishing touches, he couldn’t help but think about
how Kyoko had carried him, almost naked, back to his room and kept watch over him while he
slept, surprised to find he wasn’t really that disturbed by it.
…Guess it just means I trust Kyoko…alright; everyone else is waiting for me. I’d better get going.
XXX
As if his wakeup wasn’t strange enough, Makoto found himself flabbergasted by how chummy
Mondo and Taka were, trading compliments and calling each other “Bro!”
What…what just happened?
Makoto made his way to his usual table, sitting down next to Kyoko, who only had her eyebrows
raised in surprise as she took down the scene.
Before they could engage in their usual morning conversation, Mondo and Taka approached them,
an arm wrapped around each other’s shoulders as Mondo greeted “Hey, Makoto!”
“Thank you so much for acting as our witness yesterday!”
Her attention piqued, Kyoko finished sipping her coffee and turned to face him, asking “Witness?”
Nodding, Makoto answered “They had an endurance contest in the sauna last night to settle an
argument and asked me to be their witness.”
“Ah…” That explains why he was in the sauna, and how he suffered from heat exhaustion…
Curious, Makoto turned to the duo and asked “So? Which one of you left the sauna first?”
Scoffing, Mondo denied “That’s water under the bridge little man!”
“That’s…completely different from what you were saying last night.” Makoto deadpanned before
Taka agreed with Mondo.
“Put our duel out of your mind! KAME-HAME-FORGET ABOUT IT!”
“You’re over 9000!” Mondo quipped as they fell into another brotherly laugh, managing to creep
out everyone else, including Makoto.
Since when could Taka parody Dragon Ball? Before April he barely even knew what manga and
anime were!
Eventually the two left to have breakfast at their own table, Makoto and Kyoko sighing in relief.
“Well, that was…something…” Kyoko mused.
“Yeah…” Makoto agreed.
“Thank you for your dedication, Yamada-kun.”
Makoto and Kyoko turned to see the conversation they had overheard, his eyes widening in shock
at seeing Celeste genuinely thank Hifumi.
“Is there anything else you require, Miss Ludenberg?”
Shaking her head, Celeste politely declined “No; you may go, Yamada-kun.”
Bowing, Hifumi walked away from Celeste and into the kitchen to prepare his own breakfast.
What just happened? Doesn’t Celeste generally treat Hifumi like a slave? Why is she being so…
nice?
Seeing Makoto’s incredulous look, Kyoko explained “She seems to value his dedication to her now
that she saw him almost die during the parade on Saturday.”
“Oh…that’s good, I guess.”
Kyoko nodded, going back to her coffee as Makoto processed everything that happened in the last
twelve hours.
For better or for worse, the bonds between us as classmates are becoming stronger. Glancing over
at Kyoko and reflecting on how she took care of him, Makoto decided Better…it’s definitely for the
better…
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, Mommy; you really took good care of Daddy even back then!”
Nodding, Kyoko justified “…I couldn’t rightfully leave him there in the hallway all night. And it
did help us to get closer and advance our friendship.”
Makoto nodded in agreement before shifting “Anyways, I’m afraid the next part will have to wait
for later; it’s past your bedtime, kiddo.“
“Okay…”
Kiki snuggled under the covers as her parents brought the blankets up to her chin, kissing her on
the forehead and tucking her in.
“Love you too, Mommy. Love you too, Daddy.”
With that, Kiki fell asleep, leaving Makoto and Kyoko to quietly creep out, gently closing the door
behind them as they went to their own room to sleep in their own bed, relishing in just how close
their bond had become over the years.
Intimacy Arc Chapter Nine: Kyoko’s Birthday Approaches! Hiro the Game
Show Contestant?
Chapter Summary
With Kyoko's birthday approaching, Makoto vows to give her a birthday she'll never
forget. After Hiro gets invited to appear on a game show, Makoto manages to get him
and Kyoko into the audience. Will Kyoko enjoy the new experience? Or will it turn
out to be a total flop?
Present Day
“So, Mommy? Your birthday’s coming up soon in the story, right? Did Daddy do anything
special to celebrate your special day?”
Chuckling nostalgically, Kyoko replied “Actually, there’s quite an interesting story behind my first
birthday after meeting your father.” Turning to her husband, she asked “Makoto, would you like to
do the honors?”
Nodding, Makoto began “Sure; you see, about a week had passed since Taka and Mondo became
friends. I was still sleeping in my room when…”
XXX
September 29, 2014
*Beep, Beep*
Makoto groaned, the alarm function on his Handbook going off and rousing him from his slumber.
“Alright, I’m up, I’m up…” Makoto moaned, rubbing the sleep from his eyes with one fist while
his other hand reached over and tapped the “Stop” button on the touch screen. Makoto yawned,
letting his vision come into focus as he sat up.
Once he was alert, he opened his Handbook, deciding “Alright, time to see what notifications I
missed…huh? Only one notification?” Opening his Calendar app, he read aloud “Reminder:
October 6, Kyoko Kirigiri’s Birthday.” At that, his eyes widened, the boy gasping “Her birthday’s
in a week? Why didn’t she say anything? Does she not celebrate her own birthday?”
Makoto suddenly recalled their conversations about all the things she missed out on due to her
grandfather’s strict training, causing the boy to shake his head in pity.
“On second thought, it would make sense if Kirigiri-san put no value in celebrating his
granddaughter’s birth. And with her parents not around and no friends to remind her of it…I guess
it would make sense that she wouldn’t tell anyone.”
A determined frown tugged at his lips as he jumped out of bed, his normally gentle green eyes
blazing with passion.
“Well, that ends now! Just you wait, Kyoko; I’m gonna make sure my best friend gets the best
birthday ever!” Looking at the time, his eyes widened as he admitted quietly “…I should probably
get dressed and make sure I have enough time to grab breakfast before class…”
XXX
“Are you alright, Makoto? You seemed rather distracted at breakfast this morning. And you
looked like you were hardly paying any attention during the lecture today.”
Makoto froze; all throughout breakfast and during Koichi’s classroom lecture, Makoto had been
racking his brain for ideas on what to do for Kyoko’s birthday next week. Makoto kicked himself
for letting himself get scatterbrained and tried to assure her.
Smiling nervously, Makoto replied “No, no, I’m alright! Everything’s fine, just one of those off-
days, ya know?”
Kyoko’s brow furrowed; as a Detective, she mainly dealt with two main types of people: those who
could lie through their teeth until confronted with irrefutable evidence, and those who couldn’t tell
a fib to save their life. Makoto fell into the latter territory; his nervousness radiated from him like a
foul odor, and his pitch raised a few octaves as he tried to reassure her. In short, Makoto Naegi was
honest to a fault.
Still, the fact that Makoto was trying to lie to her admittedly hurt a little. She felt that same sting
of betrayal that she felt when he kept the secret of Chihiro’s gender from her. Unlike then,
however, Kyoko remembered to calm down and not take it as a personal affront.
He had a good reason then, and if he’s trying so hard to lie now, he must have a good reason for
this too. I just have to trust that his motivations are pure…
Before she could think any further, a jubilant yell rang out through the Dining Hall.
“WOO-HOO!”
Makoto sighed in relief at having Kyoko’s attention diverted before looking at the jumping Hiro,
holding his Handbook above his head.
“Hiro! Bouncing about the Dining Hall like this is unacceptable in a school environment!”
Nodding, Mondo concurred “For once, I agree with Bro. You’re jumping around like one of my
little cousins in America!”
Finally stopping, Hiro rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly and apologized “Sorry guys, but I
just got an e-mail inviting me to participate in “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” They’re doing a
show right near Hope’s Peak; they’re bringing back Regis Philbin and everything, for serious!”
Sighing, Celeste put down her tea and lamented “What a waste of an invitation. They should have
invited me; my luck as the Ultimate Gambler would have practically ensured my victory.”
Pouting, Hiro retorted “Don’t be mean! This is a great opportunity! I mean, if I win, I’ll finally be
able to pay off my debts, for serious! I gotta get going; I need to seriously commune with the
spirits about what questions I’m gonna get asked!”
As Hiro dashed out of sight, Makoto pondered …I didn’t know Who Wants To Be A Millionaire did
shows in Japan…WAIT! A light bulb went off in Makoto’s brain as he realized Kyoko’s never been
to a game show before, and being right in the audience is totally different from seeing one on TV!
Maybe… “Excuse me, Kyoko…Hey, Hiro!”
Kyoko watched Makoto run out with concern before sighing and waving it off. That did not
however stop Mukuro from getting up and walking by, a concerned and angry glare on her face.
“I don’t think he’ll try anything.” At seeing Mukuro’s incredulous stare, Kyoko assured her
“Remember, the Kuzuryuu clan said that they wouldn’t try to collect on Hiro’s debt until after
graduation, and Hiro himself confessed when confronted with his crime. Not to mention he’s
planning to go on that game show to earn money. I don’t think he’ll try a repeat performance of
his organ scheme.”
Reluctantly, Mukuro nodded, sitting down where Makoto had previously sat. The two stoic girls
sat in a comfortable silence, both hoping that Kyoko’s intuition was correct.
XXX
“Hiro, wait up!”
On his way to the dorms, Hiro turned around in the hallway and greeted “Oh, Makoto. What’s
up?”
Taking a minute to catch his breath, Makoto asked “About that game show you got invited on…
could I ask you for a favor?”
XXX
Present Day
“So were you and Mukuro friends after you two rescued Daddy?”
Conflicting emotions running through her mind, Kyoko answered “We didn’t hang out regularly if
that’s what you’re wondering. That being said, there was an unspoken…trust that existed between
us. Not as strong as the trust I had in your father, but there was an understanding that we would
have each other’s backs if the situation demanded it.” …Or so I thought…
Unaware of the last thought echoing through her mother’s mind, Kiki nodded before turning to her
father and asking “So Daddy…what were you going to talk to Uncle Hiro about? Were you going
to take Mommy to that game show he got invited to?”
Seeing Makoto nod, Kyoko explained “I wasn’t aware that it was a birthday surprise, but yes, he
managed to pull the right strings. It was still a couple of days before my birthday, but your father
ended up taking me to Hiro’s performance. Once we got there…”
XXX
October 4, 2014
“So…what is the purpose of this…game show?” Kyoko asked as they took their seats.
Makoto turned his head and explained “So, a contestant has to answer a series of questions. If they
get one wrong, they’re out. But if they answer them all correctly in a row, then they win a million
U.S. dollars.”
Nodding, Kyoko asked “And do they go home with nothing if they’re “out”, as you put it?”
“Depends on how many they’ve already answered. There are certain checkpoints where the
contestant is promised that much money if they lose after answering the appropriate question.
Anything between those checkpoints…yeah, they lose if they answer wrong.”
“I see. And what kinds of questions are they?”
“Oh, mostly random trivia. One might be “What year was the Declaration of Independence
signed?” Another might be “When was King Henry the VIII born?” You know, stuff like that.”
“In other words, nothing that would actually be useful to know in the practical world…”
Makoto chuckled, scratching his cheek as he admitted “Ninety Nine percent of the time, probably
not. But knowing so much trivia is kind of impressive in its own right, don’t you think?”
“…I suppose that’s true. At the very least, it’s at least indicative of an impressive recall ability, I’ll
grant you that.” A small smile tugging at her lips, she teased “You seem to know a good deal
about this show…”
Chuckling again, Makoto explained “I uh…had a few friends and cousins who got to visit
America, and they got to see it on TV. Apparently it’s popular over there, and when they got back
they got me a collection DVD as a souvenir, so I know what I know from watching it and looking
on the internet.”
Kyoko nodded before the lights dimmed, Hiro appearing from the entrance and walking down with
a tall, grey-haired man in a tan suit in the arena, each one stopping at their podiums across from
each other.
“Good morning, and welcome to this special edition of “Who Wants To Be a Millionaire?”! I’m
your host, Regis Philbin, and our guest today is the Ultimate Clairvoyant, Yasuhiro Hagakure!
How are you, Hiro?”
Makoto looked Regis over, biting his lip, casing Kyoko to look over in concern and whisper
“Something wrong?”
Sighing quietly, Makoto explained “I can’t put my finger on it, but something seems different
about him from the footage I saw. Maybe my memory’s just a little fuzzy, or maybe the TV makes
him look and sound a little different…”
“Perhaps, but try to keep your observations in mind. A little skepticism is healthy, and given the
frequency of attacks on our classmates, we can’t afford to be too relaxed.”
Gaping, Makoto whispered “Are you saying that this might be…”
“I can’t say for sure, but anything’s possible. Let’s just keep watching for now and we can let the
evidence guide our judgment.”
Nodding reluctantly, Makoto turned back to watch with a pensive expression as Regis continued
“Before we begin, here are your lifelines.”
“Lifelines?”
Nodding, Makoto answered “Options a player can use on any given question to make answering it
a little easier. One could be cutting out some of the wrong answers, another might be polling the
audience to see what they believe the answer is.”
Nodding, Kyoko turned her attention back as Regis continued “Ask the Audience, 50:50, and
Phone a Friend.”
At that last one, Makoto frowned, causing Kyoko to ask “Did you find another piece of evidence?”
Makoto bit his lip before answering “Phone a Friend was removed from the format about four
years ago. Once internet search engines became really popular, using that lifeline became pretty
much unfair, so they replaced it with a different one. Even if this is a special edition episode, it
doesn’t make much sense to use an old lifeline that could stack the game in the contestant’s favor.
It makes the game fundamentally unfair.”
Kyoko nodded, both narrowing their eyes with suspicion as Regis announced “Alright, now, the
first question!”
XXX
“Congratulations, Hiro!”
Confetti fell from the ceiling as Hiro leapt out of his seat, cheering at Regis’s announcement.
Makoto and Kyoko on the other hand sat with their arms crossed over their chests, frowning at the
events that played out over Hiro’s performance.
Looking over at Makoto, Kyoko asked “I take it you noticed it as well?”
Nodding, Makoto agreed “Yeah; I’ve never seen any game show ask such painfully easy
questions. What is the Japanese word for sushi? What type of sword did samurais wield? What is
the capital of Japan? You’d have to be trying to actually get one of those wrong!”
“I agree. I think Hiro’s been set up; I don’t think he’s actually walking away with any prize
money.” If he walks away at all…
Makoto opened his mouth to respond when Regis continued “Alright, I unfortunately have a prior
engagement, so I have to leave early, but if you walk right through that door, your check will be
waiting for you on the other side. Sayonara!”
Makoto’s eyes narrowed along with Kyoko’s as he realized “That’s never happened before.
Whenever a contestant won, an assistant would just give them their giant check and they’d leave
through the entrance. They never had to get up from their seat…Kyoko; I think you were right.
That door’s probably a trap!”
Nodding, Kyoko stood up and instructed “You keep Hiro away from that door. I’ll chase down the
host and get some answers out of them.”
Nodding, Makoto watched Kyoko run out of sight before dashing off, grabbing onto Hiro’s jacket
and grounding his feet.
Turning around with genuine confusion on his face, Hiro said “Yo, Makoto, you mind letting go?
I need to get my money!”
“Hiro, you’re making a mistake; I don’t think…”
Before Makoto could continue a loud crunching sound attracted both of their attentions; the top of
the door suddenly collapsed, leaving only the wooden frames and two visible fangs that hung from
them.
His jaw dropping in horror, Hiro yelled “UWAH! Did that door just…did it just try to…”
Nodding, Makoto confirmed shakily “…Yeah…I think that door just tried to eat you.”
“B…but why? Why would Regis do this, for serious?”
“Because “Regis” was never here.” Makoto and Hiro turned around to see Kyoko walking back
towards them, holding what looked like a mask in her fist as she explained “The host was an
imposter; by the time I thought I had caught up to him, this mask was all they left behind.”
“What! You mean…that was all a bunch of BS?!”
Makoto and Kyoko nodded in sync, the Ultimate Clairvoyant sighing and moaning “Aww man…
and here I thought I could finally pay off my debts! Well, I’m gonna head back to my room and
drown my sorrows in brewskis.”
As they watched Hiro sulk away, Kyoko tapped Makoto’s shoulder and said “Makoto. I’d like
your assistance on this investigation.”
His brow furrowing in surprise, Makoto replied “Oh, okay…but why do you want my help with
this?”
“I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the past few attacks have tried to frame our upperclassmen,
and I expect the pattern to hold true for Hiro’s attack as well. Since you’re better acquainted with
Class 77 than I am, I need your help determining who the red herring is.”
Nodding, Makoto replied “Okay, but where should we start? All they left behind was that mask.”
“Exactly; your comment earlier about Regis not looking the same as before struck a chord with
me. I think one of our upperclassmen must be talented at acting or impersonation.”
“Okay…but according to Nanami-senpai and Yukizome-sensei, none of them were scouted for that
kind of talent.”
“I see…in that case, one of them might be impersonating a sixteenth student. If that’s true, then we
can compare photos from their original scouting and compare them to their more recent class
photos.”
Nodding, Makoto asked “Okay…I see what you’re getting at…but how are we going to access
those kinds of records.”
Sighing, Kyoko lamented “Shikata wa nai…come on, I’ll explain on the way.”
Nodding, Makoto followed Kyoko, the Ultimate Detective oblivious to his depressed expression as
he lamented …some early birthday surprise…
XXX
Carrying a binder and plopping it on the desk between him and his students, the Headmaster told
them “Normally student records would be off limits to other students. However, given the
circumstances and your assertion that Hiro’s attack could be linked to the other attacks, I’m willing
to make an exception this once. You two may look at it to your heart’s content while you’re in my
office, but you may not remove anything from my office.”
Nodding, Kyoko replied “Thank you for your leniency, Headmaster…”
Jin smiled at his daughter, an awkward silence passing until Jin stood up, informing them “I’ll be
over by the window if you need me.”
As Jin walked out of earshot, Kyoko reached for the binder and pulled it into her lap, turning it
around and opening it for her and Makoto to see.
“Okay, so what are we looking for again?”
Sighing, Kyoko answered “We’re comparing Class 77’s scouting photos to their class pictures to
see if any noticeable physical differences occur.”
Nodding, Makoto started to scan the binder along with Kyoko until the boy pointed to a picture,
exclaiming “Hey, this looks different!”
Looking over to where Makoto was pointing, she noticed a sickly blond boy in the photo, reading
the inscription “Mitarai Ryota…”
Nodding, Makoto explained “He’s known as the Ultimate Animator, but when I saw him after
meeting Nanami-senpai’s classmates, he seemed much healthier…and heavier.”
Nodding, Kyoko replied “I see…that would be a stark physical change that couldn’t be easily
explained by a time discrepancy. Perhaps…”
Kyoko then started to flip through the binder, getting to the very end until she noticed a simple
manilla folder, marked with a single label in black marker.
Makoto squinted as he read “Student Number Sixteen?”
Nodding, Kyoko replied “It would appear we’ve found our answer.”
Opening the folder, the two found a single page, marked with several copied photos, all detailing
different people.
“Hey, is that Byakuya?!”
Kyoko’s eyes followed Makoto’s finger and her eyes widened once she took in the photo Makoto
had referenced. The subject in the picture did indeed bear a startling resemblance to the Ultimate
Affluent Progeny, yet his body weight was completely out of proportion. Curious as to how that
was possible, Kyoko flipped the paper face-down and found a single typed paragraph.
Makoto read quietly “The Ultimate Imposter: a boy with no known name and whose origins are a
mystery. He is able to completely replicate a target’s appearance, mannerisms, and voice. The
only thing able to differentiate him from those he imitates is his portly figure, but even that usually
overlooked by others, due to the accuracy of his disguises.”
“Portly weight…Makoto, you said that when you saw Ryota Mitarai, he looked healthy and that he
had a heavy appearance, right?” Seeing Makoto nod, Kyoko deduced “Then I think the person you
met wasn’t Mitarai-senpai, but rather this Ultimate Imposter.” Placing the paper back in its
original position, Kyoko closed the binder and placed it back on the desk, calling out
“Headmaster.”
“Hm?”
Seeing her father walk back over to them, Kyoko replied “I have one more matter that I require of
you…”
XXX
Closing the door behind him, Ryota closed the door behind him and shyly asked “The Headmaster
said you two wished to speak to me in private?”
Nodding, Kyoko whipped out the mask she had confiscated, holding it for display in front of him
and asked “Is this your mask, Ultimate Imposter?”
His eyes momentarily widening, Ryota sighed and reached for his nose, pulling at the skin until it
started to peel away, revealing a green-eyed face with shoulder-length black hair.
“I’m surprised you figured out who I am; you’re the first to see through my disguises. Kirigiri-
kohai, right?”
Nodding, Kyoko replied “I repeat, is this your mask? It was found during a faux game show after
our classmate Yasuhiro Hagakure was attacked.”
His eyebrows furrowed in surprise, the Imposter gingerly took the mask, inspecting it until his eyes
widened in shock.
“Th…this is one of my old masks from when I was a child. Back when I was still developing my
talent, I would try to imitate various celebrities, making my own cosplay outfits. This Regis
Philbin mask was one of my old ones. I hadn’t used it in so long, I didn’t even notice when it was
missing.”
I see…that’s disappointing… Sighing, Kyoko finished “If you find a clue as to who the culprit
was, have that information relayed to Makoto.”
Seeing the Imposter nod, Kyoko finished “Then our business has concluded. Good-bye.”
“Hey, Kyoko, wait up!”
The Ultimate Imposter watched as Makoto hurried after Kyoko out of the Headmaster’s office.
XXX
“Makoto, are you alright?”
Makoto had just finished his dinner and stood up without a word, walking away as Kyoko looked
at him in concern.
Without turning back to look at her, Makoto assured her “Yeah, I’m fine. I’m just exhausted, so
I’d like to be alone for a while.”
Kyoko frowned as he walked out of sight; although she didn’t sense he was lying this time, she
couldn’t help but feel like there was something he wasn’t telling her. Concerned, but wanting to
respect his rarely expressed desire for privacy, Kyoko sighed and continued sipping her tea,
unaware of the true nature of his thoughts.
XXX
Makoto flopped on the bed, his hands behind his head and staring up at the ceiling, his hair still
damp from having taken a shower and his body dressed in his pajamas.
I thought taking a shower would make me feel better, but no luck. Makoto sighed and kicked
himself I totally blew it! Today was supposed to give Kyoko a new experience for her birthday, but
today’s game show turned out to be a total fake! Some best friend I turned out to be…
*Ring, Ring*
“Huh?”
Makoto turned his head, his hand reaching for his phone and reading “Mom. Oh, right; I forgot to
call her tonight. Guess I should answer…”
Tapping the “Accept” icon, a video window covered most of the phone, Hana, Shingi, and
Komaru’s faces displayed on the screen as they greeted “Hey, Makoto!”
“Hey, guys. Sorry I forgot to call earlier.”
Makoto tried to smile, he really did. But, being the observant mother that she was, Hana was able
to see right through him.
“What’s wrong, Makoto? You look so glum…”
“Yeah; are you having a fight with your girlfriend?” A moment of silence passed, Komaru’s
teasing expression fading into one of genuine concern as she realized “Wow, you must be feeling
down if that can’t get a rise out of you.”
Equally concerned, Shingi urged “What’s wrong, son? You can tell us.”
Sighing, Makoto confessed “It’s kind of silly…but…it’s my friend Kyoko’s birthday in a couple of
days. She’s never really celebrated her birthday before, so I wanted to do something for her as an
early birthday present. I tried showing her a new experience, but it turned out to be a total flop.”
All of his family frowned in pity; they knew firsthand the lengths Makoto would go for his family
and friends, as well as his more…extreme reactions when his plans as a little kid didn’t go
smoothly.
“Makoto…” Hana began “I know it must have been disappointing, but you said her birthday’s not
for another couple of days, right?”
Seeing his son nod, Shingi encouraged “Well, that means you still have time to make good on your
promise. Just spend tomorrow planning what to do and I’m sure she’ll love it.”
Makoto felt his confidence returning, a genuine smile spreading across his face as he started to
cheer up. His parents smiled at seeing their son’s mood improved, while Komaru had a teasing
smile on her face.
“And if she likes your surprise enough, she might even give you a thank you kiss!”
Seeing his sister wink after that remark, Makoto blushed and exclaimed “K…Komaru!”
Komaru giggled at seeing her brother’s reaction until Hana chided “Komaru, don’t go teasing your
brother right now.” Turning back to her son, Hana told him “We’ll let you go; you should go to
bed early so you can plan with a refreshed mind.”
“Good night, son. We all love you!”
Before he could even think to reply to his father, the app closed, the phone returning to the main
menu. Sighing, Makoto placed the phone back on the dresser and plugged it in before snuggling
closer into his pillow.
They’re right; it’s not too late! I can still make sure Kyoko has the best birthday ever! Thanks
Mom, thanks Dad! I’ll find it tomorrow; I HAVE to find it!
With his newfound determination, Makoto quickly fell asleep, snores reverberating through the
room as he let his mind refresh itself for the monumental task ahead of him.
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, Daddy! Baa-ba and Jii-ji really helped you out when you needed a pick-me-up!”
Smiling nostalgically, Makoto replied “Yeah…they’re the best! I don’t know how I would have
turned out without them…”
Kyoko smiled in agreement, reflecting on how warm she felt when she interacted with her in-laws.
It was then that Kiki interrupted “Yeah, Baa-ba and Jii-ji are great and all…” Kiki turned around
and crawled into her father’s lap, surprising him with an embrace and snuggling up against his
chest as she finished “But you and Mommy are the best parents ever!”
“Kiki…” Makoto’s eyes watered in joy at hearing his daughter’s exclamation.
Even Kyoko couldn’t hide her tears of joy, all of her anxieties about motherhood seeming to fade
away as her daughter’s words reverberated in her ears.
As Kiki released her grip on her father, Makoto told her “Alright, Kiki. Go give your mother a hug
before bed.”
Nodding vigorously, Kiki crawled over to Kyoko, climbing up her torso until she could wrap her
legs around Kyoko’s waist, snuggling up against her shoulder as she cooed “I love you, Mommy!
SOOOO MUCH!”
Giggling, Kyoko stroked her daughter’s hair as she cooed “I love you too, Kiki. You’re the best
daughter anyone could ask for.”
Feeling her mother kiss her cheek, Kiki let go of her embrace, climbing back down her mother and
wiggling back into her spot between her parents, head resting on the pillow. Smiling, Makoto and
Kyoko got off the bed and tucked her in before nuzzling noses with their daughter.
“Sweet dreams, Kiki.”
“Sweet dreams, Mommy. Sweet dreams, Daddy.”
Kiki yawned, her eyes drooping shut as she fell into slumber. Their moods noticeable brighter
from Kiki’s encouragement, Makoto and Kyoko quietly tiptoed out of her room, ready to fall into
slumber.
Intimacy Arc Chapter Ten: Kyoko’s Birthday Surprise!
Chapter Summary
With Kyoko's birthday only a day away, Makoto comes up with an idea, but needs
help to pull it off. Will he succeed in giving Kyoko her best birthday ever?
Chapter Notes
So, just a heads up, I'm gonna be taking a little break for a day or two after this
chapter; my daily updates and my recent commission work have left me feeling a little
burnt out. I won't be gone long, and you should expect a new chapter in maybe 3 days
or so. In the meantime, please read and comment below, and enjoy!
Present Day
“So what was your plan, Daddy? What did you do to celebrate Mommy’s birthday?”
“Well, the next day I wandered into the kitchen to make my breakfast. And while I was there…”
XXX
October 5, 2014
“Okay, no time to sit down and chat with everyone like I usually do! I’ve gotta get something
quick in my belly so I can think on a full stomach. Besides, if I stick around for too long, Kyoko’s
gonna suspect something. So…some leftover natto and rice should be good. I’ll just throw that in
the microwave and scarf it down!”
After Makoto gathered the ingredients and put them in the bowl, he immediately put it in the
microwave and set the timer for ninety seconds. As he waited for it to finish cooking, he started to
pace up and down the kitchen to keep himself occupied. Eventually his gaze settled on the case of
deli meats, Makoto smiling at the various salted meats that lined the inside of the case.
I bet the girls would go crazy if something this big was filled with cakes and sweets and stuff…wait
a minute…that’s it!
*Beep, Beep*
Makoto raced over to the microwave and opened it, grabbing a pair of chopsticks from the drawer
while he took the bowl out of the microwave and closed the door. He then scarfed it down as fast
as he could, placing is empty bowl in the sink no more than half a minute after he started eating.
Alright; I’ve got an idea! I just need their permission first to make it work! First off…him!
Makoto power-walked out of there, surprising everyone else as the boy made his way out of the
dining hall.
“Hey, Kyoko…” Sayaka asked as she wandered over to the solo Detective. “What do you think
Makoto’s hurry was?”
Sipping her coffee, Kyoko shrugged and replied “Your guess is as good as mine.”
Secretly though, she was intrigued, as rather than the pensive frown that had been on his face last
week, she saw an excited determination in his eyes.
Makoto…what’s going on with you?
XXX
*Knock, Knock*
“Come in.”
“Ano…Headmaster?”
Jin looked up in surprise, seeing Makoto shyly peek through the door, a hesitant expression on his
face.
“Oh, Makoto. Come in, don’t be shy. Please, have a seat.”
Smiling, Makoto walked in, closing the door behind him as he went to sit in one of the chairs
across from Jin.
Still feeling nervous, Makoto said “…I hope I didn’t come at a bad time…”
Shaking his head, Jin assured the boy “Not at all, Makoto. This is actually a slow day for me; I
just have a mountain of paperwork to get through.” Gesturing to the pile of forms that reached up
to Jin’s nose, the Headmaster smiled ruefully as he commented “The necessary evils of managing a
school, I suppose. So, what can I do for you?”
“Well…ano…sir…it’s Kyoko’s birthday tomorrow, sir…and I…”
Nodding, Jin urged “Go on.”
“Well…she didn’t mention to me or anyone else that it was her birthday…so it made me think that
maybe she just didn’t celebrate it…”
Frowning, Jin nodded and interrupted “I’m not surprised; my father never really made it a point to
celebrate birthdays, not even with his own son. He viewed them as a frivolous waste of time, time
that could be used to further cultivate one’s skills in the field.”
So I was right… Makoto lamented.
“My wife Hibiki and I made it a point to celebrate Kyoko’s birthdays when she was a little girl,
but…after she was taken from us and I had my falling out with my father, that stopped
happening…”
Jin frowned, his eyes drooping with the regret of years past, making Makoto frown with pity.
Not long after, Jin forced a smile back on his face as he asked “Anyway…you were saying?”
Nodding, Makoto continued “So I…I wanted to do something to give her a really memorable
birthday, and I had an idea, but I…I kinda need your permission first, Headmaster.”
Smiling appreciatively, Jin looked at Makoto and replied “I see…you’re a good friend to Kyoko…
to go so far for her…”
Blushing slightly, Makoto confessed “W…well…she’s my best friend here…and she’s really done
a lot to help me since the Akafuku incident…so I…I wanted to make sure she could smile on her
birthday…and I wanted her to know…that I’m grateful that she was born…”
Smiling at Makoto’s embarrassed confession, Jin nodded and replied “I agree, and I’d be happy to
help you out with whatever you have planned. Now…what do you need my permission for?”
XXX
“So you’ll do it?”
Sonia nodded, excitedly assuring him “Absolutely! If you believe that your friend will enjoy it,
then I’d be happy to make sure she receives some of my country’s delicacies on her birthday.
Besides, once I spread the news of its success as a birthday present in Japan, this will be a boon for
trade between our two countries!”
Of course the Ultimate Princess views this as a business opportunity… Makoto deadpanned. “And
getting it’s not going to be a problem?”
Shaking her head, Sonia assured him “Not to worry; I actually keep a healthy stash in my
refrigerator, so moving it will be an easy task! I’ll coordinate with the Headmaster on its transfer,
so you can go and plan the rest of her party.”
Bowing deeply, Makoto replied “Thank you, Nevermind-senpai!”
Grinning, Sonia gave a smaller bow and assured him “It’s my honor!”
Standing up straight, Makoto turned around and walked out of her dorm, waving back in thanks
before he closed the door. Impressively, he managed to keep an excited grin off of his face until he
got back to his room. Collapsing on his back, he fell onto his bed, confidence surging through him.
It’s gonna work! It’s really gonna work! Just wait, Kyoko; I’m gonna give you the best birthday
ever!
XXX
Present Day
“I still can’t believe just how much work you put into preparing for my birthday…”
Makoto smiled sheepishly at his wife and replied “Hey, I wanted to see you smile on your special
day!”
Giggling, Kyoko replied “And you certainly succeeded, sweetie.”
Giggling at seeing her mother ruffle her father’s hair, Kiki asked “So how did that all go down
anyways?”
“Well, I was working on some paperwork in my room when your father asked me to join him for
lunch. I was abnormally busy, but after seeing the excitement in his eyes I caved and agreed. As
we were walking to the Dining Hall…”
XXX
October 6, 2014
“Was it really necessary to ring my doorbell half a dozen times?”
Chuckling, Makoto admitted “Okay…I admit that might have been a little overboard…”
“Kind of like what you’re doing now?”
Kyoko glared as Makoto continued to push her from behind, somewhat forcing her to walk
forward, causing him to smile sheepishly.
“Hey, I just want to make sure we get there before…ano…before…”
Sighing, a now suspicious Kyoko asked “Alright, what’s going on, why are we really going…”
“SURPRISE!”
“What…?”
As soon as Kyoko stepped into the Dining Hall, everyone shouted and confetti fell from the
ceiling, leaving an incredibly baffled Kyoko to stare at her classmates who had all lined up in a
row.
“Makoto…what’s going on?”
Makoto only smiled and angled his gaze towards the ceiling by the far wall. Kyoko followed his
gaze, her eyes widening as she spotted a lavender banner hanging from the ceiling with the words
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY KYOKO” in large, white text.
You…remembered my birthday? Barely able to maintain her emotional mask, Kyoko turned her
head and deduced “I take it this was your idea?”
Grinning sheepishly, Makoto replied “Yeah…I just wanted to be sure you had a memorable
birthday. Everyone else did too, right?”
Everyone nodded in confirmation except for Byakuya and Toko, the Ultimate Affluent Brogeny
declaring “For the record…I’m only here because Makoto and the others wouldn’t stop pestering
me until I agreed.”
“And I’m only he…here because Master is!”
Hina pouted and argued “Really? Did you two have to say that out loud?”
“All we did was tell the truth; I see no reason why I should fib about my lack of enthusiasm.”
As Hina, Byakuya, and Toko continued bickering, Makoto and Kyoko sweatdropped, the Ultimate
Detective looking to her friend as she reluctantly explained “Makoto…I have a lot of casework to
do…I don’t have time to celebrate my birthday…” That’s your grandfather talking, and you know
it, Kyoko…
Pouting, Sayaka walked up with Leon in tow and urged “Oh come on, Kyoko! Makoto worked
really hard to get us all together to plan this birthday party for you!”
“Yeah, so stay a while and enjoy yourself!”
Seeing everyone else nod in accord and turning to see Makoto’s puppy-eyed stare, Kyoko caved,
sighing and acquiescing “…I suppose I can put in extra time tomorrow in between classes…”
“YAY!”
Seeing everyone else smile, Makoto reached down to grip her hand in his own, urging “Come on;
I’ve got a surprise for you in the kitchen!”
It wasn’t long before Kyoko felt herself being dragged by Makoto’s enthusiasm, the pair stumbling
right past the bickering trio as they walked into the kitchen.
Finally being let go, Kyoko took a moment to regain her bearings before she demanded “Alright,
Makoto; what’s this big surprise you had planned?”
Grinning, Makoto pointed to the meat case in the corner; following his gesture, Kyoko’s eyes
widened as she saw the meat case packed with various chocolate delicacies of various shapes and
sizes.
“Makoto…how did you…”
Beaming proudly, Makoto answered “I convinced Nevermind-san to help fill the meat case with
Novoselic chocolate, after I got your dad’s permission to do so.”
You…went to the Headma…my father?
“And look in the center!”
Kyoko slowly walked up to the case, placing her palm against the glass as she looked down,
staring at a chocolate mousse cake with the words “Happy Birthday Kyoko!” in lavender frosting.
“You…did all this?”
Nodding, Makoto took her hands in his own as he explained “I get that you don’t usually do much
to celebrate your birthday; I understand if you normally treat it like any other day. But…” Makoto
squeezed her hands as he continued “I wanted to give you a reason to smile on your birthday!
Your smile is too cute to let it go to waste! And I…I wanted to show you that we…that I’m really
grateful that you were born and got to be my friend. To me…the anniversary of your birth is
something worth celebrating!”
Makoto ended his heartfelt speech with a blush spreading across his face, an embarrassed smile
stretching from ear to ear. Unable to keep her emotional mask any longer, Kyoko showed her cute
smile before acquiescing “…Just no singing, okay?”
Letting go of her hands and scratching his cheek, Makoto replied “Yeah…I figured you wouldn’t
like that, so I told everyone not to sing beforehand.”
Smirking, Kyoko quipped “You seem to know me too well…fine, grab the cake and let’s head
back into the Dining Hall.”
Nodding, Makoto walked around the counter, urging “You go ahead and grab a seat; I’ll come out
after I get the cake out and all lit.”
Nodding, Kyoko turned around, giving Makoto one last smile before walking out of the kitchen to
take her seat with the others.
XXX
“Thank you, Hina.”
The Ultimate Swimming Pro grinned as Kyoko placed the lavender bikini that Hina gifted to her on
the chair next to her. Like Makoto had promised, no singing had occurred and they instead went
straight to blowing out the candles and dividing the cake amongst the class.
Immediately afterwards, they proceeded to give Kyoko the presents they had gotten. Well, almost
everyone; Byakuya claimed to have paid for everyone else’s gifts, Junko claimed that just being at
the party was a gift in and of itself, and Toko stammered that any gift she chose Kyoko would just
throw away.
In addition to the bikini she got from Hina, she got an upcoming music album from Sayaka, a
supply of protein packets from Sakura, a signed baseball from Leon, an extra uniform from Taka, a
basic programming book from Chihiro, a dish of gyoza from Celeste, a Detective Conan DVD
from Hifumi, a Crazy Diamond jacket from Mondo, and a survival knife from Mukuro. Since
Makoto’s orchestration of the party and the novoselic chocolates he procured was plenty gift
enough, that left Hiro.
“Alright, my birthday present is going to be a free fortune for you. Hey, Makoto; you come in here
too!”
“Huh? Why me?”
“’Cuz I still owe you for saving my life a couple of days ago. And since your last gift of bringing
Kyoko to that game show flopped, this is my way of making up for that, for serious!”
Kyoko looked at Makoto in shock, who chuckled sheepishly as he sat down, scratching his cheek.
So…when he was distracted a few days ago…it was because he was trying to figure out what to do
for my birthday…at least it wasn’t anything serious…
As Makoto finished settling in his seat next to the touched Detective, Hiro took out his crystal ball
and instructed “Alright, you two put a hand each on the crystal ball and I’ll be able to tell your
fortunes.”
Nodding, Kyoko placed her hand on the ball’s smooth surface, followed by Makoto placing his
hand over hers. Hiro’s hands hovered over the ball, the Ultimate Clairvoyant humming and closing
his eyes for about thirty seconds.
Once they flashed open, Makoto and Kyoko removed their hands before Hiro asked ”Hey,
Makoto? Remember that reading I gave you once where I said that our children would have the
exact same mother?”
You mean the one where I prayed to Amaterasu, Jesus Christ, and Buddha that you’d be wrong?
Nodding, Makoto meekly affirmed “Y…yeah…”
Kyoko glanced at Makoto, her eyes saying “I pity you…”
Unaware of their inner turmoil, Hiro grinned and declared “Well, the spirits have clarified that
viison to me! The mother of our children is…YOU, KYOKO!”
“WHAT?!” A blushing Makoto shook his head as he denied Nope! Denied! Don’t like it!
Sighing, Kyoko calmly denied “That fortune is bogus.”

Shaking his head, Hiro retorted “Nope; it’s not bogus! All my fortunes have at least a 30% chance
of coming true.”
“Which means that conversely, they have a 70% chance of not coming true.”
“…You suck, you know that? I’m never giving you another fortune ever again! Besides, this
one’s somewhat based in precedent.”
Her eyebrows raised in curiosity, Kyoko questioned “And how did you come to that conclusion?”
“Well…even if the part about me is wrong…you guys really like each other, right? I
mean...everyone here can see it. So it’s only a matter of time before you two get married and have
kids.”
“MARRIED?”
“KIDS?”
Makoto and Kyoko blushed, embarrassed by Hiro’s assertion.
“Hiro, we’re not…”
“Sorry I’m late to the party, kids!”
Everyone turned around to see Headmaster Kirigiri, holding a wrapped box with Koichi by his
side.
Kyoko sighed in relief as she thought I never thought I’d be glad to see the Headma…my father in
my life…
Walking up between them, Koichi kneeled between their seats as he teased “So what was that
about? You two planning to make the Headmaster a Jii-chan already?”
Makoto blushed as he tried to fervently deny the tease, while Kyoko, long used to Koichi’s teasing,
merely sighed and denied “Merely a bogus fortune from a bogus Clairvoyant.”
Grinning, Koichi stepped back as Jin walked forward, standing next to Hiro. Taking the hint, Hiro
stood up and, after collecting his crystal ball, went to join the others, filing out and back to their
dorms to give Kyoko and her father some privacy.
Once the four of them were alone, Jin smiled and looked his daughter in the eye, congratulating
softly “Happy Birthday, Kyoko; I should have been there for a lot more of them. I hope someday
we can start fresh, but until then, I’d like you to have this from your mother and me.”
“From Mom?” Kyoko asked in surprise as she gingerly took the package from her father.
Seeing him nod, Kyoko opened the package, revealing a simple box. Opening the lid, she removed
two naturalistic dolls, rope like ligaments forming their arms and legs. Kyoko’s eyes widened as
memories of years past came flooding back.
“Bojobo dolls?”
Nodding, Jin explained “When you were six or seven years old, you kept begging your mother and
me to get you some after coming across a pair on one of your trips with your grandfather. Your
mother had bought some and planned to give them to you for your eighth birthday. Unfortunately,
after your mother passed and your grandfather assumed guardianship, they just sat in my attic. I
know it’s a decade late, but I hope you still like them. Happy eighteenth birthday, Kyoko.”
Examining them for just a second, Kyoko nodded and replied “…Thank you, Headmaster.”
Smiling, Jin nodded before turning around and walking out of the Dining Hall, Koichi tipping his
hat as he followed, leaving the two friends alone.
XXX
“That was really nice of your Dad, to come by and celebrate your birthday for a little bit.”
Kyoko nodded as she carried her presents and Novoselic Chocolate in a bag in one hand while
carrying her Bojobo dolls in the other, the two walking back to their dorms.
“Yes. If things continue…I suppose…reconnecting with the Headmaster won’t be the…worst

thing in the world.”
Smiling, Makoto replied “I’m glad to hear that. I can tell he really does care about you…”
Shaking her head with an amused smile, Kyoko corrected “I think that honor belongs to you.”
Turning to him with a barely concealed blush, Kyoko forced out “…Thank you, Makoto. You
really made my birthday a memorable one.” Giving him her cute smile, Kyoko admitted “I can’t
remember the last time I felt so…happy on my birthday. You were right; I haven’t actually
celebrated my own birthday in ten years. I never thought I’d have a reason to do so.”
“Kyoko…”
“I…I’m glad you gave me a reason to celebrate it…even if I didn’t get any work done.”
“Hey, come on; nobody should have to work on their birthday! It’s a time to celebrate, not stress
out in front of paperwork.”
Kyoko giggled, making Makoto smile as he took in the sound of her laughter.
I’ve never really heard her laugh out loud like that. I think that must be her natural laugh. It’s…
really pretty…
Once her giggles subsided, Kyoko settled into a smile as they arrived at her dorm, the Ultimate
Detective finishing “I should get a good night’s sleep. I’ll see you tomorrow, Makoto.”
Nodding, Makoto bowed his head and returned “Okay…good night, Kyoko.”
“…Makoto?”
“Huh?”
Makoto turned his head around to see Kyoko biting her lip in hesitation before finally offering “I
have another case this weekend. Would you like to assist me again?”
Nodding, Makoto smiled, agreeing “Sure! If I can help you, I’m happy to do so!”
Smiling, Kyoko replied “Good. We’ll leave on Saturday at the same time and place that we did
with the Akafuku case. Good night, Makoto; thanks again for today.”
Makoto watched as Kyoko closed the door behind her, leaving the boy to walk back to his own
dorm alone. He took one last look at her door before uttering one last sentence.
“Happy Birthday, Kyoko Kirigiri.”
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, Mommy! It was sure nice of Daddy to do all that for you. Plus it was really great of your
Daddy to come and wish you a happy birthday too!”
Nodding, Kyoko smiled nostalgically and replied “Yes…it was. I wish I hadn’t been so hard on
him when I was a child…”
Smiling sadly, Makoto wrapped his arm around his wife and pulled her close, kissing the top of her
hair in comfort and reassurance.
Once they were done, Kiki asked “So what was this case you asked Daddy to help you with?”
“…That will have to wait until tomorrow, sweetie. It’s already past your bedtime.”
“Aww…” Kiki pouted before wiggling under the blankets.
Smiling, Makoto and Kyoko pulled the blankets up to Kiki’s chin, tucking her in before leaning
down to kiss her nose.
“Love you too…”
Kiki yawned before finally falling asleep. Smiling, Makoto and Kyoko crept out of the room,
closing the door behind them as they left to slumber in their bed.
Intimacy Arc Chapter Eleven: After School Lesson!
Chapter Summary
With Ibuki Mioda's guitar the latest target in a string of musical instrument thefts,
Kyoko asks Makoto to accompany her in her investigation, hoping to find some clue to
track down their classmates' assailant. But will the Ultimate Detective find herself
under assault in turn?
Present Day
“So what happened next, Mommy? You said Daddy helped you on another case, right?”
Nodding, Kyoko answered “Yes, your father met up with me at the agreed upon time and place…
on time this time, thankfully.” Makoto beamed proudly as Kyoko continued “We then rode the car
to the scene where we would be investigating. But when we got there…”
XXX
October 11, 2014
*Creak*
The huge metal doors slowly opened as Makoto and Kyoko pushed on them, the Detective and her
assistant walking inside the grey building.
Makoto looked around and broke the ice “So…you think the culprit might have been hiding out in
this instrument factory?”
Nodding, Kyoko confirmed “Yes; like I said in the car, numerous musical instruments in the city
were stolen by an unknown burglar.”
Makoto nodded in return; normally Kyoko only took murder cases of her own volition. However,
once the guitar of one Ibuki Mioda had been stolen, Kyoko instantly volunteered to take on the
case. Of course, she had an ulterior motive, as Makoto recalled.
“Considering that all the attacks on our classmates involved items connected to the 77th class in an
attempt to frame them, finding Mioda’s stolen property before it can be utilized in another assault
could help us to track down who our mystery assailant is.”
Makoto looked around the factory; various musical instruments lined the walls, conveyor belts
crisscrossing the area below their feet and above their heads, as though forming a giant maze with
no discernable beginning or end.
“So…you think the culprit might have chosen to hide the guitar in plain sight?”
Smiling in approval, Kyoko confirmed “That’s right; nobody would dare think a culprit would
hide in a musical instrument factory, since it’s filled to the brim with instruments that get produced
every day.”
“Which conversely means that it would be the perfect place to hide the fruits of their labor, right?”
Kyoko smirked and replied “That’s correct. So our first order of business is going to be to find
Ibuki’s guitar. If we find it, I can inspect it to see if the culprit left any identifying marks before we
return to Hope’s Peak.”
“Okay…so…should we start with this giant room first?”
Nodding in confirmation, Kyoko confirmed “Yes; you start investigating along the left wall while
I start from the right. We’ll meet in the center and see what we found, okay?”
“Okay.”
With that, the two separated and got to work.
XXX
“Find anything?”
Makoto shook his head and denied “No; the guitar wasn’t in this main chamber.”
“I see…alright, let’s check out the next room. Follow me.”
Nodding, Makoto followed Kyoko through another set of doors into a long corridor. Makoto
gazed around the room, spotting a long conveyor belt with a giant metal press at the end.
“So…you think it’s here?”
“…It’s possible. This looks like a processing plant used to press scrap metal into usable sheets.”
Turning around, she suggested “Let’s start looking, same formation as before. We should stay
away from the press though, it might be…”
*Clang*
“AGH!”
“KYOKO!”
Makoto stared down in horror as Kyoko was forced to the ground, various iron pipes pinning her
legs and lower back.
“Kyoko! Are you okay?”
Kyoko gave him a pained smile and assured him “Yes, I’m fine. This place must have been
abandoned if the architecture is in such disrepair. We should…”
*Grind*
Before she could finish, misfortune struck a second time; the conveyor belt started moving, making
her freeze as a pounding sound rang in her ears. Turning her head, Kyoko’s eyes narrowed as the
press activated, pounding up and down as the conveyor belt pulled her closer and closer.
*Bang*
Makoto rushed over in horror, yelling “Kyoko! Hang on, I’ll…”

*Bang*
“No time!” Kyoko interrupted “Makoto, there should be a control switch in this room. Find it and
shut off the machine before it’s too late!”
*Bang*
Nodding, Makoto agreed “Alright, leave it to me!”
*Bang*
Makoto rushed off and out of sight, leaving Kyoko alone. Seconds flew by, the pounding getting
louder and louder as the conveyor belt drew her closer and closer. As her death drew closer with
still no sign from Makoto, Kyoko started to panic inside.
Where is he? Makoto, you need to hurry!
*Bang*
Kyoko felt her breath constricted, her lungs refusing to work as though preparing for the end.
Eventually, she was only a few feet away, making the Ultimate Detective shut her eyes, her face
turning purple as she felt true terror for the first time.
*Bang*
Abandoning all hope of survival, she bemoaned This is it; I’m going to die here! This is where I
meet my end. Makoto’s…abandoned me…Huh?
Kyoko heard a creak, and just like that, the conveyor belt came to a stop, the press stopping just
above her feet. Kyoko breathed a sigh of relief as she internally rejoiced.
It stopped; that was TOO close. That must mean…
“KYOKO!”
As if answering her deduction, Makoto ran up to her, stumbling into a kneeling position before her
and started throwing the various metal pipes off of her body.
“Are…are you okay? You’re not hurt, are you?”
Makoto… Feeling tears of joy threatening to bubble, Kyoko took a deep breath, restraining her
emotions as she answered “I’m alive; that’s what matters, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, just…thank Kami I found it in time! We should get out of here and regroup at Hope’s
Peak.”
For once, Kyoko agreed; having just survived a traumatic near-death accident, she wasn’t exactly
eager to risk her life further for a guitar, even if it might have held clues to the other mystery.
Once Makoto got the last pipe off of her, Makoto asked “Can you stand?”
Nodding, Kyoko replied “I…I think so…”
Kyoko attempted to stand up, then hissed and collapsed, her legs roaring in pain and unable to
support her weight.
“Are you okay?”
Looking up at Makoto’s panicked expression, Kyoko assured him “I’m alright; just the impact of
those pipes must have injured my legs. I’m…”
Kyoko blushed, embarrassed to admit that she couldn’t presently walk. Makoto nodded before
turning his back to her and kneeling on the floor.
“Here; climb on my back. I’ll support you until we get back to the car.”
XXX
Makoto kicked open the double doors with his foot, supporting an embarrassed Kyoko who was
draped across his back, Makoto respectfully supporting her thighs as her arms were loosely
wrapped around his neck.
In an attempt to keep her thoughts away from how embarrassed she was, she forced a smile and
quipped “You know, this is the second time you’ve saved my life during a case; I’m slipping.”
Makoto smiled at the joke before it drooped along with his eyes as he admitted “…Actually…I’m
wondering if maybe…I might be to blame for your injuries…then and now.”
Frowning with concern, Kyoko asked “What do you mean?”
Sighing, Makoto continued to walk as he explained “…Because I’m unlucky.” Before she could
even think of retorting, Makoto continued “You don’t know this, but I first ran into Jutaro Akafuku
in a run of bad luck before entering Hope’s Peak.” Kyoko DID know, but feigned ignorance by
keeping silent as Makoto continued “Then when we were investigating his escape, my bad luck
caused us to run into him, then caused the house to collapse on you before you could escape. And
now this…”
“Makoto…”
Shaking his head, Makoto continued “What were the odds that those pipes fell on you and nearly
got you killed during our investigation? It could only have been because you were with me, and
my bad luck rubbed off on you. Maybe…if we hadn’t met…you would never have been put in
danger…”
Makoto… “…No, that’s wrong!”
“Huh?”
Makoto turned his head to look Kyoko in the eye, an irritated and angry detective retorting “Naegi-
kun, stop saying such nonsense. You’re not unlucky, and your luck isn’t what nearly got me
killed. If anything, your luck saved me. I was lucky that you came back to carry me out of there,
and I was lucky today that you were here to stop the conveyor belt in the nick of time. So don’t go
berating yourself and saying that I’d be better off if I never met you. The truth is…your friendship
had made me a better person, and I…I can’t imagine how I would have turned out if you hadn’t
decided to be my friend. I…I value you, Makoto…”
“Kyoko…” Both Makoto and Kyoko blushed before Makoto gave her a cheerful smile and agreed
“Okay, it wasn’t my fault. Now, let’s get out of here.”
Makoto turned his head back around and continued walking, Kyoko still blushing at both her
current predicament and her uncharacteristically heartfelt speech. As she continued to reflect on
how much she had changed because of him and how better off she was since meeting him, she
started to feel a warm, fuzzy feeling in her heart.
Makoto…
Choosing not to ignore this feeling for once in her life, Kyoko leaned her head down, burying it
against the shoulder of his hoodie and hiding a warm smile at how safe and protected she felt,
being carried by him.
XXX
“How bad is it?” Jin asked, the three of them assembled in the nurse’s office as Mikan finished
inspecting Kyoko’s injuries.
Once Makoto got Kyoko back to Hope’s Peak, he carried her on his back again to the Nurse’s
Office since she wasn’t able to walk. After determining that Kyoko wasn’t in any immediate
danger, Mikan called the Headmaster, who rushed into the room in a frightened panic, making
Kyoko feel a sense of déjà vu.
“W…well…” Mikan stuttered “She’s extremely lucky; none of her bones are broken or even
fractured. Her muscles are just really sore and tender from the impact. So as long as she stays off
of her legs for the evening and applies ice to the afflicted areas, she should be fine by tomorrow.”
Makoto and Jin breathed out a sigh of relief while Kyoko teased “Your good luck must have
rubbed off on me.”
Makoto and Jin smiled, the Headmaster replying “I’m glad you can still exhibit a sense of humor.”
Kyoko went silent, still not used to having a normal exchange with her father.
After a minute, Kyoko turned to Mikan, asking “So may I go now, Tsumiki-senpai?”
Nodding, Mikan answered “Yes; just take some ibuprofen for the pain and be sure to stay on
bedrest for tonight. Will you need a wheelchair?”
Shaking her head, Kyoko turned to Makoto, who nodded in acceptance of her silent request. The
boy then walked over to the bed, squatting down so Kyoko could slump over his back, carrying her
to the entryway.
“I’ll bring you the ice and ibuprofen” Jin volunteered, carrying several ice packs and a generic pill
bottle in his arms as he followed Makoto and Kyoko back to her room, her father smiling as he
noticed Kyoko tighten her grip against the boy supporting her weight and burying her face against
his shoulder.
XXX
“Here’s your ibuprofen and your water. Is there anything else you need?”
Kyoko took the water and medicine from Jin gratefully while Makoto gradually handed her more
ice for her to apply to her legs and lower back. The only thing she wouldn’t let either of them do
was help her change into her nightgown. For that, Makoto briefly called in Sayaka who gently
nudged them both outside for a minute while she helped Kyoko change. Once the door opened
again, she gave them the all clear before going back to her room.
“No thank you Fa…Headmaster…”

Makoto and Jin smiled at the momentary slipup before Kyoko drank her medicine and water,
handing the now empty cup back to her father.
Makoto replied “Then we’ll leave you to get some rest. Just…text me if you need anything,
okay?”
Nodding, Kyoko agreed “Very well. Good night, Makoto.”
As Makoto left, Jin followed the boy before turning his head to smile warmly at his daughter,
telling her “I’m glad you’re safe, Kyoko.”
At last Jin turned off the light and closed the door, just before Kyoko muttered “…Me too…”
Settling into a laying position and adjusting the ice pack on her back. As she prepared to doze off,
Kyoko thought back to Makoto’s heroic behavior, blushing as she felt that unidentifiable, yet warm
feeling in her heart that made her feel safe and protected.
…Thank you…Makoto…
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, Mommy! Daddy sure was there for you when you needed him! Was that when you
realized you were in love with him?”
Shaking her head, Kyoko answered “I…the feeling was definitely getting stronger. Being
conscious while he carried me to safety definitely pushed me in the right direction…but I think I
just passed off my love for him as severe gratitude. It wouldn’t be until later that I caved.”
“Well…love or not…I’m glad that you at least felt like you could depend on me. You know I’d do
anything to protect you, back then and now.”
Makoto’s execution flashed though her mind, the former detective well aware of exactly what
lengths Makoto had gone to in the past to protect her from harm.
“Yeah…I know, Makoto. Besides…you remember that day wasn’t the last time I would need to
lean on you.”
Her interest piqued, Kiki asked “What do you mean, Mommy?”
“…That incident led to something that I didn’t know how to deal with, that I needed your father to
cope with. As for what it was…that will have to wait until tomorrow.”
Kiki nodded without complaint; hearing about her mother’s second brush with death was scary
enough. Even she could admit to needing to sleep on it a night before hearing more of her
mother’s emotional pain.
As Kiki settled under the blankets, Makoto brought them up to her chin. As Kyoko leaned down to
kiss her forehead, Kiki reached up and wrapped her arms around, Kyoko’s neck, pulling her down
and nuzzling her mother’s nose with her own.
Surprised, Kyoko just smiled warmly, nuzzling her daughter in return as Kiki cooed “Good night,
Mommy. I love you.”
Finishing with a kiss to her nose, Kyoko pulled back as her daughter released her, returning “We
love you too, Kiki. Good night.”
Kiki yawned before falling into slumber, leaving the two beaming parents to reluctantly leave the
room, closing the door behind them as they left to nuzzle and snuggle under their own blankets.
Intimacy Arc Chapter Twelve: Kyoko’s Nightmares and Makoto’s
Comforting Embrace
Chapter Summary
Still traumatized from her near-death experience, Kyoko wakes up in a cold sweat
from a nightmare. How will she cope with this new development?
Present Day
“So what happened next, Mommy? You said something happened that you needed Daddy’s help
to handle, right?”
Nodding, Kyoko confirmed “That’s right. Physically, I was recovering swiftly. However, my
second brush with death ended up taking a toll on my emotional health. I tried brushing it off the
next morning, but that evening…as I was trying to sleep…”
XXX
October 12, 2014
*Bang*
Kyoko gasped, struggling to get up from her prone position, only for her body to refuse to listen as
the pounding of the press got closer and closer.
*Bang*
Still pinned down by an invisible force, Kyoko started to hyperventilate, her face starting to turn
purple as she felt terror overcome her.
*Bang*
“Makoto, where are you?”
*Bang*
“Makoto, I need you!”
*Bang*
Now crying, Kyoko wailed “Makoto, please!”
*Bang*
“PLEASE! Don’t abandon me!”
*Bang*
At last Kyoko was completely under the press, her heart rate skyrocketing as she trembled in fear,
wailing as all hope left her body. With nothing left to do, she screamed.
*Bang* *SPLAT!*
XXX
*GASP!*
Kyoko skyrocketed into a sitting position, wrapping her arms around her shoulders in a self-
contained embrace as she shivered, the terror she felt during the nightmare still ravaging her soul.
“Just a dream…Just that dream…again…”
Last night, Kyoko had the same nightmare she just awoke from, except last time she was able to
brush it off and go back to sleep. Now however, the young girl felt her panic and terror overtake
her. As a result, she was nowhere near calm enough to suppress her emotions and go back to
sleep. Seeing a single drop of moisture fall on her nightgown, Kyoko brought her bare hands to her
eyes, feeling what had to be tears falling from her cheeks.
“Get a hold of yourself, Kyoko. You’ve survived close calls before. You didn’t even cry after you
nearly died during the Akafuku case. So why now?” Because last time you weren’t consciously
depending on someone for your survival. This time you were, and the possibility that Makoto
could have abandoned you terrified you…
Makoto…
Kyoko’s gaze wandered to her desk, where the Detective Conan plushie that Makoto won for her
sat, just barely in arms’ reach.
Makoto…
Kyoko flashed back to how he carried her when she was unable to walk, as well as the warm and
happy feeling that washed over her when he cared for her.
“Makoto, I need you!” “PLEASE! Don’t abandon me!”
Kyoko’s eyes widened at the realization that she craved that warm, safe feeling. She craved the
intimate protection that Makoto offered her during her time of need…no, she didn’t crave it; she
needed it, and she needed it now.
“Get a hold of yourself, Kyoko!” Kyoko chided herself “You are the Ultimate Detective; you can’t
go bother Makoto this late at night just because you had a bad dream!”
“Just…text me if you need anything, okay?”
Recalling Makoto’s offer, she stared at the plushie sitting on her desk, eventually closing her eyes
and sighing in resignation.
“I must be out of my mind…”
XXX
*Yawn* “Boy, I can’t believe I beat Resident Evil in one sitting!” Makoto exclaimed as he
powered off his Gamecube.
Makoto had just spent nearly three hours playing through the entirety of the remake of Resident
Evil, trying to see if he could beat it in one sitting just for fun. Luck seemed to be on his side, as he
was able to complete Chris’s campaign in record time.
“And I used to get so scared playing that game…scared…”
His thoughts drifted to Kyoko, the panicked look on her face etched into his mind.
Even if she denied it, there’s no way she wasn’t at least a little scared by what…nearly happened.
Makoto didn’t admit it, but deep down he was scared that day, more so than he was during the
Akafuku case.
And if I was scared, then Kyoko must have been terrified…
Makoto frowned as he recalled that morning, asking her during breakfast if she was alright. Kyoko
waved him off and assured him that she was fine, but even she couldn’t hide the haunted look in
her eyes as they locked gazes that morning, almost as if she were secretly calling to him for help.
…I shouldn’t pry, but I’m really worried about her…I just wish she’d…
*Ding Dong*
“Huh?”
Confused, Makoto looked at the clock in his room, frowning as he saw the time.
“It’s almost ten; who’s still awake at this hour?” Sighing, Makoto resolved “Guess I should see
who it is…”
Makoto walked over to his door, opening it before his eyes widened at the sight of Kyoko Kirigiri,
dressed in her lavender nightgown, dark circles under her purple eyes and dried tear tracks staining
her cheeks. Her normally elegant, flowing violet hair was all frazzled, unnerving the Ultimate
Lucky Student.
“Kyoko?” Her eyes gazed up into his own, starting to scare the young boy as he realized The look
in her eyes…it’s just like this morning…only it’s ten times worse! She looks…truly terrified…
Whatever this is about, I have to help her!
Wordlessly, Makoto nodded, opening his door fully and gesturing for Kyoko to come in. Nodding
gratefully, Kyoko slowly walked inside, grunting with minor pain and causing Makoto to rush
forward, supporting her as they sat down on his bed.
“Kyoko, are you okay? Are you in pain?”
Shaking her head, Kyoko answered “My legs are still slightly sore, but I’m fine…”
Physically, maybe…but not emotionally… Makoto deduced as he watched Kyoko clasp her hands
together, the Ultimate Detective staring down at her knees for several minutes as an uncomfortable
silence permeated the air before Kyoko finally spoke.
“I know this isn’t exactly the best time, and I apologize for bothering you like this, but I…needed
to speak with you.”
Seeing the doubt flicker in her eyes, Makoto reached for her gloved hand with his own, squeezing
it as he reassured her “Whatever it is, it must be important. You’re not one to go visit people
without reason, and besides, you’re not a bother, Kyoko. If you need something, I’m happy to give
you whatever of my time you need.”
Her cheeks just faintly dusting pink, Kyoko smiled briefly before frowning and admitting ”I…I’ve
been having some…bad dreams these past couple of nights.”
Alarmed, Makoto asked “What? Bad dreams?”
XXX
By the time she finished recounting her nightmare, Kyoko had grown quiet, the girl barely able to
retain her emotional mask. For his part, Makoto gaped at the suffering girl sitting next to him, his
heart breaking at hearing exactly how traumatized she was.
“Kyoko…I’m…”
“…I didn’t come here seeking your pity, Makoto…” Kyoko nearly spat, already ashamed and
embarrassed enough for seeking his help without adding on his well-intentioned pity to the pile.
Then what do you want from him?
Taking a deep breath, Makoto openly pondered “Kyoko…you know I’m happy to help you with
anything…but maybe you’d feel better talking about this kind of stuff with your Dad…you saw
how much he cared about you when you were injured yesterday. Or if things are still too strained
between you two…maybe another girl like Sayaka or Hina…”
Shaking her head before he could finish, Kyoko admitted “The Headmaster…I tolerate his
presence in my life…but I can’t trust him with something this delicate…not at present at least.
And I’m not close enough with anyone else in my class to divulge such personal stories to…You’re
the only one I trust with my secrets, Makoto.”
“Kyoko…” Makoto stared incredulously at the embarrassed girl currently in his bedroom,
thinking I knew we were close…she’s my best friend after all. But…to admit that I’m the only one
she can trust…I don’t know what to say!
Makoto’s thoughts were interrupted as Kyoko sighed and berated herself “I don’t even know why
I’m getting so upset over this. It’s not like I haven’t faced life-threatening danger in my job
before. I didn’t even get bad dreams after the Akafuku incident…”
“Kyoko…” Reaching down to grasp her gloved hand with his own, Kyoko looked up at him as he
gently squeezed her hand, encouraging her “There’s no shame in admitting you’re afraid. It’s
normal to be scared after coming so close to dying like that.”
“But it shouldn’t bother me. Makoto, I’m the Ultimate Detective; I’ve been training to do this ever
since I was born. I’ve had years and years to suppress my fears, so this shouldn’t be happening…”
“…Do you remember when I told you that I had nightmares after the Akafuku case, Kyoko?”
Kyoko looked at him with befuddlement, wondering where he was going with this as she slowly
nodded.
“Well, I don’t remember too much of it back then, but apparently even when I was a little kid, I
was really vulnerable to night terrors. But I wanted to be the strong big brother for my little sister,
and I didn’t want my parents to worry about me, so I kept my bad dreams to myself and pretended
everything was fine.”
…Just like my grandfather told me to do… Kyoko realized as she digested the beginning of
Makoto’s tale.
“I couldn’t keep it in forever, though. Eventually the fear just festered until apparently one night, I
woke up screaming. I screamed so loud that my Mom came rushing in to see if I was okay. Once I
had calmed down, I came clean, realizing that I was caught, and further fibbing would have been
pointless. After my Mom put me back to sleep and I woke up the next morning, she and Dad sat
me down and told me a hard truth.”
“…What was that?”
Smiling nostalgically, Makoto revealed “That bottling everything inside wasn’t healthy; that I was
just making things worse for myself by trying to tough it out and not telling anyone that I was
scared. They also told me that it was okay to lean on others and ask them for help.”
Smiling warmly, Makoto then turned to face Kyoko, making the Ultimate Detective gasp as she
felt him wrap his arms around her torso, pulling her in for a comforting hug.
“Makoto…”
“…I know you’re not typically someone who relishes in physical contact…but my Mom always
told me that a warm hug when you’re scared always helps. I don’t want to be crossing any
boundaries I shouldn’t, but you look like you could really use one. If I’m crossing a line, just let
me know and I’ll stop.”
“I…” This is what you wanted, wasn’t it? Stop lying to yourself; you were terrified and his touch
made you feel safe and warm. Now here he is, offering his warm embrace to you freely. Just stop
overthinking it for once and admit you like his hugs!
The blushing Kyoko didn’t say a word, but her actions spoke volumes; partially to bask in the
warm safety his embrace offered, and partially to hide her blush from his sight, Kyoko wrapped her
arms around him, pulling him close and resting her head against his shoulder. Makoto beamed,
happy that Kyoko was permitting him to held her close. And so the two friends sat, Makoto
holding her close and protecting her from the trauma that threatened to plunge her into despair.
After a long, pleasant silence, the two best friends reluctantly pulled apart, Kyoko standing up as
she said gratefully “…Thank you, Makoto…it…helped. I should…get back to my room now. I’ve
taken up enough of your sleep cycle as it is.”
Makoto frowned, but nodded and relented “O…okay…just remember…if you need anything…”
Kyoko couldn’t help the relieved smile that crossed her face, assuring him “Thank you, but I’ll be
okay. I’m…feeling better now, Makoto.”
Slightly relieved, Makoto accepted “Okay…good night, Kyoko.”
“Good night, Makoto.”
As Kyoko closed the door behind her, Makoto sighed with worry, thinking …I hope she’ll be
okay...well, I’ve done what I can for now. Besides… Makoto looked at the clock, realizing It’s
eleven o’clock; I need to get to bed.
Makoto proceeded to shut the lights off before crawling into bed, laying his head against his pillow
and falling into slumber.
Pleasant dreams, Kyoko…please, just have pleasant dreams tonight…
XXX
Kyoko didn’t have pleasant dreams…in fact she didn’t dream at all. With Makoto now in another
room and Kyoko too guilty and embarrassed to admit to him that she wanted him close, she just
laid in her bed, unable to fall asleep out of fear that her traumatic nightmare would come back and
haunt her into another cold sweat.
…This is ridiculous. You can’t let a bad dream beat you like this, and you can’t just go run to
Makoto every time you want a hug. You have to tough it out alone…alone…
Her eyes widening in realization, she turned to the desk adjacent to her bed, spotting the Detective
Conan plushie that seemed to stare at her, its familiar warmth seeming to taunt her.
…Oh, what the hell!
Caving to her desires, Kyoko reached for the plushie and hugged it close to her face, cuddling with
it as she pretended that the plushie was Makoto, hugging her and comforting her until she felt at
ease.
“Makoto…” Kyoko sighed, a smile finally crossing her face as she felt her eyelids droop,
snuggling Makoto’s plushie close as she finally fell into slumber, her sleep finally filled with
pleasant dreams for the rest of the evening.
XXX
Present Day
“That plushie I got you really helped that much?”
Nodding, Kyoko twirled a lock of hair around her finger as she confirmed “…Yes. It really helped
me to calm down and sleep that night.”
“But Mommy!” Kiki asked “Why didn’t you just go back and snuggle with Daddy?”
Frowning, Makoto tried to explain “…Kiki…once you get to a certain age…sleeping in the same
bed with a boy your age who isn’t family…isn’t really viewed as appropriate. Remember that at
the time, your mother and I were still just friends. Friends that crushed on each other, but still just
friends. Even though I…wouldn’t have minded if she asked for that…” Makoto blushed as he
finished “We were both too nervous for her to ask or for me to offer.” …Even though I made the
suggestion to Sayaka…
“But that’s silly!” Kiki refuted “If you both liked each other and Mommy wanted you to hug and
snuggle her, then she should have just gone back and told you!”
Kyoko had to hold back a giggle at her daughter’s childlike, straightforward logic, unimpeded by
societal rules and norms.
“Well, regardless sweetie, our talk did help us to become closer and would become another step to
our eventual romantic relationship.”
Sufficiently distracted by Kyoko’s revelation, Kiki beamed and exclaimed “that’s great, Mommy!
What happened next?”
Giggling, Kyoko ruffled her daughter’s hair and promised “Tomorrow, sweetie. It’s late.”
“Awww…” Kiki pouted, but nonetheless obeyed.

She got nestled under the blankets, feeling her parents drape the covers up to her chin before
kissing her goodnight on the forehead. Makoto and Kyoko smiled as they quietly crept out of
Kiki’s room to slumber in their own.
XXX
“I can’t believe you still kept that!”
Kyoko smiled at her husband as they snuggled together, a worn, beat-up Detective Conan plushie
sandwiched between them.
“It’s not often, but sometimes I like to sleep with it when I’m feeling particularly nostalgic for the
good old days.”
Makoto gave a teasing grin as he quipped “That thing just better not replace me, alright?”
Shaking her head, Kyoko promised “Never; no plushie could ever replace you, Makoto Naegi. I
love you.”
Grinning with love, Makoto leaned to kiss his wife, her husband quickly pulling away as he cooed
“I love you too, Kyoko Naegi. Pleasant dreams, honey.”
Snuggling into his chest with the plushie between their bellies, Kyoko cooed “I always do, now
that I can snuggle you every night.”
Intimacy Arc Chapter Thirteen: Bullies from Dusk High School?
Chapter Summary
With the attacks on Class 78th seeming to have died down after Kyoko's brush with
death, a burnt out Makoto decides to take a stroll around the city to clear his head,
despite Kyoko's warnings. Will his foolish naivete come back to bite him?
Present Day
“So what happened after you and Mommy hugged, Daddy?”
“Well…it was some time later; things had pretty much gotten back to normal and the attacks on our
classmates ceased. Your mother went back to the instrument plant with Juzo Sakakura and a
security squad later that week. It was that Wednesday morning just before class when she told me
about the fruits of her labor…”
XXX
October 15, 2014
“Nothing? No clue at all?”
Shaking her head, Kyoko confirmed “Nothing; no clues or identifying marks that would tell us who
stole the guitar. By extension, that means I still have no clue as to who our classmates’ assailant
was.”
“…Well, at least Mioda-senpai got her guitar back. And besides…” Makoto ventured in an
attempt to cheer her up “Whoever was responsible, it looks like all they’ve done is bring us all
closer together as a class.”
Makoto and Kyoko looked to the windowsill on the other side of the classroom, spotting Chihiro,
Leon, and Mondo standing in a group man-hug, grinning and all-in-all jubilant as Mondo ruffled
Chihiro’s hair and rested his fist against Leon’s chin while Leon had his elbow comfortably
wrapped around .
“Yamada-kun, give me that camera, NOW!”
“B…but Miss Ludenberg! I need this photo of you so I can make a new manga to celebrate your
elegance!”
“Like hell you are! My gothic beauty is not to be turned into one of your silly, vulgar creations!”
“PLEASE, MISS LUDENBERG!”
Makoto and Kyoko turned to see the commotion; Celeste had a slight blush on her cheeks as she
grabbed the sides of Hifumi’s head, the tips of her metallic accessories pressing slightly into his
cheeks as she scowled at the boy who playfully wailed for mercy. None of the usual anger or fear
was present in their eyes though, making Sayaka giggle at the slightly playful fight as she watched
the scene while sitting on her desk.
He’s right…these incidents have brought us all closer together… Kyoko flashed back to how
Makoto rescued her from an untimely demise and hugged her close after her nightmare, making her
smile softly as she finished …Us too…their attacks have brought me and Makoto closer too…
*Click*
“Huh?”
A pair of flashes flickered in the classroom, making the rest of the class turn their heads as they
saw a slightly short girl with freckles and short, red hair walk in, clutching a camera in her hands as
Koichi walked in behind her.
“Alright, kids; before we begin, this is Mahiru Koizumi. She’s the Ultimate Photographer in Class
77, and she wants to take a couple of photos for the school yearbook.”
To his surprise, Mahiru shook her head and informed him “Actually, Kizakura-sensei, I just got the
shots I need. I’ll be…oh, Naegi-kun!”
Mahiru walked up to the duo, a serious look on her face as Makoto greeted “Oh, Koizumi-senpai,
good morning. Is there anything I can help you with?”
Nodding, Mahiru asked “I just thought I’d ask while I was here if you or your friend Kirigiri-san
had found any new leads on who’s been trying to frame my classmates.”
His shoulders sagging, Makoto shook his head and denied “I’m sorry, Koizumi-senpai, but Kyoko
just told me that she wasn’t able to find any leads from inspecting Mioda-senpai’s guitar.”
Nodding, Mahiru turned to face the Ultimate Detective and commented “I don’t think we’ve been
introduced; it’s nice to meet you, Kirigiri-san.” Seeing her nod in return, the Ultimate
Photographer continued “You picked a good Class Representative, Kirigiri-san. In my experience,
it’s rare to find a boy who’s actually dependable and polite.”
…I suppose he is…
A knowing smile crossing her face as she analyzed Kyoko’s surprised expression, Mahiru finished
“Well, I need to get back to class. Let us know if you find out who the culprit is. Goodbye
Kirigiri-san, Naegi-kun.”
XXX
Present Day
“Did Mommy end up finding any more clues after that, Daddy?”
Nodding, Makoto replied As a matter of fact, she ended up solving the mystery later that
weekend.“
“Really?! How’d she do that?”
Chuckling, Makoto scratched his cheek and answered “It…kinda had to do with me. You see, We
had just finished breakfast when…”
XXX
October 18, 2014

“You’re going for a walk?”
Nodding, Makoto replied “Yeah; I’ve been feeling a little burnt out from studying for our tests on
Monday and thought a walk around town might clear my head a little.”
Frowning, Kyoko asked “Are you sure you want to go alone? If anything happens, there’d be
nobody to get you out of danger.”
Smiling reassuringly, Makoto replied “It’s just a walk, Kyoko, and besides, we haven’t seen any
new attacks in a while. It’ll be okay.”
Still uneasy, Kyoko relented “Alright…if you say so.”
“Alright, I’ll see you at lunch, Kyoko!”
With that, Makoto walked out, waving back at the concerned Detective. Neither of them noticed
when a single person sitting in the opposite corner dug out their cell phone and dialed a number.
XXX
Makoto hummed absentmindedly, walking down the street at a leisurely pace as the fresh air gave
him peace of mind.
Ah, what a beautiful day! The sun is shining, the air is crisp…taking a walk was a great idea;
much better than staying in my room or in the library studying! I’m already feeling refreshed; I’m
really starting to see why Hina and Sakura enjoy their morning jogs so much. If I were a touch
more athletic, I might ask to join them.
“Well well…what have we here?”
His reverie interrupted, Makoto turned around, silently gasping as he saw two brutish, tall,
menacing young men looking down on him, grinning with sinister grins that made Makoto quake
in his sneakers.
“Kankura-kun? Yugu-kun?”
Kankura craned his head down, getting in Makoto’s face, causing Makoto to flinch backwards as
he replied “Glad you remember your old classmates from Dusk High, Naegi!”
The two walked towards Makoto, causing Makoto to walk backwards in the alley he was currently
in front of in a futile attempt to avoid them as Yugu taunted “Word on the street was that you
enrolled at Hope’s Peak as an Ultimate. But you don’t look so Ultimate to me…”
“I…” Makoto stammered “I am an Ul…Ultimate. I’m the Ultimate Lucky Student…”
Kankura and Yugu cackled, Kankura jesting “Did you hear that? Ultimate Lucky Student? Is that
even a talent?”
Shaking his head, Yugu replied “No way! I bet he just got picked out of a hat! Isn’t that right,
Naegi?”
…I mean…it’s not exactly wrong…
Taking Makoto’s silence as confirmation, the two laughed again, Kankura continuing “Oh, Naegi!
Even as an Ultimate, you’re still the same average, boring, worthless little kid back at Dusk High!”
“Yeah!” Yugu taunted “I bet you don’t even have any friends!”
Shaking his head, Makoto trembled as he denied “I…I do SO have friends! Friends that value me,
that think I’m important!”
“Not important enough if none of them are here! Face it Naegi; you’re all alone in this world!”
I’m a…alone?
Grinning, Yugu continued from Kankura’s taunt as he walked behind Makoto “That’s right…and
now we’re gonna knock you off your high horse!”
Makoto’s eyes widened before Yugu slipped his hand down the back of Makoto’s jeans, grasping
the waistband of Makoto’s underwear and tugging with all his might, lifting Makoto off the ground
as he squealed in pain.
“YEOW!!!”
Both bullies cackled as countless memories of wedgies, swirlies, and beatings came rushing back
to Makoto.
“That’s it, Naegi! Scream! Scream and realize just how little you’re worth!”
“P…please…enough…” Makoto begged, only for Yugu to chuckle.
“Enough? You’ve had enough? Well we’re not done yet, Naegi. In fact, Kankura-kun, what do
you say we make this more interesting?”
More…interesting?
Following Yugu’s vision, Kankura spotted an empty, decrepit wooden barrel and grinned,
exclaiming “Great idea! Bring him over and…make him comfortable.”
Makoto gulped and whimpered as Yugu carried him by his underwear, the Ultimate Lucky student
bounding in the wedgie as Kankura walked over to the barrel and lifted the lid off. Once Yugu had
caught up, he lowered Makoto into the barrel, securing the stretched underwear on one of the loose
planks so that the Ultimate Lucky Student had no choice but to kneel in the barrel, slumped over as
his bottom cried out in pain from being continuously tugged by the wedgie.
A few seconds later, Makoto yelped in shock and fear as a single metal pole burst through the side
of the barrel, just barely missing his cheek. Makoto heard the two bullies laughing as the pole
withdrew, only to burst through again at a different angle, making the boy cry and whimper in fear
as they repeated their action, slowly turning the barrel into swiss cheese as Makoto bemoaned his
fate.
This is it…I’m gonna die! I’m sorry, Kyoko; I should have listened to you!
“HEY, WHAT THE HELL! AAAHHHH!”
“WHY YOU LITTLE BITCH! YEEEOOOOWWWWW!”
Huh?
After that brief commotion, everything went silent, making Makoto look up as he saw a familiar
pair of lavender eyes staring down at him through the opening.
XXX
Present Day
“That’s so mean! Why would those guys do that to you, Daddy?”
“…We’ll explain their specific motivations tomorrow, sweetie. But Kiki…there are some people
who, for one reason or another, feel satisfaction from making other people miserable. Those
people are called bullies.”
Nodding, Kyoko explained “In their case, those bullies targeted your father when he was in middle
school because he was smaller than them and not able to fight back.”
“Then…how did you deal with them, Daddy?”
“We’ll explain that tomorrow, Kiki. In the meantime, you should get to sleep.”
“Okay…”
Kiki snuggled under the blankets, Makoto and Kyoko draping the blanket over her and kissing her
good night before retreating to their own bedroom.
Intimacy Arc Chapter Fourteen: Mukuro’s Warning? Kyoko Returns a
Favor!
Chapter Summary
After Makoto leaves for his walk, Kyoko finds herself approached by Mukuro, who
informs her that Makoto might be in danger. Will the Ultimate Detective be able to
reach Makoto in time to rescue him?
Chapter Notes
The ending scene of this chapter is the result of an ask sent to my Tumblr ask box by
NotFanFicNet. Please read and comment below, and enjoy!
Present Day
“So how did you save Daddy, Mommy?”
“Well, around the time your father was taking his walk, I was just finishing my breakfast when…”
XXX
October 18, 2014
“Kirigiri.”
Looking up from her now empty coffee mug, Kyoko saw the Ultimate Soldier looking down at her,
an urgent look in her eyes.
“Ikusaba-san, is there something I can help you with?”
Nodding, Mukuro sat down where Makoto had just been sitting and explained “I think…Naegi-kun
might be in danger.”
Her eyes widening, Kyoko forced herself to take a deep breath before she asked “I see…and how
do you know that?”
“I…” Mukuro averted Kyoko’s gaze as she answered “I don’t have any concrete evidence…but
when we saw him leave, I…I just had this feeling of dread in my gut that made me shiver. And as
a soldier, I’ve learned to trust my instincts.”
Kyoko nodded, having relied on her instincts to solve mysteries countless times as a Detective.
Before she could ask further, a teasing voice rang in their direction.
“Ah, there you are, Muku!” Both turned to see Junko sauntering up to them before yanking
Mukuro into a standing position by the elbow and continuing “Come on, or we’ll be late for my
next fashion show!”
“But I…yes, Junko…”
Grinning, Junko turned to the Ultimate Detective, bidding her “Bye, Kiri!” before dragging
Mukuro out of sight.
Naegi-kun might be in danger. Makoto might be in danger.
“Ah, Kyoko. Are you ready for our training?”
Looking up to see Sakura looking at her, Kyoko stood up on shaky legs and apologized “I’m sorry,
Sakura, but something just came up and it requires my immediate attention.”
Frowning, Sakura asked “Do you need my help?”
Shaking her head, Kyoko assured her “Thank you, but it’s probably nothing. This may end up
being a wild goose chase, so it doesn’t make sense to waste your time with something so trivial.”
Skeptical, Sakura nonetheless nodded and agreed “If you say so, Kyoko. Well then, I’ll leave you
to your errand and go jogging with Hina.”
Nodding, Kyoko turned around and walked out of the Dining Hall, bidding her friend “Goodbye,
Sakura.”
As she left the Dining Hall, Kyoko burst into a sprint as she ran for the school entrance.
Please let this be a wild goose chase!
XXX
Damn it, Makoto, where are you?
Kyoko stood, panting from shortness of breath after having spent the last half hour running
through the adjacent streets, trying and failing to find even a hint of Makoto.
Kyoko took a deep breath, recentering her concentration as she assured herself Calm down, Kyoko.
Just call his cell and check on him that way. That’s what you should have done from the start
anyways…
“YEOW!”
Gasping, she turned her head towards the familiar, pained yelp, staring at an empty alleyway.
Makoto! Hang on, I’m coming!
Dashing quietly, she ran down the alley, hiding behind a corner as she observed two brutish thugs,
one of them lowering Makoto into an open barrel by his underwear. She watched with horror as
the other began to taunt his victim as he repeatedly jabbed an iron pipe through the barrel,
Makoto’s cries ringing in her ears as the two thugs continued to laugh and taunt at their victim.
Kyoko clenched her fist, feeling rage and anger boil within her as she quickly formulated a plan.
Her course decided, she quickly ran up to the thug, gently yanking the pipe into her grasp, much to
the surprise of the assailant.
“HEY, WHAT THE HELL!“ As he turned around, Kyoko used the pipe as leverage to deliver a
vertical kick to his chin, making him fly upwards and behind her, yelling “AAAHHHH!” before he
fell on his head, knocked unconscious from the fall.
Growling, the second thug roared “WHY YOU LITTLE BITCH!” He attempted to rush at her,
only for her to duck and jab the iron pipe right in his crotch, the unfortunate man collapsing onto
his knees as he covered his bruised genitals and screeching “YEEEOOOOWWWWW!”
The thug cowered as Kyoko sauntered forward, hoisting him into the air by his neck as she
growled “Alright…why did you and your cohort assault my friend?”
“Y…you’re Naegi’s…f…friend?”
Smirking, Kyoko replied “Yes; his best friend, as a matter of fact. Now, why did you attack him?”
“W…we were bribed to corner him and scare him!”
“Who? Who bribed you, and with what?”
“E…Enoshima-sama!”
“Enoshima?”
Kyoko’s eyes widened in shock as the thug blubbered “Y…yeah…that model, Enoshima Junko.
She said he’d been a thorn in her side, been messing with her plans.”
…Those attacks on our classmates…she must have orchestrated them all…
“So she…she promised to give us a private show…if we just made Naegi scared, was all!”
The thug whimpered, Kyoko’s gaze momentarily shifting to the barrel where Makoto still hung
before returning it to her captive, the Detective sighing as she told him “Gather up your cohort and
never come near Makoto Naegi again. Am I understood?”
Seeing him nod fearfully, she dropped her captive, watching as he scurried to drag his unconscious
partner by the leg out of the alleyway. Turning her sight to the barrel, she sighed and quickly ran
over to it, peering into the barrel to see a crying, kneeling Makoto looking up at her in shock and
relief.
“Kyou…Kyoko?”
Seeing him blush with embarrassment, she smiled softly and gently dislodged his underwear from
the barrel. Once he wordlessly stuffed the stretched fabric back in his jeans, Kyoko held out her
hand.
“Come on, let’s get you out of there, alright?”
XXX
Present Day
“But why did Junko do all those things to you and your friends?”
Sighing, Kyoko admitted “…That’s a question even I don’t know the answer to, Kiki.”
Nodding, Makoto continued “And truthfully Kiki, there are some things in this world of ours we’re
better off not knowing. Junko’s exact motivation for her actions that autumn is one of them.”
“Okay…” Kiki moaned, the serious hardness in her parents’ eyes clueing her in that this was one
thing they would never budge on. “So what happened after Mommy rescued you, Daddy?”
“Well, after I stopped crying and got out of that barrel, I was still in pain from the attack and
couldn’t walk comfortably. So, in an ironic reversal, your mother ended up carrying me on her
back as we made our way back to Hope’s Peak.”
XXX
October 18, 2014
“Ano…thanks again for rescuing me back there…” Makoto meekly trailed off, still blushing from
embarrassment at being found in that sorry state.
Kyoko turned her head to give him a small smile as she replied “Hey, you carried me back when I
was incapacitated. Twice, might I add. I’m just returning the favor.”
As Kyoko turned her head back to see where they were going, Makoto nodded and replied “…I’m
sorry…for not listening to you earlier, I mean…”
“…Don’t worry about it. Anyways, what’s the story behind those two assailants? Did you know
them personally?”
Nodding, Makoto replied “Y…yeah…before I attended Hope’s Peak, we attended the same high
school. They were…the class bullies, I suppose you could call them.”
“Ah, so they picked on you?”
“Y…yeah. I was…their favorite punching bag because I was so average. They…always called me
boring and worthless…ow, Kyoko, you’re squeezing my legs too tight!”
Instantly slacking her supporting grip on his thighs, Kyoko apologized “My apologies; I just don’t
enjoy hearing such blasphemy about my friend. And there’s something I don’t understand…”
“Hm?”
“…How did you come out so optimistic even after suffering such physical and emotional abuse? I
don’t think anyone would have blamed you if you turned out to me as much of a recluse as me and
Mukuro were…”
Chuckling slightly, Makoto answered “I guess…since I couldn’t overpower them…trying to be

friendly with everyone…was the only way I had to fight back, you know?”
Ah, so it’s not solely a sunny disposition; it’s also an anti-bullying tactic…
“…What if they’re right though? I mean…I’m an Ultimate, yeah, but I did only get in by luck, and
I couldn’t even fend off a couple of bullies. What if I…am worthless?”
Sighing, Kyoko felt her inner rage boil at how his former bullies had made him feel so depressed.
She turned her head back to face him, giving him the most reassuring smile she could muster.
“We’ve really got to work on your self-confidence.” Turning back around to look ahead, Kyoko
continued “Someone who’s worthless wouldn’t have been able to save my life twice and bring me
out of my shell. Someone who’s worthless wouldn’t have been able to help me to make friends
with everyone in my class. Makoto, you’re a lot of things, but worthless isn’t one of them.”
“…I’m still not strong, though. I…”
“But you are strong, Makoto; just in different ways. I’ll concede it takes a certain strength to
overpower your enemies. But it takes a special strength to befriend someone who didn’t know how
to make friends. It takes a special strength to comfort someone who’s haunted by past trauma.
Makoto…you’re stronger than you know.”
“Kyou…Kyoko…”
Kyoko felt Makoto’s arms tighten their grip around her neck as he rested his chin on her shoulder.
The Detective smiled, sensing that Makoto had been sufficiently cheered up.
“Anyways…” Kyoko began as the Academy finally appeared in sight. “There was an upside to all
of this; those two were hired by the one who assaulted our other classmates, and they sang like a
canary once I started questioning them.”
“Really? Who was it?”
Smirking in victory, Kyoko revealed “It was…”
XXX
“Junko Enoshima…”
Headmaster Kirigiri sat behind his desk, glaring at the Ultimate Fashionista, who simply sat in the
chair with a bored and nonchalant expression on her face. The normally spacious office was
currently packed with all of her would-be victims; Makoto and Kyoko sat in two other chairs in the
same row as Junko, while Sayaka, Hina, Sakura, Chihiro, Byakuya, Toko, Taka, Hifumi, and Hiro
stood behind them, glaring with anger and betrayal at their classmate.
“Nearly amputating Sayaka Maizono’s foot with a bear trap, filling the swimming pool with exotic
piranhas, programming an army of robots to assault Chihiro Fujisaki and Sakura Ogami, rigging
construction equipment to injure Byakuya Togami and Toko Fukawa, using stolen military
technology during a parade, sending Yasuhiro Hagakure to a fake game show…”
Jin’s eyes narrowed in anger as he continued listing Junko’s remaining crimes.
“Planting a stolen guitar to trap Kyoko Kirigiri on a converyor belt leading to a metal press, and
hiring two students from Dusk High School to terrorize Makoto Naegi.”
“Ah, come on! Can’t you all take a joke? Those were just pranks, I swear!”
The numerous glares aimed at the Ultimate Fashionista showed that they were not amused at all.
Clearing his throat, Jin retorted “Pranks or not, your actions wounded and had the potential to kill
many of your classmates. By all rights, I should expel you for your actions these past few weeks,
Junko.”
Everyone stared at the Headmaster with bated breath, awaiting the moment that their assailant
would finally get her comeuppance.
Sighing, Jin admitted “However…the Steering Committee has been extremely adamant about their
position in favor of your attendance at this school. As disgusted as I am to admit it…I am unable
to expel you from this institution.”
All the students save for Makoto, Kyoko, and Junko erupted in a roar of outrage, their many
complaints melding together in an unintelligible cloud of noise.
“Silence!” An unusually stern Jin roared, his outburst quieting the crowd as he explained “As I
explained before, my hands are tied in this matter. However, just because expulsion is off the table
doesn’t mean Junko will get off scot free.” Turning his glare to face Junko, Jin announced “You
are hereby suspended until the start of the new year. You may have the weekend to pack your
things and leave campus. Koichi Kizakura will send lecture notes, homework assignments, and
tests electronically to your e-Handbook.”
Sighing, Junko moaned “Oh, bummer. Whatever you say, teach.” Standing up, she began to walk
through the crowd of students, stopping once she got to the door and turning around before asking
“Any last words before I leave you all for the rest of the year?”
“…I have something I want to say.”
Everyone looked to Makoto, who squirmed in his seat before he gingerly stood out of his chair,
rubbing his still sore bottom before turning to face Junko, the rest of the class parting into two
groups so they could face each other.
“Junko…I can’t deny that you hurt a lot of my classmates. And the fact that you sent two of my
former high school bullies after me hurts…not to mention my butt still stings from the wedgie they
gave me…but even with all that in mind…I’ve decided to forgive you, Junko.”
SAY WHAT?! Was the collective thought of the entire class, though none was more shocked than
Junko, who gaped in disbelief at what Makoto just said.
“What? No, this can’t be! I…I caused you unimaginable pain and torment! You should hate me,
not forgive me!”
Giving a pained smile, Makoto replied softly “It’s okay, Junko; I do forgive you. I just hope…that
your suspension will teach you to value us…as I value you.”
What’s…going on…WHAT’S HAPPENING???
Junko didn’t say a word, turning around and hanging her head as everyone watched her slink out of
the Headmaster’s office.
XXX
“I should be surprised…but honestly forgiving Junko fits perfectly with your personality.”
Makoto chuckled nervously as they packed up their things, Makoto admitting “Well, she may have
tried to hurt a lot of us, and I’m not excusing what she did…but honestly, when she’s not being
mean like that…she can honestly be fun to hang with on occasion. And maybe…she might have
partially done all that stuff to rile us up? So…the best thing to do is to forgive her, right?”
“…I suppose there’s some logic in that…” Kyoko admitted. “Well, I should head to bed soon. I’ll
see you…what?”
“What is it, Kyoko? Whoa!”
Makoto gaped and Kyoko stared at seeing Sayaka and Leon leaning against one of the
bookshelves, arms wrapped in an embrace as their lips were locked in a passionate kiss.
“Makoto…are they…”
“Yeah…they’re kissing…”
Makoto suddenly found the scene melting away, feeling Kyoko’s lips locked with his own as she
leaned forward, her eyes closed as she wrapped her arms around his torso, hugging him close.
What the…Kyoko’s…kissing me? Shaking his head, the scene melted back to reality, the two of
them watching Sayaka and Leon’s kiss as he chided himself Get a hold of your hormones, Naegi!
Kyoko’s your friend, that’s all. There’s no way she’d ever want to kiss you!
Unbeknownst to Makoto, Kyoko was having a similar daydream, her eyes glancing down as an
imaginary Makoto stood on the tips of his toes, wrapping his arms around her neck as he pulled her
down to press his lips against her own. Just like Makoto, she shook the thought from her head and
forced herself to reality, chiding herself just as Makoto did.
Finally parting, Sayaka and Leon turned their heads and nearly jumped at seeing Makoto and
Kyoko just staring at them, Leon rubbing the back of his neck with embarrassment as he
apologized with a sheepish grin “My bad, my bad! Sayaka and I were just having a study date and
she told me that Junko had been suspended for assaulting her and the others. I was so relieved that
she wasn’t in any more danger that I just had to kiss and hold her, you know?”
Noticing, Makoto and Kyoko’s blushing faces, Sayaka teased with a smirk “You’re not the only
one thinking about that, Leon; looks like Makoto and Kyoko here were just daydreaming about
kissing each other!”
“No, no we weren’t!” Makoto waved his hands in denial as he lied, too embarrassed to admit that
was exactly what happened, particularly to Kyoko.
Before Sayaka could tease the two further, Leon dragged her away by the elbow, telling her “Come
on, babe! Let’s continue this in private; besides, we still have to pick our outfits for the Halloween
Dance this year.”
“Ooh, great idea, Leon. Hey Makoto, Kyoko, that’ll be the perfect time for you two to finally
kiss!”
“Let’s go, Sayaka!” Leon urged as he dragged her out of sight, leaving the blushing pair alone,
standing awkwardly in the library.
“Yeah…I gotta get to bed; Nanami-senpai and I have a meeting tomorrow to plan the Dance.”
Nodding, Kyoko followed Makoto out of the library before they parted ways, the mutual fantasy
and Sayaka’s teasing weighing heavily on their minds as they trekked back to their respective
rooms.
Do I…want to kiss Kyoko?
Do I…want to kiss Makoto?
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, you guys dreamed about kissing? Was that when you decided you were in love with each
other?”
Shaking their heads, Makoto answered for him and his wife “No, Kiki; our crush on each other was
starting to impact our hormones after seeing Sayaka and Leon kiss, but at the time, all we thought
was that it was our teenage hormones talking. Although…” Makoto and Kyoko smiled at each
other as he continued “It wouldn’t be much longer until we started to entertain the possibility that
we might be in love.”
Seeing her mother nod, Kiki beamed “Really? How did that happen?”
Smiling, Kyoko answered “…Tomorrow, Kiki. It’s time for bed.”
“…Lousy cliffhanger…” Kiki pouted before wiggling under the blankets.
Makoto and Kyoko draped the sheets up to their daughter’s chin, kissing both of her cheeks before
cooing “Good night, Kiki. We love you…”
Makoto and Kyoko smiled as they quietly crept out of the room and into their own. The two ex-
Ultimates snuggled in their own bed as they shared a nostalgic dream, flashing back to the day that
ultimately kickstarted their loving romance.
Intimacy Arc Chapter Fifteen: Hope’s Peak Halloween Dance!
Chapter Summary
With the Hope's Peak Halloween Dance now upon them, Makoto and Kyoko get
pressured into going by their friends. Will the night have a magical ending for our two
crushing Ultimates?
Present Day
“Alright, Kiki. Are you ready to hear about the day that your mother and I finally started to admit
to ourselves that we liked each other as more than friends?”
Beaming, Kiki nodded excitedly and nearly screeched “Yes! I’ve been waiting forever to hear this
part of the story!”
Kyoko giggled at her daughter’s excitement as her husband smiled, continuing “Well, the next
week and a half went pretty quietly after Junko was suspended. Eventually Halloween came, and I
had just finished putting up the final decorations with Chiaki the night prior. After having gotten a
good night’s sleep, I had just sat down to have breakfast with your mother when…”
XXX
October 31, 2014
“I take it you were able to get a good night’s sleep this time?”
Nodding, Makoto confirmed “Yeah; Nanami-senpai and I were able to get the gymnasium ready
for the Halloween Dance in record time, and I was actually able to get a good night’s sleep for
once.”
Smiling, Kyoko replied “I’m glad; you deserve a good night’s rest after all your hard work as Class
Representative.”
Nodding, Kyoko asked out of curiosity “So…are you going to attend?”
Chuckling nervously, Makoto denied “I…don’t think so. I mean…I can dance okay…but I get
nervous dancing in a group. Plus…call me old-fashioned…but I kind of think that dances like that
are best enjoyed with…someone special…”
Kyoko suddenly felt the cafeteria melt away, watching as a dressed-up Makoto took her hand and
pulled her into a waltz, smiling warmly as Kyoko felt her cheeks heating up.
Someone special…
“Kyoko?” Watching the fantasy melt away, Kyoko watched as Makoto looked up at her, his brow
furrowed in concern as he asked “Kyoko, are you okay?”
Stupid! Get your head out of the clouds, Kirigiri! You’re letting Sayaka’s words get to you!
Shaking her head, Kyoko assured him “My apologies, Makoto; I was lost in thought for a moment.
What was it you were trying to tell me?”
“Oh, um…I was just asking if you had planned on going.”
Shaking her head, Kyoko explained “No, though my reasons aren’t as sentimental as yours. While
like you I’m competent at the skill, I simply don’t enjoy being in the spotlight that a school dance
would inevitably provide.”
Makoto nodded in understanding and accepted “I get ya. Since we’re both not going, why don’t
we just study in the library while everyone else is away?”
“WHAT? YOU’RE NOT GOING?”
Kyoko’s reply was interrupted by the combined shrieks of Sayaka and Leon, who rushed up to
Kyoko and Makoto respectively, the two friends in shock at what they just heard.
“Kyoko, you don’t know what you’re missing out on! You’ve gotta go!”
“Sayaka’s right, dude!” Leon agreed, continuing “You’re our Class Representative; you’ve gotta
show up!”
“For once, the lazy baseball player is right.” Everyone turned their heads in surprise as Byakuya
walked up to the commotion, the Ultimate Affluent Progeny explaining “Normally I wouldn’t care
whether or not you attended such frivolities. But as our Class Representative, it is your
responsibility make your presence known at the site of your own accomplishments.”
“B…but I don’t even have a costume…” Makoto tried to decline.
“Then Kuwata and I will simply take you out and help you buy one. Kuwata, escort Makoto and
follow me.”
Watching Byakuya leave the Dining Hall, Leon and Makoto sweatdropped before Leon answered
“…Sure…I guess…come on, Makoto.”
“HEY!” Makoto objected as Leon pulled him by the arm out of his seat before dragging him out of
sight.
Sighing, Sayaka turned to her prey and continued “Well, guess it’s our turn…”
“No…”
Pouting, Sayaka moaned “Aw, come oooonnnnn! It’ll be fun! And besides, Makoto’s going to be
there, so what’s your excuse?”
Sighing, Kyoko deduced “…You’re not going to let this go until I say yes, aren’t you?” Seeing
Sayaka grin victoriously, Kyoko warned her “I don’t have a costume either…”
“No problem. Hey, Hina!”
Turning around, Hina got up and walked over to the table, curious about why Sayaka was calling
her over.
“We’re gonna get Kyoko a costume for tonight’s dance!”

Gasping, Hina asked “You mean Kyoko’s coming? Great, let’s go!”
Each one grasping one of her wrists, the two girls tugged the reluctant Detective out of her chair,
encouraging “Come on!”
“H…hold on…”
The two girls ignored her as the rest of the students watched them drag Kyoko out of sight, the
Ultimate Detective sighing in surrender as she felt herself being dragged out of the school.
…Well…if Makoto’s going…then…maybe it won’t be so bad…
XXX
“Alright, dude. Let’s find the perfect costume for you to win Kyoko’s heart!”
“Huh? Hold on, Leon! I’m not trying to win Kyoko’s…”
“Oh come on; how much longer are you two going to dance around each other like this?” Makoto
and Leon turned to face Byakuya, shock plastered on their faces as the Ultimate Affluent Progeny
lectured “You two have been avoiding your feelings for each other since before summer vacation.
If I have to watch you two continue to blush and stutter around each other, I’m going to feel sick!”
Then don’t watch us…wait! I mean…Gah! Get a hold of yourself, Naegi! You’re not going to
woo Kyoko! You’re not going to go out with Kyoko! You’re not going to…kiss…Kyoko…
Makoto instantly flashed back to his fantasy of kissing Kyoko, making the boy blush as red as a
tomato. Byakuya smirked while Leon smiled knowingly at the Ultimate Lucky Student.
“Looks to me like you’re already fantasizing about kissing her, dude!” Taking pity on his friend,
Leon smiled and gripped Makoto’s shoulders, encouraging him “Look man, Byakuya’s…blunt,
and Sayaka’s…a little strong, but they’re right. This dance is a unique opportunity for you two to
confess your feelings and get together already!”
“But I’m not…”
“For kami’s sake, Makoto, stop acting like such a scaredy-cat and find your resolve!”
Leon glared at Byakuya before his eyes widened in realization, asking “…Makoto…the reason you
keep denying a crush on Kyoko…is it because of what happened with Sayaka?”
Makoto’s eyes widened as he thought …Is Leon right? Am I just scared of being rejected again?
Do I…really…like Kyoko like that? Sighing, Makoto admitted “I…You’re not wrong…Ever since
I misinterpreted Sayaka’s feelings…I’m…a little more cautious about…romance…”
His eyes softening in pity, Leon assured him “Look man, I get that asking a girl out can be scary. I
know that I actually succeeded in wooing Sayaka, and I know I may have seemed like a bit of a
player when we first met…but believe it or not, I got scared asking girls out too.”
“R…really?”
Makoto stared at Leon incredulously as the Baseball Star confirmed “Yeah; every time I asked a
girl out, I was always scared stiff at getting rejected. My easygoing grin was just a way to hide
how scared I was. But no matter how many times I struck out, I did eventually score my home
run!”
“As romantically disgusting as Kuwata’s pep talk is, you don’t have to worry about failure,
Makoto. After all, you have the Ultimate Perfection preparing you for victory. In fact, I’ve
already picked out a perfect costume for you.”
Already?
Man, the dude works fast! “Wow, man; if Byakuya’s telling the truth, you’re bound to get together
with Kyoko by the end of the night!”
“But I…” …I need a costume regardless. If I’m going to the Halloween Dance, I need a costume.
I’ll just pick whatever Byakuya decided, I’ll have fun, talk with Kyoko, maybe even… Makoto saw
Leon and Byakuya and the costume shop melt away, giving way to an empty gymnasium, looking
into the lavender eyes of a smiling Kyoko, her gloved hands gripping his hand and his back
respectively. Makoto blushed as they waltzed in a circle, her sleeveless, crimson dress flowing
elegantly with their movements.
“Yo, Makoto?”
Makoto shook his head, coming back to reality as he chided himself Don’t get carried away like
that! Just take the costume, go to the dance, mingle, then go to bed!
Seeing Makoto nod in acquiescence, Byakuya smirked as he thrust the costume into Makoto’s
arms, commanding him “Now, go into the changing room and see if it fits.”
XXX
“Alright Kyoko, what kind of costume do you want to get?”
Turning to Hina, the reluctant detective shrugged and answered “Any one should be fine, right?”
Pouting, Sayaka retorted “No, no, no! Kyoko, what was it I told you last semester about a
woman’s wardrobe?”
“That it’s supposed to make a statement, right?”
“Ding ding ding, good memory! So the same rule applies to costumes; it needs to be what you
want to wear! Is there anything you wanted to dress up as when you were a little girl?”
Much to Sayaka’s disappointment, Kyoko shook her head, explaining “I…didn’t exactly get to
experience much outside of my detective training, so I never got the chance to really dress up.”
Sighing, Sayaka moaned “This is gonna be harder than I thought. Alright, since Kyoko’s never
really dressed up for Halloween, we should stick with the classics.”
Nodding, Hina agreed “Good idea; I never really got crazy with cosplay or anything, so I probably
couldn’t help out with anything more obscure than the stereotypical Halloween monsters.”
“Now let’s think; what are Kyoko’s core traits?”
My traits?
Oblivious to Kyoko’s thoughts, Hina replied to Sayaka “Well…she’s a detective, so she needs to
stick to the shadows to do her job.”
“Yeah, so something related to the nighttime would be perfect for her!”

…I’m standing right here…Kyoko deadpanned, but otherwise stayed silent, letting the two girls
deliberate her costume.
“Oh!” Hina’s eyes brightened in realization as she smiled in victory, exclaiming “I’ve got it! Wait
here, I’ll be right back!”
As Hina ran off, Sayaka turned to Kyoko and cheered “It won’t be long now, Kyoko! Soon you’ll
be walking out of here with the perfect costume. Then you’ll absolutely woo…”
“You seem particularly adamant about pushing me and Makoto together. I must ask…why the
enthusiasm for a pairing that doesn’t exist?”
“Your statement just now is why; you don’t seem to be enthusiastic enough when you have the
perfect opportunity to get together!” Sighing, Sayaka explained “Look Kyoko…I know I come off
as a little…strong. But that’s because after the weeks I’ve spent dating Leon…I know firsthand
just how good it feels to be in love with someone, and for them to love you back.”
“…Solely for the sake of argument, let me remind you that such romantic emotions can also get
people hurt.”
Wining, Sayaka admitted “…Yeah, you got me there. But, Kyoko…we all see it. The way you
and Makoto look at each other, how you always smile at each other, how you two blush around
each other, the way you do everything together and support one another…it’s way more intense
than the looks Leon and I give each other. Everyone in our class knows you two really like each
other…maybe even love each other, and this Halloween Dance is the perfect atmosphere for you
two to just accept it and confess to one another! Plus…”
Intrigued, Kyoko replied “Plus…”
Sighing, Sayaka confessed “After everything you two have been through together…I just want my
friends to be…happy, you know? That’s why I’m constantly pushing you two together; so you two
can be happy with each other, like I am with Leon, only better!”
For once, Kyoko was left speechless, pondering It’s true…being with Makoto has made me
happier than I ever thought possible. But does that mean I’d be happy WITH Makoto? Is Sayaka
right? Am I just living in denial?
Before she could ponder any further, Hina came rushing back in with a costume in her hand,
exclaiming “I found it; this should be perfect for Kyoko!”
“Alright, let’s see…” Sayaka grinned at the first sight of the costume, agreeing “Oh, this is
perfect! Thanks a bunch, Hina; she and Makoto will be kissing on the dance floor in no time with
this on!” Confiscating the hanged costume from Hina and thrusting it into Kyoko’s arms, Sayaka
urged “Here, Kyoko; go to the changing room and try it on!”
Sighing, Kyoko wordlessly acquiesced, carrying the costume with her as she walked over to the
changing stalls, Sayaka and Hina tailing her from behind.
XXX
“Are you sure about this? I feel…overdressed…” Makoto complained as he and Byakuya stood a
fair distance away from their classmates in the gymnasium.
Byakuya scowled as Makoto tugged at the frilly white dress shirt that covered the top of his body.
Obscured by a flowing, crimson cape, Makoto looked over his black dress pants and sleek black
dress shoes.
“You know, you should be a little more grateful; I didn’t have to go out of my way to help you, you
know. I even topped off your cosplay with red eye contacts and fake vampire fangs.”
“I am grateful, really! It’s just…”
“Makoto?”
“Kyoko…whoa!”
Their conversation interrupted, Makoto spun around, his eyes widening in shock as he took in
Kyoko’s costume. Donned in a sleeveless crimson dress, Kyoko stared at him with crimson red
eyes, a pair of similarly fake vampire teeth protruding from her lips as she stood in ruby red
stilettos. Byakuya smirked, walking away in his own meticulously prepared Seto Kaiba costume
and leaving the two crushing classmates alone.
“Kyoko…”
Staring at him with widened eyes, she returned “Makoto…”
“…You’re a vampire too?” They both exclaimed, taking in each other’s costumes.
Chuckling nervously, Makoto admitted “Yeah; Byakuya picked it out for me when we got to the
costume shop. The red eyes are because of contacts and the fangs are fake.”
Nodding, Kyoko replied “Same here; Sayaka and Hina decided to go with a classic since I had
never celebrated Halloween before.”
…Well, that’s a coincidence. Could they have…no way; it’s probably just luck. There’s no way
they could have coordinated our costumes like this. Shaking the thought, Makoto gestured to the
table, offering “So, you…wanna sit down and watch?”
Just watching… Smiling, Kyoko agreed “I suppose that’s amenable. I don’t plan on dancing, but
observation in case I have to attend something like this when I go undercover sounds good.”
…Of course she’s still thinking like a detective… Makoto deadpanned before smiling and agreeing
“Sure, that sounds nice…” Taking her hand in his own white glove, Makoto looked at her long,
sleek red gloves and commented “The gloves are new; they look good on you.”
“You…think so? Sayaka and Hina recommended I wear ones that matched my costume better, and
this is the first time I’ve worn gloves that weren’t designed for practicality, so…”
Shaking his head, Makoto assured her “They look great on you, really they do!”
“Th…thank you…” Kyoko uttered, blushing along with Makoto as she gently squeezed his hand,
letting him lead her to one of the small tables before they sat down, smiling as they both snuck
glances at the other.
She looks…really beautiful…
He looks…really cute…
XXX
“Alright, then; it’s time for the final event of tonight.”

“Wait…final event?” Makoto’s brow furrowed in confusion as he digested Chiaki’s words.
Turning her head to face him, Kyoko asked “Wait…you didn’t know about this?”
Shaking his head, Makoto denied “No; she must have added this last minute and forgotten to tell
me.”
Turning their attention back to Chiaki, they watched as she explained “One boy and one girl will be
chosen at random to be crowned Hope’s Peak Lord and Hope’s Peak Lady. Our Lord and Lady
will then share a waltz on the dance floor.”
…I have a feeling how this came about…and I bet it won’t be random… Kyoko realized as Chiaki
fished for a name from a black top hat on top of the podium she was standing behind.
“And our Hope’s Peak Lady is…Kirigiri Kyoko.”
Turning to Kyoko with a smile on his face, Makoto exclaimed “congratulations, Kyoko! I wonder
who’s gonna be the one to dance with you!”
Nodding, Kyoko thought If who I’m thinking of actually set this up then…
“And our Hope’s Peak Lord is…Naegi Makoto.”
“Huh? Me?”
As I thought… Kyoko deadpanned, sneaking a glare at the high-fiving Sayaka and Hina, along with
Byakuya who smirked victoriously at the outcome.
Makoto on the other hand started sweating nervously, his eyes darting as he panicked Oh man!
I’m about to dance with Kyoko? What do I do? What if my luck turns sour and I cause her to
trip? Or what if she laughs at me if I mess up…
Sighing, Kyoko stood up and commented “Well, we might as well get it over with…” Turning to
Makoto, she held her hand out, asking “Are you ready?”
No, but… Taking a deep breath, Makoto nodded and replied “Sure…” taking her hand and walking
with her to the center of the gymnasium.
“So…” Kyoko began as they started walking “Do you know how to waltz?”
Nodding, Makoto revealed “My mom taught me and Komaru when I was little. We attended a
cousin’s wedding and I had to learn. Do you know how to waltz?”
Nodding, Kyoko confirmed “I learned when I had to go undercover during a case. I’m proficient
in it, but I’ve never danced for fun or pleasure.”
Nodding, Makoto vowed “Well in that case, I’ll do my best…to make your first time fun.”
Closing her eyes for a second, Kyoko smiled and joked “I’ll hold you to that.”
Chuckling nervously, Makoto turned to face Kyoko as they finally arrived at the center of the
dance floor, Kazuichi adjusting the light switches so that a bright circle of light shone down around
the two Ultimates. Taking the lead, Kyoko reached for his right hand with her left, threading their
fingers together. As Kyoko placed her right hand on his back, Makoto nervously placed his left
hand on her waist, the Luckster and Detective blushing slightly at the newly intimate contact.
Gulping, Makoto asked “Are you ready?”
Seeing Kyoko nod, Makoto took a step backwards, pulling Kyoko with him as she stepped
forwards to keep pace. With each step, Makoto gradually angled himself so that he was leading
Kyoko into a circle, Kyoko expertly keeping pace with his simple movements. As their costumes
shimmered and flowed with their bodies, Makoto and Kyoko stared into each other’s crimson eyes,
the gym seeming to melt away as they lived out their fantasy of dancing with each other, just the
two of them.
“You’re not half bad, Makoto.”
Chuckling, Makoto replied “Hey, you’re the one making us look good. I’m just taking the first
step is all.”
Smiling warmly at him, Kyoko chided “Give yourself a little more credit, Makoto. You really
are…a good dance partner…”
“R…really?”
“Yes…any girl would be lucky…to dance with you…”
“You’re…you’re exaggerating…besides, any guy would be lucky to be leading you…like this…”
By now, Makoto and Kyoko were both blushing, their heads inching closer and closer to each
other. The rest of their classmates watched with bated breath as the moment they had all been
waiting for seemed at hand.
She’s so…beautiful…like a real…princess… Makoto thought as he craned his head up.
He’s so…handsome…like a prince coming to sweep me off my feet… Kyoko thought as she bent
her head down, both of them too mesmerized by each other’s loving eyes to stop now.
Kyoko…
Makoto…
I…want to…
I…want to…
*Clack*
Their fake vampire fangs collided, knocking their heads back slightly and shattering the illusion
that had been created. Both pulled their heads back, mouths gaping and eyes staring incredulously
at each other in shock at what just happened.
Did we just…
Did we almost…
Overwhelmed with raw emotion, Makoto and Kyoko simultaneously released each other, stepping
backwards before bursting into a simultaneous sprint out of the gymnasium. Everyone else stared
in shock and disappointment, knowing that they were not escaping to confess or make out. Indeed,
it wasn’t long until they had separated, slamming the doors to their rooms behind them as they
rushed to their respective bathrooms, removing their fake vampire teeth and contacts. Both
Makoto and Kyoko gripped their sinks with their hands for support as they stared into their mirrors,
trying to process what just happened.
“I…I almost…”
“I…I almost…”
“…kissed her…”
“…kissed him…”
“But why…”
“But why…”
“Unless…”
“Unless…”
Their eyes widened as they finally accepted what everyone else had been telling them for weeks,
the hard truth that they both had been too afraid to face.
“I…have feelings for…”
“I…have feelings for…”
“Kyoko Kirigiri…”
“Makoto Naegi…”
XXX
Present Day
“NO!” Kiki cried “You were SO close! Why didn’t you just kiss?”
Smiling sadly, Makoto wrapped an arm around his daughter, explaining “Kiki…at that point…we
were scared. Despite our developing affections for each other, we hadn’t been planning on kissing
each other that night, even if that was our entire class’s end goal.”
Nodding, Kyoko continued “Coming so close to kissing, without meaning to do it…it forced us to
really sort out our feelings and where we stood with each other. And that was really scary for both
of us. Me because I had no experience with love, and your father for having already been rejected
once before.”
“But then why didn’t you two face your fears together, like you told me you do?”
Smiling sheepishly, Makoto admitted “Because when you’re a teenager in love, you’re not always
thinking straight. When you’re older, you’re going to be really confused about love and boys. It’s
just…part of growing up, Kiki. Falling in love isn’t the romantic fairy tale that Aunt Toko’s books
make it seem.”
“So…how did you deal with your fears then?”
Smiling nostalgically, Kyoko answered “We’ll tell you tomorrow, Kiki; you’ve had enough
excitement for one evening, I think.”
Nodding, Kiki accepted “Okay, Mommy.”
As Kiki snuggled under the blankets, Makoto and Kyoko leaned down to kiss her cheeks.
*Yawn* “…Sweet dreams, Mommy. Sweet dreams, Daddy.”
Seeing their daughter fall into slumber, Kyoko circled around to join her husband, leaning down to
peck him on the lips. The smiling Makoto took her hand in his own as the silently walked out of
their daughter’s bedroom, reminiscing about their last days before getting together on the way to
their own bedroom.
Intimacy Arc Chapter Sixteen: Kyoko Disappears?!
Chapter Summary
After their near-kiss at the Halloween Dance and the realization that they do have a
crush on each other, Makoto and Kyoko are left to deal with the emotional aftermath.
Hoping to rid herself of her feelings, Kyoko all but disappears from Hope's Peak,
making the still emotionally overwhelmed Makoto extremely worried. Where did
Kyoko go? And what is she doing?
Chapter Notes
This chapter was inspired by an ask sent to my ask box on Tumblr by NotFanFicNet.
Present Day
“So, what happened after you and Mommy almost kissed, Daddy?”
“Well…after our near-kiss, we felt really awkward about it. I continued going to class and
everything, but I didn’t see your mother for some time. It was three days later when I got really
worried…”
XXX
November 3, 2014
Makoto sighed, sipping his water as he sat at their usual table, alone for the third day in a row.
Still a no-show…is she…mad at me? …I guess I can’t really blame her; I feel really awkward and
embarrassed about what happened too… Makoto lamented as his cheeks turned rosy pink, flashing
back to their near-kiss on Halloween. I just…wish she’d talk to me about this…I…miss her…
“Makoto…are you okay?”
Makoto looked up, smiling weakly at the concerned eyes looking down at him before replying
“Oh, hey Mukuro. I’m…alright…don’t worry about me…”
Frowning, Mukuro pulled out Kyoko’s usual chair and sat down across from Makoto, her normally
hard eyes soft as she prodded “…Are you sure? It’s none of my business…but if I can help you
feel better…I’d like to…”
Makoto smiled gratefully and nodded, replying “Alright; thanks, Mukuro. You’re the best.”
Blushing slightly, Mukuro denied “D…don’t worry about it. So…what’s on your mind?”
“Well…” Makoto began, stirring his chopsticks in his bowl aimlessly “It started at the Halloween
Dance a couple of days ago…oh, but you weren’t there, were you?”
Mukuro nodded; since Junko’s expulsion, she had stayed away from extracurricular class
activities, only coming to class and the Dining Hall.
“Well…during the dance, Kyoko and I had to dance together and we…almost kissed…”
You…almost…kissed? Mukuro thought incredulously as her eyes widened at the realization.
Oblivious to Mukuro’s thoughts, Makoto nodded and confirmed “…Yeah…but it got interrupted,
and we were both shocked and embarrassed. I think I might…I think I might…you know…like
her…but she hasn’t shown up at all since then, so we haven’t been able to talk about it.” Makoto
sighed and confessed “Honestly Mukuro, I’m getting really worried about her. I never wanted to
make her upset, and if she’s upset with me about this then…”
“Makoto.”
His rambling coming to a halt, Makoto looked up at the Ultimate Soldier, staring at him intently as
she continued.
“When I was in Fenrir, I had to trust the other soldiers and my CO completely. Avoiding each
other over petty misunderstandings meant that we could get killed. If any of us let our feelings get
in the way of working together as a squad, we were promptly kicked out before we could
inadvertently sabotage the mission. “If Kyoko can’t do the same with you as you’re doing for her,
then she’s not worth worrying over.”
“Mukuro…”
Makoto felt conflicted; though he didn’t appreciate the fact that Mukuro was speaking negatively
about the girl he had a crush on, he did appreciate the fact that she was trying to cheer him up in
her own way.
Deciding to listen to the grateful part of him, Makoto gave a small smile and closed his eyes,
replying “Thanks, Mukuro. Here you are, trying to cheer me up…when I’m the reason your
sister’s not at school with us…”
Mukuro stayed silent; knowing that it was Junko’s own fault that she got suspended, but still
unable to directly criticize her own sister. Before either of them could say any more, the class
heard the bell ring.
Standing up, Makoto commented “Well, I guess that’s our cue to head to class.”
Nodding, Mukuro got up and followed Makoto, asking as they walked “What will you do?”
“…I’ll probably take a walk around the grounds after class…clear my head, you know? Hopefully
then, I’ll…come to a decision…”
Mukuro nodded, the two remaining silent as they walked into the classroom and took their seats,
Koichi sitting at his desk and sipping from his mug as they waited for the rest of the class to file in
and take their seats.
XXX
Present Day
“…Mommy…do you think Mukuro was trying to sabotage your and Daddy’s relationship?”
“Ki…Kiki!”
Ignoring her husband’s shocked exclamation, Kyoko answered “Well, she was enamored with him,
so I can’t deny that it was possible…although I don’t think it was the main reason.”
“Then you think…she really was trying to comfort Daddy?”
Nodding, Kyoko confirmed “Yes…your father had helped Mukuro come out of her shell, just like
he did with me, so like me at first, I think she wanted to repay his kindness. That’s most likely
why she offered to help him and give him advice.”
Nodding in acceptance, Kiki replied “Okay, Mommy. So…what were you doing during this time?
Were you really…avoiding Daddy?”
Reluctantly nodding, Kyoko confirmed “…Yes…I…didn’t know how to deal…with the fact that I
was crushing on your father. So I thought the optimal solution was to spend some time away from
him so the feelings would die down. Although…that strategy didn’t work, for you see…”
XXX
November 3, 2014
Kyoko scribbled away at her pile of paperwork, sitting alone at her desk. Yet although she seemed
hard at work, all was not well with the Ultimate Detective; her processing and writing speed had
noticeably slowed, her constant flashbacks to her near-kiss with Makoto splitting her concentration.
What the hell is wrong with me? I spent the last couple of days holed up in the office so I could
get away from Makoto and stop thinking about kissing him. So why…why don’t I get him and my
urge to kiss him out of my head?
“Kirigiri-chan?”
Brought out of her monologue, Kyoko looked up to see the police chief staring down at her with
disapproval in his eyes.
Frowning, Kyoko asked “Chief; is there a meeting?”
Shaking his head, the Chief denied “No, but we need to talk about your recent work, Kirigiri-
chan.”
Confused, Kyoko repeated “My…work?”
Nodding, the Chief explained “I thought it was strange at first; you coming in and actually taking
part in coffee hour with us. Then, you practically demanded to take on everyone’s paperwork for
them. As if that wasn’t strange enough, your output has slowed considerably these past couple of
days. The only reason you’ve matched your daily output is because you’ve been working from
sunrise to sunset, only taking breaks for meals or to use the bathroom.”
“That’s…”
“I’ve seen this from others during my time on the force, Kirigiri-chan. I’m gonna take a wild guess
and say that you’re having boy troubles and you’re hiding in the office and burying yourself in
your work to avoid thinking about them, right?”
Kyoko stayed silent, unable to truly refute her boss, causing the Chief to sigh.
“I thought so. Look, Kirigiri-chan, you’re the best detective we have…but I can’t have you
working when your head’s not in the game. I won’t pry, but you need to get out of this office for a
while. Take a walk, shop with some friends at the mall, heck, spend some time with your Dad for
all I care. Just…stay away from the office until you’re feeling better!”
Before she knew what was going on, she found herself being shooed out of the station, the doors
closing behind her as the chief walked back inside.
XXX
“Oof!”
Kyoko stumbled backwards, caught off guard as she looked up at the person she had just run into.
“Sa…Sakura?”
The Ultimate Martial Artist stared at Kyoko, eyes widened in shock as she exclaimed “Kyoko?!
Where have you been? You haven’t shown up for two days, and you didn’t even come to our
weekly sparring session! We’re all worried about you!”
Kyoko averted her gaze guiltily and apologized “I…apologize for worrying you all like that. I
just…had a lot on my mind and needed some space.”
Sakura reached up and nudged Kyoko’s cheek so that she was looking into the Ultimate Martial
Artist’s eyes. The Ultimate Detective resisted the urge to squirm, clearly uncomfortable with how
Sakura seemed to be searching into her soul. At last, Sakura lowered her hand, giving a small
smile.
“Follow me.”
XXX
Kyoko closed the door behind her, walking over to Sakura’s bed as she patted the seat next to her,
encouraging the detective to sit with her. Not even five seconds had passed after taking her seat
when Sakura asked her next question.
“Do you have a crush on Makoto?”
Flinching, Kyoko averted her gaze, replying “…I thought you weren’t going to pry about my
personal life…”
Nodding, Sakura confirmed “Yes, I did say that, and if you really don’t want me to pry, I won’t.
But we all saw what happened on Halloween night.” Kyoko blushed, flashing back to her near-
kiss as Sakura continued “Most anyone could infer that your disappearance had to do with that
incident. And while I am perfectly content to leave you alone on the matter…others in our class,
like Hina, might not be so willing to respect your privacy.”
Kyoko stayed silent, her eyes widening in realization at Sakura’s point.
Smiling wryly, Sakura reflected “Hina means well…but her forward assault approach to solving
problems doesn’t work for everybody…nor for every problem. But I ultimately can’t stop her or
the others from confronting you about the issue out of concern. So I’m giving you an opportunity
to air your grievances in a controlled environment, without eavesdroppers.”
An uncomfortable silence passed before Kyoko clasped her hands together, admitting “…Yes…
and I…don’t know how to deal with this…my parents were never around to explain this…subject
matter to me…and my grandfather told me to stay away from boys…”
Nodding in understanding, Sakura commented “I see…you know…you and I aren’t that different
from each other.” Seeing Kyoko suddenly look up at her suddenly, Sakura asked “Do you
remember last semester, when I said that even I have the heart of a woman?”
Kyoko nodded, giving Sakura the go ahead to continue.
“When I was in middle school, I was completely focused on becoming the Strongest Human
Alive. I respected physical power and little else. I still fought with honor, but I believed that being
strong meant that you had to be strong in body and body alone. Then, when I first entered high
school…I lost to somebody.”
Kyoko looked at Sakura incredulously, unable to believe that Sakura, the Ultimate Martial Artist,
had lost to another in battle.
Sakura smiled nostalgically and confirmed “Yes, I lost to someone; his name is Kenshiro. And
when I found myself overpowered, lying on the mat, instead of gloating about his strength, he
instead reached out his hand to me. He showed me compassion and respect. From that point on,
he taught me about the importance of showing kindness, and taught me how to recognize strengths
other than physical prowess.”
Just like Makoto taught me…
“It’s thanks to Kenshiro that I learned to be strong in mind and spirit, not just in body. And before
long…I found myself falling for him. I suddenly found myself at a loss; I had spent my entire life
training in martial arts, not giving even a moment’s consideration towards dating, falling in love, or
starting a family.”
“…What did you do?”
“…I did what I always did when facing difficulties in my training; I pushed through. I met
Kenshiro alone, told him how I felt, and we agreed to try a relationship.” Seeing Kyoko’s shocked
expression, Sakura continued “That being said, my approach doesn’t necessarily work for
everyone. I would suggest you talk to someone who had a more…orthodox love life. Makoto may
have a strong core, but he’s not Kenshiro.”
…It’s not bad advice, but… Shaking her head, Kyoko admitted “That’s not possible. I’m not close
to anyone but Makoto, who I can’t ask for advice for…obvious reasons.”
Nodding, Sakura suggested “What about your father?”
“My…father?”
Nodding, Sakura confirmed “Yes; he is the headmaster, so even if he wasn’t around to give you
advice back then, you would be in the perfect position to ask him for advice now.”
My father…I should ask…my father…?
XXX
Present Day
“So…what did you do, Mommy? Did you ask your Daddy for help? And what about you,
Daddy?”
Shaking their heads, Kyoko and Makoto turned to face their daughter, the young mother answering
“Tomorrow, Kiki.”
Nodding, Makoto agreed “It’s getting late…and this is a good cutoff point for the story.
Otherwise, we’ll be up all night.”
“…Stupid cliffhangers…” Kiki groaned before wiggling underneath the blankets, her parents
tucking her in and kissing her good night.
Once she was asleep, Kyoko and Makoto smiled before quietly closing the door behind them and
retreating to their room.
Intimacy Arc Chapter Seventeen: Naegiri Counsel!
Chapter Summary
Taking Sakura's advice, Kyoko goes to see her father and ask for his guidance about
her feelings. Meanwhile, Makoto takes a walk to clear his head and accidentally runs
into Chiaki. Will the two receive the counsel that they desperately need?
Chapter Notes
This chapter combines two asks sent to my Tumblr ask box by NotFanFicNet. Please
read and review, and enjoy!
Present Day
“So what did you do, Mommy?”
“Well, I left Sakura’s room soon after, and I took some time in my room and later that afternoon, I
decided to…”
XXX
November 3, 2014
*Sigh* “…I can’t believe I’m about to throw out the last of my pride…” Kyoko muttered as she
stared at the nameplate above the wooden door, the word “HEADMASTER” etched on the
metallic surface. “…Well, I knew I’d come here outside of casework eventually. I just imagined
that I’d be cutting ties with him, not acknowledging him as my father…this is all your fault,
Makoto…”
She sighed, recalling her near kiss with the Ultimate Lucky Student three days prior.
“Well, no use just standing here; let’s just get this over with…”
*Knock, knock, knock*
“Enter” Kyoko heard the masculine voice call out before she slowly turned the doorknob,
awkwardly stepping inside, seeing her surprised father and Koichi Kizakura look up at her from his
desk.
“Oh, Kyoko!” Jin exclaimed as his daughter began closing the distance until she directly in front
of his desk. “What can I do for you? Is there another case concerning Hope’s Peak…”
Shaking her head, Kyoko replied “No…no case this time, Headmaster. I…”
It was then that Koichi glanced at Kyoko, a teasing grin on his face as he interrupted “You’re here
for some daddy-daughter time, aren’t you, Kyoko-chan. It’s about time you two…”
“Professor Kizakura, don’t you have assignments to grade?” Jin asked as he glared at his
employee.
Holding up his hands in surrender, Koichi smiled, replying “Alright, I got ya, Boss!” Tipping his
fedora, Koichi smirked before walking out the door.
Jin sighed, causing Kyoko to turn back to face him as he smiled wearily and explained “Your
Uncle Koichi means well…but to be honest he grates even on my nerves sometimes.” Sitting up
straight, Jin folded his hands as he looked his daughter in the eye and asked “Now, if you’re not
visiting me about casework, then what do you need me for?”
“I…I need your counsel…” Seeing Jin’s eyebrow rise in curiosity, she reluctantly explained while
averting her gaze “Not as the Headmaster of this school…but…as my…father.”
Kyoko didn’t miss the joyous, beaming grin and shining eyes as Jin hurriedly cleared his desk of
paperwork, messily shoving papers in whatever empty drawers he could find.
“Of…of course, Kyoko! I’d be happy to make time for you! Come; pull up a chair and come
around to the other side!”
Nodding, Kyoko awkwardly dragged one of the chairs from in front of the desk until it was parallel
with his own large, black chair, the Headmaster spinning around until he was facing her, Jin
smiling warmly as she sat down, holding back the urge to squirm in her seat.
“So…what do you need guidance on, Kyoko?”
Kyoko bit her lip; now that she was here, she felt her anxiety creep up, unsure of how to proceed.
“I…I’m unsure…how to articulate it…”
Smiling warmly, Jin assured her “Take as long as you need to think, Kyoko. I’ll cancel all of my
meetings if I have to.”
He…he’d actually do that? For me? Taking a deep breath, Kyoko began “How…how did you
and Mom…fall in love?”
His eyes widening momentarily in realization, Jin smiled understandingly as he concluded “Ah, so
you’re having your first crush…Makoto Naegi, right?”
Barely holding back a shocked gasp, Kyoko could only utter “How…”
Chuckling under his breath, Jin answered “I remember when he brought you back to campus after
that incident involving Ibuki Mioda’s guitar. You wouldn’t let just anyone carry you on their back
while you were still conscious, and it was impossible not to notice how closely you clung to him
when we brought you back to your room.”
“I see…” Kyoko responded, chiding herself I really need to gain a better handle of my…romantic
emotions…
“More to the point…” Jin continued “Word travels fast in this school, so I heard about the incident
during the Halloween Dance.” Jin held back a chuckle at seeing his normally stoic daughter blush
at the memory of her near-kiss with Makoto, assuring her “I’m guessing you must have felt pretty
startled by what almost happened, and more than a little confused and embarrassed. Kyoko, that’s
perfectly normal to feel that way with any crush, especially your first.”
“…Then…how did you and Mom handle it?”
Smiling nostalgically as he leaned back in his chair, Jin began “I can’t speak for your mother; I can
only speak through my own perspective.”
Kyoko nodded, giving her father the go ahead to continue.
“Your mother and I first met not long after I left the Kirigiri family to forge my own path. It
wasn’t easy at first; I was barely out of high school, and I had no job, no savings, and no home to
go back to. Luckily, I had met your maternal grandparents, the Uzuchis, through a case during my
detective training. I bumped into your mother during the brief period of time I was out on the
streets. She recognized me from when we happened to cross paths during the case.
“…And what happened?”
“…She asked me how my detective career was going, and I told her about my falling out with my
father, and in an act of incomprehensible compassion, she dragged me home and begged your
grandparents to let me stay with them.”
…An act of incomprehensible compassion…Just like Makoto…
“In the weeks after I moved in with them, your mother and I became practically joined at the hip.
We did everything together, we shared our deepest secrets with each other, and eventually…I
started to fall for her…”
Just like Makoto and me… Kyoko realized, shocked at just how much her parents’ path mirrored
her and Makoto’s dynamic.
“When I realized that I loved her, I was terrified. I shied away from her, scared to tell her how I
felt, scared of how everything would change.”
Just like I am…
“Eventually though, your mother cornered me when your grandparents were asleep and forced the
truth out of me. She told me that no matter what happened, she would never abandon me, that
whether or not we became lovers, she would always be my friend.”
That’s more or less what Makoto said to me…the day he rescued me in April…
“We agreed to try a courtship, and a year after dating, she proposed to me, not trusting me to be the
one to pop the question myself. Your grandparents gave their blessing, gifted us with a small
cottage, and withing a couple months, we married, and not even a year after we got married, you
were born. And those first few years where we were a family…those were the happiest I’ve ever
been…”
As Jin continued to reminisce about his early marriage and parenting days with Hibiki, Kyoko felt
her jealousy bubble to the surface, beginning to feel her long held resentment towards her father
take root.
He has all these memories of Mom; years of experience with her love. And me? The most I get are
brief flashes from before she was taken from me, and I can’t even control them. The only memory I
can recall on command is seeing her pale face floating above a white sheet in the morgue. And
while I come to him for help with my own feelings, he has the nerve to make a tangent to the years
that we were a family that I can’t even remember. Has there ever been a worse father?
Jin froze, noticing Kyoko biting her lower lip while tears streamed down her cheeks.
“Ki…Kyoko? Are you alright, darling?”
Jin reached out to touch her cheek, gasping as he angled her face to reveal the hardened, angry
glare that seemed to be a Kirigiri family trait. He watched helplessly as Kyoko slapped his hand
away, jumping out of her chair and running out of the office.
“KYOKO!”
Jin’s plea was in vain, as the door had already slammed shut behind her. Sighing, Jin moped back
to his desk, picking up an old photo of him and his wife Hibiki holding an infant Kyoko in their
arms.
“Oh, Hibiki…where do I go from here? How do I reconnect with her? No matter what I do…I
always seem to fail as a father…without you…”
XXX
*Sob*
Kyoko barely made it around the corner before she collapsed on her knees, emotionally overcome
from the combined stress of her feelings towards Makoto and her frustration with her father. So
absorbed was she by her tears that she didn’t notice someone running over to her.
“Oh my! Kyoko Kirigiri? Are you alright, dear?”
Barely able to make out a feminine voice, she wiped her eyes on her glove before looking up at the
woman who had taken pity on her.
“Yukizome-sensei…” Gradually standing up, Kyoko croaked “I’m fi…”
Shaking her head, Chisa refuted “Don’t be stubborn, dear. You are NOT fine!” Walking behind
the detective and gently nudging her forward, Chisa urged “Come on, let’s get to my office and you
can tell me what’s wrong.”
Not having the mental energy to properly argue, Kyoko merely nodded and let Chisa guide her
across the hall.
XXX
“I see…so you went to talk to your father about your crush on a boy and when he accidentally went
on a tangent, it made you angry, right?”
Kyoko nodded, dabbing her tears with the handkerchief Chisa had loaned her.
With her emotions more under control, Kyoko replied “I…apologize for unloading on you like
that…”
Shaking her head, Chisa urged “Don’t apologize dear; it’s a teacher’s job to be there for the
students, even if she’s not the one teaching them.”
…I can see why my father hired you…
As if she could read her mind, Chisa commented “Just…don’t stay too mad at your father, alright?
I’m sure he meant well…but sometimes it takes a woman to give counsel on woman’s issues.”
Seeing Kyoko nod, Chisa clapped her hands together and continued “Splendid! In that case, let me
share a story that has a little more relevance to the problem at hand.”
…Is this really a good idea? That’s what I thought with my father, and look how that turned out…
Nevertheless, she reluctantly nodded, allowing Chisa to begin “When I attended Hope’s Peak
Academy, I had two good friends. One was Juzo Sakakura…”
The head security guard?
“…and the other was a man named Kyosuke Munakata. We were all the best of friends, and while
we attended school together, I…developed an…attraction to him. But, I was always so scared of
breaking the tight-knit friendship the three of us had, that I hesitated. I kept my feelings to myself,
and we stayed the best of friends. Eventually, graduation had come and gone, and we went our
separate ways without ever telling him how I felt about him. To this very day, he still doesn’t
know my feelings.”
“…And…you regret that you didn’t tell him?”
Nodding with a sad smile, Chisa confirmed “Yes, dear. I learned a powerful lesson from that
experience; If you spend all your time trying to avoid danger, you’ll never move forward. What
I’m saying dear, is that if you let this boy you’re crushing on go without telling him how you feel,
you’ll end up regretting it for the rest of your life. I know it’s scary, but sometimes you just need to
take the plunge and show him how much he means to you!”
If you spend all your time trying to avoid danger, you’ll never move forward… Sniffling one last
time, she stood up from her chair, handed the handkerchief back to the 77th Class’s teacher and
thanked “Thank you, Yukizome-sensei. I…should get going now…”
Grinning, Chisa nodded and replied “Of course, dear. You go chase after your man. I’ll be rooting
for you!”
Blushing, Kyoko merely turned around and exited the office, closing the door gently behind her
and walked back to her room. Once she had gotten back into her dorm and showered, she laid on
her bed, falling asleep with a new resolve.
…I’ll do it…I’ll tell Makoto…that I like him…and that I want to court him…
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, Mommy! That was really nice of Miss Yukizome to help you like that.”
Nodding, Kyoko reflected on the late Chisa and agreed “Yes; she was a very kind woman,
dedicated to her students. Although…in retrospect, perhaps I shouldn’t have blown up at my father
like I did…”
Makoto laid a hand on her shoulder and smiled at her, reassuring her “Hey, it’s okay to get a little
upset. You were overwhelmed about your feelings, and you were just starting to mend the fences
with Dad. I don’t blame you for getting a little upset, given the circumstances.”
“Makoto…”
Kyoko closed her eyes and smiled, leaning into her husband’s shoulder, making peace with her
guilt over blowing up at the Headmaster all those years ago. Kiki watched as her father stroked her
mother’s hair lovingly, Kyoko purring at her husband’s ministrations.
Once the two separated, Kiki asked “So what about you, Daddy? What were you doing when this
was going on?”
“Well, like I told Mukuro, I decided to go for a walk to clear my head. As luck would have it, your
Baa-chan had called my phone during my walk around the grounds. And while we were
talking…”
XXX
November 3, 2014
“Are you sure you’re all right, Makoto? You don’t sound as cheery as you usually do.”
“I’m fine mom, I…” Sighing, Makoto confessed “I just…have a lot on my mind, and I’m taking a
walk to clear my head is all.”
“…Okay. Just remember, Makoto, if something’s bothering you, you can talk to us about it.
We’re your family after all, and we love you.”
“I know…thanks Mom. I’ll see you later, alright? Love you.”
“You too, sweetie. Have a good evening.”
With that, Makoto hung up, putting his phone back in his pocket and sighing as he continued to
walk through the grounds.
What am I going to do? I know Mom would approach this with tact, but the moment Komaru and
Dad know that they were right about me having a crush on Kyoko, I’ll never hear the end of it!
And I can’t deal with being teased right now… “Oof!”
Stumbling backwards, Makoto looked ahead of him, his eyes widening as he saw a young girl
engrossed in a Game Boy Advance, unfazed by their collision.
“Oh, Nanami-senpai. S…sorry…are you…”
“I’m fine, Makoto. Are you okay?”
Nodding, Makoto confirmed “Y..yeah, no worries…”
Still engrossed in her game, Chiaki asked “So what are you doing out here? I’ve never seen you
come by this fountain before.”
“Oh umm…it’s…it’s nothing. I just…had a lot on my mind and needed to take a walk to clear my
head.”
“I see…” Chiaki walked over to the nearby bench, plopping down before offering “Well, come on.
Sit down and tell me about it. I’m listening.”
You seem a little too engrossed in that game to be listening… Makoto deadpanned. Nevertheless,
Makoto walked over to the bench and sat down next to the Ultimate Gamer, taking a deep breath
and beginning “Ano…you remember Kyoko Kirigiri, right?”
Slightly nodding, Chiaki asked “The purple-haired girl from the Halloween Dance, right?”
“Y…yeah…well…during our dance, we almost kissed and now we’re both feeling really
awkward.”
“Yeah…I see what you mean.”
Nodding, Makoto continued “Yeah. We haven’t spoken since the Halloween Dance. I want to talk
to her about it, but honestly, even if I could corner her…I’m honestly not sure what I would say.”
A brief silence passed, the beeps of Chiaki’s Game Boy the only sounds ringing in their ears before
Chiaki finally asked “And why are you hesitating?”
“Well…I guess…I think I really…like her, and I’m just really scared to tell her. What if she
doesn’t feel the same way? What if I tell her and she decides she doesn’t want to be my friend
anymore? What if…”
*Click*
“Huh?”
Makoto turned his head, seeing Chiaki’s Game Boy now turned off, the Ultimate Gamer now
staring into his eyes with a rare, hardened stare.
“Na…Nanami-senpai?”
“Makoto…take my advice, don’t hesitate or you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.”
His eyes widening in shock, Makoto asked “Nanami-senpai…are you…speaking from…

experience?”
Nodding solemnly, Chiaki asked “Do you remember when I mentioned to you and Kyoko the
name Hajime Hinata at the spring festival?” Seeing Makoto nod, Chiaki continued “We met at
this very fountain, a couple of months before your class enrolled here. We bonded over our shared
love of games, before I had even bonded with my class, and since we couldn’t meet on the Main
Campus since he was a Reserve Course student, we met at this fountain every day to play games
together.”
It’s not that different from how Kyoko and I always ate meals together after she began to trust me…
“After about a month, I started to see him differently…I wanted to be near him more often…do
more things with him than just play games…I had started to crush on him. But, like you, I
hesitated. I was afraid of what would happen if he refused my affections. I’m not that good at
dating sims after all, and I was…content with our daily game sessions, so I didn’t want to give that
up.”
It’s just like how I feel with Kyoko…
“One day though, just before your class’s orientation…he stopped coming. I thought that maybe
he might be overwhelmed with schoolwork, or that he was feeling stressed about having to pay the
tuition fees, and that he’d come back with time. But weeks went by, and he still hasn’t shown up.”
A single tear dripped down Chiaki’s cheek as she lamented “Maybe if I had been more forthright
about my feelings, I’d have given him a reason to stay…”
“Chiaki…I mean…”
Shaking her head and wiping her eyes with her hand, she assured him “It’s okay; we work together
so often as Class Representatives, so I don’t mind you using my first name in private.”
“O…okay…Chiaki…”
Staring intensely into her underclassman’s eyes, Chiaki advised him “Don’t make the same
mistake I made with Hajime, Makoto. Don’t let Kyoko get away just because you’re scared. If
you do, I can guarantee you that you’ll regret it for the rest of your life.”
“Chiaki…” Smiling, Makoto nodded and agreed “Okay…I’ll do it; I’ll tell Kyoko how I feel.
Thank you for helping me, Chiaki.”
Returning his smile, Chiaki replied “I’m glad I could help you two out. You go; I’ll wait here;
maybe this will be the day that Hajime comes back. It’s worth hoping, right?”
Hope…yeah, I have to hope, just like her! “Okay, Chiaki. I’ll see you at the next meeting, okay?”
“Okay. Goodbye, Makoto.”
Waving goodbye, Makoto walked off, a nervous determination in his eyes as he walked back to his
room.
I’m still really nervous, and I need to plan out how I’m gonna say it to her…but I have to tell
Kyoko…how much she means to me…and tell her…I want to date her!
XXX
Present Day
“And then you two confessed to each other the next day, right?”
Chuckling, Makoto answered “It was…a little more complicated than that, Kiki.”
Nodding, Kyoko assured her “We’ll tell you that particular story tomorrow, okay?”
“…Stupid cliffhanger…” Kiki grumbled before slithering under the blankets.
Nuzzling her pillow, she watched as her parents brought the blankets to her chin, kissing her cheeks
as they bid her good night.
Yawning once, Kiki fell asleep, her parents’ smiling faces the last sight she saw as she fell into
slumber.
Intimacy Arc Chapter Eighteen: Mixed Bathroom
Chapter Summary
Frustrated by their failures to confess their feelings to the other, Makoto and Kyoko
decide to take a bath in the bathhouse to calm their nerves. Will the crushing Ultimates
end up running into each other?
Chapter Notes
So here's the penultimate chapter of Intimacy Arc, which some of you might have
guessed from the title is an homage to another popular fic ;) Please read and comment
below, and enjoy!
Present Day
“So when happened the next day, Daddy? Did you and Mommy at least talk to each other after
you met with Grandfather, Miss Yukizome, and Chiaki?”
Nodding, Makoto explained “Sort of. Your mother thankfully came to breakfast and we sat at our
usual table. We exchanged apologetic glances, but when it came time for us to actually try and talk
to each other, we were still feeling really awkward and our thoughts just became jumbled in our
heads. So we ended up sitting in silence until it was time to go to class.”
“Even after the advice that Chisa and Chiaki gave you?”
Nodding, Makoto explained “There are times when you plan to do something, but when you
finally get to that point, all your courage just leaves you and you want to run away and hide. It’s
called getting cold feet, and it’s the problem your mother and I had at that point.”
Nodding in comprehension, Kiki asked “So how did you two handle it?”
“Well, after the fourth day of attempting and failing to talk to each other about how we felt, I was
laying on my bed, lost in thought about your mother when…”
XXX
November 7, 2014
“Mattaku! Who knew that confessing to a girl you like could be so…frustrating?!”
Makoto sighed, sitting up and leaning against the bedframe, kicking himself for not having the guts
to confess at all these past four days.
“Get it together, Naegi! It’s just Kyoko; you haven’t had any problems talking to her before, so
why is now any different. In fact, you could do it right now! Just go over, ring her doorbell
and…” Makoto sighed, shaking his head as he dismissed “No…I don’t wanna bother her. This is
important…but not an emergency. If I go this late, I could just end up ticking her off…”
Makoto sighed, taking deep breaths in an attempt to calm himself down. Unfortunately, the
moment he tried to close his eyes, Kyoko’s face flashed in his mind, refusing to leave him alone.
Groaning in frustration, Makoto muttered “That’s it; I can’t live like this! I need to calm down, and
I don’t think a shower’s gonna do the trick this time. But what? What can I…” Makoto’s eyes
widened in realization as he declared “Bath…a nice, warm bath. That should do the trick. Yeah,
and it’s almost ten, so nobody should be using it now. Ahh, a nice, private bath.”
With his goal in mind, Makoto quickly ran to his bathroom and grabbed a towel from the shelf
before walking back to his door. Creaking it open and checking to make sure Taka wasn’t doing a
last minute patrol to ensure everyone was obeying “curfew”, Makoto sighed in relief before power
walking over to the bathhouse.
Sorry Taka, but tonight, a relaxing bath is absolutely essential!
Once he was alone in the changing room, Makoto placed his towel on one of the benches
proceeded to disrobe, his shirt, jeans, and boxers falling to the floor to reveal his nude form.
Bending down to fasten the towel around his waist, Makoto then picked up his discarded clothes,
quickly folded them and placed them in one of the open lockers, closing it gently. Holding the
towel secure with both of his hands, Makoto then walked through the metal doors, only to stumble
backwards and shield his eyes with his forearm as he was assaulted by a fog of steam.
“Agh! Boy, the Headmaster wasn’t kidding when he said the sauna’s steam machine was
malfunctioning.”
Earlier that week, an announcement rang through the loudspeakers that the machinery in the
bathhouse was on the fritz, creating a fog of steam in the sauna. The Headmaster advised all
students to refrain from entering the sauna until the plumbing was fixed, an advisory that Makoto
knew he was disregarding.
Sorry, Headmaster…but it’s worth the risk this time!
With that thought in mind, Makoto began walking around to the left side of the tub, dragging his
right foot as a way to feel where he was. Once he was confidently at the edge, Makoto reached
down and unraveled the towel from his waist. Quickly folding it, he bent down and placed it on
the floor behind him. With that done, Makoto slowly dipped his right toe into the water, gradually
easing the rest of his body into the tub with a sigh of pleasure.
“Ahh…this is relaxing. I can already feel my anxieties evaporating with the steam. Maybe
tomorrow I’ll be able to…tell Kyoko…how I feel…”
XXX
Present Day
“And did it help, Daddy? Did the bath warm up your cold feet and help you to confess to
Mommy?”
…In a manner of speaking… Makoto thought, he and his wife staring at each other knowingly.
“Y…you’ll see once we get further into the story, pumpkin.”
Pouting, Kiki grumbled “Okay, Daddy.” Turning to her mother, Kiki asked “So what were you
doing when this happened, Mommy?”
Giving a rare, bashful smile, Kyoko answered “Funny you should ask that. You see, like your
father, I was in my room trying to get him off of my mind so I could sleep. After tossing and
turning on my bed, I got frustrated and decided to…”
XXX
November 7, 2014
Kyoko sighed with relief, stepping into the bathhouse changing room, towel in hand as she walked
over to one of the benches, placing her towel on the bench before loosening her tie, letting it fall to
the floor as she began unbuttoning her shirt.
Thank god Taka’s not awake right now; I’m in no mood to put up with his lectures about going to
bed at a reasonable hour… Kyoko thought as she shrugged off her shirt, reaching down to unzip
her skirt. Steam malfunction or no, curfew or no, I really need a nice, relaxing bath to get my mind
off of confessing to Makoto…
With her skirt now unzipped, Kyoko pushed it along with her black lace panties down her legs,
kicking them off her feet and into the pile of clothes next to her. She then started to inspect her
now naked feminine body, her thoughts wandering like they did after Hiro and Hifumi dragged
Makoto along to peep on her and the other girls.
Would…would Makoto like me if…he saw my…NO! Snap out of it, Kyoko! You came here to get
your mind off of Makoto Naegi, not to fantasize about him taking a peek. …Besides, the boy never
would do that anyway; he’s too much of a goody two-shoes to do something like that. Would I be
the same? Would I resist taking a peek…if I caught him naked? I’ll admit, I’m a teenage girl, and
I am a little curious to see what he might be…
Kyoko shook the thought from her head before she could start fantasizing further about Makoto’s
naked body. Sighing, she opened the closest locker she could find before bending down, grabbing
her clothes, and stuffing them inside, slamming it shut for good measure. Fastening the towel
around her upper body, Kyoko proceeded to walk through the metal doors, barely impacted by the
steam.
This isn’t so bad; I just have to tread cautiously to make sure I don’t fall.
With that in mind, Kyoko began walking around the right edge of the tub, using her left foot to
survey her position until she came right to the edge of the water. Letting her towel drop behind her
unceremoniously, Kyoko gracefully stepped into the water, relaxing into a sitting position so that
she was waist deep, blissfully unaware of Makoto on the opposite side of the tub. Before she could
let out a relaxed sigh, both her and Makoto’s attention was captured by an automatic announcement
that rang through the bathhouse.
“Attention! Steam pressure leaks now at zero. Steam levels returning to normal.”
Well, that was convenient timing. At least now I can go back without having to approximate my
position Kyoko thought as the steamy fog slowly began to clear, revealing the very boy she was
trying to avoid on the other side.
Makoto?
Kyoko?
Both Makoto and Kyoko blinked, a momentary silence passing as they tried to process that yes,
they were currently in a bathtub with their crush. Both teenagers’ faces turning red from
embarrassment, Makoto was the first to break the silence.
“GAH!”
Makoto moved his hands down to try and cover his crotch, while Kyoko, although keeping her
voice silent, wrapped her arms around her breasts in an attempt to preserve her modesty, sinking
further into the water until only her head and collarbone were showing.
“K…Ki…Kyou…KYOKO?! How? What?”
Still blushing, Kyoko managed to utter “Makoto…what are you…”
“What are you doing here?” They asked simultaneously, mortified by the situation.
Panicking, Makoto replied “I came here to take a bath! I figured since it was so late, nobody
would be here!”
Taking a deep breath, Kyoko regained some sense of calm, willing her blush to diminish into a
faint dusting of rose on her cheeks as she replied “It’s the same with me. I intended to come take a
private bath to relax.”
Though still blushing, Makoto nodded in understanding and offered “Oh, okay…if…you just close
your eyes, I’ll get my towel and get out.”
Feeling guilty about making him leave, on top of the guilt she already carried with having avoided
him during the weekend after the Halloween Dance, Kyoko shook her head and denied “That’s not
necessary; you were here first, so I should be the one to get out and leave you to your bath.”
Shaking his head, Makoto refused “But that’s not fair to you, Kyoko. You shouldn’t have to leave
because of me!”
Kyoko pondered her next course of action, touched by Makoto’s chivalry and consideration while
simultaneously not wanting to kick him out. Suddenly her eyes widened at the obvious solution.
I must be out of my mind; this could create so many more complications…oh, what the hell?
“Then…” Kyoko suggested “…we’ll just have to share the bath…”
Makoto’s blush instantly darkened from rosy pink to blood red as he stuttered “Sh…share…?”
Unable to keep the blush off her cheeks, she admitted as she let her arms fall from her breasts to her
sides “I…I trust you, Makoto.”
“O…okay…then…we’ll share, I guess…”
An uncomfortable silence passed between the two as they waited for their emotions and hormones
to calm down.
I can’t believe it! I’m sharing a bath…with KYOKO! This is your chance; you can…NO!
Absolutely not; you’re both embarrassed as it is. This is the worst time to confess. You just have
to wait a few days until you both forget this incident. Just make small talk, Makoto; make her feel
comfortable. Removing his hands from his crotch and letting them rest on his knees, Makoto
ventured “So umm…how’s your detective work coming along? Have you gotten any new cases?”
Now that Makoto was no longer yelling and panicking, Kyoko struggled to hear his attempt at a
conversation from across the tub. She briefly contemplated asking him to raise his voice, but the
idea of nearly shouting a conversation was unappealing to her.
The only way this is going to work is if we’re in closer proximity to each other Briefly imagining
herself resting her head on Makoto’s soft chest, Kyoko shook the thought away, blushing slightly
as she committed Well, here goes nothing…
Makoto’s eyes widened as she gradually inched her way closer, hugging the wall of the tub until
she was only a few inches away from him, the two embarrassed Ultimates nearly side-by-side.
“Ano…Kyoko…what are you…”
“…It’s kind of difficult to have a conversation when we’re on opposite sides of the tub. Now we
can hear each other talk.”
“Ohh…yeah…good idea, Kyoko…” Oh my god, she’s next to me. We’re naked, and we’re almost
touching! In an effort to distract himself from his thoughts, as well as out of genuine curiosity,
Makoto scratched his cheek nervously and asked “So…why did you feel the need to take a bath
tonight anyhow?”
Kyoko blushed as she realized This is it! This is your chance to confess! Just…no, if you’re
embarrassed, then he’s super embarrassed. Wait for another night, just tell a half truth, Kyoko!
Fiddling with her hair, Kyoko answered “I…had a lot on my mind, and I had trouble relaxing, so I
thought a bath might put my mind at ease and allow me to sleep tonight.”
Nodding, Makoto admitted “…Same here. I…was feeling a little stressed and I thought soaking in
a hot bath might calm my nerves.”
Kyoko frowned, biting her lip as she pondered Makoto’s confession.
So we came for the same reason…that can’t be a coincidence. Is it possible…could he be…

attracted to me too? Kyoko reflected on her recent wonderings of whether Makoto would find her
physically attractive, her eyes widening as she realized This is my chance to test my assumption, to
see if Makoto really is attracted to me. Well…here goes nothing…
A blush on her cheeks at just what she was about to do, Kyoko sat up slightly straighter, allowing
the tops of her breasts to rise above the water and into Makoto’s view. Makoto’s jaw gaped as he
took in the sight of Kyoko’s partially exposed cleavage.
Just turn away, Makoto…don’t look, don’t look, don’t…ah, I looked! Quick, look away before she
sees you looked!
……He looked. So he does find me attractive, after all! Secretly excited at her discovery, Kyoko
smirked victoriously as she teased “So, our Class Representative isn’t completely immune to the
temptations of women…”
Blushing, Makoto brought his palms to cover his face as he apologized “I’M SORRY! I didn’t
mean to peek, honest! Just…when it was right in front of me…I couldn’t help it.. You’re…I
mean…”
Hearing Kyoko giggle, Makoto lowered his palms, relaxing at seeing her teasing smile as she
assured him “You don’t need to apologize. I can’t expect you to not look if I’m right in front of
you; you are a boy, after all.”
Breathing a sigh of relief, Makoto agreed “Yeah, true. I won’t sneak in to peek on women, but I do
have hormones like any other boy.”
Makoto couldn’t help but glance between her eyes and her cleavage, feeling a slight warmth pool in
his lower belly, causing him to reprimand himself for letting the slightest bit of Kyoko’s forbidden
beauty arouse him.
He was thankful when Kyoko’s voice brought his attention back to her face as she admitted
“Truthfully, if anyone owes you an apology…it’s me.”
His brow furrowed in confusion, Makoto asked “What…what do you have to apologize for?” Did
she not like that…near-kiss we had during the Dance? Or does she think she made me
uncomfortable?
Fiddling with a strand of her hair, Kyoko explained “For…dropping off of the map last weekend
like I did…after the incident at the Dance. It was…immature of me, and I never really explained
myself or apologized for not letting you know I was okay. So…I’m sorry for acting so childish,
Makoto.”
Blushing at the memory of their near-kiss, Makoto nonetheless assured her “Oh no, you don’t need
to apologize for that. Truthfully…” Makoto averted his gaze as he explained “…I was feeling
really awkward about it myself, and I wasn’t sure how to deal with it. So I just…tried to go back
to life like everything was normal. But if you needed some space…then I would have understood,
Kyoko.”
Kyoko couldn’t help the blushing smile that tugged at her lips, touched by Makoto’s confession.
Kyoko found herself inching closer until their bodies were touching, her left hand reaching
underneath the water to grab his right, threading her fingers with his and squeezing his hand.
“Kyou…Kyoko?” Makoto gasped as Kyoko laid her head on his shoulder, blushing at her
affectionate gesture.
“…Thank you, Makoto. You’ve always been there for me, even when I acted immaturely. I’m…
truly lucky, to have your friendship.”
“Kyou…Kyoko…” Makoto stammered, unused to seeing Kyoko so “foolishly open”, as she used
to call him.
Glancing at Makoto’s reddened face, Kyoko wondered If he’s blushing out of attraction…does that
mean that…his heart rate spikes when I get close to him? Only one way to find out…
Makoto sat, shocked as Kyoko lifted her head from his shoulder, then realigned it so that her ear
was pressed against his chest, secretly smiling as she listened to the quickening *Thump, thump*
of his heart.
“Kyoko? What are you…” I gotta admit though…having her resting against my chest…it feels…
really nice. Does this mean…she likes me?
Oblivious to Makoto’s thoughts, she then glanced down at the water, where his belly was
obscured. Kyoko blushed, flashing back to the two instances this semester where she had stared at
his soft abdomen.
…Maybe just…
Giving into temptation, Kyoko let her free hand wander, stroking down his chest, making Makoto
shiver as he felt her fingertips stroke his muscles.
Trying to ignore the heat pooling in his lower regions, Makoto forced out “Kyou…Kyoko…what
are you…”
Makoto’s voice died in his throat as she rested her palm against his belly, the center of her gloved
hand resting over his belly button.
…I did it! I’m touching it…it’s really smooth…and soft…
What…what’s going on with her? Why is she…touching me…?
Both Makoto and Kyoko felt the warmth of arousal pooling inside them, brought forward by
Kyoko’s unexpected advances. Rather than feeling sated, however, Kyoko found herself wanting
more.
…It’s not good enough. I…I want him. …Yes, this is the perfect way to show Makoto how I feel.
And based off of his physical reactions to my touches…I’m fairly confident that this will be well-
received. It’s time I take the plunge!
Makoto stared, confused as Kyoko removed her hands from his body and lifted her head from his
chest, her standard, neutral mask now firmly in place.
“Kyoko…are you okay…”
Kyoko chose not to respond with words. Instead, she merely stood up in the tub, leaving her nude
back exposed for Makoto to see.
“WAAH!”
Before he could even move his palms over his eyes, Kyoko urged “Grab your towel and meet me
in the changing room.”
Makoto watched, dumbfounded as walked through the water, grabbed her towel and quickly
fastened it around her body before walking through the metal doors.
Sweatdropping, Makoto wondered “What was that about? First she proposes we share a bath, then
she slides right next to me, then she lays her head on my chest, and finally she starts stroking my
chest and touching my belly? What’s with her? And why does she want me to meet her in the
changing room?” Sighing with befuddlement, Makoto decided “I’d better do as she says, before I
make her angry.”
Standing up in the water, Makoto turned around and got out of the tub, bending down in order to
reach his towel, fastening it around his waist before making his way through the metal doors.
Without a word or even a moment to breathe, Kyoko grabbed him by the wrist, tugging him along
as he yelped, his free hand keeping his towel in place as she dragged him out of the bathhouse,
Makoto stumbling to keep up with her pace.
“Hey, Kyoko!”
XXX
Present Day
“Hahahahahahahaha!” Kiki laughed, clutching her own belly as she wheezed “Boy Daddy, you get
in the strangest situations, huh? Taking a bath at the same time that Mommy was?”
Makoto and Kyoko blushed as they remembered that particular accident, forced to silently agree
with their daughter that the former Ultimate Lucky Student really did have a track record of getting
into the strangest situations, often dragging Kyoko along for the ride with him.
Finally quieting down, Kiki continued “So, Mommy obviously took you somewhere to talk things
over. So, what did you guys talk about?”
Still blushing, the two parents smiled with a nostalgic bashfulness as Makoto explained “That…
will have to wait until tomorrow, Kiki. It’s late.”
“Aww…but it was just getting to the good part!”
Ruffling her daughter’s hair, Kyoko promised “Tomorrow, Kiki. Then it’ll get to the really good
part.”
“…Promise?”
The two parents got off the bed, sweeping the blankets to cover up to Kiki’s neck as Kyoko leaned
down to kiss her daughter’s nose, agreeing “Promise.”
Yawning, Kiki acquiesced “…Okay…good night.”
*Snore*
Seeing their daughter was now asleep, Makoto and Kyoko smiled and retreated to their room to
retire for the evening.
XXX
“…I’m really glad Kiki didn’t ask what happened before we talked.” Makoto admitted as he
snuggled his wife “That would have been difficult to explain to a five-year-old.”
Kyoko nodded, nuzzling her husband’s chest as she admitted “True…that night was…magical…
and it definitely pushed us to confess and become a couple…but she doesn’t need to know the
details of our little encounter.”
Makoto nodded, the two blushing as they recalled the events of that evening.
XXX
November 7, 2014
“Hey! Kyoko, where are we going?”
“Shush!” Kyoko silenced him as she dragged him through the halls, Makoto closing his mouth as
she dragged him to her door. While Makoto struggled to catch his breath, she hurriedly flung the
door open, yanking him into her room. Makoto yelped as he rubbed his likely bruised wrist as
Kyoko kicked the door shut.
Just when he had finally caught his breath, Makoto’s eyes widened as the towel dropped to the
floor, revealing Kyoko’s full nudity for the first time, Makoto suddenly feeling out of breath as he
tried to process what was going on.
Holy shit! Kyoko…Kyoko’s…mmph!

The forbidden sight didn’t last long, as Kyoko practically tackled him, mashing her lips against his
own, aggressively kissing him as she grabbed his wrists once more, his towel dropping to the floor
too as she walked forward, pushing him against and onto the bed.
Kyoko’s…kissing me! Kyoko’s…my first kiss!
Crawling over him, Kyoko pinned him against the bed, Makoto forced to stare into her passionate
violet orbs as she continued to kiss him, the boy feeling his arousal from back in the bathhouse stir
once more, stronger than ever.
As Kyoko released his lips to come up for air, the confused Makoto couldn’t help but demand
“K…Kyoko? What’s going on? Why did you bring me into your room and tackle me onto your
bed? Why are we…”
“Shh…” Kyoko urged, bringing his hands to the sides of her breasts as she urged “Don’t talk. Just
feel.”
Don’t talk? Just feel?
If Makoto had any further objections or demands, they were silenced when Kyoko returned her lips
to his own, the boy’s resistance crumbling as he felt her tongue poke at his lips, demanding
entrance.
Oh, what the hell?
Completely relaxing against her bed, Makoto parted his lips, moaning as her tongue tangled with
his. Smirking in victory, Kyoko began stroking his chest, passion overtaking both of them as she
slammed down on him from above, the passionate detective riding him as he let her guide him to
greater pleasures than he could have ever imagined.
Intimacy Arc Chapter Nineteen: It’s About Time!
Chapter Summary
After their one-night stand, Makoto and Kyoko finally have heart-to-heart about what
exactly their relaitonship is going forward. Will the two Ultimates get together, as
everyone has been expecting?
Chapter Notes
Well here we are, the final chapter of Intimacy Arc. Tomorrow I will be posting
Interlude Three, then I will be taking another break to plan out the structure of the next
Arc of HIMYM; Love Arc. In the meantime, please read and review, and let me know
what you thought of Intimacy Arc as a whole. Enjoy!
Present Day
“So what happened after Mommy dragged you away, Daddy?”
Both parents still blushing at the memory, Kyoko continued “Well, I brought him to my room to
clear the air between us. Eventually we were lying on my bed, relaxing when…”
XXX
November 7, 2014
Finally back from their passionate highs, Makoto and Kyoko laid on their sides, facing each other
as Kyoko absentmindedly drew random patterns on his chest and upper belly with her pointer
finger.
Did that…did that just happen? Still not believing that this wasn’t some crazy, lustful dream he
was having, Makoto mustered up the focus to avoid the pleasurable distraction of Kyoko’s
ministrations and asked “So…did we…did we just…”
Something between a smirk and a smile tugged at Kyoko’s lips as she merely answered “The sticky
fluids between our legs would indicate so, yes.”
Okay, so that confirms it. I just had a bath with Kyoko, I just kissed Kyoko, I just had sex with
Kyoko…Oh, kami! I JUST HAD SEX WITH KYOKO!
The implications of that realization just hit Makoto, whose eyes widened in a panic, the boy on the
edge of hyperventilating as he started to shake.
Removing her hand from his chest and placing it on his shoulder in a firm grip, Kyoko frowned as
she asked “Makoto? What’s wrong?”
Finally gasping, Makoto shut his eyes as tears started to leak from his eyelids, the boy crying “I…
I’m sorry! I promise, I’ll take responsibility for what happens! I swear I won’t abandon you! I…”
Responsibility? What’s he…oh… Realizing what Makoto was so scared of, Kyoko placed both
hands on his shoulders, urging “Makoto, calm down, look at me, okay?”
After a second, Makoto slowly opened his eyes, wiping his eyes on his wrist before looking
straight into Kyoko’s eyes as she spoke with a reassuring voice.
“Makoto, don’t worry. I’m not going to get pregnant; I’m on daily birth control.”
Finally calming down at that revelation, Makoto stammered “O…oh…that’s good…” *Phew* …
At least I don’t have to worry about explaining tonight to my mom…
Nodding, Kyoko explained “Yes. You know firsthand how dangerous my line of work can get. If
a criminal managed to subdue me and have his way with me, I can at least take comfort knowing
that I won’t have to carry a piece of him with me.”
…How can she talk about getting raped at work so casually? Makoto wondered incredulously,
blocking out the image from his mind. Shaking his head, Makoto asked “Anyways…I have a
question.” Seeing Kyoko nod curiously, Makoto continued “What…are we, exactly? I know
things have been…awkward between us…after the dance last week, so we never got to talk about
what was going on.”
Nodding, Kyoko agreed “That’s fair. After I dragged you here and pressured you into having sex,
you deserve some honest answers at the very least.” Taking a deep breath, Kyoko confessed
“When we were picked to dance together, I didn’t intend to kiss you, nor did I intend to get so close
to you during tonight’s bath. In both cases, however, I found myself suddenly wanting to, and
unable to restrain myself.”
It’s the same as me…does she…is she saying…
“Makoto, how deep do your feelings for me run?”
Caught off guard, Makoto felt all his courage leave him after Kyoko asked her question, in spite of
the advice Chiaki had given him earlier that week. Flashing back to Sayaka’s rejection of him last
term, he suddenly became hesitant.
“Are…are you sure that’s a good idea? I mean…you know what happened the last time I…I told a
girl how I felt. Besides…you warned me before about the consequences that can arise from a lock
of good judgment…”
Kyoko’s gaze lowered, saddened by Makoto’s anxiety and fear, as well as disappointed in herself
for not doing more to help him regain the faith and hope he had shown when he told her of his
intentions to court Sayaka.
“Makoto…look at me…” Makoto hesitantly looked up, noticing a rare warmth in her violet eyes
as she said encouragingly “If you spend all of your time trying to avoid danger, you’ll never move
forward.” Squeezing his shoulder, she continued “I understand that you’re scared about opening
yourself. I was scared of that too, until you befriended me and helped me to open up to our class.”
“Kyoko…”
She then reached up to cradle his face, pulling him close, Makoto blushing at the feeling of her
breasts pressing against his chest as she assured him “I promise, no matter what happens when we
leave this room, I will never stop being your friend, just as you would never stop being mine if I
was the one confessing my fears. And…” Kyoko hesitated before steeling her resolve, continuing
“as a show of good faith…”
Makoto watched with widened eyes as she lowered her hands from his cheeks, gradually tugging
off her left glove for him to see.
“Kyoko…you…”
Smiling, Kyoko reached down for his right hand, threading their fingers together as she explained
“…Don’t expect me to do this often. But if I’m asking you to be transparent with me about your
feelings, then it’s only fair that, in this moment, I’m transparent with you.” Squeezing his hand
with her own, Kyoko pleaded with him “Tell me how you feel, Makoto…please.”
Gulping, Makoto closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, steeling his courage as he let the air out of
his lungs and opened his eyes, confessing “After I…saved you last term, I truly treasured our
friendship. And when we had our disagreement over Chihiro’s secret and you stopped talking to
me…I felt…empty inside. And when we made up…I felt like jumping for joy.”
Makoto…that’s how I felt too…
“As we grew closer and closer over the weeks, I…looked forward to spending time with you. It
became my favorite part of attending Hope’s Peak. And when you almost died on that press…”
Makoto swallowed his tears, squeezing Kyoko’s hand before continuing “I was so terrified, and so
happy when I was able to stop Junko’s trap in time. Plus, when you rescued me from those
bullies…I was…embarrassed, but also…happy…that you came for me.”
Makoto…Kyoko thought, reflecting on how relieved she felt when she carried Makoto back largely
unharmed.
“At first…I told myself…that my happiness around you…was just because we were really good
friends. But…when we almost kissed on Halloween…I had to admit to myself…that everyone else
in our class and my little sister were right. I…I really like you, Kyoko.”
Nodding, touched by his confession, Kyoko replied “Makoto…you’re the first person I ever
opened up to. You were my first friend, and the person I trust most in this world. And after we
almost kissed…I was startled. I thought if I drowned myself in work, that I could forget about my
crush on you…but it didn’t work. You’re always the first thing I think of, Makoto.”
“Kyoko…”
”I…I don’t know for sure if I’m in love, so to speak, but I can say that I…I really like you, too.”
She does? She…returns my feelings? Restraining the joy bursting in his heart, Makoto asked “So,
ano…what are we then if we’re more than friends?”
Smiling up at him, Kyoko asked “Well, what do you want us to be, Makoto?”
Suddenly feeling his nervousness take root again, Makoto returned “Well…what about you?”
Seeing the question as the delaying tactic that it truly was, Kyoko assured him “Makoto, your
opinion matters just as much as mine. I already know what I want, but I want to hear what you
want. So, what do you want us to be? I promise, I won’t get angry or laugh at you.”
Gulping, Makoto forced out “I…I want…to go on dates with you. I want to hold your hand. I want
to be able to hug you…and maybe kiss you once in a while. I want you to be my girlfriend…and I
want to be your boyfriend.”
Feeling her heart swell with joy, despite having read his feelings, Kyoko smiled, wrapping her free
arm around his torso and holding him close, whispering in his ear “I want the same.”
“Kyoko…” Makoto felt the tears of joy trickling down his cheeks, wrapping his free arm around
her bare back in a joyful and affectionate embrace as the two of them thought simultaneously We
did it! We’re dating! We’re boyfriend and girlfriend!
As they broke apart, the two smiled blushing smiles at each other, Makoto’s blush reddening as he
saw that they were still naked against each other.
Looking up into her eyes, Makoto began “Ano…can you just promise me something?”
“Hm?”
Seeing that he had her undivided attention, Makoto asked “Can we just…take this slowly from
now on? Don’t get the wrong idea; tonight was…absolutely wonderful! But…it was also moving
really fast, and I’d like to do things like you know, taking walks, going to dinner, watching a movie
or whatnot before…we have…sex again.”
Biting her lip in guilt, Kyoko nodded and agreed “That’s amenable. I apologize for pressuring you
into this…but I’ve always been better expressing myself through my actions than my words, and
after my hormones ran wild during the bath…I…lost control of myself.”
Makoto smiled at her, silently letting her know that all was forgiven before he asked “Kyoko…? If
it’s not too much trouble…I had an idea for what our first date could be…”
“Hm?”
Kyoko looked up at him, intrigued as Makoto explained “When I was a little kid, my parents would
take me and my little sister Komaru to Yoyogi Park to walk around and see the Cherry Blossoms. I
know it’s…not exactly Cherry Blossom season, but…I’d like to be able to share at least some of
that experience with you. Of course, if it’s not your thing, then…”
Kyoko leaned in, pecking him on the lips to silence him, making him blush as she agreed with a
smile “It sounds like a good idea, Makoto. Let’s go tomorrow, after breakfast.”
“Oh…great!”
Makoto beamed as Kyoko smiled at him, both excited over their first date plans. Eventually,
Kyoko released herself with a reluctant sigh, getting up and off the bed. Slipping her glove back
over her hand, she walked to her closet as Makoto’s couldn’t help but stare at her sexy ass.
“Kyoko…what are you…”
“…We should probably make sure we’re still in our own rooms by morning. The last thing either
of us needs is someone finding out and getting a reprimand from Taka about unwholesome
relations before marriage.”
Shuddering at the lecture that Taka would no doubt have prepared for them, Makoto admitted “Oh,
yeah…good point.”
Makoto watched as Kyoko pulled out a pair of panties, a spare skirt, and a blouse, the Ultimate
Detective slipping on the panties as she continued “Plus, both of our clothes are still in the
Bathhouse lockers, and since this is my room, it makes the most sense for me to go and retrieve
them.”
“Oh…good idea…”
Fastening her skirt in place and pulling the shirt over her head, Kyoko walked over to the nearby
table and grabbed her key, informing him as she walked to the door “I’ll be back in a few. Just stay
here; I’ll lock the door so nobody else walks in on you.”
With that, she walked out of view, the door closing behind her as Makoto was left alone in her
room, naked on her bed.
XXX
Makoto jumped slightly as Kyoko opened the door, tossing him his bundle of clothes along with
his towel as she called out “Here; get dressed.”
Nodding, Makoto unballed his clothes, slipping on his boxers before his jeans followed suit. Once
that was done, he pulled his shirt over his head, the boy now fully covered. With that the boy got
off the bed and walked over to the doorway where Kyoko was waiting.
“Well…I guess that’s my cue to head back…good night, Kyoko…”
Makoto blushed as she quietly leaned in and kissed his cheek, hearing her whisper “Good night,
Makoto” before closing the door behind him.
Makoto walked back into his room with a blissful smile on his face. After stripping out of his
clothes once more, he fell onto his bed in a swoon, his eyes turning into big, pink hearts as he
brought the blankets over his body.
I can’t believe it! Kyoko and I…we’re dating! We’re finally dating! This is the greatest day of my
life! I really am…the Ultimate Lucky Student!
XXX
Kyoko sighed and, deciding that there was no sense in wearing a brand new outfit to bed, stripped
herself of her clothes, letting them fall onto the floor before crawling into bed, relieved that a great
weight had finally been lifted off of her shoulders.
“Makoto and I…we’re dating. He’s my boyfriend now…I’m nervous, but also excited. I don’t
know for sure if I love him…but I’m eager to find out.”
Toning down her excitement at their first date tomorrow, Kyoko relaxed and let herself fall asleep,
she and Makoto dreaming of their upcoming date at Yoyogi Park.
XXX
Present Day
“And that’s the story of how I began dating your father.”
“Wow…that was so romantic! It took way longer than it should have, but you two finally
confessed to each other, and you’re about to go on your first date!”
Makoto and Kyoko smiled at each other, reminiscing about their date at the park where they would
eventually get married.
“So, when do I hear about your first date?”
Ruffing his daughter’s hair, Makoto promised “Soon, Kiki. Soon…In the meantime, you need to
go to bed.”
Nodding obediently, Kiki snuggled under the blankets, resting her head against the pillow as
Makoto and Kyoko leaned down to kiss her on the nose.
With that, Kiki fell into slumber, her parents smiling as they listened to her snore, lingering before
reluctantly sneaking out, closing the door behind them as they snuck into their room.
XXX
“You know…I’m looking forward to telling Kiki about our past dating life…” Kyoko admitted
“They’re some of my happiest memories.”
Nodding, Makoto snuggled against his wife’s breasts, smiling as he felt her stroke his hair and
agreeing “Mine too. Our first date, the Christmas we spent together, the double dates with Leon
and Sayaka…I’ll always treasure those as long as I live!”
Kyoko smiled at her husband, both feeling more and more drowsy with each stroke against his
scalp. Both yawning, they closed their eyes, Kyoko’s ministrations gradually coming to a halt, the
husband and wife dreaming of their past life as high school sweetheart
Interlude Three: From Intimacy to Dating! Am I in Love?
Chapter Summary
Excited and nervous for their first date at Yoyogi Park, Makoto and Kyoko go to have
their first breakfast as a couple before heading out. But do our lovely couple have any
insecurities about their new relationship that they've yet to voice?
Chapter Notes
Well, here’s the interlude between Intimacy Arc and the upcoming Love Arc. As a
reminder, I’m gonna take some time to write out Love Arc, so until then please read
and review, and enjoy!
Present Day
“Alright, give me the details! I wanna hear all about your first date!”
Giggling at her daughter’s enthusiasm, Kyoko assured her “We’ll get there in due time, sweetie.
But there’s one part of the story we have to get through before we can get to our first date.”
Seeing Kiki’s curious stare, Makoto explained “You see, we woke up a little late due to how late
we had stayed up clearing the air between us. I had just gotten dressed and was looking in the
mirror when…”
XXX
November 8, 2014
Makoto looked at himself in the mirror, comb in hand as he finished running it through his hair.
He was dressed in his usual hoodie, jeans and sneakers, his hair in its usual brown spikes, the boy
frowning as he started to feel his anxiety creep up on him.
“Ohh…my hair still looks messy! And my outfit’s the same as it’s always been! I can’t go out
looking like this; Kyoko’s gonna think I’m lazy if I wear this to our first date! I bet she picked
something elegant and beautiful to wear; she’s gonna be so disappointed once she gets a look at
me, she’s never gonna want to go out with me ever again!”
*Ding, Dong*
“GAH!” She’s here! Makoto took a deep breath and resigned “It’s too late to do anything now.
You just have to grin and bear it.” Releasing his breath, Makoto managed to force a small smile,
nodding as he declared “Alright; let’s go.”
He walked over to the door and opened it, pulling the door back to reveal Kyoko standing on the
other side. To his surprise, she was not elegantly dressed; instead, she wore her typical purple skirt
combined with a hot pink T-shirt, her standard high boots exchanged for the pair of lavender
sneakers that she wore to Leon’s baseball game. Makoto breathed an internal sigh of relief, feeling
less stressed now that he saw Kyoko looking casual too, although he still worried that he wasn’t
making a good first impression.
“Good morning, Makoto. Are you ready?”
Nodding stiffly, Makoto answered “Yeah, sure. Let’s go grab breakfast.”
Nodding, the two then started walking side by side. Kyoko quickly noticed how tense and nervous
he looked. Frowning, she reached for his right hand with her left, grasping it and threading their
fingers while her thumb soothingly across his knuckles.
“Makoto, take a deep breath; relax. You look really wound up.”
Sighing, Makoto apologized “Sorry, Kyoko.”
Nodding, Kyoko assured him “It’s okay. Now, tell me what’s bothering you.”
“…I just…I was a little worried…you might not like my outfit was all…”
Looking at him incredulously, Kyoko told him “You’ve worn it every weekend since we first
enrolled. If I found it distasteful, I’m pretty sure I would have given some indication.”
“But that’s the problem!” Kyoko stopped in her tracks, watching with worry as he explained “It’s
fine for casual hangouts, sure, but a first date? I…wanted to make a good impression today, and I
thought my usual wardrobe might have been…I don’t know…inadequate?”
“…Makoto, you do remember we’re just going for a walk, right? Unless you came up with fancier
plans while you were asleep.”
Sighing, Makoto admitted “…No, I didn’t…”
“Besides, you’ve been making a good impression since our second week of class. You don’t need
to fret about impressing me.”
“…I just…I was worried that if I didn’t dress up at least a little, you might think I was lazy about
dating and not want to be with me anymore…”
Reaching up to touch his left cheek with her right hand, Kyoko reminded him “Makoto…you went
out of your way a month ago to plan my first birthday party in years. I could never call you lazy
after that. Besides, you’re talking to someone who didn’t know anything about fashion before you
helped her make friends. I’m not going to care if you’re dressed up or not for a walk. As long as
you’re comfortable with what you’re wearing, then I’ll be happy.”
“Kyoko…”
Seeing him smile with relief, Kyoko squeezed his hand one more time and urged “Come on, silly;
let’s go get some breakfast and we can be on our way.”
Nodding, Makoto resumed walking with Kyoko, squeezing her hand back in gratitude.
Smiling, she then started to frown as she raised “When we get close to the entrance, I’ll need you
to let go of my hand.”
Suddenly worrying again, Makoto asked “Are you…embarrassed to be seen with me?”
…I thought we just talked about this… Sighing in exasperation, Kyoko assured him “No, I could
never be embarrassed being with you. But understand Makoto, I’m a private person by nature; I
don’t want to make a scene to the rest of our class about our relationship. So I would just prefer to
keep any public displays of affection between us.”
Nodding in comprehension, Makoto relented “Okay…I guess…just…part of me wants to tell the

whole world how happy I am having you as my girlfriend. Not literally, just…”
Squeezing his hand once more, Kyoko interrupted “I know what you mean…I’m happy about our
relationship too…happier than I know how to describe.” As Makoto stared at her, Kyoko
continued “Just…for now…can we keep any affectionate gestures between us? Take it slow, as
you put it?”
Nodding, Makoto wordlessly released her hand, the pair now standing in front of the doors to the
Dining Hall. With Makoto swallowing his disappointment and Kyoko masking her guilt, the two
walked through the doors, beginning their first breakfast together as boyfriend and girlfriend.
XXX
Breakfast proceeded as normal; Makoto and Kyoko sat back at their usual table, Kyoko sipping her
coffee as Makoto took his time eating his eggs and bacon. The two seemed to be off in their own
little world, unable to resist smiling at each other as they stared into each other’s eyes. Save for
Mukuro, everyone looked towards the new couple and smiled, unsure of what exactly happened,
but nonetheless relieved that things had finally gone back to normal.
With one last sip of his tea, Makoto gathered up their dishes and told her “I’ll go wash these out
and meet up with you at the entrance.”
Nodding, Kyoko replied “Alright. I’ll meet you at the gates, Makoto.”
Makoto then turned around and disappeared into the kitchen, leaving Kyoko to sip the last of her
coffee. Finished, she stood up and pushed their chairs in before waling out into the hallway,
dropping her empty disposable cup in the nearby trash can on her way out.
“I take it you two have resolved things?”
Kyoko turned around to see Sakura walking up to her from behind, a knowing smile on her face.
Knowing it was pointless to lie, not to mention the fact that she helped to guide the young
Detective when she was confused about her feelings, Kyoko could only nod in confirmation.
“We…talked about things late last night…speaking of which, I’m afraid I’ll have to miss our spar
again this week.”
Rather than become upset or annoyed, Sakura merely kept her smile as she guessed “I assume it’s
because you two have made plans?”
“Yes…I apologize for skipping out twice in a row, but…”
“It’s alright; spending time with your beloved is more important than any sparring match.” Seeing
Kyoko avert her gaze, Sakura frowned as asked “What is it? Did I say something wrong?”
Shaking her head, Kyoko admitted “…Makoto and I are dating, that much is true…but…I don’t
know…whether I’m in love with him or not. Makoto’s the first boy I’ve ever had a crush on, and
all my life, I’ve been focused on my Detective career. So, I have no frame of reference to know
whether what’s between us is love or simply an attraction.”
Nodding, Sakura replied “That’s understandable; lots of people, myself included, struggle with
coming to terms with their first love. Ultimately though, that’s a question that only you can
answer. I’m sure that after you and Makoto go on a few dates, you’ll be able to find that answer.”
Nodding, Kyoko replied “Speaking of which…I would appreciate it if you didn’t tell the others
about my relationship with Makoto. I’m…a private person in most regards, let alone involving
intimate subject matter. So I don’t want to make a scene by going public about our relationship
with the class.”
Nodding, Sakura cautioned her “I don’t think you have to worry about that; if Sayaka and Hina are
any indication, we’ve been waiting for you two to get together for months. That being said…if
you don’t wish for the confirmation to spread, then I’ll respect your wishes and keep my mouth
shut.”
Kyoko let a small smile of gratitude show before Makoto burst through the doors, both girls
turning to face him.
“Oh…Sakura. Was I interrupting anything?”
Shaking her head, Sakura explained “Kyoko was just informing me that she wouldn’t be able to
attend our regular session since you two made plans.”
“Oh…s…sorry, I didn’t mean to…”
Chuckling, Sakura assured him “It’s alright, no harm done. I’m going to go to the locker room to
get some weights for my training. Enjoy your date, you two.”
After watching Sakura disappear, Makoto looked questioningly at his girlfriend, to which she
explained “Sakura had given me advice before about telling you my feelings, so she knows about
us, but as far as I know, she’s the only one who knows. So, shall we go?”
Nodding, the two started walking through the halls and out of the school building.
“…Do you think I could at least tell my family about our relationship when I call them next?”
Nodding, Kyoko agreed “…I suppose that’s permissible. They are your family, so I can’t expect
you to keep them in the dark about this.”
Makoto smiled gratefully, resisting the urge to hold her hand while they were still on the grounds
as they approached the gates. Makoto waved down a taxi, holding the door open as Kyoko
climbed inside, Makoto following soon after before giving the driver the directions. As they sped
off to their destination, Kyoko looked up at Makoto.
I…I don’t know…whether or not I’m in love. I just have to hope that our first date today will give
me some clue to help me find that answer…
XXX
Present Day
“You really didn’t know that you were in love with Daddy? After the heartfelt confession from the
other night?”
Nodding, Kyoko admitted “I was…still insecure about my feelings. I had never been in love
before, so I was hesitant to say that I was when I had no idea what it even meant to be in love.”
Nodding understandingly, Makoto explained “Kiki, many people who go on their first date aren’t
necessarily in love with each other. Part of dating someone is to see whether or not you do love
them.”
Nodding, Kiki relented “Okay…so how did your first date go?”
“We’ll have to save that for tomorrow; it’s kind of a long story, and it’s only a few minutes before
bedtime.”
Nodding, Kyoko agreed “Indeed. Better to get to bed early than late.”
“…Stupid cliffhanger…”
Nonetheless, Kiki laid down, her head colliding with her soft pillow. Makoto and Kyoko leaned
down to kiss her cheeks, cooing “Good night, Kiki. Sweet dreams!”
Nodding as her parents tucked her in, Kiki yawned and fell asleep. Smiling, Makoto and Kyoko
turned around and crept out of Kiki’s room, venturing to the kitchen to make some calming tea
before going to bed themselves.
Love Arc Chapter One: First Date! Walking at Yoyogi Park!
Chapter Summary
Finally arriving at the park where they would get married years later, Makoto and
Kyoko eagerly go on their first date. What sorts of things will Makoto and Kyoko do
together during their romantic walk?
Chapter Notes
Alright, here’s the first chapter in the long awaited Love Arc! Please read and
comment below, and enjoy!
Present Day
“Alright, Kiki. Are you ready to hear about the first date your Father took me on as his
girlfriend?”
Bouncing in place, Kiki answered excitedly “On boy oh boy oh boy! I can’t wait to hear about it!
You guys must have had a romantic dinner and kissed under the moonlight!”
Giggling, Kyoko disappointed “Nothing like that, sweetie. Remember, your father said that he
wanted to take things slow after that incident in the bath.” Kiki deflated, making both parents
smile before Kyoko continued “Now, we had just taken a nearby train over to the park. We got off
our stop and had just finished walking when…”
XXX
November 8, 2014
“So this is it, huh?”
Kyoko looked around; a finely carved woken sign hung at the entrance, reading “YOYOGI
PARK”. Past it, green fields and hills stretched as far as the eye could see.
Smiling, Makoto nodded and confirmed “Yep, welcome to Yoyogi Park, Kyoko. This place is…
very special to me…”
“Mom, Dad, wait for me!”
“Better catch up quickly, Onii-chan!”
“Komaru, be careful! You’ll fall!”
“Makoto?”
“Huh?”
Makoto reawakened from his nostalgic trip down memory lane, seeing Kyoko wave her hand in
front of his face, a worried expression on her face.
Makoto smiled sheepishly and apologized “Sorry, Kyoko. I was just…reliving my memories with
my family here.”
Nodding, Kyoko closed her eyes and smiled, replying “Well, I look forward to seeing what kinds
of memories you can help me create here with you.” Opening her eyes and looking ahead, she
suggested “So, shall we go?”
The blushing Makoto nodded, smiling as he and Kyoko walked side by side, their swaying hands
close enough to touch. Time passed as they walked down the dirt path, a comfortable silence
between the lucky-in-love couple as they took in the sights. Eventually, a sparkling lake appeared
in the distance, causing Makoto to let out a beaming gasp.
“Kyoko, quick, this way!”
“H…hey! Makoto!” Kyoko exclaimed, blushing as Makoto dragged her by the wrist energetically
until Makoto at last came to a stop, gasping for breath. Looking out at the beautiful lake before
them, she asked “Makoto…what…what is this?”
Turning to smile warmly at her, Makoto replied “…It’s beautiful, isn’t it? My parents would take
me to this lake all the time. Every time I would come here, I always thought about how pretty and
sparkly it was. I…I guess I wanted to share that with you.”
Smiling at her boyfriend, Kyoko replied “…Thank you, Makoto. Although…maybe we should sit
down and admire the lake’s beauty. You kind of wore me out dragging me here like a ragdoll…”
Blushing in embarrassment, Makoto apologized “S…sorry…I wasn’t thinking…I didn’t mean

to…”
Waving it off, Kyoko assured him “It’s okay. I’m glad you decided to share this with me. Just…
I’d like to relax for a little bit now that we’re here.”
“Y…yeah…”
With that, Makoto and Kyoko sat down, legs stretched in front of them as they focused their
attention on the lake that Makoto was so fond of…and that Kyoko was becoming steadily fonder
of.
XXX
Present Day
“Wow! When you get excited, you really get excited, huh Daddy?”
Makoto chuckled sheepishly as his wife sent him a knowing glance, admitting “Alright, I admit I
can get a bit carried away at times. It’s just who I am, ya know?”
Nodding energetically, Kiki agreed “Yeah! Daddy is Daddy, and I wouldn’t want another one if I
could.”
Closing her eyes and smiling, Kyoko concurred “Indeed. Your Father is one of a kind, Kiki.”
His eyes threatening to water with joy, Makoto managed to hold back his tears as he responded
“Aww, thanks girls! And I wouldn’t trade you two for anything!”
All three of them giggled before Kiki asked “So what happened next?”
Makoto answered “Well, after we sat down on the grass, we just watched the beautiful scenery.
Your Mother was never someone to feel the need to fill silence with needless small talk, so we just
kept sitting in a peaceful silence, until…”
XXX
November 8, 2014
Neither was sure how much time passed as the two Ultimates gazed out at the peaceful lake,
watching a family of ducks swim out on the water.
“You know, every time my parents and I came to this lake, my Mom would bring along some
bread crumbs and she would teach me how to throw the food so that the ducks could eat it.”
“…Don’t most public parks have rules about not feeding the animals?”
Chuckling sheepishly, Makoto defended “Hey, it never hurt anybody, right?”
Smirking, Kyoko teased “I don’t know…it doesn’t really set a good example if you continually
disobey clearly defined rules. And as a member of law enforcement, I should have you reported
and fined for your years of violations.”
As Makoto gaped in shock, Kyoko couldn’t help the giggles that burst out of her throat. Her mouth
covered by her glove, the fabric did little to muffle the sound of her restrained laughter.
He really is too adorable sometimes…
Finally catching on to the fact that Kyoko wasn’t actually going to have him fined, Makoto
groaned and flopped onto his back, moaning “For Kami’s sake, Kyoko, don’t scare me like that!
It’s too cruel to have someone reported for something so minor!”
Giggling, Kyoko conceded “I suppose you’re right…” before flopping down on her back, angling
herself so that her and Makoto’s heads were touching.
She stretched her arms behind her, her T-shirt rising just enough to expose her midriff before she
and Makoto looked towards each other, smiling.
Makoto then refocused his gaze up towards the clouds, pointing up at the sky and remembering
“You know, on a really sunny day, my Dad and I would just lie down like this and see what shapes
we could make out of the clouds that were passing by.”
“So…like constellations, but with clouds?”
“Sort of…here, let’s give it a try. Look!” Makoto exclaimed as he pointed at a cloud passing right
over them “That one looks like a fish, don’t you think?”
Biting her lip, she scrutinized the cloud and nodded “…Yes, I suppose I see why you would come
to that conclusion.”
Grinning, Makoto urged “Alright, now you try!”
Glancing away from Makoto and towards the sky, Kyoko bit her lip and scrutinized a cloud to the
north, making out “A…dagger…?”
Makoto clanked at her with a disbelieving expression on his face as he exclaimed “Kyoko…for
once, put the Detective stuff away. Think about something a little more innocently, and see what
you come up with. Use your imagination, and try again…”
Sighing, Kyoko replied “Alright, alright…” Looking up again, Kyoko focused on that same cloud,
focusing her vision before concluding “It looks like…a lightning bolt…?”
Grinning, Makoto praised “See, now you’re getting it! Alright, that one looks like…a centaur!”
Nodding, Kyoko continued “Alright, then that one looks like…a unicorn.”
“Now you’re getting into it! Alright, next…”
As they continued to take turns, Makoto and Kyoko’s free hands started to move closer, their
fingers eventually threading. Feeling their hand-on-hand contact, Makoto and Kyoko stopped,
looking down at their joined hands before giving each other blushing smiles.
Looking back up at the clouds, Makoto pointed up with his left hand and exclaimed “Hey, that one
kinda looks like you!”
Giving him a fake frown, Kyoko scoffed and replied “Really? Now I’m a cloud? If that’s your
attempt at flattery, I’m afraid it’s a rather flat note, Naegi-kun.”
“Hey, it totally looks like you! Look, there’s your beautiful hair, there’s those awesome boots you
always wear, and that’s your cute smile.”
Blushing, Kyoko rolled over and essentially tackled him, rolling them on the grass as she
exclaimed “I think you’ve been spending too much time looking at the sun, Naegi-kun. I’ll have to
redirect your vision.”
“WAAH! Kyoko!”
They rolled through the grass like a couple of children, at last coming to a stop with Makoto flat on
his back, Kyoko pinning his legs with her feet and his wrists with her hands. The couple’s
hyperventilating breaths soon turned to grins, which then devolved into giggles at their position.
The two stared into each other’s eyes lovingly, lost in their fun.
*Grrrowwwllllll*
Makoto blushed, embarrassed at having the happy moment interrupted by his hunger.
Kyoko smirked, poking his belly with her finger as she teased “Looks like somebody’s hungry.”
*Grrrowwwllllll*
Kyoko blushed, embarrassed that the tables were now turned on her. Makoto smiled, waving his
hand from where it was pinned against the grass.
“Mind helping me up? I know of a good lunch stand nearby.”
Smiling sheepishly, Kyoko nodded, getting up and threading her fingers with Makoto, using their
hands as leverage to pull him up. Once he was up and Kyoko had let go, Makoto dusted off his
pants before pointing to the dirt path they had been traversing. Both Makoto and Kyoko smiled
softly, stealing glances at each other during their walk to fill their bellies.
So far so good, Makoto…Just hope your luck holds…
It’s still early…but so far…I’m having a good time…
XXX
Present Day
“Aww! Why didn’t you just kiss already! You had the perfect opportunity, and you let your
rumbly tummies ruin the mood!”
Smiling at her daughter, Kyoko calmed her “I know we almost kissed during the Halloween
Dance, and that we were probably closer than most other new couples, but we were still a new
couple.”
Nodding, Makoto continued “Most new couples don’t kiss on their first date anyway, Kiki. It
varies form couple to couple, but we were still kind of testing the waters at this point.”
Pouting, Kiki grumbled “Stupid dating rules…”
Smiling at their little girl’s enthusiasm, they ruffled her hair simultaneously, causing her to laugh
and try to swat them away, forgetting all about her disappointment.
Once she stopped them from trying to mess up her ahoge anymore, Kiki asked “So if you didn’t
kiss there, then did you kiss over a bowl of ramen?”
Smirking, Kyoko asked “How many times have you watched “Lady and the Tramp” with your
Father?”
Both Kiki and Makoto blushed, looking away as they replied simultaneously “Ano, well…you
see…ano…”
Sighing, Kyoko shook her head and concluded “Apparently too many; I think we’ll have to delete
that movie from our streaming list for a while.”
“Awww…” Kiki and Makoto groaned.
In order to distract them from their disappointment, Kyoko decided to continue “Moving on…you
see, your Father took me to a nearby picnic table near a stand that sold ready-to-eat bento lunches.
I insisted on paying, but your Father wouldn’t have it.” Makoto beamed proudly as she continued
“Finally I relented and allowed him to pay. I was waiting for him to come back with our food
when…”
XXX
November 8, 2014
“Here you are, Kyoko!”
Makoto ran over to the picnic table where Kyoko sat patiently, smiling as she happily accepted the
lavender bento box he had bought for her.
“I still could have paid for my own lunch, Makoto. You didn’t have to go so far as to pay for my
lunch too…”
Chuckling, Makoto opened his green bento as he sat down next to her, revealing a meal of three
onigiri, some fried shrimp, and mixed vegetables.
“Hey, I’m the one who invited you, so I figured it would be rude of me to ask you to pay when
you’re my guest.”
Humming, Kyoko acknowledged “…I suppose there’s some truth in that…”
Opening her own lunch, Kyoko looked inside to see natto, salmon, and mixed vegetables.
Looking briefly to each other, they both exclaimed “Itadakimasu” before they both dug in.
As Kyoko swallowed a mushroom, she noticed that Makoto was biting into his rice ball with a
much more controlled pace than she had ever seen him eat in the Dining Hall.
“I’ve never seen you eat this…neatly before…”
Swallowing his rice, Makoto smiled sheepishly and answered “Well…my Mom always told me
that I should develop better table manners in case I ever got to go out with a girl. But well…you
know I wasn’t popular in school before Hope’s Peak. On top of my bully problems, no girls ever
showed any interest in me, and I was too shy to approach anyone, so since I figured there was no
way a girl would like me…I saw no reason to change my habits.”
Kyoko frowned, pondering what Makoto had just told her about his lack of self-esteem.
Makoto...nobody ever made you feel special…so you never thought you’d have to learn the
accepted culture of dating etiquette. But even so… “Makoto…you know you don’t have to change
who you are for me, right?”
Scratching his cheek nervously, Makoto admitted “Well…I just want to be someone…you’re not
embarrassed to be seen dating in public, you know?”
*Sigh…* “How many times do we have to do this song and dance?” Reaching down with her left
hand, Kyoko threaded their fingers together, making her boyfriend gasp as she smiled reassuringly
at him, stroking his hand with her thumb as she told him “Makoto, I’m not going to be embarrassed
to be seen dating you. I don’t know yet if this…” she placed her bento next to her, gesturing to the
two of them with her freed hand as she assured him “is love…but I do know that, despite what your
past might have taught you, you truly are a kind, sweet, and brave boy who any girl would be lucky
to be in a relationship with, just the way you are.”
“Kyoko…”
“So don’t feel the need to change your habits to please me, alright? Just stay true to yourself, the
boy who saved my life, the boy who taught me to trust in others again, and the boy I trust beyond
compare.”
“Kyoko…”
Makoto grinned from ear to ear, nodding energetically. Seeing that the issue was resolved, Kyoko
smiled, letting go of his hand and reaching back to continue eating her lunch. To her satisfaction,
Makoto continued to eat his onigiri with the same childlike spirit that was strictly Makoto.
Relieved that his eating habits didn’t make his new girlfriend feel embarrassed, Makoto finished
his onigiri, reminiscing “You know, when my little sister and I ate here, we would always compete
to see who could finish their meal the fastest. Mom would always tell us to slow down so we
wouldn’t get a bellyache, but Dad would just cheer both of us on, encouraging us to keep going
even when we felt like we couldn’t stuff anymore.”
The vision of her boyfriend as a little boy engaged in an eating competition with an equally
voracious young girl made Kyoko giggle.
Once her laughter had died down, Kyoko realized “You’ve never really told me about your
family. I’d…like to know more about the family who raised you.”
Of course she knew what they looked like; the short video she had unintentionally spied on the day
they were formally introduced to each other was ingrained in her memory. But other than the fact
that they obviously showered their son with love and praise that she was largely unfamiliar with,
she knew next to nothing about the Naegi family.
And I want to know more…and I want Makoto to be the one to tell me…
Gulping down his last shrimp, Makoto stammered “Are…are you sure? I mean…I’m kind of
interested to hear about your family…I’m sure the Kirigiri line of detectives must have much more
interesting stories than an average, middle-class family like mine.”
“Makoto…I want to know. Please…tell me?”
Sighing in surrender, Makoto smiled softly and conceded “If you insist…” Taking a deep breath,
he began “My Mother is named Hana Naegi. She’s a tall, slender woman with wavy brown hair
and the kindest smile you could ever see.”
Smiling at him, Kyoko remarked “I’d say that smile’s genetic.”
Waving off her compliment with an appreciative smile, he continued “Mom is your stereotypical
housewife; she always cooked the food for us, she kept the house clean, always came to all of my
extracurricular activities…and she was always there when I needed her. When I was sad, she let
me cry into her shoulder. When I had problems with my grades, she’d do her very best to help me
do better. I asked her one time if she ever wished that she could have had an actual career instead
of always taking care of us…but she assured me that having me for a son was more fulfilling than
any career. I’m really lucky…to have a mom like her.”
Yes…you are… Kyoko concurred, wishing not for the first time that she could remember more
clearly what her relationship with her own Mother was like. “And what about your Father?”
“My dad’s name is Shingi Naegi. He’s a tall, thin man with short black hair, and he’s the
breadwinner of our family. You see, he’s a teacher at an elementary school at a different
prefecture. He said he always loved working with kids, and wanted nothing more than to make
them smile during the day.”
I’d say his son is the one to live out that dream… Kyoko thought wryly as Makoto continued.
“You see, while Mom always made us smile, Dad always made us laugh. He’s a nearly
insufferable jokester, the personification of every “dad joke” ever conceived. And he’s also my
best friend at home. No matter how busy he was with work, he always made sure to take time out
of his day to play a game with us, or read me a bedtime story when I was really little, or take us to
a park to play wiffleball.”
“Sounds like a wonderful father to have.” Kyoko commented, wishing not for the first time that
she had been able to have that kind of a relationship with her own Father after her Mother died.
“Yeah…no matter how embarrassing he can get with his teasing, Dad’s always there when I need
him.”
A comfortable silence passed, both of them continuing to eat their meals before Kyoko brought up
“You also mentioned you had a little sister. What’s she like?”
Kyoko of course had run into Komaru when she went to the mall with Sayaka, Hina, and Sakura.
But they were never formally introduced, and meeting someone in passing was totally different
from meeting them as their brother’s girlfriend.
Smiling at her, Makoto answered “Her name’s Komaru. She’s slightly taller than me, despite the
fact that I’m older by a little more than a year, and like me, she has an ahoge, though she’s able to
get it to go down when she wants to. She and I are basically like two peas in a pod. Ever since I
can remember, we did everything together.”
“Sounds like you have the ideal sibling relationship.”
Smiling ruefully, Makoto corrected her “Oh, not exactly. We didn’t always get along; in fact when
we were really little she had this habit of trying to sit on me.” Pouting momentarily at hearing
Kyoko giggle at his description, he relaxed and continued with a wistful smile “She also has this
habit of teasing me to no end. You know how I said that my Dad can tease? Well, Komaru’s like
that, but on steroids. It takes Mom and sometimes Dad to get her to stop. But once she’s told that
she’s gone too far, she always apologizes and we’re best friends again.”
“I see…” Kyoko smiled and remarked “Well, your family seems like a joy to have around. I…
wouldn’t mind getting to meet them one day.”
“…Funny you should say that…” Makoto chuckled nervously, scratching his cheek as he revealed
“Mom and Dad have been saying since summer vacation how they wouldn’t mind if you came and
visited. Komaru especially has been hounding me about “bringing my girlfriend home”, even
though we only just started dating.”
Smirking, Kyoko replied “Then I’ll have to make a good impression when I meet them one day.”
Kyoko may have spoken with a teasing tone, but deep down she was incredibly nervous about
meeting Makoto’s parents and sister. More than anything, she wanted his family to be proud of his
choice in women. But having never had any friends of her own, and visits to her maternal
Grandparents being a rarity, she had no idea what to do or how to act whenever she did end up
meeting the Naegi family.
The two continued to eat the remainder of their food in silence, Makoto oblivious to Kyoko’s
anxiety, a fact that the Ultimate Detective was extremely grateful for.
I know it makes me a hypocrite…but I don’t want him worrying about me like that…
As soon as they finished their meals, Makoto let out a small burp; covering his mouth, Makoto
chuckled with an obvious embarrassment in his voice as he blushed and apologized “Excuse
me…”
Smiling at him, Kyoko told him “Don’t worry about it.” Confiscating his bento box, she stood up,
informing him “I’ll throw these in the garbage, then we can continue our date. I look forward to
seeing what you’ll show me next.”
Makoto could only smile joyfully as he stood up and followed Kyoko, watching as she threw the
empty bentos into the nearby trash can.
“So, shall we go?”
XXX
Present Day
“And then what?”
Grinning, Makoto ruffled Kiki’s hair and told her “Tomorrow, Kiki. It’s past your bedtime, and
there’s still a ways to go before we get to the end of my first date with your Mom.”
“Awww…” Kiki groaned, but nonetheless wiggled further under the blankets. Makoto and Kyoko
got out of bed, tucking her in and leaning down to kiss her cheeks.
Kiki yawned before her eyes fluttered shut, the young girl officially in dreamland. Grinning
Makoto and Kyoko walked out hand-in-hand, closing the door behind them as they retired to their
room and snuggled against each other in their bed, dreaming of the rest of the date that would open
their eyes to the true depth of their feelings.
Love Arc Chapter Two: Surprise Sakura! Makoto’s Confessions and Kyoko’s
Realization!
Chapter Summary
Continuing their date, Makoto's luck allows him to find a Cherry Blossom still in
bloom. After gifting it to her, they return to Hope's Peak and part ways for the evening
so Makoto can inform his family about his new relationship with Kyoko. How will the
Naegis react to their son having his first girlfriend? And will Kyoko's feelings evolve
after having time to reflect on their date?
Chapter Notes
Here’s Chapter Two of Love Arc, a continuation of Makoto and Kyoko’s first date
from last Chapter. In addition, this chapter was the result of an ask sent to me by
NotFanFicNet. Please read and review, and enjoy!
Present Day
“Well, after we had lunch, we continued our walk through the park. We were just walking through
the cherry blossom trees when…”
XXX
November 8, 2014
“You mentioned that you and your family would see the Cherry Blossoms in bloom every year,
right?”
Nodding, Makoto confirmed “Yeah; the last time we went together was just before I enrolled in
Hope’s Peak. They seemed to be especially in bloom; Komaru and I were even able to take a
bouquet home for our rooms.” Looking at the now barren branches, Makoto remarked “Though
it’s a shame that I couldn’t bring you here when they’re actually in bloom.”
“Even so, they’re quite elegant.”
Looking at his girlfriend with his eyebrows raised in surprise, Makoto asked “This is what you
consider elegant?”
Nodding, Kyoko replied “Remember, I spent most of my childhood under my Grandfather’s

tutelage. Flower viewing for pleasure was never something I was able to participate in. Plus, I
lived overseas for a long time, so this kind of Japanese-style scenery is refreshing.”
Makoto nodded, biting his lip as he took in what Kyoko told him.
She…really missed out on a lot, didn’t she? Maybe…part of why she agreed to go out with me…
was because I symbolize a life that she never got to experience…and I was willing to share it with
her…
Smiling wistfully, Kyoko continued “Although…I am rather fond of cherry blossoms.” Seeing
Makoto’s attention focused on her, Kyoko elaborated “A lot of my childhood is rather fuzzy, but
one of the few good memories I have of my parents was when my Mother got me a Cherry
Blossom when I was five. All I could think at the time was how pretty it was.”
“Here you go, Kyoko. It’s a cherry blossom; Daddy picked it out for you.”
“Wow! It’s really pretty, Mommy!”
“It sure is, Kyoko. Now go thank Daddy for finding it for you.”
“I will; thanks, Daddy!”
Makoto watched as Kyoko closed her eyes, realizing She looks so…happy…that must be a really
happy memory. It’s too bad the cherry blossoms aren’t in bloom; I bet getting one today would
make her really… “…No way!”
Seeing a pink glint in the distance, Makoto ran off, the sound of his footsteps shaking Kyoko back
into reality, calling as she watched him dash away “Hey, Makoto! Where are you going?”
She followed in hot pursuit, struggling to keep up as he managed to achieve nearly Sakura levels of
speed.
I don’t think I’ve ever seen him go this fast before. What could he have seen to make him so
excited? At last, Makoto came to a stop, Kyoko just barely avoiding bumping into him.
Panting, Kyoko asked “Makoto…why did you…”
“Kyoko…look…”
Following the direction that his finger was pointing, Kyoko gasped into her glove as she saw a
single group of Cherry Blossom flowers, decorating a single branch of one of the otherwise barren
trees.
“I don’t believe it…an actual Cherry Blossom…still in bloom…during November…” Smiling

from ear to ear, she murmured “Makoto Naegi, you really are the Ultimate Lucky Student…”
Makoto looked back to Kyoko, seeing her lavender eyes sparkling as she stared up at the pink
flowers on the branch above them.
That flower…it reminds her of better days…when she was actually happy and still had a family.
Those memories make her happy… Makoto’s eyes narrowed, determination burning in his green
pools as he decided Alright, if that Cherry Blossom makes Kyoko happy, then I’m gonna get it for
her!
Kyoko was shaken out of her nostalgic reverie by Makoto’s grunts and groans. Her mouth gaped
as she saw him with his arms and legs wrapped around the trunk of the tree as he attempted to
shimmy his way up.
Staring at him with concern as he started to struggle, she called out “Makoto Naegi, get down from
there! You’re gonna…” *Thud* “…fall…”
“Oww…” Makoto groaned, rubbing the growing lump on his head.
Kyoko sighed, then watched with shock as Makoto immediately got up and started trying to climb
the tree again.
She ran up to him and tried to pry him by the waist, scolding him “Naegi-kun, just let go! A flower
isn’t worth your safety!”
“I’m not getting it for me! I’m getting it for you!”
For…me…?
Feeling Kyoko’s tugging on his waist cease, Makoto explained “I saw how happy you looked
when you saw the cherry blossoms in bloom, how much you smiled when you recalled your
memory of getting one from your Mom. So I thought…if I could get one for you…then it would
make our first date one you would remember fondly!”
“Makoto…” Touched by his determination to make her happy, she sighed, her lips curving into an
exasperated smile as she murmured “Baka mono…”
As Makoto was about to grab one of the lower branches as leverage, he felt a sudden weight on his
back. Turning his head, he gaped at seeing Kyoko grasp his shoulders, trying to lift herself up onto
him.
“Kyoko! What are you…”
“If you let me climb on your shoulders, you can give me a boost and I can safely pick the Cherry
Blossoms. Is that amenable?”
After thinking it over, Makoto nodded, smiling as he crouched down, giving Kyoko a better angle
to climb up his back and sit on his shoulders. Once she was properly situated, Makoto gradually
stood up until they were both straight, achieving maximum height while he held onto her ankles to
keep her balanced.
As Makoto carefully moved them, Kyoko hanging on to his ahoge for balance, Kyoko realized
their position and couldn’t resist the temptation; she smirked and teased “I’d tell you not to sneak a
peek under my skirt…but you’ve kind of already seen what’s under it, haven’t you.”
Blushing furiously, Makoto mumbled “…I promise I won’t peek…I respect you far too much to do
that, Kyoko.”
Makoto felt his blush slightly recede as she playfully ruffled his hair, realizing that she was just
teasing him. Focusing on the mission at hand, Makoto stepped leftward until he was just under the
branch where the treasure hung.
“Can you reach…?”
“…Yeah, I think so. Just have to…stretch my hand…got ‘em!”
Hearing the victorious *snap* of flowers being severed from their stems, Makoto gradually fell
down into a sitting position, allowing Kyoko to slide gracefully off of his back. Once the weight
on his back was gone, he turned around, facing Kyoko as she admired the bouquet of flowers in her
hand. Just after shifting her gaze to stare into his eyes, Kyoko leaned forward, wrapping her arms
around his neck in an affectionate hug, resting her chin on his shoulder.
Makoto gasped “Ky…Kyoko…”
Before he could even think to reciprocate, Kyoko released him, beaming from ear to ear as she
whispered “Thank you, Makoto…I’ll treasure this gift…and the memory associated with it…”
His mouth opening in a joyful grin, Makoto stood up and offered her his hand without a word. She
accepted with her free hand letting him tug her up until she could stand. Dusting off her skirt, she
held the bouquet to her heart, making Makoto’s own heart beat faster at her reaction.
“Come on; let’s finish our walk, then we can head back to Hope’s Peak and put these in a vase.”
As she was about to turn around, a breeze blew past them, making Kyoko instantly start to shiver.
“Kyoko?!”
Kyoko smiled reassuringly and conceded “It’s November; afternoons are starting to get chilly after
all. I should have been prepared for a cold breeze; a careless mistake on my part.”
Seeing her start to rub her arms for warmth, Makoto came to a decision; he shed his signature
hoodie, leaving him in his white T-shirt and placed it around Kyoko’s shoulders.
Staring up at him, she initially tried to protest “Makoto, no! I’ll be fine, you don’t have to…”
She was silenced by Makoto’s reassuring smile as he replied “I’d be a terrible date if I let my
girlfriend get cold. I’ll be fine until we can get back to Hope’s Peak.”
Blushing, she looked down and smiled, murmuring “Th…thank you…”
After awkwardly putting on his hoodie, shifting her bouquet from one hand to the other when she
needed to put an arm through the sleeve, she looked at Makoto. She frowned as she saw him try to
subtly rub his hands to create friction. Looking at the hoodie he loaned her and feeling a twinge of
guilt for making him feel cold now, she came to a decision.
Makoto gasped as he felt her pry one of his hands with her own, threading their fingers together in a
warm grip.
Kyoko still blushed as she said “Now we’ll both be warm. So, shall we go?”
Makoto blushed and nodded, squeezing her hand and smiling at her. Stealing glances at each
other, the two returned to the dirt path, continuing their loop around Yoyogi Park.
XXX
Present Day
“Aww…that’s so romantic!”
Blushing at the memory of their teenage days, Kyoko smiled softly and agreed “Yes, Kiki, it was.
For all his inexperience at romance, your Father had this knack for being able to hit all the right
notes when he really needed to.”
Chuckling with a blush of his own, Makoto scratched his cheek as he tried to protest “I…just got
lucky, that’s all…”
“No, Daddy!” Makoto froze as Kiki pointed at him with the same determined stare that he himself
had used during the class trials. “It’s because you loved Mommy; your love for her was what
made the date such a success!”
Gaping at his daughter, Makoto turned to his wife, who merely nodded with a smile and concurred
“Yes, I couldn’t have put it better myself. His affection and desire to put me first helped to ensure
that our romance continued to blossom.”
“Kyoko…you…you really mean that?”
“I do, sweetie. The only luck involved was finding that Cherry Blossom. Everything else, that was
all you.”
“Kyoko…honey…”
Sensing things were about to get mushy, Kiki interrupted the mood, asking “So what happened
next, Daddy?”
Chuckling, Makoto explained “Well, after that we went back to campus."
Kyoko continued "I dropped the flowers your Father got me in a vase in my room, then after I gave
him back his hoodie, we went to the Dining Hall to have dinner. Your Father then escorted me
back to my room when…”
XXX
November 8, 2014
“Thank you for today, Makoto; I really had a good time.” Kyoko told him earnestly as he dropped
her off at her room, the hallway of the dorms completely empty save for the two of them. “It
probably has something to do with the fact that it was you with me.” She blushed as she admitted
“If you want to…I wouldn’t mind if you invited me out again.”
Smiling shyly, Makoto agreed “Thank you…I…” Makoto scratched his cheek nervously as he
finished “I had fun too. I‘d love to go out with you again sometime, if you want.”
Nodding, Kyoko suggested “In that case, how about a movie night in a couple of days? We have
that test in class that day, so it would be the perfect way to celebrate.”
“S…sure! That sounds…nice…how about my room after dinner?”
Nodding, Kyoko agreed “That sounds nice; it’s a date.”
A date…a second date with Kyoko Kirigiri! How lucky can one man get?! Smiling softly, Makoto
started to turn as he said “Well, I need to call my Mom and tell her about…you know…I’ll see
you…”
Makoto ceased his farewell, his eyes widening as he felt Kyoko gently press her lips to his cheek,
her innocent kiss making his heart go *thump thump* in his chest before she removed her lips from
him.
“Good night Makoto; I’ll see you in class tomorrow. Sweet dreams…”
As Makoto heard the door close, his eyes turned into great pink hearts as he walked in a lovesick
swoon to his door, opening it and stumbling inside before closing the door behind him. Still
swooning, he collapsed onto his bed, landing on his belly and sighing with pleasure.
Finally coming down from his romantic reverie, he realized “Oh, that’s right, I still have to call
home and tell everyone about me and Kyoko.”
Getting up off the bed, he went into his closet and began sifting through it, pulling out a functional
laptop that his Father had given him. Bringing it over to his bed, he sat cross-legged on the
mattress, opening it up on his lap and booting it up. Once it was totally on and connected, Makoto
moved the cursor and clicked on the “Skype” shortcut.
“Now let’s see…” Makoto hummed as he scrolled through the contacts. “Grandma, Grandpa…
ah, Home!”
Clicking on the contact, he adjusted the angle of the camera as Skype began to ring. Before long,
the ringing ceased, the blank screen disappearing to reveal the familiar scene of his living room at
home, his Mother, Father, and little sister staring back at him.
“Makoto! What a pleasant surprise!”
Shingi smiled at him and asked “How’ve things been at school, son? Have you been having fun
with your friends?”
“Onii-chan, what’s with the surprise call?”
Chuckling at his family, he answered “Thanks, Mom. Yeah, I’ve been having a good time with my
friends. Anyways, I…ano…I’m calling because I have some news I wanted to share with you.”
“Good news or bad news?”
“What is it, Makoto?”
“Don’t keep us in suspense, Onii-chan!”
Makoto sweatdropped, suddenly becoming nervous at his family’s leaning closer to the camera.
Making a slight cough, he stammered “W…Well…you see…I’m…I’m…dating a girl…”
All three of them gasped before beaming proudly at him.
“Ohh…my baby boy has his first girlfriend!”
“Mooommmmmmm!” Makoto groaned, embarrassed at Hana’s reaction.
As if none of them heard him, Shingi chimed in next, congratulating “Way to go, son!”
“Is it that Kyoko girl?” Komaru demanded “It has to be Kyoko, right? She’s the one you’ve called
on a daily basis during summer vacation after all!”
Gulping, Makoto nodded and confirmed “Y…yeah…it’s Kyoko…but we really weren’t dating
during the summer. We only just got together last night, and we went on our first date at Yoyogi
Park this morning.” Makoto smiled, remembering their date as he explained “I wanted to share the
same kind of fond memories with Kyoko that Mom and Dad helped us make when we went every
year as kids.”
Smiling, Shingi nodded and approved “A fine idea, son.”
“So, how did it go, Makoto; did you two have fun?”
“Y…yeah…we had a lot of fun…we walked through the park, we watched the lake, we made
out…”
“Ooh…you guys made out?” Komaru teased “You must be moving really fast!”
Blushing Makoto stammered “Ko…Komaru! We didn’t make out; we didn’t even kiss!” Taking a
deep breath to calm down, he explained “We made out what shapes the clouds were, that’s all.”
Seeing Komaru deflate, Makoto went on “We had lunch and talked, then we continued walking,
and get this; we found a Cherry Blossom! Still in bloom!”
“Wow, son! In November? Talk about Super High School Level Luck!”
Chuckling, Makoto confirmed “Yeah; it was really lucky. We picked it together so that she could
keep it. She loves Cherry Blossoms, so I thought it would make for a nice memory to look back
on.”
Smiling warmly, Hana concluded “It sounds to me like you both had a good time, Makoto.”
Nodding, Makoto replied “Yeah, we did. She even said that she wants to go out again. We have a
movie date planned in three days.”
“That’s great, son!”
“I told you you’d find someone who loved you for you.”
“Yeah! So when are you gonna bring her home, Onii-chan? I wanna meet my future sister-in-
law!”
Makoto blushed, stammering “Ko…Komaru! We’re nowhere near discussing something like
marriage! And we don’t know if it is actually love yet, so we’re taking it slow until we can figure
that part out.” Taking a deep breath to calm down, Makoto continued “And we’ve…talked a little
about her meeting you guys…but like I said, she’s a really busy Detective. We hadn’t set any goal
of when to meet you by; all she said during our discussion was that she’d have to give you her best
impression when the time comes.”
Nodding in understanding, Hana assured him “Still, whenever you two do find an opening, just let
us know and we’ll welcome her home with open arms.”
Smiling appreciatively, Makoto thanked “Thanks Mom; I’m sure she’ll be happy to hear that.
Well, I should take a shower and head to bed early; I have class tomorrow.”
Smiling, Hana nodded and replied “Alright, Makoto. Thanks for the call.”
Nodding, Shingi encouraged him “Have fun, but don’t push yourself too hard.”
Grinning cheekily, Komaru waved and said “Have fun with your new girlfriend, Onii-chan!”
“Thanks! Oyasumi!”
“Oyasumi!”
With that, the connection cut, leaving Makoto alone in his room.
Sighing with relief, Makoto remarked “Well, that went well…”
Satisfied with how telling his parents of his new relationship went, Makoto closed the laptop and
carried it back to his desk. Going to his closet, he dug out a set of pajamas and boxers, taking them
to the bathroom with them. He then placed them on the counter and turned on the shower, letting
the water heat up as he proceeded to disrobe, his clothes falling into a heap on the floor. Stepping
inside to the now warm water, Makoto gave a relaxed sigh as the water ran down his skin and was
absorbed into his hair.
“Kyoko…thank you…for being such a good girlfriend…if I truly do have Super High School
Level Luck, it’s that I’m going out with a girl as awesome and supportive as you…”
XXX
“What is this flutter in my chest?”
Kyoko just stepped out of the shower, aiming to relax and fall into her dreams after her wonderful
first date with her new boyfriend. However, even with the warm water rolling down her skin, she
still felt overwhelmed with emotion, the butterflies in her chest starting to spread into her stomach
and making her want to let out girlish giggles even as her face felt like it was on fire.
“What’s wrong with me? I’m not usually like this…” She wondered as she pulled her nightgown
over her head, walking over to the sink and turning on the cold water, splashing her face for good
measure.
Yet no matter how cold she adjusted the water temperature, the heated blush on her face refused to
recede, and the butterflies fluttering within her body simply intensified the beating of their wings.
Reaching for the nearby hand towel, she wiped the water from her face, looking into the mirror as
flashbacks of Makoto holding her hand, Makoto walking with her, Makoto lying down with her,
Makoto eating lunch with her, Makoto trying in vain to secure that Cherry Blossom bouquet for
her, and Makoto covering her with his hoodie ran through her mind, filling her with joy.
Makoto…Makoto…Makoto Makoto Makoto Makoto Makoto… Kyoko was forced to ask herself
“Is it possible already? I’m a school girl…in love?”
Eventually the butterflies fluttering within her became too strong; the tickles in her belly caused her
to giggle uncontrollably, the Ultimate Detective no longer bothered by the joyful grin that had
spread across her face, nor the blush that painted her cheeks rosy red.
“No…there’s nothing wrong with me…on the contrary, everything’s wonderful!” Still giggling,
Kyoko ran into her room, shutting off the lights and jumping onto her bed, her lavender eyes
transformed into giant purple hearts as she exclaimed with a lovesick giggle “I’m a school girl in
love. I’m a school girl in love. I’m a school girl in love with Makoto Naegi!”
Kyoko looked up at the vase of Cherry Blossoms on her desk, Makoto’s face appearing in her
mind. Reaching over to the small table next to her bedside, she grabbed her Detective Conan
plushie, snuggling it as she crawled under the blankets, her eyes still hearts even as she drifted off
to sleep, chanting with a lovesick voice.
“I love you Makoto. I love you Makoto. I love you Makoto. I love you Makoto Naegi…”
XXX
Present Day
“And that was the day I realized I truly was in love with your Father.”
“Awww…” Kiki cooed “That’s the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard! Even Aunt Toko’s fairy
tales don’t compare to that!”
Kyoko blushed, smiling with the same kind of lovesickness that had overcome her all those years
ago. Makoto on the other hand stared at his wife curiously, as that was one tale she had never
shared with him.
“Alright, I’d say you’ve had more than enough excitement for one day, young lady. Besides, it’s
past your bedtime.”
For once completely satisfied, Kiki didn’t argue, snuggling against her Mother. Smiling warmly,
Kyoko stroked her daughter’s hair before reluctantly easing Kiki’s head onto the pillow, leaning
down to kiss her forehead as Makoto got off the bed and kissed his daughter’s cheek.
*Yawn* “Love you too…”
As Kiki started snoring, Makoto and Kyoko smiled at each other, staring down at the beautiful
culmination of their love from all those years ago.
Wrapping his arm around her shoulder, Makoto offered “Shall we go to bed as well?”
Nodding, Kyoko barely held back a squeal and a giggle as Makoto carried her bridal style out of
the room and into their own. Once they were in bed, Makoto snuggled against his wife’s breasts,
while Kyoko reached up and stroked his hair.
As the two began to fall asleep from their romantic gestures, Makoto yawned “I love you, Kyoko
Naegi. Sweet dreams.”
Kissing his head, Kyoko cooed “I love you too, Makoto Naegi. Sweet dreams.”
Love Arc Chapter Three: A Movie Date with Makoto!
Chapter Summary
A blissful Kyoko eagerly awaits a movie date with her new boyfriend Makoto tonight.
What movie will they end up watching together?
Chapter Notes
So, here’s Chapter Three of Love Arc. This particular chapter is the result of two asks
from NotFanFicNet.
On another note, I might not be able to post Chapter Four for a couple more days,
because I am currently working on a commission request. Thank you for your
understanding. In the meantime, please read and review, and enjoy!
Present Day
“So next was your movie date, right? What movie did you guys pick?”
“…Well, yes, we did plan out a movie date, but there’s still more to the story before we get to
that.” At Kiki’s inquisitive stare, Kyoko explained “A couple days after our first date, we had that
test in class. Once we got out, I went to the police station to work while your Father planned out
what move we were going to watch. While I was there…”
XXX
November 11, 2014
“Mmm mm mmm mm…”
Kyoko’s fellow officers watched, befuddled as Kyoko hummed absentmindedly with a smile on
her face as she filled out paperwork.
“Who is this woman, and why is she sitting at Kirigiri-chan’s desk?”
“Don’t you have eyes? That is Kirigiri-chan!”
“No way! Kirigiri-chan’s always so serious, and even when she cracks a case, she just smirks!
This woman here has had this…happy smile on her cheeks since she came in!”
“I know it’s strange, but it’s kind of nice, isn’t it? Whatever it is, we should be happy that Kirigiri-
chan’s happy…”
“Alright, what’s going on here? Don’t you all have things to do? Get back to work, all of you, and
stop huddling around Kirigiri-chan’s desk!”
With the Chief’s order, the crowd of officers dispersed, heading back to their desks. Sighing, he
strutted over and peered down, his brow furrowed at the smiling Kyoko, signing the last of her
forms before she unclicked her pen, gathering her papers into one perfectly neat pile.
*Cough*
Her smile still radiating pure happiness, Kyoko looked up and answered “Yes, Chief?”
Not used to such a pleasant tone from one of his coldest detectives, the Chief answered “How’s the
paperwork for that case coming?”
Without missing a beat, she handed him the pile of paperwork and answered “I just finished it all,
Chief. We should be ready to close it now.”
Gaping as he took the paperwork from her, the Chief stammered “B…but…it would normally take
you three days to get through this much paperwork!”
“What can I say? I guess…I’ve just been extra productive lately.”
That’s an understatement…
Ever since she came back to work the day after her date with Makoto, Kyoko had been much more
pleasant at the office. So much so that even the Chief, who made it a policy not to pry into his
subordinates’ personal lives, was genuinely curious about why his best detective was acting so out
of character.
“So, what’s next, Chief?”
Sweatdropping, the Chief shook his head and answered “…Nothing. I don’t know why you’ve
been smiling so much lately, but it’s made you so much more productive…”
Sighing pleasantly, Kyoko answered “I guess…I’ve just been in an unusually good mood lately.” I
probably should make an effort to not smile so much at work…but I just can’t bring myself to care.
I’m just SO HAPPY!
“Well, whatever it is, we don’t have any more work for you right now; it’s been too slow! So go
take the rest of the week off! Hang out with some friends, play a game, heck, go out on a date if
you have someone in mind.”
…A date, huh? Maybe it would be a good idea to check in with Makoto… Nodding, Kyoko got up
pushed in her chair and replied “Alright, then I’ll see you Monday, Chief.”
The Chief watched as she walked out of the office, her joyous smile still plastered on her face.
XXX
Throughout the entire walk back to Hope’s Peak, Kyoko couldn’t stop smiling and humming, the
young Detective off in her own little world.
I wonder what kind of movie Makoto will pick? Perhaps a comedy? Or maybe a horror movie?
Possibly a fantasy adventure?
Kyoko couldn’t help but blush and giggle as she started to daydream about watching a movie with
Makoto, snuggled up against his chest and listening to his heartbeat as he stroked her back.
As she shook away her romantic daydream, she saw that she had walked through the opening gates
and was now a few yards away from the central fountain. Her smile widened as she saw Makoto in
the distance, happy to see her boyfriend earlier than expected. Her smile soon turned to a frown as
she saw Makoto talking with her Father.
Why is Makoto talking with the Headmaster? He didn’t…blab, did he?
The fear in Kyoko’s heart soon turned to panic as she heard them start to chuckle to each other, the
young girl asking herself What did they say that was so funny? Did my Father tell him something
embarrassing from my childhood? Did…
Realizing that nothing would be accomplished by standing there and panicking, she took a deep
breath and approached them, asking with a serious tone “And what is so funny?”
The two men turned towards the Ultimate Detective, Makoto blushing as he stammered “Kyou…
Kyoko! N…nothing’s…”
Jin held his hand up in surrender and explained “We happened to cross paths when Makoto tripped
over his shoelaces and I caught him. Once he stood back up and he re-tied his sneakers, I asked
where he was going and he said that he was going to pick up a movie nearby to watch with a
friend. I joked that he should make sure his shoes are tied before he leaves the store or he’d have
nothing to watch. That’s what we were laughing about.”
Kyoko sweatdropped, realizing she had overreacted to the situation.
Jin gave a knowing smile as he told them “Well, I have to get to my study. Have fun, you two…”
As he walked off and out of sight, Makoto looked to Kyoko, who was anxiously biting her lip.
“I…I didn’t tell him, I swear. Do you…think he knows…about us…?”
Kyoko sighed and explained “…It’s not your fault. I…went to him for advice when I was still
struggling with my crush on you. And you can’t tell a convincing lie to save your life. If he hasn’t
connected the dots yet, then I’m just worrying for nothing. If he has…it won’t mean anything I
haven’t already put up with…” …I’m not looking forward to hearing Uncle Koichi’s teasings
about us, though…
His eyes drooping, Makoto apologized “I…I’m sorry…”
Giving him something resembling the smile she had on her face for the past couple of days, she
assured him “Don’t worry about it, I’m not upset with you. Now, you said you were going to pick
out a movie for our date tonight, correct?” Makoto smiled, instantly cheered up at the reminder of
their date tonight before Kyoko offered “Why don’t we go pick one out together?”
Makoto bit his lip, conflicted as he uttered “…Ano…I kinda wanted to surprise you tonight…so if
it’s okay…”
You’ve been surprising me since day one, Makoto… Nevertheless she relented, softly smiling and
assuring him “That’s fine. But at least let me get the snacks. There’s a convenience store not far
from here, so I’ll grab some popcorn and candy, alright?”
Returning her smile, Makoto nodded energetically and answered “Okay, cool! Alright, I’ll go and
pick out a movie! See you at seven, Kyoko!”
Kyoko watched him run out of view before shaking her head with an exasperated smile and
thinking out loud “That boy...he’s seriously trying too hard…but I wouldn’t have him any other
way…alright, time to get those snacks.”
XXX
Present Day
“I…made you that happy back then?”
Nodding, Kyoko confirmed “Yes. I had never been in a relationship before, and after our first date,
every moment I spent with you seemed so magical. It was…quite the honeymoon phase.”
Makoto and Kyoko shared blushing smiles as they glanced at each other, reminiscing the
emotional highs of the early weeks of their relationship.
“So what movie did you guys end up watching?”
Shaking their blushes away after hearing Kiki’s question, Makoto answered “Well, it was after
dinner when your Mom followed me back to my room. We each carried a bag of popcorn that we
had microwaved in the kitchen, plus some candy bars and a cup of Cola for each of us. We had
gotten settled in my room when…”
XXX
November 11, 2014
Makoto blushed as Kyoko sat on his bed next to him, the two stealing glances at each other.
Kyoko’s in my room…Kyoko’s on my bed…we’re gonna be watching a movie on my bed!
“So…what movie did you pick out?”
Shaking away his blushing thoughts, Makoto reached under his bed and pulled out several DVD
cases, explaining “Well, I got a couple that I thought you might like. How’s The Maltese Falcon?”
Biting her lip, Kyoko reluctantly told him “I’ve watched it with my Grandfather more times than I
can count.”
“Oh, okay…how about The Silence of the Lambs?”
“Same thing.”
“Oh…then…Who Framed Roger Rabbit?”
“It was one of the few cartoons my Grandfather let me watch, and I’m honestly not too partial to
animated works. Did you just pick out Detective films?”
Nodding glumly Makoto answered “Yeah…I figured, since you’re a Detective and all, you’d enjoy
watching one with me…s…sorry…I’m not doing too well, am I?”
Taking pity on him, Kyoko rubbed his back and assured him “It’s not your fault; I should have
been more specific about what kind of movie I wanted to watch. But you looked so excited about
surprising me…I didn’t have the heart to ruin it for you.”
Touched, Makoto smiled, his eyes regaining some of their sparkle as he assured her “Don’t worry
about it. So, what do you want to watch? Maybe I have something in my private collection that
you’d like.”
Adopting her traditional thinking pose, Kyoko mused “Well…you’ve introduced me to so many
experiences that I never would have done if we hadn’t met. So…I guess…I want to see something
obscure…something I never would have watched if we hadn’t been dating.”
“Something obscure, eh…?”
As Makoto closed his eyes and started to think, a light bulb went off in his head. An
uncharacteristically devious smirk spread from ear to ear, unnerving his girlfriend as he turned to
her.
“I think I have just the thing. How familiar are you with American comics?”
“…Other than the few times they came into play during a case, not much. I remember a case or
two where the murder victim was killed by a relative so that they could inherit their exceptionally
valuable comic book collection.”
Suddenly excited, Makoto exclaimed “Really? That sounds so cool! You’ll have to tell me
more!” Realizing he got sidetracked, Makoto rubbed the back of his neck bashfully and continued
“Anyway, one of the more popular comics goes by the name of Spider-Man, and apparently in the
’70s, Japan got their own live-action adaptation of the series. My Dad was a bit of a comic book
geek when he was a kid, so he managed to snag the DVDs and gave them to me when I was a kid.
How does that sound?”
“…Sure, why not? I’m game if you are.”
“Great!”
Kyoko watched as Makoto rocketed off his bed, racing over to his closet and hurriedly sifting
through, throwing out various toys and games in his desperate search. An amused smile stretched
from ear to ear as he continued his energetic search, finally raising the DVD box in victory. He
then ran over to his TV and inserted the disc into the DVD player. Grabbing the remote, Makoto
then walked over to the bed, bouncing on top of it and sitting next to Kyoko again as he navigated
the menu.
As he pressed play, Makoto warned her “You might wanna turn off Detective mode for this; it’s
not really something you should try to make sense out of.”
Smirking, Kyoko elbowed her boyfriend and told him “You know that’s impossible; I’m the
Ultimate Detective. There is no mystery I can’t solve!”
Grinning, Makoto teased “Alright, then. In that case, I challenge you to follow along for three
episodes and give a recap after each episode.”
Crossing her arms over her breasts, Kyoko returned with an air of confidence “Challenge
accepted!”
Makoto and Kyoko giggled before turning their attention to the screen. As the intro started, Kyoko
lay her head on Makoto’s shoulder, making him blush before he smiled and wrapped an arm
around her waist, pulling her closer against him. Both boyfriend and girlfriend blushing now, they
watched as the opening ended and the meat of the episode began to play.
XXX
*Click*
Makoto hit the pause button on the remote, the credits frozen in place as Kyoko just stared at the
screen, befuddled as she asked herself What…did I just watch?
Turning to Kyoko with a shit-eating grin on his face, Makoto asked “So, what did you think so
far?”
Shaking the befuddlement out of her mind, Kyoko recapped “So…the motorcyclist, Takuya-kun,
he intercepted his father who was investigating something with two other women when they were
ambushed by the…Iron Cross Army…sent by…Professor Monster, ne?”
Makoto nodded approvingly, silently urging Kyoko to continue.
“Takuya-kun’s father was killed, then in a skirmish, he fell into a cavern and he was saved by…
Garia…of…Planet Spider, right?” Makoto nodded, leaving Kyoko to sigh and roll her eyes,
commenting sarcastically “How creative…”
“Hey, I never said the writing would be Sherlock Holmes worthy!”
I suppose not… “Then Garia saved Takuya-kun’s life by injecting him with…Spider Extract…and
giving him Spider Powers…none of which were even remotely realistic, might I add.”
“It’s loosely based off of a comic book, Kyoko. It’s not supposed to be realistic, it’s supposed to
look cool.”
“Noted. Then, for no reason other than revenge, Takuya-kun went to save a completely unrelated
scientist from the Iron Cross Army, defeated their underlings, and blew up a giant monster with his
own giant fighting robot.”
“That’s basically the gist of it.”
Kyoko sighed and deadpanned “That kind of recklessness would get him killed were it not for the
writers. And it’s so obvious that the fights were fake.”
“Hey, it was the 70’s! Special effects weren’t exactly impressive back then.”
“I suppose that’s true enough. Alright, let’s turn on the next one.”
His eyebrows raised, Makoto retorted “Didn’t you just say you hated this show?”
Shaking her head, Kyoko elaborated “I don’t…hate it, per se, but I probably wouldn’t have chosen
to watch it if it wasn’t with you.”
Blushing, Makoto stammered “O…okay. Well, then, let’s continue.”
*Click*
XXX
*Click*
“Do the characters in this show not have any sense of self-preservation at all?”
Makoto turned to his irate girlfriend, sweatdropping as once again she tried to use logic to evaluate
a sci-fi TV show.
“I mean seriously, Hitomi was almost killed for knowledge she wasn’t supposed to have, which
was finaly going to be a half-reasonable motive for once, and immediately after she’s saved, she
decides she’s going to follow him further into danger to snap a few photos!”
Makoto chuckled and agreed “Yeah, it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. But…that’s what makes
these shows kind of fun.”
Glaring at him, she continued “Even if I were to accept that premise, they then, with no real
explanation, gave Takuya-kun psychic abilities. I think the writers of this show are just being lazy
and giving him whatever powers suit the plot without any real coherence.”
Makoto shrugged “Hey, that’s comic books for you.”
Sighing, Kyoko decided that arguing wasn’t worth the effort and let it drop.
“Alright, one more episode, and that’s it. I’m never touching a work of fiction this incoherent ever
again.”
Frowning, Makoto asked with concern “Are you not having fun? We can stop, or pick something
else, or…”
Shaking her head, Kyoko assured him “It’s fine. Yes, this TV show isn’t my favorite, but…”
Kyoko leaned her head against his chest, making them both blush as she admitted “It is fun in a
way…watching it with you…”
Smiling bashfully, Makoto consented “All right. One more episode, then I promise I’ll let you
pick out the next movie. Fair?”
“Fair. Besides…” Kyoko’s eyes narrowed with determination as she declared “I won’t lose to
this!”
Remembering their kind-of-bet, Makoto chuckled and wordlessly hit the Play button.
XXX
*Click*
Makoto turned off the TV, announcing “Alright, that’s a wrap. So, how’d you like it, Kyoko?”
*Thud*
“Kyoko?”
Looking down, Makoto saw that Kyoko had collapsed, her head landing face-up on his lap.
“Kyoko! Are you…” Makoto sighed with relief as he felt her breath against his palm, realizing
She just fainted…what a relief.
Now that he realized that Kyoko was fine, he couldn’t help but admire her unconscious form
resting against him.
She looks…really cute…almost like a Sleeping Beauty…
Before he knew it, he found his hand reaching down and stroking her hair, the young girl to his
surprise smiling while unconscious. Encouraged, Makoto wrapped his other arm just below her
breasts, securing her against him as he continued to stroke her hair, smiling at her lovingly.
XXX
*Groan…*
Kyoko’s eyes fluttered open as she sat up, trying to shake the drowsiness out of her. Once she got
into a sitting position, she noticed a soft pressure around her middle, pressing her against a warm
surface. Looking down and then behind her, she realized that Makoto had been holding her
securely against his body.
Blushing, she asked “Ma…Makoto…what…happened?”
Smiling at her, he told her “You fainted after the third episode, so I did my best to make sure you
were comfortable until you woke up. I take it Spider-man is a hard NO then, right?”
Feeling the urge to faint again as she recalled the last episode, she nodded weakly and leaned
against his chest, groaning “…Too obscure. Even when the plot is genuinely interesting, the
monster fights make it too obscure. I need something more realistic next time.”
Stroking her hair, Makoto leaned down to kiss the top of her head, promising “Alright…no more
sci-fi, no more fantasy, no more magic…I promise.”
“…Good…”
Kyoko leaned further back against him, listening to his heartbeat with no desire to leave his
protective grasp at this very moment. Makoto smiled, continuing to stroke her hair as she closed
her eyes and smiled, enjoying the moment.
XXX
Present Day
“Ahahahahahahahahahaha!” Kiki laughed, exclaiming “You fell asleep during the movie night,
Mommy?”
Pouting, Kyoko defended “It’s not sleeping, it’s fainting!”
“Same difference, Mommy. At least it must have been comfy to fall asleep on Daddy!”
Seeing his wife blush with embarrassment, Makoto took pity and decided to intervene, scolding
“Alright, Kiki, that’s enough. No need to make her feel embarrassed about it.”
Her laughter dying down, Kiki nodded, acknowledging “You’re right, Daddy…” She turned to her
Mother and apologized “Sorry, Mommy…”
Her Mother, now over her embarrassment, smiled warmly and forgave her “It’s okay. We’ll tall
you more tomorrow, but it’s almost your bedtime, sweetie.”
“…Okay, Mommy.”
Kiki rested her head against the pillow, feeling her parents tuck her in and kiss her cheeks. Once
they had bid her good night, Makoto and Kyoko quietly tiptoed out of the bedroom, closing the
door behind them without a peep.
XXX
“SWORD VIGOR!”
They watched on the TV in their living room as Spider-Man vanquished yet another creation of the
Iron Cross Army.
Grinning at his wife, Makoto teased “I thought you hated this show.”
Smirking back, Kyoko defended “Hey! I can change my mind after a decade. Besides…after the
things we’ve lived through…this doesn’t seem that unrealistic by comparison.”
“So it’s still unrealistic?”
Nodding, Kyoko confirmed “Yes. Even Hajime couldn’t pull off anything like this.”
Nodding back, Makoto turned his attention back to the TV, feeling his wife rest her head against
his chest, her eyes closed while a soft smile spread from ear to ear. Smiling lovingly, Makoto
brought one hand to stroke her hair, while the other wrapped around her belly, holding her close as
she nuzzled against his heart.
“Mmm…I love you, Makoto.”
Grinning, Makoto whispered suavely “I love you too, Kyoko.”
He then turned his attention back to the TV, waiting for Kyoko to gradually fall asleep in his
gentle, loving grip.
Love Arc Chapter Four: Makoto’s Salary? Dinner and Dancing with Kyoko!
Chapter Summary
After being "paid" by Byakuya with two tickets to one of the fanciest French
restaurants in Tokyo, Makoto and Kyoko decide to go out on their third date. Will their
third date be a joyful memory for the blossoming couple?
Present Day
“So what happened after your movie date, Daddy? Did you and Mommy fall asleep in each other’s
arms?”
Chuckling, Makoto shook his head and answered “No, Kiki; we didn’t sleep together. After
cuddling on my bed, Mommy got up and bid me good night. We were both having breakfast
together the next day before class when…”
XXX
November 12, 2014
“Makoto.”
Said Luckster and his girlfriend looked up to see Byakuya staring down at him, two slips of paper
in the Ultimate Affluent Progeny’s hand.
“Oh, Bya…Byakuya. Can I…help you with something?”
Nodding, Byakuya answered “I’m here to pay you your salary.”
Kyoko raised her eyebrows as she drank her coffee, wondering Salary?
Salary, what’s he…oh kami…
“You may have rejected my offer to make you my secretary, but I still intend to pay you your
salary of $550,000 per year.”
Kyoko nearly spit out her coffee, her eyes widening as she looked at her clearly uncomfortable
boyfriend, thinking incredulously $550,000 a year? To do nothing?!
Shakily raising his voice, Makoto objected “But then I wouldn’t have earned it! I can’t
possibly…”
Holding up his hand to silence Makoto, Byakuya interrupted “Yes, yes, I expected such an answer
from a proud commoner like you. Which is why instead of gifting you with money, I’m instead
going to compensate you with something that has no inherent monetary value.”
Byakuya slammed the two slips of paper on the table, leaving Makoto to hesitantly pick them up
and read them.
“November 12 2014 Reservation at 18:00 to Dinner and Dessert at Chez Olivier – Paid for by
Byakuya Togami…” Makoto’s eyes bulged as he realized Wait…Chez Olivier?! That’s one of the
fanciest restaurants in Tokyo! “But wait, Byakuya! Even if I eat until I explode, that’s still not
enough to cover a week’s work at that salary!”
Rolling his eyes, Byakuya rebutted nonchalantly “That’s why there’s two; invite whoever you want
to join you. And if the fact that I’ve spent valuable money on you isn’t enough incentive, then
consider your attendance a punishment.”
“Punishment?”
Makoto gaped in shock before Byakuya glared down at him and lectured “I gave you the perfect
opportunity to sweep Kirigiri here…” Kyoko barely held back a blush as Byakuya continued “…
off her feet, and you somehow managed to blow that.”
Something blew, alright… Makoto thought wryly as he recalled the passionate night they had the
next week.
“So, as your punishment, I am hereby ordering you to accept that reservation and bring a partner.”
“But Byakuya…”
Byakuya turned around, only replying “Don’t make me repeat myself…” before storming off to
class, Toko getting up from her seat and following him.
Makoto sighed, looking at the two tickets that had been forced into his hand.
“…I can’t believe you turned down a handout of over half a million dollars a year.”
Makoto chuckled, pleasing Kyoko that he had successfully been distracted as he defended “Hey, I
wouldn’t feel right about accepting money that I didn’t work for. Whatever I make…I want to
earn, you know.”
Nodding, Kyoko gave a small smile as she mused “That’s not such a bad quality…so, are you
going to do as Byakuya says?”
Sweatdropping, Makoto admitted “…I mean…he did spend all this money on me, so it would be
kind of rude to me if I outright refused. But…that place is pretty fancy…I don’t really have the
wardrobe for that kind of an occasion…”
Looking to her boyfriend, Kyoko made sure to keep her voice down as she suggested “…Why
don’t we go together? It’s the perfect opportunity for a date night, and if you’re worried about
proper dress, our Halloween costumes could double as dress clothes. All we’d have to do is leave
the fangs and contacts in our dorms.”
Smiling at her suggestion, Makoto nodded and agreed “That sounds…wonderful…” I can’t
believe it! Three dates with Kyoko in one week! I really do have Super High School Level Luck!
Smiling softly at her jubilant boyfriend, Kyoko mused He’s looked…happier…since we’ve started
dating. And…although he’s still got a ways to go…I think it’s starting to help his self-esteem
issues… Sighing, Kyoko stood up and told him “If we don’t hurry, we’ll be late for class. So,
shall we go?”
Nodding, Makoto got up and started to follow his girlfriend, the two walking side-by-side as they
headed off to class, looking forward to their upcoming third date.
XXX
Present Day
“Really? Uncle Byakuya did that for you?”
Makoto chuckled sheepishly as he confirmed “Yes, Kiki. I don’t know if knew we were already
together, or if he didn’t know and either was trying to push us together or genuinely trying to get
back at me for not immediately getting together with your Mother at the Halloween Dance. No
matter what his intentions were though, we kinda did have to thank him for giving us the
opportunity for our third date.”
Seeing her Mother nod, Kiki asked “So what happened after you went to class?”
“Well, after we got out of class, we agreed on our way to lunch that we would meet each other at
the restaurant, since we were still trying to keep out relationship a secret at that point. So after our
last class, I got some homework done before I put on my improvised dress clothes and took a train
to the restaurant…”
XXX
November 12, 2014
Makoto tugged at his collar, nervously kicking his heel with his toe as he waited for his date to
show up.
I kinda look like a penguin in this suit…I just hope I’m making a mountain over a molehill…I’m
sure she…
“Makoto.”
Feeling a tap on his shoulder, Makoto turned around, opening his mouth to greet his girlfriend,
only for his jaw to hang open as he took in Kyoko’s form. Dressed in her sleek, sleeveless crimson
dress that hugged her curves, Makoto’s eyes gazed downward, noting her sleek red gloves and ruby
red stiletto shoes, as well as her lavender hair that was tied into a single, flowing ponytail, her
signature braid currently absent.
Memories of their near kiss during the Halloween dance came rushing back as Makoto blushed and
uttered “Ky…Kyoko…wow…you look…really…pretty…no…beautiful!”
Kyoko’s cheeks dusted a faint shade of pink as she smiled softly at him, looking over his white
dress shirt and black dress pants and shoes as she complimented “Thank you…you don’t look so
bad yourself.”
Makoto gave a relieved smile at the realization that Kyoko did indeed still find him attractive;
visibly relaxing, Makoto replied “Thanks.” Looking up to the top of his head, he joked “Still
couldn’t get the antenna down though.”
“I wouldn’t worry about it…if anything, it just makes you unique.”
Makoto blushed cherry red, making Kyoko hold back a giggle before she offered him her hand and
offered “So, shall we go? It’s almost time for our reservation.”
Grinning, Makoto nodded, threading their fingers together as they took their first steps into the
restaurant.
XXX
“Ano…sumimasen. We have an 18:00 reservation for two. Naegi Makoto and Kirigiri Kyoko.”
The Maître D looked up and took the two tickets from Makoto’s outstretched hand, scanning the
text until his eyes shined in realization.
Handing back the tickets to Makoto, he answered “Ah, yes. Togami-sama mentioned that he was
making a reservation for the Naegi party. Right this way, please.”
Makoto and Kyoko followed the Maître D to a simple rectangular table, draped with a red
tablecloth and decorated with two lit candles.
Once Makoto and Kyoko had taken their seats across from each other, the Maître D bowed and
excused himself “A waiter will be with you shortly with your menus. We hope you have an
enjoyable dining experience here at Chez Olivier. Shitsureishimasu.”
Once he left, Makoto and Kyoko turned their gazes to each other, smiling warmly at each other as
their smiles seemed to glow in the romantic candlelight.
“A fancy French Restaurant, free dinner and dessert, and being seated at a table with romantic
caldelight? This almost seems too good to be true.”
Nodding, Kyoko concurred “I agree, it does seem like everything’s falling into place.” Smiling
wryly, Kyoko mused “Perhaps this is simply your talent at work…in any case, perhaps, it’s better
not to question it and simply enjoy it.”
Makoto grinned, nodding and deciding “You’re right. I’m going to enjoy my third date with you,
Kyoko!”
Kyoko giggled, happy that Makoto was enjoying himself. It was at that moment that a waitress
came by, two menus in their hands as they approached the couple’s table.
“Here you go. One adult, and one child.”
Turning to the waitress incredulously, Makoto asked “Ano…who’s the child?” His eyes widened
as he realized Oh no…
Without missing a beat, the clearly mistaken waitress explained “Boy, elementary school students
automatically get a kids’ menu.”
…This always happens… Makoto groaned to himself as he double face-palmed, his face as red as a
tomato as he recalled every time he was mistaken for a child whenever he was out with his older
cousins or friends. Curse my short height and baby face!
Kyoko’s eyes narrowed, the Ultimate Detective furious at how the bumbling waitress had
singlehandedly humiliated her boyfriend.
“I would appreciate it if you treated my date like the mature adult he is, rather than relying on your
own preconceptions about his age.”
The waitress blanched, immediately realizing her mistake as she bowed and apologized “G…
gomen! I…I just thought he was your little brother…”
Kyoko’s tone ice-cold and impatient, she cut her off “I don’t care what you thought; just go and get
him an adult menu like you should have done from the start.”
“H…Hai!”
The waitress rushed away, leaving Kyoko to sigh and pinch the bridge of her nose in aggravation.
Looking to her boyfriend, who was still hiding his face behind his palms like he wanted to
disappear, Kyoko’s eyes softened, her focus completely shifting to comforting her emasculated
boyfriend.
Reaching forward to pry his hands away with her own, she soothed “Hey, hey, it’s gonna be okay.
The waitress just made an improper assumption…”
“…It’s not just her…” Makoto groaned. Kyoko looked at him in concern, listening intently as
Makoto revealed with watery eyes. “This always happens…every time I go out somewhere with
my friends or cousins, or even god forbid my little sister. Because I look so young, people always
assume I’m someone’s little brother or something. Why would you ever want to go out with
someone who has to keep correcting other people about his age?”
Kyoko resisted the urge to sigh, not wishing to exacerbate his self-esteem issues. Forcing a
reassuring smile on her face, she threaded their fingers together, making Makoto look into her eyes.
“Your youthful appearance isn’t a bad quality, Makoto. It’s merely indicative of the fact that the
world hasn’t come and stolen your innocence. In fact…” Kyoko blushed as she admitted “Part of
the reason I found you so attractive…was because I know that when I’m with you, I don’t have to
spend my time analyzing your every word and gesture to look for lies. I can just enjoy spending
time with your foolishly open self.”
“Kyoko…” Makoto gasped, touched by Kyoko’s admission that she enjoyed spending time with
him. I don’t even mind that she called me foolishly open again!
Squeezing his hands, Kyoko advised “Although…if you do want to take this incident as a growing
experience, then I’d say you could stand to stand up for yourself more. You stand up for me and
everyone else in our class when you know something’s wrong. When you exposed Shutaro
Fukuka as Jutaro Akafuku’s accomplice, I can’t put into words just how cool you looked as a man.
So show off that kind of confidence and passion when you’re under attack. I doubt people will
mistake you for a child if you show that side of you more.”
“Kyoko…” Makoto beamed as Kyoko let go of his hands, reaching to wipe the tears off his face
as he decided “Okay…let’s enjoy our dinner date.”
Kyoko grinned, satisfied that her boyfriend was all cheered up. As their hands retreated, they
heard a flurry of footsteps getting closer and closer. Turning their heads, they saw the Maître D
power walking to their table, an embarrassed expression on his face as he handed Makoto a menu.
Bowing deeply, the Maître D apologized “On behalf of the entire staff here at Chez Olivier, I
would like to apologize for the disrespect you’ve suffered, young master. The offending employee
has been suspended from her shifts until she is retrained and properly reevaluated.”
A guilty expression formed on Makoto’s face, feeling bad that someone else had suffered because
of a misunderstanding.
“As a show of good faith, there is a private dance room on the second floor. Once you have eaten
your meals, you may make use of it to your heart’s content until closing time.”
Gaping, Makoto asked “A…are you sure? It was just a misunderstanding, you don’t have to…”
Nodding, the Maître D confirmed “I insist, young master. Here at Chez Olivier, we pride
ourselves on complete customer satisfaction. Since one of our own employees insulted your
maturity, accidental though it might have been, leave it to us to correct their folly.”
Seeing a nod from Kyoko, Makoto agreed “Oh…okay…”
Seeing that everything was in order, the Maître D handed Makoto his menu, an adult one this time,
and left their table. Relieved that the situation was rectified, Makoto and Kyoko gave each other
relaxed smiles, opening up their respective menus and scanned their options, all while subtly, or
not subtly in Makoto’s case, stealing glances at each other.
XXX
Present Day
“…That tends to happen a lot to you, doesn’t it, Daddy?”
Makoto chuckled sheepishly as he scratched his cheek. More often than not, someone unfamiliar
with Headmaster Naegi would mistake him for a student from the graduating class or a college
intern.
Half the time, Kyoko had to bail me out… Makoto thought wryly as he recalled all the times
Kyoko had to explain that he was both her husband and the Headmaster of Hope’s Peak Academy.
At least they make for good laughs when we retell the stories to Mom and Dad and Komaru…
Said Vice-Headmistress intervened, explaining “It’s certainly frustrating, but at the end of the day,
it’s just a minor annoyance.”
Nodding in acceptance, Kiki answered “Okay…so what happened next, Mommy?”
“Well, your Father and I had finally gotten around to ordering our drinks and food, and we were
waiting for our food when…”
XXX
November 12, 2014
Makoto sipped his tea, a calm smile on his face as he savored the flavor and calming effect it had
on his mood.
“Mmm…delicious. You were right, Kyoko, the herbal tea is helping.”
Kyoko smiled softly as she sipped her own herbal tea, replying once she had swallowed the warm
liquid “I’m glad. I’m usually more of a coffee person, but on occasion I have to work on a case
that even I can find disturbing. Whenever I can’t get to sleep because of those kinds of cases, I
find a nice cup of herbal tea is exactly what I need to calm me down and get to sleep.”
Before they could converse any more, their waiter came by with two dishes in his hands; expertly
balancing them and shifting them onto the table, he announced “Here you go; two orders of
Organic Rabbit and Blue Lobster.”
“Itadakimasu.” Makoto and Kyoko thanked simultaneously as the waiter bowed and made his exit.
Looking down at his plate, Makoto admitted “…Never in my life did I think I’d ever get to eat
food this fancy!”
“Indeed. My Grandfather is well-off, but we’ve always eaten modestly. I can’t even remember the
last time we went out to a restaurant as high-class as this.” Raising her tea cup, she suggested
“Now, what do you say we enjoy the food, and let Byakuya worry about the price tag.”
Chuckling, Makoto nodded, clinking his own cup with her own as they said simultaneously
“Kanpai!”
The both of them then grabbed their knives and forks and began to dig in. As Kyoko took her first
bite of rabbit, she noticed Makoto eating much more neatly and restrained than normal.
Frowning, she swallowed her bite of rabbit before telling him “I told you, you don’t have to restrain
yourself to make me happy. It’s okay if you eat like you normally do.”
Swallowing his bite of lobster, Makoto explained “If it was just us in a casual setting like Yoyogi
Park, I’d totally agree. But…this is a five-star French restaurant. I should at least show good table
manners in a setting that demands it, you know?”
…I suppose that’s fair… Kyoko admitted, letting the matter drop before returning to her rabbit, the
two eating their meal in a comfortable silence, subtly smiling at the other throughout their meal.
XXX
Kyoko patted her napkin against her lips, wiping the chocolate residue away as she glanced at the
remains of the chocolate mousse cake she and Makoto had shared.
“Boy…I’m stuffed!” Makoto announced as he patted his belly underneath the table, feeling full
from the flavorful meal he just ate.
Smiling, Kyoko agreed “I as well; the food here is definitely filling.” Looking up at her
boyfriend’s face, Kyoko suddenly started to giggle, making Makoto frown before Kyoko calmed
down and apologized “I’m sorry, Makoto…it’s just…you have a bit of a…chocolate mustache…”
What?! I DO?
As Makoto hurriedly grabbed his napkin, Kyoko grabbed his wrist and offered “Here, let me…”
Makoto watched with befuddlement as Kyoko let go of his wrist before letting her pointer finger
approach his upper lip. His eyes widened as she made contact, wiping the chocolate away before
bringing her finger to her mouth, subtly licking the chocolate frosting off of her finger.
Oh kami! Kyoko ate the chocolate from my lip. Was that…an indirect kiss?
Seeing Makoto blush, Kyoko leaned closer, breathing “This date has been wonderful…Thank you,
Makoto…”
“Oh, no worries…I…I was happy to go with you…”
“Mmm…I’m glad…you know, since this is a romantic dinner…”
“R…romantic dinner…?”
“…Maybe…we should…follow the formula…to the end…”
“…The…End…?” Is…is she really…?

Barely half an inch separated their lips as she asked “…Kiss me…”
She leaned forward…only to be met with his cheek.
Huh? Did he just…
Kyoko looked at Makoto, who had turned his head, his eyes clamped shut as a distraught
expression was carved on his face.
“Ma…Makoto…you didn’t…”
Turning his head and opening his eyes after noting the disappointment in her voice, he waved his
hands in front of her and apologized “I’m sorry! I just…I just panicked!”
“Panicked? Why would you feel panicked? I thought I read somewhere that couples usually had
their first kiss on the third date.”
Her slight heartbreak pushed away in favor of curiosity, she listened as Makoto explained “It’s
just…we haven’t even been dating for a week. It’s true that kissing on the third date is the general
rule, but…it’s one thing when you kiss me good night on the cheek. But…when you wanted to
kiss me on the lips tonight…I just…I got scared. I wanted to take things slow, and it felt like
things were moving so fast in the past few days…I…I just felt things needed to slow down…or…
you know…we might end up having sex again…before I’m ready…”
“Makoto…” Kyoko reached for his hands, threading their fingers together. Gasping, Makoto
looked up and saw Kyoko smiling warmly at him.
Squeezing his hands in comfort, Kyoko assured him “Of course we can take things slow. You’re
half of this relationship, so your opinion matters just as much as mine. We can go as slow as you
need us to.” Looking down, Kyoko apologized “I should be the one apologizing; I was having
such a good time that I got carried away. I’ll…try to keep your own comfort in mind for future
dates.”
“Kyoko…” suddenly feeling bad at causing her the sexual frustration that was evident on her face,
Makoto stood up from his seat and pulled Kyoko up with him, offering “Come on, let me make it
up to you. I believe I still owe you a dance tonight, am I wrong?”
Flashing back to their Halloween Dance, Kyoko instantly blushed and grinned, nodding and
accepting “Lead the way then.”
XXX
Makoto stood in the center of the private dance room and Kyoko turned on the lights. Underneath
them was a small, silver dance floor. The walls and ceilings were painted in red, white, and blue
stripes, with a silgle slit in the ceiling.
“That’s probably where they keep a disco ball…” Makoto mused.
Nodding, Kyoko agreed “That’s a good assumption; I can’t think of anything else that a dance
facility would need hidden in the ceiling.” Makoto stared as Kyoko walked over to him, her dress
waving with her ponytail as she asked “So, shall we begin?”
Nodding, Makoto closed the remaining distance between them, threading their fingers together and
placing his freehand at her waist. Kyoko for her part used her free hand to encase the back of his
neck in a gentle grip, the two smiling at each other as Makoto led, his foot stepping backwards as a
surprised Kyoko followed his tempo.
Going in a circle on the dance floor, Kyoko commented “Just like back then, you surprise me with
how much fun it is to dance with you.”
Makoto blushed as he continued to lead Kyoko, memories of their Halloween Dance flooding his
mind as he replied “I…I’m glad. Perhaps my optimism isn’t my only redeeming quality after
all…”
Finally, some self-confidence! Pleased that Makoto’s perception of himself was improving, Kyoko
smiled and agreed “Of course it isn’t. Whether you recognize it or not, whether Hope’s Peak
recognizes it or not, you’re a special and talented young man, Makoto. I wouldn’t have agreed to
go out with you if I didn’t find you worth my attention.”
Makoto felt his heart go *Thump Thump* even faster in his chest, a huge beaming smile spreading
across his face as they came to a stop in the center. The instant they separated, Makoto wasted no
time in lunging for his girlfriend.
“Makoto!” She gasped as she felt his arms wrap around her torso and grasp her back, pulling her
closer until he buried his face in her breasts.
Kyoko looked down, barely making out his lovesick smile as she felt him nuzzle against her. A
warm, teary-eyed smile crossed her face as she looked down at him lovingly. Wrapping her own
arms around him, she placed one hand on his back and one on the back of his head, stroking his
hair. Feeling him moan against her, Kyoko began to gently sway back and forth, staring at him
lovingly as they lost themselves in their love for each other.
Kyoko…I…
Makoto…you’re so adorable…I love you…
XXX
Present Day
“Okay, that dance at the end was really cute and all…but WHY didn’t you take the opportunity to
kiss Mommy when she asked?”
It was Kyoko who came to his defense, explaining “Kiki, everyone progresses at their own pace in
a relationship. Your Father felt that we were going too fast, and said that he wasn’t ready to
progress to kissing yet. Remember, Kiki, when the time comes that you have a special someone in
your life, you need to respect their boundaries, just like they need to respect yours. If they say
STOP, then you need to STOP.”
Secretly Kyoko dreaded the day that Kiki became interested in boys; she loved being Kiki’s Mom
and the idea that she would one day move out and depend on someone other than her and Makoto
was terrifying to her.
Plus… She looked to her husband as she admitted to herself …Not all boys are as kind and loving
as her Daddy…
Threading their fingers together and squeezing her hand, Makoto smiled reassuringly at her, aware
of her worries and fears and doing his very best to calm her.
Turning to his daughter, Makoto nodded and agreed “”Your Mother’s right, Kiki. Promise me that
if you ever fall in love, you’ll respect the other person’s boundaries.”
Nodding, Kiki agreed “Okay, Daddy, Okay, Mommy. I promise.”
Both parents smiling, Makoto told her “Good. In the meantime, it’s time for bed, Kiki.”
Yawning, Kiki nodded, feeling the blankets pulled up to her chin as her parents tucked her in.
Stroking her daughter’s hair, Kyoko assured her “Kiki, I know I might have sounded harsh earlier,
but your Daddy and I just want you to be able to make the right choices when you grow up.”
Nodding, Makoto agreed “Your Mom and I won’t always be around to protect you and tell you
what’s right and what’s wrong, so we want to make sure you can tell that for yourself.”
Yawning again, Kiki nodded and said “Okay…I understand…”
Satisfied, Makoto and Kyoko kissed her cheeks, cooing “Good night, Kiki…we love you!”
Yawning one last time, Kiki’s eyes slowly closed as she fell asleep. Both parents smiled, Makoto
getting up while Kyoko continued to sit on the bed and stare lovingly at her daughter.
Placing his hand on her shoulder, Makoto assured her “She’ll still be here; she’s only five after all.
We’ve still got plenty of time to be Kiki’s parents, so let’s go to bed so we can do a good job of it
in the morning.”
Nodding hesitantly, Kyoko stood up, her husband wrapping an arm around her waist and guiding
her out the door, closing it behind them as they retired to their room, where Makoto would banish
her worries and anxieties with his loving snuggles.
Love Arc Chapter Five: Naegiri Ambushed! Help Me Get Stronger, Mondo!
Chapter Summary
On their way back to campus from their dinner date, three bikers hit on and sexually
assault Kyoko. An angered Makoto bravely stands up to them, but will he survive this
encounter? And where's Mondo when you need him?
Chapter Notes
This chapter is the result of an ask sent by NotFanFicNet. Please read and comment
below, and enjoy!
Present Day
“Well, your Father and I only danced for a little bit; it was still a school night, after all. So we left
the restaurant and took the train back to Hope’s Peak. We had just left the train station when…”
XXX
November 12, 2014
Makoto and Kyoko were beaming, walking down the dimly lit street, hands intertwined as they
made their way back to campus.
Looking at her boyfriend, Kyoko thanked “Thank you for tonight, Makoto. I had a lot of fun with
you.”
Blushing, Makoto smiled softly and replied “I’m glad…” Makoto frowned as he continued “I’m
still sorry I…refused your kiss earlier. Part of me really wanted to…but I just…chickened out…”
Squeezing his hand, Kyoko admonished “You’re not a chicken; like I said before, this is your
relationship too, and you’re allowed to go whatever speed you’re comfortable with. I can wait for
my first real kiss with you as long as you need to.”
“Kyoko…”
Makoto suddenly circled to a stop, surprising Kyoko as he cradled her face in his palms.
“Makoto…what are you…?”
Makoto bit his lip, hesitating before deciding to explain “…Maybe I shouldn’t be scared anymore.
If I spend all my time trying to avoid it, I’ll never be able to move us forward.” Slightly tugging
her head down, he breathed “Maybe…I am ready…and I just got spooked.”
“Makoto…”
“Maybe…just a quick kiss…”
Makoto and Kyoko felt their heart rates skyrocket at he pulled her towards him, their lips barely an
inch apart.
“Makoto…”
“…Kiss me, Kyoko…”
She leaned down, the two feeling each other’s breath on their lips, tantalizingly close to their first
kiss as an official couple.
*Whistle*
The two instantly broke apart, blushing and startled by the sudden noise. Turning their heads, they
saw three muscular bikers in long, black overcoats, whistling at them…more specifically, Kyoko.
Makoto and Kyoko frowned as one of the bikers called out “Hey, babe! You’re looking
fiiinnnneeeeee tonight!”
The second one called out “You said it, man! I love how that dress just hugs her boobs! And her
ass looks totally plush!”
Seeing Makoto clench his fists, Kyoko tugged at Makoto’s wrist and whispered “Let’s go,
Makoto. They’re not worth it.”
Before he could reply, the third biker walked up and approached them, flirting “Hey babe! You
seem like a hot young thing, and based on your current choice in men, I’d say you’re an easy
kisser? Why don’t you drop the kid and let me and my boys show you a really good time?”
Without missing a beat, Kyoko turned her head and stated simply “No.”
“Hey, come on, babe, don’t be like that…” The lead biker stepped even closer, invading her
personal space and cupping her breast, making Kyoko shiver at being touched as he continued
“See, I can be gentle. Now, don’t be shy, kitten. Just come with us and we’ll…”
“B…Back off!”
Kyoko gasped at feeling the slight pressure on her breast being removed. She looked at the biker,
who was just as surprised as she was. Looking to his arm, she saw that Makoto had walked up and
forcefully grabbed his wrist. Removing it from his girlfriend’s breast, he narrowed his eyes, his
green irises blazing with fury at seeing his girlfriend being sexually assaulted.
“Ma…Makoto…”
Kyoko blushed before her eyes narrowed as the biker retracted his hand and taunted “Oh, lookie
here! The little puppy thinks he’s a big dog!”
The three bikers laughed as the leader reached down and ruffled Makoto’s hair, making Kyoko
clench her fists in anger at how they disrespected her boyfriend.
Slapping his hand away, Makoto stammered “Sh…shut up! Ba…Back away from my girlfriend,
or…or else…”
“Or else what, puppy?”
Kyoko watched Makoto with concern; though his bravery and courage in talking back to them at
all made her heart flutter, she could see how obviously intimidated he was by them.
It’s not like when he exposed Fukuka; he may have been an accomplice to murder, but he posed no
physical threat to Makoto. With three bikers to contend with, he could really get hurt!
“Or else…I’ll…AGH!”
“MAKOTO!”
Kyoko rushed forward and caught Makoto in a spooning embrace as he flew backwards.
Panicking, Kyoko turned him in her arms and held his hair away from his forehead, gasping as she
saw hot pink blood coating his forehead.
“Urrrgh…Ky…Kyokoooo…?”
“Makoto!” As a dazed and barely conscious Makoto groaned, she called out “Makoto, are you
alright?”
“There’s nothing I find more annoying than a yipping puppy.” Kyoko’s fists clenched, the
Ultimate Detective furious at the bikers’ taunting of Makoto as the leader placed his hand on her
shoulder and continued “Come on, babe! No need to fret over such a weak puppy. Come with us,
and we’ll show you a…YEOW! OW!”
The other bikers ran to catch their leader as he flew backwards, his wrist bruised from Kyoko
twisting it painfully while his mouth was bloodied. Kyoko’s fist hung outstretched, loose teeth
lying at her feet from her forceful punch.
Wiping his mouth, the lead biker growled “You little bitch! I was prepared to be nice and gentle
when I fucked you, but now I’ll send you and your boyfriend to the hospital. Get them boys!”
As the other two bikers placed their leader down and visibly cracked their knuckles, Kyoko gently
placed Makoto so that he was sitting up against the wall of a nearby building, then turned to the
bikers, fury and scorn in her eyes as she tugged on her gloves in an intimidating gesture.
Bring it on! After you all ruined my first real kiss with Makoto and decked him without
provocation, I could use a way to blow off a little steam!
As the two sides stared each other down like cowboys in an old American Western film, they were
interrupted by a familiar masculine roar “WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON HERE?!”
Everyone sans Makoto turned their heads to see three more motorcycles stop right in front of them,
one of their owners lifting off his helmet to reveal a violet-eyed man with a familiar pompadour.
“Mondo?”
“BOSS?!”
Boss? Wait…then these are…
Confirming her suspicions, Mondo looked over the scene, his eyes widening as he called out
“Kyoko? Makoto? Dude, are you okay? Did my boys do this to you?”
As Makoto groaned, Kyoko sighed in resignation and explained “We were…walking back from a
date and your goon squad tried to hit on me and touch me. Makoto stood up to them, but they
decked him shortly before you arrived.”
Steam piping out of his ears, Mondo turned to his recruits who were currently cowering and
lectured “YOU THREE SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES! YOU KNOW OUR
RULES; WE DON’T HIT WOMEN!!! I LET YOU THREE JOIN THE CRAZY DIAMONDS
BECAUSE YOU HAD POTENTIAL DESPITE YOUR WOMANIZING WAYS. AND THIS IS
HOW YOU REPAY ME? BY LAYING YOUR HANDS ON AN UNWILLING CHICK AND
BEATING UP HER BOYFRIEND?”
Seeing them whimper in fear and recalling Taka and Chihiro’s advice to him on controlling his
temper, Mondo took a deep breath, closing his eyes and pinching the bridge of his nose until he had
calmed down.
“Takemichi! You and your bro bring these lowlifes back to the hideout for disciplining. I’ll rejoin
you once I’ve calmed down.”
Nodding, Takemichi and the sixth biker loaded the three recruits onto the two bikes before getting
on and speeding off. Once they had sped out of sight, Mondo turned and rushed over to Kyoko,
who was checking on Makoto’s condition.
“So, how is the little dude?”
“…His only injury of note is the bloodied wound on his forehead. It’s not very deep though, so
once he rests in his own bed the most he should wake up with is a headache.” Thank kami for
that…
Nodding, Mondo replied “I see…and you’re not injured at all?”
Shaking her head, Kyoko proudly replied “Not at all; I can protect myself after all. As their leader,
you should worry more about them.”
Looking down and seeing the blood smeared on Kyoko’s glove as well as the loose teeth scattered
on the ground, Mondo whistled and remarked “Damn! Kyoko, you’re seriously a badass!”
Smirking, Kyoko turned to face her boyfriend, who was still unaware of his surroundings, before
frowning and hooking her arms under his knees and neck, explaining as she hoisted him into her
arms and cradled him protectively “I’ll bring him back to his dorm; you go take care of your…
rebellious recruits.”
Nodding, Mondo replied “Yeah…I get ya…I’m sorry this all happened by the way…most of us in
the Crazy Diamonds are honorable men…just…”
“Just make sure the few rotten apples don’t spoil the whole barrel.”
“Right…” Mondo boarded his motorcycle, placing his helmet on his head and revving up his
engine before dismissing “Well, I’ll go take care of those rotten apples…see you in class, Kyoko.”
As Mondo rode off into the distance, Kyoko’s eyes widened as she realized Crud! I never told him
to keep our relationship a secret! Sighing, she conceded Well, guess the cat’s out of the bag now…
no sense crying over spilt milk. Besides… She looked down to the barely conscious Makoto in her
arms, tightening her grip on his body as she determined I have something far more pressing to
attend to…
XXX
Makoto groaned, his vision coming into focus as his girlfriend’s determined face became clearer
and clearer.
Coughing, Makoto uttered “Wha…Where…where am I…”
Staring down at him with a relieved loving gaze, Kyoko shushed him “Shh, Shh…”
His eyes widening, Makoto asked “Ky…Kyoko…whare…what happened to…those bikers…?”
Shakign her head, she assured him “Taken care of…just relax, Makoto. We’re almost at campus.”
Still too woozy to think about arguing, Makoto relented, reaching up and wrapping his arms around
her neck for support. Smiling warmly, Kyoko continued her walk, the gates of Hope’s Peak slowly
coming into view.
XXX
Makoto gulped the ibuprofen down, handing Kyoko back the cup of water she had given him.
Now in his pajamas, he watched as Kyoko tucked him in, his forehead no longer bleeding after
Kyoko wiped the blood away with a damp cloth and dried it with a dry one.
“Is there anything else you need?”
Shaking his head, Makoto stammered “N…no, I’m good. Thanks for everything, Kyoko…”
“Don’t mention it…” Kyoko replied, leaning down to kiss his forehead. Makoto blushed before
Kyoko told him “Good night, Makoto. Sweet dreams.”
“Y…yeah. You too…” He stammered as he watched her shut the lights and the door behind her.
Makoto sighed before turning on his side and closing his eyes, the moment he got knocked down
replaying on loop in his dreams.
XXX
Present Day
“How could those guys violate you like that, Mommy?”
Stroking her daughter’s hair, Kyoko replied “Kiki, there are some people, who view women as
little more than property, people who believe that women can be used for their own perverted
pleasure. Part of the reason I was so tough on you last night about respecting other people’s
boundaries wasn’t just so you would know restraint, but so that you could be prepared to deal with
people who don’t respect those boundaries.”
Makoto took over “That doesn’t mean I want to hear of you beating people up. But just as we want
you to stop when other people say stop, we also want you to know that you can say STOP if
someone tries to touch you in a way you find inappropriate.”
Nodding, Kiki replied “I understand Daddy.” Turning to Kyoko, Kiki asked “So what happened
next, Mommy?”
“The next day, I was sitting with everyone at lunch. Your Father hadn’t shown up for breakfast,
making me worried. Even when I saw him in class, he wouldn’t talk to me, and when class ended,
he and Mondo raced out before I could corner him. A few minutes afterwards I finally managed to
pursue him. And that’s when…”
XXX
November 13, 2014
“Congratulations, Kyoko!”
“I was totally right; I predicted it, remember?”
“Tell Makoto Sayaka and I said congrats, okay babe?”
Kyoko grunted as she stomped through the halls, exasperated with her classmates’ congratulations
on her and Makoto’s relationship.
“I know they mean well, but this is exactly why I wanted to keep it secret in the first place. I hate
the attention; I’d rather be tied up with a bolas and dragged to my room by force than have all my
classmates poke and prod about my relationship with Makoto!” Sighing, she pinched the bridge of
her nose, her thoughts now turning worried as they shifted to her boyfriend.
“Makoto…where are you…” she wondered worriedly as she approached the gymnasium.
“Help me to get stronger, Mondo!”
“Huh? Is that…”
Opening the door just a crack to peek inside, she indeed saw her boyfriend, Makoto Naegi talking
with Mondo Owada.
Sighing, Mondo asked “Dude, is this about last night’s scuffle with my boys?”
Nodding glumly, Makoto explained “I…I tried to protect Kyoko…but I got decked instead and she
had to step in to defend me. And then she had to carry me back to the dorms…”
Looking at him sympathetically, Mondo told the distraught Luckster “Dude, no offense, but you’re
not exactly intimidating. The fact that you found the courage to stand up to three Crazy Diamonds
at all, that makes you a True Man!”
Biting his lip, Makoto countered after briefly hesitating “But didn’t you also tell me that a man is
supposed to protect the women close to him?”
Kyoko looked down, kicking herself for not seeing Makoto’s self-depreciation beforehand and
addressing it.
Scratching the back of his neck, Mondo replied “…You’re not wrong, I did say that…but honestly
dude, there’s nothing wrong with dating a girl who can kick ass. Besides, you remember how I
said I’m on a ten-game losing streak, right? The fact that you got yourself a pretty cool girlfriend
like Kyoko when I have none at all, proves that you’re strong as a man in all the ways that matter.”
“He’s right, you know…”
Makoto froze as he turned around and blanched, seeing Kyoko walk calmly over to them.
Seeing that this was a conversation they needed to have in private, Mondo told them “I’ll uh…
leave you two alone to talk…” before leaving the gymnasium.
Makoto started to sweat, scared of his girlfriend before sighing in resignation and hanging his head.
“I…I’m sorry…you’re…you’re mad at me, aren’t you? I couldn’t protect you last night, then
Mondo found out about our relationship and told everyone this morning…”
“I’m not angry.” Makoto gasped, staring up incredulously at his girlfriend as she walked up to him
and cupped his cheek. “How could I be mad at you? You overcame your fears to defend me
against perverted males who wanted to touch my body, and the circumstances of Mondo’s arrival
made the revelation of our relationship mandatory; you shouldn’t beat yourself up over that.”
“But I…I shouldn’t have burdened you with having to carry me back to the dorms…shouldn’t it be
the guy that protects the girl?”
Sighing, she told him “Makoto, just because that’s how society dictates our standard gender roles,
doesn’t mean we have to follow them. We’re free to choose our own dynamic, and I wasn’t
looking for a musclehead to be with.” She softly smiled, stroking his cheek with her thumb as she
explained “I chose to be with you. You showed me what true strength is; the ability to be open
with your emotions and to lean on others. You taught me to lean on you for strength, that it was
okay to confide my fears in someone else, to seek them out for comfort. Makoto, you’re strong in
the ways that truly matter. If that means I have to protect you on occasion, then that’s okay…”
Makoto responded by instantly wrapping her in a tight embrace, surprising the Ultimate Detective
momentarily before she returned the affectionate gesture, both resting their chins on the other’s
shoulder as they basked in the warmth of their affection for each other.
Once they released each other, Kyoko asked “Are you feeling better now?”
Nodding, Makoto confirmed “Yeah…thanks, Kyoko. You know…I never did get to give you that
kiss I promised you…”
Frowning at Makoto’s uncharacteristic persistence, she wondered “Makoto…do you feel pressured
as my boyfriend to kiss me?” Makoto bit his lip, confirming Kyoko’s suspicion before she asked
“Why?”
“It’s just…” Makoto sighed as he explained “What if I’m moving too slow for you? What if I put
this off for so long that you decide you don’t want to be with me anymore? Besides, you told me
that if I just run from danger, I’ll never move forward. Shouldn’t I just ignore my cold feet then if
it’s something you already want?”
Reaching to cradle his face in her hands and stroke his cheeks with her thumbs, Kyoko responded
“Makoto…you should never feel pressured to do something you’re not entirely comfortable with.
It’s true that I want my first kiss to be with you, but I also want it to be a happy occasion for both
of us. And if you’re just doing this because you feel pressured to, then that defeats the purpose of
doing it at all.”
“But…how will I know if it is the right time?”
“…I’m no expert in these things, so the only advice I can give you is to rely on your instincts. If
they were good enough to expose an accomplice to murder, then they’re good enough to tell you
when the right time to advance our relationship is.” She reached down to thread their fingers
together, squeezing his hands as she urged “Trust yourself, Makoto, like I trust you.”
Taking a deep breath, Makoto smiled, squeezing her hands as he agreed “Okay…you’re right; it’s
too soon for me. We’ll wait…”
Smiling, she leaned to his side and kissed his cheek, making him blush as she let go of one of his
hands, tugging on the other as she turned around and started walking.
“Come on; let’s go have lunch.”
“O…okay…”
XXX
The budding couple sat in their usual spot, Makoto smiling at his girlfriend after he realized just
how silly he had been acting. Kyoko gave him an even wider smile, relieved and happy that
Makoto was acting like his usual optimistic self again.
“Hey guys! Long time, no see!”
Makoto and Kyoko looked to see Sayaka waving at them, a grinning Leon walking by her side as
they approached their table.
“Dude, congrats on your new relationship!”
Blushing, Makoto replied “Ano…thanks, Leon.”
“Ah, no sweat, dude. Anyways, Sayaka wanted to talk to you guys about something.”
Nodding, Sayaka explained “Leon and I are planning to go on a date Sunday afternoon, and since
you and Kyoko just got together, maybe you two could join us and make it a double date.”
A double date? I mean…that doesn’t sound so bad. If anything, it’ll probably feel like hanging out
as friends again. Looking over to his girlfriend, Makoto asked “What do you think, Kyoko?”
After pondering the offer for a moment, she nodded and agreed “Why not? It sounds interesting.”
Smiling at his girlfriend’s agreement, Makoto turned back to Sayaka and Leon and confirmed
“Sure, sounds like fun.”
Sayaka squealed excitedly, Leon smiling as he agreed “Cool! We’ll meet up for lunch at this
restaurant close by. Sayaka and I will e-mail you the name of the place later. See you guys on
Sunday!”
As Sayaka and Leon left the Dining Hall, Kyoko turned to Makoto and pondered “So…a double
date with Sayaka and Leon. You’re sure you’re okay with this? Nobody would blame you if you
felt awkward about it, considering…”
Already knowing where her thoughts were headed, Makoto waved off her concerns and assured her
“I’m fine, Kyoko; Sayaka and I buried the hatchet months ago, and I never held a grudge against
Leon, nor have either of them held a grudge against me. Besides…I’m kind of looking forward to
us having fun as a group.”
Closing her eyes and smiling, Kyoko agreed “Since it’s no longer an issue…then I’ll be looking
forward to it too…Sayaka and Leon can both be fun, in their own ways.”
With the conversation effectively over, Makoto and Kyoko continued to eat their lunch in silence,
finishing off their burgers before getting up and heading to their final class for the day.
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, a double date with Leon and Sayaka?! That must have been super fun! What was it like?”
Chuckling, Makoto replied “Unfortunately, that’ll have to wait for tomorrow; it’s time for bed,
pumpkin.”
“Aww…” Kiki groaned, but nonetheless obeyed, snuggling underneath the covers as her parents
tucked her in and bid her good night. Once Kiki was snoozing, they quietly crept out and closed
the door behind them.
XXX
“Are you sure you’ll be okay to tell this particular part of our story?” Kyoko asked with concern in
her voice, tracing patterns on her husband’s bare chest as she explained “I know how much Sayaka
meant to you before we got together, and Leon was one of your best friends. Not to mention that
their deaths hit you especially hard during the Killing School Life. Kiki wouldn’t blame you if
remembering their fonder memories hurt too much.”
Smiling reassuringly, Makoto stroked Kyoko’s hair as he replied “I’m fine, Kyoko, really.
Besides, I said back then that I would carry their memories with me. That burden, if you can call it
that, has gotten easier over time. Remembering our happier days before the Killing School Life
doesn’t bother me anymore. Besides, for those like Kiki whose only knowledge of the 78th Class
will be their roles in Junko’s Killing Game, I at least want my daughter to know what amazing
people they were before all that madness.”
Sighing, Kyoko conceded “If you say so…alright, I’ll trust your judgment.”
Smiling, Makoto gently lifted her hand off his chest and kissed her knuckles, making Kyoko blush
as he cooed “Let’s go to sleep now, Kyoko. We’ve got a big day ahead of us.”
Nodding, Kyoko snuggled against her husband, yawning as she let his heartbeat lull her to sleep.
Kissing her hand one last time, Makoto wrapped his arms around her, inhaling her scent as he too
faded into slumber.
Love Arc Chapter Six: The Ultimate Double Date! Naegiri and Leosaya!
Chapter Summary
It's Sunday and Makoto and Kyoko are finally going out on their first double date with
Leon and Sayaka. Will Makoto's past crush on Sayaka make it an awkward mess? Or
will they be able to move past it and make this a date to remember?
Chapter Notes
below, and enjoy!
Present Day
“So, how did your date with Sayaka and Leon go? What did you guys do?”
Makoto answered “Well, right around noon, we met up at restaurant and we sat down at a booth.
However, despite my assurances that everything was fine, once we had gotten our drinks and
placed our orders, we ended up sitting in an awkward silence.”
XXX
November 15, 2014
All four teenagers sipped their cokes, Makoto and Sayaka fidgeting awkwardly, unable to look
each other in the eye as they struggled to come up with an ice breaker.
Both inwardly sighed in relief as Leon was the one to break the silence, asking “So…Makoto,
Kyoko…when did you guys get together?”
Looking at Kyoko for permission, Makoto saw her nod before he turned back to Sayaka and Leon,
answering “We got together a week after the Halloween Dance.” His cheeks turning rosy red as he
recalled the night where they lost their virginity to each other, Makoto continued “We’ll keep the
details to ourselves, because they’re private, but after we decided we wanted to try dating each
other, we went on our first date exactly one week ago.”
Sayaka’s eyes sparkled as she squealed “Really? Today’s your one-week anniversary? And you’re
spending it with us?!”
Everyone except Sayaka sweatdropped, with Kyoko deadpanning “I don’t think you can call it an
anniversary if the original event is less than a year old…”
Leon smiled as he replied “Maybe a week is a little too soon to be celebrating an anniversary. But
it’s not uncommon for couples to celebrate being together for a month or two months or six
months…once they hit a year though, those kinds of regular celebrations fade in favor of actual
anniversaries.”
“I see…” Kyoko nodded, absorbing Leon’s words as she wondered Should I…plan something for
Makoto…when we get to our one-month anniversary?
Her ponderings were interrupted as the waiter came to their table, removing four plates from the
cart he was pushing and placing them in front of the four hungry teenagers.
“Douzo. Four cheeseburger platters.”
“Itadakimasu!” All four customers thanked as the waiter bowed, pushing his cart away and
disappearing from sight.
With that, they all dug into their meals, Leon practically slobbering over his burger, while Makoto
ate his with vigor and energy.
In the middle of his bite, Leon commented “Wow, dude! You sure can whip up an appetite, huh?”
Rolling her eyes, Sayaka elbowed her boyfriend and commented “You’re one to talk, Leon. At
least Makoto here has table manners; you don’t seem to have any, as your slobbering over your
cheeseburger proves!” As if further proving her point, Leon suddenly belched, letting out a loud
burp that seemed to echo throughout the restaurant, causing Sayaka to sigh and finish “I rest my
case.”
Kyoko patted her boyfriend on the back, smiling at him and assuring him “You see, Makoto?
Your table manners are just fine.”
Smiling back at her, Makoto opened his mouth to thank her, only for his bad luck to kick in as he
also let out a softer burp.
Makoto covered his mouth with his palms, too late as Sayaka teased with a faux-exasperated face
“…Boys…no table manners…none of them.”
Playing along, Kyoko commented “But we date them anyway.”
Sayaka and Kyoko giggled, causing their respective boyfriends to blush simultaneously. Once
their giggling died down, they all got back to eating their burgers, the boys eating at a more
controlled pace to save face while the girls rolled their eyes at their boyfriends.
XXX
Present Day
“I’m glad you and Sayaka were able to become good friends again, Mommy!”
Nodding, Kyoko agreed “Indeed; Sayaka was a nice woman and a good friend. It was only
because your Father had a crush on her before me that things were awkward. But, after Leon broke
the ice, we were able to giggle at the antics of our respective boyfriends.”
Makoto gave a sheepish smile, making Kyoko and Kiki giggle for a moment, before Kiki asked
“Well, after we finished our lunch, we headed to a nearby theater to watch a Kabuki show. We
stayed for a couple of short plays, then headed out. During our exit…”
XXX
November 15, 2014

“Ohh, I loved that play!” Sayaka squealed as they left the theater. “I just love how the actors
move so gracefully and powerfully on the stage!”
Smiling softly, Kyoko agreed “Indeed. I had fun, seeing my first Kabuki performance.”
Sayaka, as well as Leon who was walking beside Makoto and behind the two women, stared at
Kyoko incredulously as the Ultimate Pop Sensation asked “Really? You’ve never seen a Kabuki
play in your life?”
Kyoko bit her lip, hesitating to tell Sayaka details about her past that she had only told Makoto,
before caving and disclosing “My grandfather trained me overseas as a Detective, and my Mother
died when I was seven, so I don’t remember if my parents took me to a play when she was still
alive.”
“Kyoko…” Sayaka breathed, shaken by the revelation that Kyoko had also grown up without her
parents. Putting on a smile for her sake and patting Kyoko on the back, Sayaka continued “I know
how you feel…I told you before how I grew up without my parents around…”
That’s right, you did… Kyoko realized as she flashed back to her outing with Sayaka, Hina, and
Sakura.
“Which is why I’m glad I got to share this experience with you…it certainly helped me when I was
growing up.” Seeing Kyoko’s suddenly curious stare, Sayaka explained “Shortly after my Dad
found out I was watching pop concerts on TV, he managed to scrape together enough vacation time
to take me to a Kabuki show. And when I saw one for the first time…I watched all of their
movements, analyzing the actors and seeing what I could learn from it to adapt into my own career
as a pop idol. Before long, it became one of our favorite things to do together.”
Makoto and Leon approached them, shock on their faces as Leon asked “I…is that true, babe?”
Nodding, Sayaka confirmed “Yeah; my Dad still makes sure to save up his vacation time to take
me to one whenever a good show is playing where we live.” Facing her boyfriend, Sayaka offered
“We’ll have to go together when I introduce you to my Dad.”
“Great…swell…” Leon agreed, his pitch higher than normal as he nervously realized Great; I’ll
have to impress Sayaka’s Dad! Somebody help me!
Ignorant to Leon’s anxieties, Kyoko turned to her own boyfriend and asked “What about you,
Makoto? Have you seen a Kabuki play before?”
Nodding, Makoto confirmed “My family doesn’t make a ton of money, with Mom taking care of
us and Dad making a modest income as a teacher, so since neither Komaru nor I were as interested
in it as Sayaka was, we didn’t go all the time. But our parents did make sure that we went to at
least a couple together, just to make sure we had the experience.”
Nodding, Leon agreed “Yeah, same here. I only saw a couple, since I didn’t have the interest in
theater…”
Makoto deadpanned “Didn’t you say that you were considering becoming an actor to impress
Sayaka?”
Sayaka doubled over in laughter, while Kyoko rolled her eyes and Leon shot Makoto a glare that
just said TRAITOR!
Wiping away her tears of laughter as she calmed down, Sayaka asked “Is…is that true, Leon?”
Blushing in embarrassment, Leon sighed and admitted “…Yes…I…I really liked you…so I really
wanted to impress you, Babe…”
Smiling warmly, Sayaka walked over to him and cupped his cheeks, assuring him “Leon…I like
you for you…you don’t need to change careers just to please me. Whether it’s becoming a rock
star or going back to your old baseball team, I’ll support you all the way.”
“Babe…” Leon breathed after Sayaka had leaned in to peck his lips.
Makoto and Kyoko stood to the side and watched, smiling at each other as they watched the
touching scene between their friends.
Once Sayaka had stepped a reasonable distance away, Leon admitted “…Alright, I admit I don’t
really want to become an actor. But one thing I did like about the Kabuki shows was their
amazing props. They were just so amazing, I wanted to use some of those on my stage when I
become a musician. I heard Hope’s Peak’s drama club has a supply in a storage room in the
auditorium, but it’s always locked, so I’ll never be able to try them myself...we’re trapped outside
with no way in!”
As Sayaka patted his shoulder in comfort, Kyoko reached into her jacket and pulled out a keyring
with a single silver key, twirling it around her finger as she countered with a smirk “Are we now?”
XXX
The four students walked side by side, carrying a load of drama props in their arms as they made
their way to the auditorium’s stage.
“Dude, you are super lucky! Having a girlfriend that can unlock any room in the school? Think
of all the opportunities you two will have to sneak away and smooch!”
Makoto blushed at the insinuation as Leon asked “That reminds me, have you guys kissed yet…
OW!”
Sayaka smirked, retracting her foot that she used to kick his ankle as she teased “Leon, you know
it’s not polite to ask other couples to kiss and tell.”
Being the calmer of the two, Kyoko settled “There’s been nothing to tell anyways; we’ve only been
dating a week.”
Nodding, Sayaka assured them “And that’s totally fine; no two couples are exactly alike. Neither
of you should feel the need to rush into kissing or anything like that if you don’t want to. Leon and
I didn’t even kiss right off the bat.”
Perking up, Makoto asked “Really?!”
Nodding, Sayaka confirmed “Yeah; he wanted to, but I told him I had to make sure this wasn’t
going to be a short fling before I let his lips anywhere near mine. And once he proved himself, that
was when I was ready to advance our relationship. But your metric might be different from mine,
so don’t worry about moving further than you feel comfortable.”
“Th…thanks, Sayaka…” Makoto stammered, Kyoko giving him a warm smile as she saw the
proof on his lips that he had gained just a little more self-confidence about his quality as a
boyfriend.
As they approached the stage and dropped their respective loads, Leon grinned at the Ultimate
Detective and thanks “Thanks again for letting us access the storage room, Kyoko!”
Turning to the Ultimate Baseball Star, Kyoko cautioned him “Don’t get excited; this is a one-time
thing. I normally only use this skeleton key for official Detective work. Doing this one time is
harmless, but don’t go asking me for favors.”
Nodding nervously, Leon uttered “Y…yes, ma’am!” while Makoto and Sayaka giggled at the
scene.
Shaking away his embarrassment, Leon pumped his fists and urged “Alright, then let’s make the
most of it! Let’s use these props to make the most spectacular stage Hope’s Peak has ever seen!”
Nodding in agreement, Kyoko and Makoto paired off while Sayaka went with her boyfriend, each
team picking up a prop to place.
XXX
“Alright, WE DID IT!”
Leon whooped, while Sayaka, Makoto, and Kyoko admired their handiwork. Using various props,
they replicated a western castle complete with a fake moat.
Makoto wiped the sweat off his brow as he remarked “Boy, we sure worked up a sweat, didn’t
we?”
Sayaka shot them a glance as she returned “Maybe you did, but this is nothing for me. Not only
have I built some serious muscle jumping around on stage, but this castle stage would never have
been built right if you didn’t have someone who knows what appeals to fans helping you boys.”
Indignant, Leon pouted and demanded “And how do you know so well what the fans want?”
Smirking, Sayaka began “Because…”
“Because, I’m psychic.” Leon and Makoto commented, grinning as they turned to each other.
“Dude! She says that to you, too?!”
“Are you kidding? It’s her catchphrase; she loves to tease people with that line.” Makoto remarked
as they laughed together.
Sayaka pouted and replied “Oh yeah? Well…well…my voice gives me super strength!”
Leon doubled over in laughter, making Sayaka pout even more cutely until Leon calmed down,
wiping the tears of laughter from his eyes as he argued “Babe, come on. You’re not weak like
Makoto here…” Leon ignored Makoto’s indignant glaring pout as he continued “…but come on!
Super strength?! If that’s true, let’s see you prove it!”
Playing along, Kyoko smirked, making Makoto frown as she interjected “Alright then…” She
gestured to the wall displaying one of the towers and directed “Sayaka, knock down that wall with
one punch.”
Turning to Kyoko, Sayaka bit her lip and asked hesitantly “Are you sure? I’m not sure I…”
“You can do it.”
“Al…alright…”
“Now this I gotta see!” Leon exclaimed, stepping to the side along with Makoto, who had
admittedly grown curious about Kyoko’s suggestion.
Sayaka shakily walked over to the wall prop and got into a fighting stance, mimicking Sakura or
Mukuro whenever they would spar. She then took a deep breath and wound back her right fist,
launching it forward.
“SHOOTING LOVE, SHOOTING HEART!”
*Thud*
“Huh?”
“Leon…did you…”
“I see it dude…but I don’t believe it…”
Sayaka panted while Kyoko smirked, their boyfriends’ jaws hanging open in a flabbergasted
expression as they tried to process what just happened. The previously sturdy wall lay shattered on
the ground, pieces strewn across the stage.
“I…did it…?” Sayaka’s lips spread into a beaming grin as she whooped “I DID IT!”
“Indeed you did, Sayaka…” Turning to Makoto and Leon, who visibly gulped, Kyoko instructed
them “Well, you boys lost, so you two can put the props back in the closet.” Turning her head, she
continued “Sayaka, what do you say we celebrate your win at the dining hall.”
“That sounds great, Kyoko!” Smirking cheekily, Sayaka dismissed them “Bye boys!”, sticking her
tongue out at them as they disappeared.
“K…Kyoko…wait!”
“Yeah, babe! We can’t do this all by ourselves!”
Only their own voices echoed throughout the auditorium, causing both boys to sigh in defeat as
Makoto resigned “Come on, let’s get started. The sooner we put this stuff away, the sooner we can
go to bed.”
Leon grumbled, but nonetheless started picking up the smaller props as Makoto went straight to the
broken tower.
“Man, we’re gonna need a TON of glue to put this…” Makoto frowned as he realized Wait a
minute… Looking over to see Leon coming back from the supply closet, he called out “Hey Leon!
Come over here and get a look at this!”
Curious, Leon walked over and knelt down next to the Luckster, asking “What is it, dude?”
Lifting up two pieces, Makoto fit them together and deduced “Take a look at this; these pieces fit
together like a puzzle.”
“Wait…you mean…”
Makoto nodded, explaining “It wasn’t Sayaka’s strength that made the wall crumble; she just
happened to punch it where the pieces would latch together.”
“…Dude…our girlfriends pranked us…”

“Yeah…they did…”
“…And we still have to clean this up, don’t we…”
“…Yeah…” Both boys sighed before getting back to work, Makoto fitting together the pieces of
the tower as Leon carried other props into the supply closet.
XXX
Present Day
“HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!” Kiki doubled over in laughter as she wheezed “Mommy and Sayaka
sure got you good, didn’t they Daddy?”
Kyoko smirked, making Makoto sweatdrop as he answered “Yes…yes we did…”
“In all fairness, it was your fault for teasing her.”
Scratching his cheek, Makoto chuckled sheepishly as he admitted “…Yeah…maybe we didn’t

have to…but with how much she had teased us both…it was just too good to pass up an
opportunity for the shoe to be on the other foot.”
Kyoko rolled her eyes at her husband’s excuse, answering “Whatever helps you sleep at night,
sweetie.”
“Speaking of sleeping…” Makoto derailed, turning his attention to his daughter as he told her “It’s
time for bed, pumpkin.”
“…Okay…”
Makoto and Kyoko proceeded to tuck her in, kissing her cheeks as Kiki yawned.
Placing one more kiss atop her nose, Kyoko cooed “Sweet dreams, Kiki.”
Kiki yawned one last time, her eyes falling shut as she fell into dreamland. Their daughter now
snoring, Makoto and Kyoko smiled at each other and tiptoed out of Kiki’s bedroom, closing the
door behind her as they retired into their own room to fall into slumber in each other’s warm
embrace, memories of their joint dates with the deceased Leon and Sayaka flooding their dreams.
Love Arc Chapter Seven: Hifumi’s Gift! Going to Comic Market?
Chapter Summary
Hifumi gifts several of his classmates with tickets to Comic Market, including Makoto
and Kyoko. Will Kyoko agree to go with her new boyfriend? Or will this be the one
date she turns down?
Present Day
“So what happened after you and Leon cleaned up the auditorium, Daddy?”
“After that, we both went to bed and went to breakfast the next day, where Kyoko and Sayaka were
both waiting for us. We tried to pout at them for their prank, but we found ourselves unable to stay
mad at them for more than a few minutes.”
Makoto and Kyoko smiled at each other, briefly nuzzling each other’s noses before Kyoko
continued “The next couple of days went by without real incident. The bulk of our romantic
interactions consisted of study dates in our rooms, though those were more serious study sessions
than romantic escapades. Then one day, during dinner…”
XXX
November 18, 2014
“Hee…hee hee hee hee hee…”
Everyone watched, creeped out as Hifimi walked into the Dining Hall, cackling to himself as he
walked over to the table, his hands clenched together.
It was Byakuya who ended up voicing the sentiment shared by everyone in the room; with a great
big sigh, he placed his cup of coffee down and demanded “and what is so funny, you boisterous
baboon? I can’t stand to hear the sound of your laughter any longer.”
Letting out one final cackle, Hifimi removed his hands from their clenched position, fanning out
several slips of paper as he held them proudly and explained “If you must know, Mr. Togami, I,
the Alpha and the Omega, after slaving night and day, have finally gotten my hands on tickets to
Comic Market!”
Turning to her boyfriend, Kyoko asked curiously “Comic Market?”
Nodding, Makoto explained “It’s this big anime convention that happens every year…”
“Oh, not just a “big anime convention”, Mr. Naegi.” Makoto and Kyoko flinched, startled as
Hifumi was practically right in their faces. “It’s one of the biggest anime conventions in all of
Japan! They hold it every year during Christmas vacation, and only the biggest, best, most
talented stars in all of anime get guaranteed tickets. And, as the Ultimate Fanfic Creator, I just got
a booth to sell my work! I was even able to score some extra tickets, and all I had to do was bribe
the organizers with a cut of my profits!”
“BRIBERY IS UNACCEPTABLE IN A SCHOOL ENVIRONMENT!”
Ignoring Taka’s lecture, Hifumi rushed over to Celeste, drooling as he asked “Miss Ludenberg,
what do you say we…”
“No.” Celeste stated simply before sipping her Royal Milk Tea.
His mouth hanging open, Hifumi begged “B…but Miss Ludenberg…”
Sighing, Celeste put her cup down and explained “Hifumi, you may be higher on my spectrum of
D-Ranks than you were earlier in the year, and you brew delicious Royal Milk Tea now that you
know how to brew it correctly. But I still have no interest whatsoever in your hobby, especially not
with the perverted storylines that you like to brag about so much.”
“M…Miss Ludenberg…please, I…”
Turning to glare at him, Celeste struggled to maintain her sweet, polite tone as she silenced him
“Hifumi, do not try my patience!”
Quaking, Hifimi nodded “Y…yes Miss Ludenberg.”
Celeste sighed with relief as Hifumi made his way over to Chihiro, offering “Mr. Fujisaki, you
must enjoy the occasional video game now and again. Anime conventions have plenty of video
game-centric paraphernalia. Would you like a ticket.”
“Hmm…” Chihiro pondered for a moment before smiling and nodding “Okay, sure; it sounds like
fun!” Taking a ticket, she cheered “Oh yay! My first anime convention; I’m so excited!”
Almost everyone smiled at Chihiro’s gleeful face, before Hifumi moved over to Hina and Sakura
and asked “Miss Asahina, Miss Ogami…what about you two? As two athletes, this would be an
excellent opportunity to broaden your horizons and experience the otaku culture!”
Frowning, Sakura replied “…I’m not sure…I’ve never held any interest in anime, and I don’t think
it would benefit my goal of becoming the Strongest Human Alive.”
Turning to her friend, Hina countered “Yeah, but it could be fun if we went together! Besides,
you’ve played the occasional video game with us during Makoto’s video game tournaments at the
beginning of the year, so you wouldn’t be completely out of place.”
Smiling softly, Sakura conceded “You make a good point, Hina. And I suppose the bravery of
trying new experiences is its own strength…very well, I’ll attend.”
As the two athletes took their tickets, Hina squealed “Ohh, we’re gonna have so much fun picking
out our costumes together! I’ll call Yuta and ask him for suggestions.”
As Sakura smiled at her friend, Hifumi moved to where Leon and Sayaka were sitting and offered
“Mr. Kuwata, how would you…”
“Sorry, dude, but I’m spending vacation with Sayaka; I’m gonna meet her Dad!”
That caught Makoto’s attention; the boy thought Sayaka invited you to meet her Dad over
Christmas vacation?
“Whenever you two do find an opening, just let us know and we’ll welcome her home with open
arms.”
Makoto recalled his Mother’s words, staring at his girlfriend as he started to wonder Would she…
could she…
His musings were interrupted as Sayaka replied “Yeah, but Comic Market’s only for one day. Dad
and I can drive you there, you can have fun with the others, and then we can pick you up.”
Leon frowned, asking “Are you sure, babe? It won’t be the same without you to share it with…”
Sayaka giggled and assured him “I’m sure you can survive one day without being joined at the
hip. Just bring me back a souvenir, okay?”
Grinning, Leon nodded “You got it, babe! Just help me pick out a costume, cool?”
As Leon accepted his ticket and Sayaka nodded, Hifumi ran back to the table that Makoto and
Kyoko were sitting at and held out the last two tickets.
“Mr. Naegi, Miss Kirigiri, surely you’d be interested in attending. It would be your first
convention as a couple, wouldn’t it?”
Kyoko was hesitant; she had no interest in any anime except for Detective Conan, and her interest
was nowhere near high enough to want to attend a convention.
Not to mention, my movie date with Makoto didn’t exactly endear me to anything remotely otaku…
Before she could voice her denial, Makoto eagerly grabbed the tickets, a beaming smile spreading
from ear to ear as he exclaimed “Oh boy! My first anime convention, and we get to share it
together! Doesn’t this sound really fun and exciting, Kyoko?! I can even dress up as Detective
Conan so I can look like your Detective partner!”
You…you’re looking forward…to sharing this with me…?
Kyoko felt her resistance wane as she saw just how happy and excited Makoto was, practically
bouncing in his seat like a child.
He really wants to go…and he said that going with me…would make him happy. I suppose…if it
was with Makoto…then…it would be fun for me too. If I was able to have fun watching Spider-
Man with Makoto, even if the show went over my head…then this should be fun too… Kyoko gave
a small smile, accepting her ticket that Makoto held out to her and agreed “Sure; I’m looking
forward to sharing another new experience with you.”
Makoto grinned while Hifumi beamed proudly and proclaimed “Excellent! Now, I must be off, for
I have many new fanfics to write if I’m going to sell them at Comic Market. Farewell!”
Everyone watched as Hifumi left, Makoto and Kyoko turning to each other once Hifumi was out of
sight. They smiled at each other before looking down at their tickets.
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, Hifumi gave you guys tickets to an anime convention? What was it like?!”
Chuckling, Makoto ruffled his daughter’s hair and told her “Kiki, that convention was still over a
month away; it’s gonna be a while before we get to that point in the story.”
“Awww…” Kiki groaned, before turning to her Mother and asking “So what did happen next?”
“Well, after I showered and put on my nightgown, I was lying on my bed when I realized I had no
idea what to dress up as. I knew your Father would definitely look cute as Conan…” Makoto
blushed at that remark while Kyoko continued “But I had no idea what kind of costume I would
look good in, and I didn’t want to stick out like a sore thumb by wearing my regular clothes.”
“Honey, you would have looked cute no matter what you wore to Comic Market!”
Kyoko blushed and replied “Th…thank you…”. Once her blush had receded, she continued “At
any rate, I felt like a fish out of water, so I made the decision to consult an expert on the subject…”
XXX
November 18, 2014
*Knock Knock*
“Miss Kirigiri?”
The door opened to reveal Hifumi, looking curiously at Kyoko who was standing on the other side
in her violet nightgown.
“Hifumi. May I come inside. I…am in need of your assistance.”
Hifumi’s eyes widened in surprise as he repeated “You require my assistance?” Musing, Hifumi
then nodded and agreed “It’s a little late…but I suppose I can take on a quick side quest. You may
enter my home base, Miss Kirigiri.”
Hifumi swung the door open completely, allowing Kyoko to walk in before Hifumi closed the door
behind her.
“So what can I help you with? Do you need help overcoming a past trauma? Maybe saving a
village or beating a boss? If so, wouldn’t that be something you should ask Mr. Naegi?”
Kyoko shook her head and denied “Nothing like that. It’s about the convention you invited me and
Makoto to.” Seeing Hifumi cock his head in confusion, Kyoko explained “I…don’t know what I
should dress up as. My only experience with anime has been watching or reading Detective Conan
as a child; I don’t know any other relevant characters, so I have no opinion on who would be good
to dress up as.”
“I see…so you’re feeling overwhelmed by the broad spectrum of choices, ne?” Hifumi beamed
proudly as he proclaimed “In that case, the master of 2D, the Alpha and the Omega, would be
happy to help you design a cosplay!” Rubbing his hands together in glee, Hifumi declared “By the
time we’re finished, you’ll have the greatest, most dazzling, intricate costume at the event. All the
boys will be falling head over heels for you! If Mr. Naegi had decided to go with my costume
instead of that childish Conan outfit, then you two could have worked at my booth and attracted
your own harems!”
Okay, maybe I should have been more specific… “Hifumi!” Silencing his rant at Kyoko’s
interruption, Kyoko told him “I don’t want anything too fancy. Nothing too fantastical, nothing too
intricate, nothing that’ll make me stand out like a sore thumb. Just one that’s serviceable.”
Gaping at the limits she was setting, Hifumi seethed “But…Miss Kirigiri…you don’t understand!
These kinds of conventions are sacred! You don’t go to fit in and make friends! You go to make a
statement, your costume needs to demolish the competition! Otherwise…”
“Hifumi!” Kyoko glared at him sternly as she repeated “Serviceable.”
Sighing in defeat, Hifumi dragged himself over to his shelf of manga and caved “Fine, we won’t go
with anything fantastical. No mythical monsters, no spirits, no aliens…we’ll just go with teenage
high school girl characters. Is that better?” Seeing her nod approvingly, he began to sift through
his bookshelf, grumbling “Way to take the fun out of this…now let’s see…”
XXX
“Great work, Miss Kirigiri! Leave the rest to me! By the time I give it to you at Comic Market,
your costume will be in mint condition!”
Kyoko stumbled out as Hifumi slammed the door behind her, the Ultimate Detective cringing as
the *slam* hurt her ears. Sighing, she made her way back into her room, closing the door behind
her and crawling underneath the covers. Reaching over to her dresser, she pulled the Detective
Conan plushie Makoto had won for her all those weeks ago and held it in front of her face,
admiring it and imagining Makoto’s face on the stuffed toy.
“Makoto’s gonna look super cute in his Conan costume when we go together. I just hope he finds
me cute when I dress up as…”
XXX
Present Day
“Dress up as…what, Mommy? What did you end up deciding to cosplay as?”
Smirking, Kyoko teased “I’ll save that for when we get to that part in the story.”
Kiki crossed her arms over her chest, pouting cutely as she grumbled “No fair…”
Chuckling, Makoto ruffled his daughter’s hair and told her “We’ll get there soon enough; it’s
almost your bedtime anyway. We’ll pick up again tomorrow.”
Grumbling, Kiki wiggled under the blankets, placing her head on the pillow as her parents tucked
her in.
“Love you too…” Kiki yawned before falling asleep.
Smiling at each other, Makoto and Kyoko tiptoed outside, Makoto closing the door behind them as
they walked away and left Kiki to slumber.
XXX
“Hifumi’s story development actually isn’t half bad…” Kyoko remarked as they snuggled on the
couch, keeping the TV at a low volume so as not to wake Kiki up as they watched an anime
adaptation of one of Hifumi’s Princess Piggles fics.
Makoto nodded and agreed “Yeah, it’s a good thing Fujiko was able to recover her brother’s old
works and start an anime studio to air them in his memory.”
Makoto and Kyoko turned their attention back to the program, memories of Hifumi flooding their
minds as his life’s work played in front of their eyes.
Love Arc Chapter Eight: Another Culprit Almost Escapes! Ice Skating with
Makoto?
Chapter Summary
After another culprit almost escapes when she slips on some ice, Makoto tries to help
and cheer up Kyoko by teaching her how to ice skate. Will she regain her footing and
have a fun date with her boyfriend? Or will she fall flat on her face?
Chapter Notes
This chapter is the result of an ask sent by AtashiWa. Please read and comment below,
and enjoy!
Present Day
“So if you didn’t go to the convention until Christmas Vacation, then what did you do next?”
It was Kyoko who answered, replying “Well, a couple of days passed and I was back on Detective
duty. I was chasing a robbery suspect when…”
XXX
November 21, 2014
The culprit’s breath could be seen as they panted, dashing as far away from their pursuer as they
could, screaming “YOU’LL NEVER CATCH ME!”
Kyoko’s breath could be seen as well as she picked up the pace, the burning in her legs somehow
remaining low even as she closed the distance between her and the culprit.
I’ll have to thank Hina and Sakura for all those training sessions; they’ve really made the
physically demanding parts of my job so much easier…
Her eyes widened as a giant lake came into view, making the culprit pick up the pace in a desperate
bid to escape capture. Kyoko however merely smirked, the obstacle that caused her to nearly fail
one of her previous assignments not even worrying her this time.
Nice try, but the lake’s frozen over now. There’s nowhere to swim to, and if you try to walk across,
that’ll make it easier for me to capture you!
To her surprise, the culprit didn’t stop; he just plowed ahead leaping onto the icy surface and
gracefully skating across.
Alright, no problem. I can easily catch up to… “WHOA!”

The moment she tried to run across, lost her balance, stumbling and falling on her back, hitting her
head against the icy surface.
“HAHAHAHAHAH! NICE TRY, BUT I WAS ICE SKATING CHAMPION BACK IN HIGH
SCHOOL! LATER, PRINCESS!”
Kyoko growled in frustration, roaring out in rage as she slammed her fist against the ice. As it
turned out, her punch caused the ice to crack, one fracture turning into hundreds as the floor started
to cave under her weight.
Oh crap… was all Kyoko had time to think before the ice completely broke, the Ultimate Detective
sinking into the water as the escaped culprit’s cackles still rang in her mind.
XXX
Kyoko’s teeth chattered as she squeezed the water out of her hair, having managed to crawl her
way out of the lake and was now circling the perimeter in search of any clues of the culprit, even
though she’d rather be anywhere but out in the cold.
What I wouldn’t give to be snuggled up with Makoto in front of a roaring fire right now with some
hot chocolate and marshmallows… she thought as she started to daydream about being wrapped up
in a soft, fuzzy blanket against Makoto’s chest as he embraced her with his arms and peppered the
top of her head with light kisses. Shaking the thought out of her head, she admonished herself Get
your head out of the clouds, Kyoko! You can ask Makoto for another movie date later. Right now
you need to find…wait, is that…?
Kyoko rushed forward, her teeth still chattering as she saw the exact culprit she was chasing, lying
face-down on the ground with a knee pressed against his back, its owner handcuffing the culprit.
Déjà vu… “Yui?”
Gasping, she removed her knee from the man’s back and turned her head, grinning and waving as
she called out “Hey, Kyoko! What a coincidence, huh?”
Sighing, Kyoko wrapped her arms around herself as she walked up, guessing “Let me guess…we
were after the same culprit again?”
Gigglign sheepishly, Yui replied “I guess so…I was just about to…” Yui’s eyes widened as she
realized “Kyoko! You’re soaking wet, and you’re teeth are chattering!”
Thanks for stating the obvious… Kyoko explained “I was chasing him and the ice cracked beneath
me while I was pursuing him over this lake.”
Yanking the culprit by his cuffs, Yui exclaimed worriedly “Oh, you must be soaked and freezing!
Come on, my car’s close by; you can get a warm change of clothes at the station while we book
this guy.”
An indeed freezing Kyoko didn’t have the energy for her pride to refuse Yui’s offer like last time;
the girl simply nodded and shakily followed Yui away from the lake.
XXX
Kyoko sighed in relief, now dressed in a dry set of spare clothes she had kept at the office in case
of emergencies.
Seeing that Yui had just finished talking with the Chief and was now lazily filling out paperwork,
Kyoko walked over and lightly coughed. Yui looked up, curious as Kyoko fidgeted with her braid,
unsure of what to say.
“Th…thank you…for bringing me back here. I…I should apologize…for blowing you off like I
did during our last meeting. It was…childish of me…”
Yui merely smiled and assured her former partner “Hey, I’m just glad you let me help you this
time. So…” In an attempt to strike up a conversation, Yui continued “You said that you were
investigating around Hope’s Peak the last time we met. That must mean you’re a student
there...right?”
Nodding, Kyoko confirmed “Yes…I’m the Ultimate Detective.”
Closing her eyes, Yui remarked “Somehow that doesn’t surprise me. You always were talented;
sometimes I wonder who was the teacher and who was the apprentice in our partnership.”
Smirking, Kyoko retorted “You had talent; how else could you have beaten me to my own culprits
twice?”
Kyoko and Yui soon found themselves back in their old banter, the two Detectives feeling at ease,
as though no time had passed during their separation.
Grinning, Yui remarked “I haven’t seen you this expressive…ever, I don’t think. You’re really
changed, Kyoko.”
Closing her eyes, Kyoko admitted “Yes, I suppose I have.”
Any further conversation was interrupted by the panicked cry of “KYOKO!”
Both Detectives turned to the entrance of the station, seeing a brown haired boy rush forward and
envelop Kyoko into a bear hug, shocking them into silence.
“Kyoko! Are you okay? You missed dinner, and you weren’t answering your cell phone, so I
thought…”
Somehow prying his arms off of her, Kyoko shushed him “Shh…Makoto, shh…I’m fine.”
Threading their fingers together, she assured him “I was just out late on a case. I ended up falling
into a lake; my phone’s battery probably short-circuited in the water. Look, see…” She gave him
a reassuring smile, making her boyfriend sigh in relief as she told him “I’m fine!”
Yui blinked, watching the scene unfold before her widened eyes as she realized Wait…a boy her
age…holding hands…a smile I’ve never seen Kyoko have before…oh kami! She’s got a…Kyoko’s
got a…
Yui giggled, making Kyoko and Makoto turn towards her, their faces flushed as they realized what
they ahd said and done in front of an audience.
Calming down, Yui apologized “I’m sorry…I shouldn’t laugh…it’s just…I never expected Kyoko
to get a boyfriend!”
Their cheeks turning rosy red at having been caught, Kyoko and Makoto released each other, the
Ultimate Detective deciding to do damage control and commence with introductions.
“Yui, this is my classmate at Hope’s Peak Academy and friend, Makoto Naegi. Makoto, this is
Yui Samidare.”
Makoto’s eyes widened as he recalled the brief backstory Kyoko had given him on the day that
they became friends.
Still embarrassed at how he rushed in, Makoto bowed deeper than was strictly necessary as he
stuttered “N…nice to meet you, Samidare-san.”
Grinning, Yui got up, walking over and shaking Makoto’s hand with both of her own, squealing
“Oh, it’s nice to meet you, Naegi-kun. It’s obvious you’ve been really good for my imouto.”
Imouto? Makoto and Kyoko thought simultaneously, Kyoko a fair bit more indignantly than her
boyfriend.
Veins popping in her head, Kyoko commanded “Naegi-kun, let’s go; it’s late as it is.”
“UWAH! N…Nice to meet you, Samidare-san.” Makoto called out as Kyoko dragged him out by
the hood of his hoodie.
Yui sweatdropped as she watched her former partner leave with her boyfriend in tow.
Makoto Naegi…you seem like a nice boy…and you’ve made my imouto smile again…so thank you!
XXX
“I…I blew it, didn’t I?”
Kyoko sighed, having since let go of Makoto’s hoodie and calmed down, her embarrassment
having mostly receded.
“…You didn’t have to rush in so panicked…but I don’t blame you for being upset. I know full
well how dangerous my job can be, so…” Kyoko allowed a small smile, threading their fingers
together again and squeezing his hand as she offered “…water under the bridge?”
Makoto smiled, squeezing back and confirming “Sure.” They smiled at each other, continuing to
walk in silence until Makoto asked curiously “So…how did you fall into the lake?”
Immediately sulking, Kyoko grumbled “…I was chasing a culprit over the ice and I slipped and
fell. After I punched the ice once in frustration, it collapsed under me…” Kyoko glared at him
and mumbled “I swear Naegi-kun, your luck is rubbing off on me…”
Makoto chuckled sheepishly before Kyoko kicked herself “If only I had kept my balance while
running on the ice, I could have caught him without Yui’s help.”
Makoto’s eyes drooped, feeling guilty for chuckling at his girlfriend’s misfortune and wanting to
help cheer her up.
What can I do? It’s not like I can keep my balance sliding on ice…wait…on ice…I’VE GOT IT!
Turning his head to look at her, he asked “Kyoko, I think I might be able to help; are you free
tomorrow?”
Intrigued by Makoto’s words, she nodded and accepted “Yes; I’m not terribly busy. What did you
have in mind?”
Beaming, Makoto replied “Met me tomorrow after lunch at…”

XXX
Present Day
“Wow, Daddy! What was it like, meeting Yui?”
Smiling, Makoto recalled “Well, remember I had just embarrassed myself by being openly
affectionate with your Mother right in front of Yui. Even if that didn’t happen though, I doubt I
would have felt less nervous. Meting your girlfriend’s former Detective partner is in a way kind of
like meeting their parents; you don’t want to give them any bad impressions. In my case, I wanted
to minimize any damage to her perception of me.”
“I don’t think you had to worry about that sweetie. Yui obviously took a liking to you back then,
so I had no doubt you already had her approval.”
Makoto chuckled and replied “I’m glad.”
“…So where did Daddy take you, Mommy?”
Clearing her throat, Kyoko replied “After lunch the next day, we left the Dining Hall together and
took a short walk over to…”
XXX
November 22, 2014
“Meiji Jingu Gaien Ice Skating Rink?”
Kyoko stared at the large, white dome in front of them while Makoto nodded and confirmed
“Yeah; my parents took me and Komaru here on occasion to go ice skating on occasion. I figured
it would be the perfect place to help you learn how to ice skate; that way next time you can better
balance yourself on the ice.”
Shooting him a grateful smile, Kyoko asked teasingly “And is that your only reason for inviting
me here?”
Makoto chuckled sheepishly and scratched his cheek, admitting “Well…I also thought…going ice
skating together would make for a good fifth date…?”
Kyoko allowed herself to giggle and teased “Alright; let’s go in and get registered, then you can
teach me the art of balancing on frozen water, Naegi-sensei.”
Makoto blushed, but grinned as he took her and exclaimed “Alright; let’s go!” tugging her along as
they ran for the entrance.
XXX
Kyoko wobbled, struggling to keep her balance as she walked to the rink in her ice skates.
How the hell am I supposed to skate in these when I can’t even walk in them? “WHOA!”
Kyoko tripped, closing her eyes as she prepared to face plant against the hard, cold metal floor.
Huh?
Kyoko looked up, seeing Makoto smiling down at her. Kyoko blushed as she realized that Makoto
had caught her, feeling his arms wrapped under her armpits and around her back as he gradually
and gently adjusted her into a standing position.
“Yeah, the serrated blades on the skates are supposed to help you balance on the ice, but they can
get tricky to get used to at first. Here…” Kyoko blushed redder as Makoto held her hands,
keeping her upright as he advised “Just hold on to me for now. We’ll take baby steps; just match
my footwork until we get to the ice rink.”
Nodding, Kyoko wordlessly let Makoto lead her, the Ultimate Detective taking still wobbly small
steps at first while she gripped his hands like a lifeline. Eventually she stopped wobbling, feeling
more confident as she took bigger and bigger steps, Makoto smiling proudly as they eventually
made their way to the ice.
“Wh…whoa!”
Kyoko’s feet started to slip again, the embarrassed girl face-planting into Makoto’s chest again as
he quickly wrapped his arms around her again.
“Easy, easy…” Makoto soothed “Look, we’re on the ice. You see that railing over there?”
Seeing a long, silver railing that stretched along the edge of the perimeter, Kyoko nodded before
Makoto continued “We’re just gonna make our way over there, then you can grab onto it and
practice keeping yourself upright while you walk. Okay?”
Kyoko nodded, dreading letting go of Makoto but placing her trust in him. Once they got to the
railing, he helped her wrap her hands around the railing before maneuvering around her. Kyoko
took a deep breath, forcing her nervous knees to stop wobbling while she found her center of
gravity.
“There; do you feel balanced?” Kyoko felt for a falling sensation and, upon feeling none, nodded,
allowing Makoto to continue “Great! Now you’re gonna just practice walking. You don’t have to
go fast; just put one foot in front of the other; work your way up until you can walk at a normal
speed without slipping.”
Kyoko bit her lip, anxious about practicing walking when she couldn’t even stand up without
assistance. She gasped in surprise when she felt a warm, gentle pressure on her shoulders. Turnign
her head, she saw Makoto, his hands squeezing her shoulders while the boy flashed a reassuring
smile.
“It’s okay, Kyoko; you don’t need to worry about falling. You have the railing for support, and
push comes to shove, I’ll catch you.”
Feeling the slightest bit of confidence and hope flood through her, Kyoko nodded before taking a
deep breath, putting one foot slowly in front. Once she was sure she was balanced, Kyoko did the
same with the other foot, repeating until she had formed a tepid rhythm.
“That’s it; you’re doing great Kyoko! I think you’re ready to go a little faster!”
FASTER?! I can barely stand at a snail’s pace!!!
Seeing her still timid pace, Makoto frowned, racking his brain for ideas on how to revive his
girlfriend’s self-confidence, until a memory from his childhood caused the lightbulb in his head to
light up. Taking a deep breath, he started a familiar tune.
“Put one foot in front of the other…And soon you’ll be walking ‘cross the floor. Put one foot in
front of the other…And soon you’ll be walking out the door.”
Kyoko gasped; although she had no memories of watching any Christmas movies as a little girl,
she felt Makoto’s song start to lift her spirits, his encouragement boosting her confidence. Makoto
smiled as he saw Kyoko gradually pick up the pace, placing one foot in front of the other with
greater stride and frequency as Makoto repeated the verse.
“See, you’re doing it, Kyoko! I think you’re ready to try actual skating.”
You mean…this isn’t skating?!
Looking to her boyfriend incredulously, she listened as Makoto explained “It’s not too different
from the walking you’ve been doing, except you let each step carry you before kicking off into the
next step. If you do it right, it’ll feel like you’re gliding. Here, watch!”
Kyoko watched as Makoto skated a few feet ahead of her, analyzing his movements as her
boyfriend indeed seemed to glide across the ice, coming to a stop as he used the railing to support
himself as he turned around to face him.
“Alright, now you try. Just skate over to me, use the railing for support.”
Taking a deep breath, Kyoko kicked off with her right foot. Just when she felt like she was about
to slip, she kicked off with her left foot. To her surprise, she felt her momentum righted, until she
felt like she was about to fall. Panicking, she kicked off with her right foot again, beaming with
surprise as she felt the falling sensation and panic vanish.
“I…I’m doing it! I’m doing it!“ Kyoko exclaimed as she skated along the perimeter, her hands
sliding along the railing in tempo with her legs.
“You did it, Kyoko! Great job!” Makoto praised, clapping as she made his way over to him.
Turning around, he instructed “Alright, now we’ll do a few laps around the rink as practice. Just
try to skate side by side with me.”
Kyoko nodded, feeling the movements become easier and easier as she kept pace with Makoto,
who gradually increased his pace as he skated to her left, Kyoko feeling the slightest tinge of
jealousy that he was able to skate on the ice without any support whatsoever. By the time they
completed their fifth lap, Kyoko had been able to keep up at his top speed, a fact that made Makoto
smile with pride and Kyoko beam with shock and joy.
I did it! I kept pace with Makoto; I didn’t fall once!
“Great job, Kyoko! Are you ready to try without the railing?”
For once, Kyoko was shell shocked, her jaw hanging open as she stuttered “W…without the ra…
railing?” Are you nuts, Makoto? I’ll fall!!!
Makoto smiled as he held out his hands, elaborating “We can do it together; you hold on to me and
we’ll skate without the railing together. Trust me, Kyoko…you’re ready!”
Gulping with anxiety, she nonetheless took comfort in the fact that Makoto would be holding onto
her and making sure she wouldn’t fall. Gingerly letting go of the railing, Kyoko stumbled briefly
as she pushed her way over to Makoto, the Luckster catching her and helping her upright.
“It’ll be okay, Kyoko…just follow me and hold on.” Kyoko gripped his hands like a lifeline again,
blushing as Makoto exclaimed “Alright…here…we…GO!” before kicking off, Kyoko stumbling
while she struggled to find her balance.
It’ll be okay…it’ll be okay…Put one foot in front of the other…
Using his verse as her mantra, Kyoko was able to find her balance, his beaming grin giving her
strength as she was slowly able to match his pace.
“That’s it…you’re doing it…” Makoto praised as they glided across the ice, the two almost
looking as if they were dancing.
“I am…I am doing it, aren’t I?”
“Yeah, you’re…WHOA!”
“AAHHH!”
Makoto slipped, falling backwards and pulling Kyoko along with him. Kyoko face-planted into
his chest, groaning as her knees cried out in pain when she tried to remove herself.
“Oww…Makoto! Are…are you okay?!”
Makoto had swirls in his eyes for the briefest of moments; blinking them away, he groaned
“Owww…” Sitting up, he smiled sheepishly and explained “As you can see, I’m not perfect; even
the best skaters fall from time to time.”
Kyoko blinked before breaking out in uncontrollable giggles, Makoto soon joining her with his
own laughter, their bellies bouncing from their reaction to the humor of their situation.
Eventually, their giggle fest came to a close as Makoto shivered; seeing Kyoko’s concerned
expression, he assured her “My hands just feel cold from landing on the ice, that’s all…”
As Makoto started to rub them together, Kyoko encased them with her own, the equally cold fabric
somehow feeling warm to him. The both of them blushed as Kyoko smiled at him, a specific
daydream coming to mind.
“Come on…” She offered as Makoto helped both of them stand up. “I think we’ve both had
enough ice skating for one day, and I have an idea that’ll warm both of us up.”
XXX
“Well, there’s no roaring fire, but I’ll take what I can get.”
Kyoko snuggled up against her boyfriend as they sat together on his bed, her tie and Y-shirt on the
floor with Makoto’s hoodie, leaving them in their T-shirts as a fuzzy blanket encased them in a
cocoon, Makoto’s arm wrapped her lovingly as they drank from their hot cocoa mugs that were in
their free hands.
Makoto chucked and defended “Well, unfortunately Hope’s Peak didn’t give the dorms fireplaces.”
Humming, Kyoko mused “Maybe I should make the suggestion to the Headmaster one of these
days…”
He’s your Dad; if anyone has a chance of convincing him, it’s you…
Makoto was smart enough to keep that thought to himself, knowing that her Father was still a
touchy subject to Kyoko despite the progress they had made. So with another sip of hot cocoa,
they turned their attention back to the TV, where one of the DVD movies Kyoko had brought with
her was playing in Makoto’s DVD player.
“You know…I thought you said you didn’t like animated movies…”
Looking up at him, she shrugged and elaborated “Detective Conan is an exception; it was the only
real anime my grandfather let me watch as a little girl. Why do you think I was so happy when you
won me that plushie during the festival?” Kyoko sighed contently, tracing patterns
absentmindedly on Makoto’s chest as she muttered “I swear, I don’t know why it got cancelled in
America. Don’t they know what they’re missing out on?!”
Makoto chuckled as he squeezed her tighter against him, her ministrations on his chest making him
feel oddly comfortable.
As Kyoko removed her hand and replaced it with her ear to listen to the *thump thump* of his
heartbeat, she mused “You know…” *yawn* “…I wouldn’t mind…spending more days like this…
curled up alone with you…” As her eyes started to gently close, she finished “I really…” *yawn*
“…want to spend my vacation with you…”
Taking their mugs and placing them on the nearby dresser, Makoto watched Kyoko nap against
him. His heart melted, the lucky boy blushing as he came to a realization.
Kyoko…I think I want that too…I…I think I…I love you…and I don’t want our Christmas vacation
to be a vacation spent apart…
Makoto’s eyes widened as he recalled his Mother’s words, looking down at his slumbering
girlfriend snuggled against him.
“Whenever you two do find an opening, just let us know and we’ll welcome her home with open
arms.”
XXX
Present Day
“Aww…that was SO ROMANTIC!” Kiki gushed “You were really lucky to have Daddy, weren’t
you, Mommy?”
Blushing and smiling wistfully, Kyoko admitted “Yes, Kiki…I was. Jus tlike you’re lucky to have
him as your Daddy!”
“YEP!” Kiki agreed, nodding vigorously, the support from his wife and daughter warming
Makoto’s heart.
Unfortunately, the moment couldn’t last, as Makoto looked at the clock before sighing and
reluctantly ordering “Alright, Kiki; it’s time for bed.”
“But I wanna hear about what you did when you decided you wanted to spend Christmas with
Mommy!”
Leaning down to kiss her forehead, Makoto promised “Tomorrow, Kiki. The story will still be
there in the morning.”
“…Stupid cliffhangers…” Kiki pouted before getting into sleeping position.
Makoto and Kyoko brought the blankets up to Kiki’s chin, kissing both of her cheeks before
cooing “Good night, Kiki. We love you.”
Kiki nodded, yawning before closing her eyes and going to sleep. With their daughter now asleep,
Makoto and Kyoko got off of the bed and tiptoed out to their own room. Once inside, Makoto
grabbed a spare blanket from the nearby closet, cocooning them both like they did so many years
ago. Pressed tight against her husband, Kyoko snuggled against him, the two sharing a loving kiss
before she pressed her ear against his chest, the *thump thump* of his heartbeat lulling her to
sleep. Makoto stared lovingly at his wife, pressing a single kiss atop her head before yawning and
lying backwards, closing his eyes as he fell into slumber.
“I love you, Kyoko Naegi. Sweet dreams…”
Unknown to him, Kyoko’s sleepy smile stretched from ear to ear across her face.
Love Arc Chapter Nine: Hope’s Peak Thanksgiving! Makoto Invites Kyoko?
Chapter Summary
On the evening of Hope's Peak Academy's Thanksgiving feast, Makoto begs his
Mother to let him invite Kyoko over for Christmas. Will Hana agree to th eunexpected
request? And will Kyoko agree to go at all?
Present Day
“So what happened when you decided you wanted to spend Christmas with Mommy?”
“Well, it was the day we celebrated Thanksgiving with the rest of our class and Class 77. Shortly
before we gathered in the Dining Hall, I had decided to Skype Baa-chan and ask for permission to
invite your Mother to stay with us for Christmas vacation. Once we connected, we had some brief
small talk before I…”
XXX
November 27, 2014
“Can Kyoko stay with us for Christmas? Please, Mom?”
Hana blinked, surprised that Makoto had asked her after she had repeatedly told him they would be
happy to meet Kyoko.
“Makoto, you know I don’t mind you inviting your girlfriend here, I’m just surprised you asked.
You’ve always said how she’s really busy as a Detective. Have you asked her if she’s okay with
coming over?”
Makoto fidgeted with his fingers, stuttering “Uh…n…not exactly…I just…didn’t want to promise
something I couldn’t necessarily deliver.”
Nodding in understanding, Hana guessed as her eyes softened “This girl is really important to you,
isn’t she Makoto?”
Nodding, Makoto confirmed “She is Mom! I…I love her, Mom!”
Taken aback by the pure passion in her son’s voice, Hana asked with concern “Are you sure,
Makoto? You and Kyoko haven’t even been dating for three weeks yet. There’s no shame in
taking more time to sort out your feelings; don’t feel pressured to decide you’re in love before the
Honeymoon Phase has had a chance to fade.”
Despite the furious blush lighting up his face, Makoto had a determined fire in his eyes as he
reaffirmed “I’m sure. I’m in love with her, Mom! She means everything to me! Whenever I’m
with her, she makes me smile. Whenever I start to feel insecure and depressed, she makes me feel
like I’m worth something again! Whenever I hold her hand, sparks just fly, and whenever we
snuggle on my bed while watching a movie…I just get this warm and fuzzy feeling and part of me
cries out when I have to let go!”
“Makoto…”
Sighing, Makoto explained “It’s not like I’m asking for your blessing to propose to her or
anything…I just…I want you guys to meet her and see just how amazing she is! I want her to meet
you and Dad and Komaru, and I want her to be welcomed like she’s part of the Naegi family!”
Tears welling up in his eyes, Makoto begged “Please, Mommy?”
Hana stared at her son through the screen, again taken aback by the sheer passion in his voice as he
begged for her permission, all doubt about the validity of his feelings erased from her mind as she
was convinced that Makoto was indeed in love and had found his soulmate.
Hana smiled and nodded, granting “Okay; I’ll have your sister clean up the guest room, and I’ll
make sure we have enough food to feed five instead of four.”
Tears of joy streamed down Makoto’s face as he grinned from ear to ear, exclaiming “THANK
YOU SO MUCH, MOM! YOU’RE THE BEST!”
*Knock Knock*
Makoto gasped, wiping his eyes on his sleeve as he exclaimed “Oh, sorry Mom, but I’ve gotta go.
My classmates and I hare having a Thanksgiving Dinner soon.”
Raising her eyebrows in curiosity, Hana asked “Isn’t Thanksgiving an American holiday?”
Scratching his cheek nervously, Makoto answered “Yeah, but Hope’s Peak decides to have their
own Thanksgiving holiday concurrent with the American one. Yukizome-sensei says it’s to give
us a chance to bond and say what we’re thankful for…”
*Knock Knock*
“Sorry Mom, but I really gotta go! Kyoko’s waiting for me…”
Nodding, Hana said “I understand. One last piece of advice though…if you haven’t already…tell
Kyoko what you told me about your feelings. Girls love being told that a boy loves them.”
Blushing, Makoto nodded “O…okay…bye Mom, I love you.”
“Goodbye Makoto. I love you too!”
With that, Makoto closed the call, pushing the laptop off of his lap and jumping off of his bed. He
rushed to the door and swung it open, revealing a concerned Kyoko on the other side.
Makoto smiled sheepishly and apologized “Sorry, Kyoko…”
Kyoko’s eyes softened as she took in his face, resting a hand on his forehead and asking “Are you
alright? Your face looks a little pink; if you’re feeling ill, then…”
Removing her hand from his forehead, Makoto assured her “I’m not sick; I was just on a phone call
with my Mom…”
Kyoko’s brow furrowed as she asked “Your Mom? What was it about?”
Chuckling sheepishly, Makoto assured her “I’ll…tell you about it after dinner…so, shall we go?”
Nodding, Kyoko turned to let Makoto out of his room. Once he had closed the door behind him,
the two walked side by side to the Dining Hall to join with their classmates.
XXX
“Itadakimasu!”
Everyone dug in, devouring their turkey, vegetables, and stuffing at varying paces. Teruteru
beamed proudly as Chisa stood behind him, keeping a careful eye on the Ultimate Cook to make
sure he kept his hands to himself. While everyone was taking a bite, Chisa suddenly coughed,
causing everyone to drop their utensils and swallow before looking up at said teacher.
“Sorry to interrupt everyone, but since it is Thanksgiving after all, why don’t we take some time to
go around and say what we’re all thankful for in our lives.” With Akane being the only one
groaning, Chisa clapped her hands together and exclaimed “Okay! Why don’t we start with my
class. You don’t mind, do you Koichi?” Seeing Class 78’s teacher tip his fedora and nod in reply,
Chisa exclaimed “Excellent! Now, Akane, why don’t we start with you!”
Still chowing on a drumstick, she replied “I’m…nom nom…just grateful for…nom nom…all this
delicious food!”
Realizing that was all she was going to get out of the Ultimate Gymnast, Chisa looked down in
front of her and asked “Teruteru, what about you? What are you thankful for?”
Getting a nosebleed as he looked around the table, Teruteru drooled “I’m just thankful to be
surrounded by…such sexy sirens…”
As all the girls shivered in their seats, Makoto and Leon wrapping their arms protectively around
Kyoko and Sayaka respectively, Chisa wisely decided to move on and asked the Ultimate Imposter
“Ryota, what are you thankful for?”
“Well…I’d say I’m grateful that I have such amazing friends that can depend on if I need them.”
As the Ultimate Imposter blushed in embarrassment upon receiving the touched gazes of his
classmates, Chisa moved on “Okay, next is…Mahiru!”
“Well…” Mahiru pondered before answering “I’m thankful to have met some guys who are
actually dependable during my time at Hope’s Peak.”
The boys at the table smiled at the Ultimate Photographer’s compliment, causing Mahiru to snap a
few photos while the moment was still fresh.
“Okay, Mahiru, that’s enough photos I think. Peko, what about you?”
“…I’d say I’m thankful that I’m now able to place value on something other than my sword
training.”
Nodding approvingly, Chisa then asked “Fuyuhiko, what are you thankful for?”
Grinning wryly, the Ultimate Yakuza leaned back in this chair and stated “I’m thankful to have a
teacher as fuckin’ badass as you!”
Grinning, Chisa retorted “Flattery will not improve your grades, Mr. Kuzuryu.” Ignoring a
deflated Fuyuhiko, Chisa asked “Ibuki, what are you thankful for?”
Pumping her fist in the air with a grin, Ibuki cheered “Ibuki is thankful she can rock out with her
own style here at Hope’s Peak! Ibuki’s so grateful, she’ll sing a solo right now!”
Everyone in Class 77, except for the Ultimate Musician herself and Hiyoko clamped their hands
over their ears, sighing with relief when Chisa covered Ibuki’s mouth and interrupted “…Maybe
another time, Ibuki.” After Ibuki grumbled in disappointment, Chisa moved on “Hiyoko, what are
you thankful for?”
Beaming proudly, Hiyoko replied “I’m thankful I’m no longer the shortest one in class, thanks to
my growth spurt!”
…I wish I had a growth spurt… Makoto thought jealously until he felt Kyoko squeeze his hand
reassuringly, the Ultimate Detective staring warmly into his eyes.
Makoto smiled, his girlfriend letting go of his hand as Chisa moved on “Mikan, what are you
thankful for?”
Shaking in her seat, Mikan stuttered “W…well…I…I guess I’m tha…thankful for having fr…
friends…who don’t ha…hate me…you don’t hate me, right? PLEASE DON’T HATE ME!!!”
Chisa rubbed the Ultimate Nurse’s shoulders and soothed “Shh, shh, nobody hates you, Mikan.
Nobody hates you…” Chisa glared at Hiyoko, who then quickly shut her mouth before Chisa
continued “Nekomaru, what are you thankful for?”
Blue lightning seeming to shoot out of his eyes, the Ultimate Team Manager roared “I’M
THANKFUL TO BE AROUND SO MANY PEOPLE WHO HAVE SO MUCH SPIRIT!!!”
Everyone waited for Nekomaru to calm down before Chisa continued “Gundham, what are you
thankful for?”
Gundham scoffed “Hmph. Mere mortals such as yourselves could never comprehend the things
that earn my gratitude. However, if you must know…” Gundham’s hamsters jumped out of his
scarf, landing on his hands as he declared “It is that my four Dark Devas of Destruction have not
left this cruel, human world!”
Sonia applauded, while Taka objected “Tanaka-senpai! With all due respect, having live rodents at
the dinner table is completely unsanitary! I insist that you return them to your room immediately!”
His eyes narrowed, Gudnham roared “Rodents…RODENTS??? How dare you refer to my Four
Dark Devas as mere house mice! Mirage Golden Hawk Jum-P alone could claw your eyes out in a
single scratch!”
As their argument heated, Mondo urged “Bro, calm down, okay? As long as his Devas stay in that
scarf of his, our food is fine!”
“Okay Gundham, calm down…” Once both Taka and Gundham had reluctantly relented, Chisa
continued “Alright…Sonia, what are you thankful for?”
A wide smile spreading across her face, the Ultimate Princess squealed “Oh I am most thankful for
getting to experience so much new culture that Novoselic simply couldn’t offer!”
And we’re thankful that you came to Japan… Makoto and Kyoko thought simultaneously, recalling
the delicious Novoselic chocolate that Sonia had contributed to Kyoko’s surprise birthday party.
After Chisa inadvertently voiced their thoughts, she turned to Kazuichi and asked “Kazuichi, what
are you thankful for?”
His eyes sparkling, the Ultimate Mechanic exclaimed “I’m just thankful that we have someone as
amazing as Miss Sonia gracing us with her presence!”
And I thought I was crazy for Kyoko… Makoto deadpanned as Sonia sweatdropped, far used to
Kazuichi’s affectionate compliments by now.
Turning to her last present student, Chisa asked “And last but not least, Chiaki…what are you
thankful for?”
To everyone’s surprise, Chiaki’s eyes drooped as she confessed “Some of you might not know, but
I had a friend in the Reserve Course. His name’s Hajime Hinata…he seems to have disappeared
recently and I can’t find him…but even if I never see him again…the memories I have of him…the
games I’ve played with him…I’ll always be thankful for those…”
Chisa squeezed Chiaki’s shoulder comfortingly, smiling down at the saddened Ultimate Gamer.
Silence filled the room as nobody wanted to be the one to speak next. Eventually though, Chisa
broke her gaze with Chiaki and redirected it to Koichi.
“Alright, Koichi! I believe it’s your class’s turn.”
Tipping his hat in acknowledgement, Koichi shrugged and instructed “Alright class, you guys pick
what order you wanna go in.”
I wish Yukizome-sensei was our teacher… the whole class thought as they watched Koichi sit in a
nearby chair and drink from his thermos of sake.
Eventually it was Leon who spoke first, saying “I’m thankful I get to date someone as awesome
and sweet as Sayaka!”
Giggling, Sayaka said “In the interest of not being redundant, I’m thankful that I get to spend what
time I can with my Dad.”
Mukuro spoke next, timidly offering “…I’m thankful that Junko will be coming back after
Christmas Vacation and that she’ll have the chance to redeem herself.”
Junko’s various victims all sweatdropped, realizing that they should have expected that from
Junko’s obedient twin sister.
Chihiro spoke next, confessing “I’m thankful that I can be myself without being made fun of for
being weak.”
Most of Class 78 smiled at the Ultimate Programmer, admiring his hidden courage and strength
that he had displayed on that fateful day. Makoto and Kyoko briefly frowned, remembering their
awful separation related to the incident, before shaking the thought from their heads and giving
each other’s hands a gentle squeeze before retreating.
Mondo grinned as he proclaimed “Well, other than the continued loyalty of my gang…”
You mean the gang that assaulted us… Makoto and Kyoko deadpanned.
“…I’m thankful for all my friends who have become my role models…like Makoto, Bro, and
Chihiro.”
M…ME?! Makoto and Chihiro thought incredulously, disbelieving that anyone would consider
them role models.
While they were still blushing from Mondo’s praise, Taka told everyone “I’m thankful that I was
finally able to fill the blind spot in my studies and make friends, thanks to Professor Makoto!”
Makoto’s blush deepened before Hifumi took over, exclaiming “I’m thankful that Miss Ludenberg
is finally being nice to me!”
Said Ultimate Gambler coughed before contributing “I’m thankful that I continue to get served my
Royal Milk Tea in the morning without being asked.”
Sakura went next, smiling at Hina as she said “I’m thankful for having such energetic training
partners like Hina and Kyoko.”
Beaming, Hina replied “Same here, Sakura! I’m so thankful to have you as my friend and training
partner!”
Toko went next, stuttering “I’m just grr…ateful that…Genocide Ja…ack hasn’t been…in the news
for we…eeks!”
Sighing Byakuya confessed “I suppose having the experience of interacting with some of the
more…talented commoners isn’t the worst thing in the world…”
Everyone else rolled their eyes at Byakuya’s indirect way of saying he was thankful to have known
them.
Hiro grinned, exclaiming “I’m just thankful I’m not dead!”
You would be if Makoto hadn’t forgiven you! Kyoko and Mukuro simultaneously thought, sending
a double glare to the Ultimate Clairvoyant and making him sweat.
Makoto placed his hand on Kyoko’s and sent a pleading stare towards Mukuro, silently urging
them to let it go. Sighing, they obeyed, making Hiro sigh in relief and send a thankful stare
towards Makoto.
Said Luckster took a deep breath and began “I’m thankful for so much; for attending this school at
all, for befriending so many talented people…” Makoto looked into Kyoko’s eyes as he finished
“But most of all…I’m so grateful to be dating a woman as awesome as Kyoko Kirigiri!”
Kyoko couldn’t help the blush that threatened to envelop her face, forced to hide her touched and
loving feelings with a cough before finishing “…To avoid redundancy, I’ll say that I’m thankful
that I had the opportunity to befriend so many of you and experience so many new things that I
wouldn’t have if I solely focused on being a Detective.”
With the last of their answers now out in the open, the 77th and 78th classes wordlessly dug back in
to their meals, silently enjoying each other’s company.
XXX
“So what did you want to talk to me about?” Kyoko asked as she sat on Makoto’s bed, the two of
them having showered and dressed in their pajamas after returning to their dorms.
Biting his lip in nervousness, Makoto took a deep breath and began “Do you remember our first
date and I mentioned while we had lunch that my family had wanted to meet you?” Nodding,
Kyoko listened intently as he asked “Would you like to come home with me for Christmas?”
“Makoto…I…” Kyoko breathed, a cherry red blush staining her cheeks as she sat there, shell
shocked into silence.
Panicking at her silence, Makoto hurriedly explained “I was talking with my Mom today before
you knocked on my door. She said it’s alright, so…if you don’t mind…I’d really want to spend
Christmas with you. Of course…if you or and your Grandfather had other ideas, that’d be okay
too…I just…”
“Tell Kyoko what you told me about your feelings. Girls love being told that a boy loves them.”
Remembering his Mother’s words, Makoto continued to ramble “I really want my family to meet
you and see just how amazing and wonderful you are and…”
“Makoto…” Makoto found his speech silenced as she held a finger to his lips, informing him
“You’re rambling.” Blushing in embarrassment, he was about to apologize when Kyoko smiled
and told him “I’d love to come over. I’m…looking forward to meeting your family too.”
“Kyoko…”
Makoto was silenced once more as Kyoko tackled him into a hug, Makoto lying on his back with
her on top, nuzzling her head against his chest and listening to his heartbeat. Makoto smiled
lovingly and reached down to rub her back, the two teenagers looking forward to a magical
Christmas together.
I can’t believe it! I’m spending Christmas with Kyoko! I’m gonna introduce my family to Kyoko!
I get to spend my Christmas Vacation alone with Kyoko!
I can’t believe it! I’m gonna spend my Christmas Vacation at Makoto’s house! No schoolwork, no
Detective work, just a couple weeks alone with Makoto and meeting his family…wait…family…oh
crap!
XXX
Present Day
“But why were you suddenly upset about meeting Auntie Komaru and Jii-chan and Baa-chan?”
Biting her lip, Kyoko explained “I wasn’t...upset about meeting them…there was just…something
else that I hadn’t taken into account.” At Kiki’s questioning stare, she explained “I’ll tell you
tomorrow during storytime.”
“…Stupid cliffhangers…” Kiki grumbled as her parents tucked her in, kissing her good night as she
yawned and quickly fell into slumber.
Their daughter now snoring, Makoto and Kyoko smiled at each other and tiptoed outside, closing
the door behind them before retiring to their room to fall into slumber themselves.
Love Arc Chapter Ten: First Snow of the Year! A Call from Fuhito?
Chapter Summary
Seeing his girlfriend agonizing over how to keep her Grandfather in the dark about
their relationship, Makoto invites her on a romantic walk to distract her. Later, while
planning their one month anniversary date, Kyoko receives a surprise phone call. Will
this surprise interfere with their anniversary plans?
Present Day
“So…why were you suddenly upset after Daddy invited you to spend Christmas together?”
“…It was my Grandfather. You see, I had never told him about my relationship with your Father,
and so for two days…”
XXX
November 29, 2014
Kyoko sighed, stirring her spoon in her now cold coffee as she waited alone at her usual table
waiting for Makoto to join her.
“Stay away from any boys for the time being.”
Kyoko scoffed at Fuhito’s words, almost not recognizing her past self as she reflected on just how
much not staying away from Makoto had changed her. As her mind wandered to her boyfriend, she
felt her anxiety ratchet up.
How do I tell him I broke my promise? How do I tell him that I’m in a romantic relationship with
Makoto Naegi? Should I even tell him?
“Grandfather, NO!”
Recalling the day that Fuhito had met Yui, she shook her head and scoffed to herself No, I
shouldn’t…if Grandfather ever found out, I’d be grounded at the station until I was Christmas
Cake, and Makoto…
“Ano…Kyoko…?”
Startled, Kyoko looked up, her musings cut off as she saw her boyfriend with a concerned look in
his green eyes, biting his lip as he asked “Ano…may I sit with you…?”
Kicking herself for making him inadvertently feel unwelcome, she forced a smile and nodded “Of
course, Makoto. Go right ahead.”
Smiling softly, Makoto sat down across from her with his breakfast tray and the two began eating.
As Makoto finished the last bite of his apple and Kyoko had finished the last sip of her now bitter
coffee, Makoto asked “So…is everything alright? We haven’t spoken a word since I invited you to
stay with me for Christmas. Are you…having second thoughts…”
Kyoko reached for his hand, threading their fingers and squeezing as she denied “It’s not that…I
still want to spend Christmas with you. I just…I’ve been worried about my Grandfather…”
Seeing Makoto’s head cock in curiosity, Kyoko elaborated “I…haven’t told him…about us…you
see, my Grandfather only consents to things that contribute to growing my skills as a Detective, and
having a romantic relationship or even friends didn’t exactly make the list growing up…”
Makoto nodded, remembering how he only came to see his injured Granddaughter to urge her to
return to work at the first opportunity.
“So…you think he wouldn’t react well to us dating or you spending Christmas with me?”
Her brain envisioning multiple scenarios of Fuhito beating Makoto to a bloody pulp with his cane,
Kyoko shook her head and confirmed “No, he would not. So I’ve been spending the past couple of
days trying to come up with an excuse to keep him in the dark.” Kyoko looked into Makoto’s eyes
with a remorseful expression, blushing as she apologized “But that still wasn’t an excuse to make
you feel ignored. As your girlfriend, I should have been more attentive to your feelings, so I
apologize for that…”
Makoto frowned in concern as he watched Kyoko’s expression become downcast and guilt-ridden,
wanting nothing more than to cheer her up and put a smile on her face.
This isn’t anyone’s fault! She just needs to get her mind off of this for a little bit…but how do I…
A light bulb went off in his head, Makoto grinning as he asked “Hey Kyoko…are you busy
today?”
Taken by surprise, she looked up at him and answered “No…not really…but why…”
“Great! Go get a winter coat and meet me outside the gates; we’re gonna go for a walk! See you
there, Kyoko!”
“A walk…Makoto, wait!” She shouted in vain as she watched him disappear from sight. Sighing
she mumbled “..It’s not like I don’t want to walk with him anyway…”
XXX
Fingers intertwined, the loving couple held hands as they walked through Yoyogi Park again,
Kyoko wearing a purple winter coat while both of them wore red winter scarves around their
necks. Their cheeks stained pink, Makoto looked away, smiling bashfully as he scratched at his
partially exposed chin while Kyoko snuck glances at her boyfriend.
This is nice… Kyoko thought as she squeezed his hand, sufficiently distracted from her dilemma.
Makoto smiled softly, seeing the soft smile that had appeared on his girlfriend’s face. They
continued their walk, a comfortable silence passing between the couple, until their gaze
simultaneously shifted up towards the cloudy sky, Makoto’s eyes sparkling as he saw countless
little white snowflakes falling down, one touching the tip of his nose ad making him shiver.
Despite that, Makoto grinned from ear to ear and proclaimed “SNOW! Kyoko, it’s snowing!”
Nodding, Kyoko mused “I suppose so…it is below zero, so it makes sense that the precipitation I
forgot about would fall as snow…”
Her musings seeming to go in one ear and out the other, her eyes widened as Makoto suddenly let
go of her hand, walking forward with childlike glee on his face as he stuck his tongue out, leaning
his head back.
Flabbergasted, Kyoko watched with some slight amusement as she asked “What the hell are you
doing?”
Turning to grin at her, he asked “What, haven’t you ever tried to catch a snowflake on your tongue
before? Come on, try it!”
Shaking her head, Kyoko lectured him “You don’t know where that water evaporated from before
it became snow. You could get sick!”
“Aw, come on! Komaru and I did this every winter when we were kids, and we turned out just
fine!”
Rolling her eyes, Kyoko refused to budge, countering “Past precedent does not guarantee future
results.” Seeing him completely ignore her, Kyoko sighed and relented “Just don’t blame me if
you catch swine flu!”
“You worry too much!” Makoto retorted before he stuck his tongue at her, leaning his head back
again to try to catch snowflakes.
Kyoko couldn’t help the giggles that erupted from her belly as she followed him, his childish, fun
persona making her feel all bubbly and ticklish inside.
XXX
Present Day
“You really haven’t changed, Mommy.” Kiki observed, recalling “You never try and catch
snowflakes with me or Daddy or Auntie Hina or Auntie Komaru!”
Frowning at her grinning daughter and husband, she deadpanned “You could still get sick; you’ve
merely inherited your Father’s luck.”
“Yeah, yeah…” Makoto and Kiki dismissed, making Kyoko pout.
Turning to her Father, Kiki asked “So what happened next, Daddy?”
“Well, the next week passed without incident. Before we knew it, our one month anniversary was
coming up and we were talking about what to do when…”
XXX
December 7, 2014
“We…should have planned this better, huh?”
Kyoko sighed as Makoto scratched his cheek sheepishly, replying “It is what it is…let’s just
decide on something so we can do it tomorrow.”
Nodding, Makoto began “It should be something special…this is a special occasion after all…”
“Agreed…so did you have any ideas?”
“Ano…well…maybe we could…I enjoyed that restaurant we went to. Maybe if we went to…I
mean, I can’t afford a five star restaurant on my allowance, but we could still go to a fancy
restaurant…I…I had fun with you the last time…insults and bruises not withstanding of course…”
Smiling softly at him, she replied “I had fun too…although it doesn’t need to be fancy. If all I
wanted was to eat at five star restaurants, then I’d just go out with the billionaire in our class. I
wouldn’t mind just going to a café with you…and maybe we could catch a movie at an actual
theater.”
“Really? Coffee and a movie for our anniversary? Doesn’t that seem a bit…normal?”
Smirking Kyoko retorted “You forget that I had a very abnormal childhood. So by comparison,
what you find to be average and dull…I find new and refreshing.”
“O…okay…” His eyes widening in realization, Makoto suggested “I know of this coffee shop not
too far from Hope’s Peak. And it’s part of a mall that has a theater, so…we can go see a movie
after we have coffee.”
Smiling, Kyoko accepted “That sounds wonderful. Why don’t we see…”
XXX
“I can’t believe tomorrow’s our one month anniversary, ne?”
Kyoko leaned her head on his shoulder, sidling closer to him on her bed as she nodded “Hmm…
you know, if you had asked me when I got my invitation to attend Hope’s Peak that nine months
later I’d be celebrating my anniversary with my first boyfriend, I would have recommended you for
a psychiatric ward.”
Makoto chuckled nervously as he agreed “And if you had told me nine months ago that I would be
dating the Ultimate Detective, I would have said that there was no way someone as awesome as
you would ever dream of going out with someone as dull and untalented as me.”
Kyoko sighed, telling him “I really wish you’d stop putting yourself down like this.” Looking up
at his face, she reached up and cradled his cheeks in her hands, encouraging him “You may have
gotten in this school through a random drawing, but you are not dull or untalented. On the
contrary…you and your optimism have helped me to believe in people again, have helped me to
bond with people again.”
“Kyoko…”
Makoto blushed as Kyoko gradually tugged his face closer to hers, continuing “You helped me
learn how to love again, and you reminded me what it meant to feel loved in return.”
“Kyoko…” Is she saying…does she…does she…love me…?
Kyoko’s voice became huskier as their lips drew closer, asking him “Will you let me show you…
how much I value having you in my life?”
“Y…yes, Kyoko…” Makoto breathed just as huskily as the two closed their eyes, their lips inching
closer and closer until…
*Ring Ring*
The two froze in place as Kyoko’s cell phone continued to ring from within her jacket. With a
frustrated groan, she released a still dazed Makoto and got off of the bed, digging out her cell phone
and, after grimacing at reading the Caller ID, answered it and held the phone up to her ear.
“Yes, Grandfather?” Now out of his romantic daze, Makoto tried to listen intently as Kyoko
continued to converse with her Grandfather, a nervous frown on her face. “I see…you’re…you
want me to…TOMORROW?! I…no, it’s nothing, Grandfather…yes, I know Detective work is
important…yes…I understand…alright…goodbye, Grandfather…”
Makoto watched worriedly as Kyoko seemed to almost slam her thumb on the hang-up button, the
Ultimate Detective gritting her teeth as a furious fire blazed in her eyes.
“FUCK!” She swore, startling Makoto as she slammed the phone on her desk, the Ultimate
Detective cursing under her breath “Fuck! Of all the…Fuck! Why now?! Fuck, Fuck, Fuck, Fuck,
Fuck, Fuck, Fuck!”
An officially disturbed Makoto couldn’t take it anymore; he stood up from his seat on her bed and
strode over to the pacing and muttering Detective, holding her wrists and looking into her eyes,
making her stop her mostly silent tirade.
“Kyoko, calm down! Whatever it is, it’s going to be okay! I promise!”
Breathing heavily, Kyoko felt the tears well up in her eyes and buried her face in his chest,
wrapping her arms around his torso, leaving the Ultimate Lucky Student shocked at her emotional
outburst. Sighing, Makoto smiled softly and walked them backwards, ending at the bed where he
sat down, pulling her with him so that she was sitting on his lap and straddling him. The boy
rubbed both hands up and down her back, soothing the distraught Detective.
“Shh…it’s okay…it’s okay…”
He continued his mantra until Kyoko finally calmed down, her breathing returning to normal as she
removed her head from his chest, tears receding as she said with a pink blush on her cheeks “I…
apologize for my outburst…That was…improper of me…”
Shaking his head, Makoto continued to rub her back as he assured her “No, no…it’s fine, really…
so…what’s wrong, Kyoko? …You can tell me…”
Sighing, Kyoko grumbled “…My Grandfather…he’s being recruited for a case and wants me to
tag along and help him…”
“Really? That’s great, Kyoko! I’m sure…” Makoto trailed off, his eyes widening as he
remembered what bits and pieces of their conversation he could hear and realized “So…he wants
you to help…tomorrow?”
Gritting her teeth, Kyoko confirmed “That’s right. He wants me to come out and work on a case…
the same day as our anniversary!”
“Well…we kinda never told him we were dating, so…” Kyoko glared at him, making Makoto
backtrack and apologize “Sorry, my bad…but even though I have…sharp disagreements with some
of your Grandfather’s philosophy…I’d never try to stand in the way of your Detective work,
Kyoko. Besides, it’s just another day; we’ll have other dates…”
Shaking her head, Kyoko objected “You’re my boyfriend, Makoto. I should be putting you above
my own career…just like you’ve put your own life on the line to protect me…you put me first
before, now I need to do the same for you…Isn’t that what people are supposed to do for the
people they care for…the people they…love…”
Makoto’s breath caught in his throat as he processed the end of Kyoko’s speech, as well as the
Ultimate Detective herself as she blushed at her admission.
…Well, I’ve already said “love”; might as well go all the way… Taking a deep breath, Kyoko
struggled to move past the lump in her throat as she forced out “I…I love you, Makoto…”
“Kyoko…” Makoto felt like shouting with glee as he thought She LOVES me! SHE REALLY
LOVES ME!!! Feeling the courage well up in his heart, he hugged her closer as he returned “…I
love you too, Kyoko…”
Kyoko gasped as she thought ecstatically He…he really does love me!
As they sat there, blushing smiles stretching across their faces as they basked in their mutual love.
Eventually though, the real world came crashing down on their romance, Makoto and Kyoko both
frowning as they realized they still had a serious dilemma on their hands.
“So…what do we do?”
Sighing, Kyoko retracted her arms and crossed them over her breasts, pouting as she grumbled “I
don’t see how I’m going to get out of it now…if I say no, he’ll suspect something. I may be a
decent liar, but he’ll see right through me, and then I’d have no choice but to tell him about…us…”
Keeping an optimistic smile, Makoto asked “…Would that really be the worst thing in the world?”
Visions of Makoto getting beaten to a bloody pulp flooding her mind again, Kyoko deadpanned
“Yes, yes it would.”
Sighing, Makoto concluded “…Then I guess we hold off on our anniversary…”
Seeing the somber disappointment in his eyes, Kyoko clenched her fists, shaking her head as she
decided “…No…I refuse to make you wait just because my Grandfather is pulling me away on a
case…I’m going to do both.”
Raising his eyebrows in surprise, he asked “Ano…is that even possible? Don’t get me wrong;
you’re called the Ultimate Detective for a reason Kyoko. It’s just…you don’t even know what
kind of case it is yet. Can you really guarantee that you’ll have enough time in your day to do
both?”
Her eyes narrowing defiantly, Kyoko nodded and vowed “I’ll make it work. You’re not going to
take a backseat to my career, Makoto. We planned an anniversary together and I won’t cancel at
the last minute!”
Staring into her eyes, Makoto smiled, hugging her tighter as he relented “…Alright…I’ll have faith
in you, Kyoko…”
Smiling wryly, she assured him “I’ll be fine; remember, I’m good at my job. Besides, I can’t lose
when I’m dating the Ultimate Lucky Student!”
…I’m not sure my luck is a good thing… Makoto sweatdropped before deciding to believe in his
luck along with her. If I really do have talent…if I really do have Super High School Level Luck…
then please…let Kyoko have every last bit of it tomorrow!
XXX
December 8, 2014
Kyoko stepped out of the car, Fuhito waiting patiently for her. Once she closed the car door, he
reached out and shook her hand.
“Thank you for coming on such short notice, Kyoko.”
“As you said, Detective work is important.” Gesturing to the alley leading to the crime scene, she
offered “So, shall we go?”
Nodding, the former Master and Apprentice walked side by side, Fuhito musing “I’m surprised you
didn’t bring that assistant of yours to tag along…Naegi, right? I thought you two were joined at
the hip.”
Scoffing, Kyoko retorted “Naegi-kun has other schoolwork he has to attend to, Grandfather.”
Shrugging, Fuhito replied “Hmm…shame. If he was only a little more serious about this line of
work, he might have made a fine Junior Detective, based on how you’ve improved since he
assisted you on the Akafuku case.”
Suppressing the swell of pride that formed from Fuhito’s backhanded compliment, Kyoko
requested “So what are the details of this case?”
As Fuhito proceeded to regurgitate the details of the case file, Kyoko filed every word into
memory, right down to the punctuation marks. As they approached the corpse, Kyoko pulled her
gloves tighter on her hands as she kneeled down, her analytical mind working into overdrive.
This is the Ultimate test of my skills as a Detective. Prepare yourself, Grandfather, for I will wrap
up this case AND make it back to my anniversary with Makoto, and nobody’s going to stop me.
Not this corpse, not this mystery, not even you, Grandfather!
XXX
Present Day
“Awww…” Kiki gushed “You FINALLY told Daddy you loved him!!!”
Blushing, Kiki turned to her husband with a loving grin as she confirmed “…That’s right, I did.
And at the time when we confessed that we truly did love each other…I had never been happier…”
Makoto nodded in agreement, wordlessly leaning in to nuzzle his wife, who nuzzled back in return.
“So what kind of case did you work on, Mommy? Did you catch the bad guy?!”
Giggling at her daughter’s enthusiasm, Kyoko ruffled Kiki’s hair and promised “Tomorrow, Kiki.
It’s right around your bedtime.”
“…Lousy cliffhangers…” Kiki grumbled, but nonetheless wiggled under the blankets as her
parents tucked her in.
Leaning in to kiss her cheeks, Makoto and Kyoko cooed “Good night, Kiki. We love you.”
*Yawn* “…Love you too…” Kiki moaned before closing her eyes and falling asleep, her parents’
blushing cheeks seeming to light up the darkness as they shut the lights off and tiptoed outside,
closing the door behind them.
XXX
Makoto and Kyoko sat alone on their bed, the former Detective straddling her husband as they
locked lips, eagerly unzipping his pajamas before reaching under her nightgown to slide down her
panties.
Gasping for breath, Makoto reluctantly pulled away, giving Kyoko time to pull her nightgown over
her head as he panted “I love you, Kyoko Naegi!”
Grinning, Kyoko leaned forward, helping him ease out of his pajamas and sliding his boxers down
his legs as she panted excitedly “I love you too, Makoto Naegi!”
She proceeded to knock him onto his back, the two spouses squealing as they repeatedly
exchanged I love you’s, their passions heightened by the memories of the first time they told each
other how much they loved them.
Love Arc Chapter Eleven: A Race Against Time! Prowess of the Ultimate
Detective!
Chapter Summary
Dragged into a case by her Grandfather, Kyoko races against time to make it back in
time for her anniversary date with Makoto without tipping off Fuhito about her new
relationship. Will she make it back in time? Or will Fuhito's meddling cause her to
miss the most important milestone in her relationship so far?
Chapter Notes
Sorry for the delay; I got my new PC recently and have had some issues setting it up.
That combined with some recent back pain delayed my completion of this chapter.
On another note, I’m going to be taking a small break from writing HIMYM in order
to complete Danganronpa V3 and work on a few miscellaneous Gaiden oneshots that
are still in my backlog. In the meantime, please read and comment below, and enjoy!
Present Day
“So what happened when you got to the crime scene, Mommy?”
“Well, once my Grandfather and I got to the crime scene, I moved to inspect the corpse…”
XXX
December 8, 2014
“The victim is 35 year old Ken Ichijoji. Cause of death is a single stab wound to the heart;
bleeding suggests he was stabbed from behind. The lack of other wounds suggests that the victim
was taken by surprise.” Replacing the corpse back to its original position, Kyoko decided “That
matches the description in the case file, but where’s the weapon…Hm?”
A silver glow caught Kyoko’s eye; reaching down, she picked it up and inspected it, analyzing
what appeared to be a metal fracture.
“It’s shaped like a point…and it’s stained red…this must have been part of the murder weapon!
Based on its small size, I’d say it was part of a dagger…but the tip must have broken off when the
killer withdrew the blade…” Sighing, Kyoko stood up and determined “That seems to be all the
physical evidence left behind…I should start questioning the witnesses…”
“That was awfully fast, Kyoko…wouldn’t it be wise to spend a little more item combing the
scene?”
Kyoko turned to her Grandfather, her eyes narrowing at his criticism of her technique and scoffed
“Grandfather, I know what I’m doing. You asked me to assist you because of my talents as a
Detective, so let me use them my way.”
Fuhito frowned, but wordlessly relented, making Kyoko sigh in relief as she approached the
grieving widow.
I swear, this isn’t even a complicated case; Grandfather knows I can solve cases more complicated
than this…so why did he insist that I tag along? Shaking her head, she placed her hand
comfortingly on her shoulder, telling herself It’s what Makoto would do… before telling the
distraught widow “I’m sorry for your loss, Ichijoji-san. Would you mind if I asked you a few
questions to help solve this case?”
A young woman with long, purple hair blew her nose into a handkerchief before handing it back to
a young man with a brown bowl cut, nodding and replying “Sure…and please, call me Miyako.”
Nodding, Kyoko began “Miyako-san, could you please give me a brief account of the last time you
saw your husband? Maybe there’s a clue to finding his killer in that last meeting.”
Nodding, Miyako recounted “It was about two…no, three days ago. Ken-kun had left and kissed
me goodbye, saying that Iori-kun…ano…Hida Iori-kun…” gesturing to the young man next to her,
Miyako continued “had invited him over for a guys’ night. I was glad, because the two of them
had fought like cats and dogs since we were in middle school together, and it was only a few
months ago that they decided to bury the hatchet and become friends.”
Frowning, Kyoko nodded and replied “I see…continue.”
“But Ken-kun never called me after that. So the next morning, I called Iori-kun, and he told me
that Ken-kun had never come to the apartment. We met up in a nearby alleyway and started
searching…and before long…we found…Ken-kun’s body!”
Miyako erupted into another melody of wails, Iori rubbing her back comfortingly as Kyoko went
over her account. It was then that she noticed a reddened streak running down Iori’s left arm.
“That’s a nasty cut, Hida-kun…”
Covering it up with his right hand instinctively, Iori grinned sheepishly and explained “Oh this? I
was cutting up food with a kitchen knife and I lost my grip when Miyako called and it slipped out
of my hand.” Iori chuckled and remarked “Seems impossible when you consider my hobbies…”
Seeing Kyoko’s confused expression, Miyako explained “Iori-kun has taken karate since he was a
little kid; it is kind of surprising he’d lose control of a kitchen knife considering how much self-
control it takes to become a black belt.”
Kyoko’s brow furrowed, their combined testimony making the gears in her head turn as she
thought Something about that statement feels…significant… Choosing to pursue it further, she
asked “Hida-kun, after you hung up with Miyako-san, did you immediately go and search for
Ichijojo-san?”
Shaking his head, Iori answered “Uhh no…you see, after I cut myself, I cleaned up my blood in the
kitchen and my arm. Didn’t want my kitchen counter stained with blood, you know?”
Furrowing her eyebrows, Kyoko pressed “And you didn’t think to bandage yourself?”
Shaking his head, Iori answered “No…I didn’t want to keep Miyako-chan waiting; we didn’t know
Ken-kun was dead after all, so I just did the bare minimum before I met up with her.”
Turning to a nearby Police Officer, she asked “Can you verify this account?”
Nodding his head, the officer confirmed “Yeah…we checked his apartment just to be safe…the
kitchen was all squeaky clean…it was almost unnatural.”
Kyoko frowned, then nodded, turning her attention back to the two witnesses as she asked “Just for
the sake of curiosity, Hida-kun, how far is your apartment from here?”
“Oh, it’s not too far, just a couple buildings down…why all the questions?”
Ignoring him, Kyoko turned around and walked back to the corpse. Kneeling down, her eyes
widened as she realized Wait…some of the ground…it’s slightly redder than the rest of it…and it’s
leading to…
Standing up, she walked over to where the red trail ended; a large, black wall, the side of one of the
surrounding buildings.
*Knock, knock*
To everyone’s shock, the wall tipped over, revealing a hollow entryway, blood visibly staining the
floor.
“A secret passageway…” Kyoko mused before walking though the bloodstained hallway,
everyone else frozen in place for a split second before curiously following the Ultimate Detective.
XXX
*Gasp* “Iori-kun…isn’t this your apartment?”
Everyone’s eyes narrowed at the now sweating Iori who admitted “Y…yes…but I’m not the
killer! Why would I want to kill Ken?”
“As I recall…you and Ken fought like cats and dogs until recently…am I wrong?”
Miyako shook her head, a depressed gloom in her eyes as she confirmed “No…you’re not wrong…
Iori and Ken-kun…were at each other’s throats…all the time…”
A betrayed look in his eyes, Iori gasped “Miyako…you suspect me…just because of that?”
Kyoko shook her head and continued “That’s not the only thing. There’s also the matter of the
bloodstained passageway, yet this kitchen is completely clean…now why would this entire kitchen
be spotless, if all you needed to clean was a streak of blood from a simple kitchen accident?” She
shook her head and deduced “Unless…the alley wasn’t the crime scene at all…it was this
apartment.”
Frowning, the Chief asked But if that’s the case, then why did we find a shard of the murder
weapon in the alley?“
“It was likely planted as a red herring to throw us off. Once the body was moved, all the culprit
had to do was plant the broken shard next to it in order to move the crime scene. The rest of the
knife was probably cleaned after the switch then placed back with the other knives to avoid
suspicion.”
“Found it!” One of the other officers held up a simple kitchen knife with a broken point, making
Miyako gasp in shock and disbelief.
Growling, Iori shouted “So what? Anyone can have a knife break on them! If I was the killer and
I knew about the secret passage, wouldn’t I have cleaned that too?!”
Shaking her head, Kyoko rejected “No; given the proximity of Miyako-san’s call to your meetup,
the culprit probably didn’t have time to destroy all the evidence, so they prioritized the most
damning evidence, hence the cleaning of the murder weapon and the kitchen, as well as the
switch.”
As Miyako sobbed at the damning evidence, the Chief asked “Kirigiri-chan, perhaps now would be
the time to wrap up this investigation; do you have enough evidence to give us a basic sequence of
events?”
Nodding, Kyoko began “This is the one, absolute truth! This case began when the culprit invited
Ken Ichijoji to their apartment. After his arrival, Ken had turned his back, and that’s when the
culprit seized their chance. They grabbed a nearby kitchen knife and stabbed him once in the back,
killing him almost instantly. But at that moment, Miyako called, making the phone ring.
Surprised, they yanked the knife out, causing the point to chip off. Once it fell to the floor, the
culprit lost their grasp on the knife, causing it to fly out of their hand and cut their left arm.”
A still sobbing Miyako gazed at Iori’s left arm, the young man flinching with guilt.
“The culprit then answered the phone and made plans to meet up with Miyako in a nearby alley.
Realizing their time was limited, they carried the body through a secret passageway, planting it and
the chipped point in the alley, switching the crime scene! Making their way back and replacing the
cover, the culprit got to work destroying the evidence. First they washed off their arm to prevent
any more blood, then they cleaned the entire kitchen to cover their tracks.”
The other officers nodded, having seen the squeaky clean kitchen firsthand.
“At this point, the culprit was running out of time, so they washed off the knife, placed it back with
their other knives, and went to meet up with Miyako. The two of them then searched the alley and
“discovered” Ken’s body. The culprit pretended to be surprised, but was probably relieved that
their plan came to fruition.” She pointed her right pointer finger at the scowling Iori, a victorious
smirk on her face as she concluded “And that’s the one, absolute truth! Am I wrong, Iori Hida?”
XXX
A sobbing Miyako was led away by an officer as another escorted Iori away in handcuffs, Kyoko
and Fuhito watching the scene play out before them.
Once the crime scene had cleared, Fuhito remarked “Impressive; you solved this mystery in record
time with minimal investigation…as expected of the heir to the Kirigiri legacy.” Kyoko allowed a
small smirk which soon dropped from her face when Fuhito dropped “Since you solved this case
all on your own, I’ll leave the paperwork in your hands.”
Her eyes narrowing as Fuhito walked away, Kyoko challenged “This was your case; shouldn’t you
be the one handling the paperwork?”
Shaking his head, Fuhito rejected “Nobody cares who does it as long as it gets done…besides, you
deduced the culprit, so you’re in the best position to finish the paperwork; it’ll be waiting for you
at your desk.” With a wry smile, Fuhito dismissed “It was nice to see you in action, Kyoko.”
before walking out of view, leaving the flabbergasted Ultimate Detective alone.
XXX
Kyoko felt like pulling her hair out as she sat at her desk, furiously scribbling away at the mountain
of paperwork Fuhito had left for her.
If there’s one thing I hate about my job, it’s the mountains upon mountains of paperwork.
Investigating in the field, apprehending criminals, exposing them in court…those I find thrilling!
Paperwork on the other hand…it’s tedious, boring, and time-consuming! And I don’t need time-
consuming on my anniversary…
“Wow, that’s a mountain of paperwork!”
Kyoko looked up, then sighed at the grinning face above her and replied “Not now, Yui; I’m not in
the mood to talk. I have all this paperwork to do for a case and I want to get it over with.”
“Yeah…I’m kinda surprised you’re not out with your boy…uwah!”
Kyoko tugged Yui by the collar, bringing her down to eye level and hissing “Are you trying to
clue my Grandfather in to my relationship?!”
Flashing back to her initial encounter with Fuhito, Yui sweatdropped and realized “Oh yeah…I can
see why you’d wanna keep him a secret…”
Nodding, Kyoko continued scribbling as she quietly ranted “My Grandfather was the one who
saddled me with all this paperwork, and on my one-month anniversary of all days…”
“Ah I get it; you two made plans and you couldn’t say no to helping him out because it would have
raised suspicions, ne?”
Kyoko nodded, confirming “That’s right; I just have to hope that I can get this paperwork done in
time to…hey, what are you?...”
Kyoko stared incredulously at a grinning Yui, the older Detective having confiscated her pile of
paperwork before urging sweetly “I’ll take care of your paperwork before I go.”
Blinking, Kyoko asked, touched “You…you’d do that for me?”
Still smiling, Yui confirmed “This date is very important to you, so if it’s important to you, it’s
important to me. Go enjoy your anniversary.”
“ONEE-CHAN!”
Yui froze, caught off guard by Kyoko’s emotional reaction, as well as the way her arms wrapped
tightly around her waist. Realizing after a second what she just did, she withdrew her arms and
stepped back before coughing into her glove.
“I apologize…that was…improper of me…”
Grinning, Yui shook her head and assured her “It’s fine, imouto. Honestly I’m surprised you
finally called me Onee-chan after all this time…if that was all it took I would have set you up with
a boy years ago!” Hearing Kyoko’s embarrassed mumbles, she urged “Go; have fun on your
anniversary, and if he ends up not treating you right…just send him to Onee-chan!”
Not wanting to fall for Yui’s teasing, Kyoko nodded and walked towards the door, stopping once
she had gotten to it to turn around and call “Onee-chan?” What was she even doing here in the first
place?
“Hm?”
Deciding not to look a gift horse in the mouth, Kyoko swallowed her curiosity and allowed a small
smile as she finished “…Thank you…” before walking out the door.
Yui shook her head with an amused smile as she sat down at Kyoko’s desk and opened the case file
scribbling on the mountain of paperwork before her.
XXX
Present Day
“That was really nice of Aunt Yui to help you out like that, Mommy!”
While Kyoko nodded in agreement, Makoto looked at his daughter with a hint of amusement and
asked “Aunt Yui?”
Nodding, Kiki replied “Of course Daddy! Mommy called her Onee-chan, so that makes Yui my
Aunt!”
…I suppose that makes sense…besides if we tell her that Yui’s not actually her Aunt, then we’ll
have to strip Hina of her Auntie title too…
Oblivious to her Father’s ponderings, Kiki realized “Hey, I just realized that I’ve never met Aunt
Yui…so when can I finally meet her?”
Biting her lip, Kyoko reluctantly confessed “…I haven’t seen or spoken to Yui in years…I don’t
honestly know where she is, or even if she’s still alive…” The Tragedy took so many people we all
cared about…I wouldn’t be surprised if it took Yui too…
Seeing his girls saddened by Yui’s possible fate, Makoto decided to distract them by offering “Say
Kiki, do you want to hear about when your Mother and I met up for our anniversary?”
“YAY! Tell me more, Daddy?”
Secretly grateful for having the mood shifted, Kyoko listened as her husband began “It was about
an hour before the movie was set to begin. I was waiting at the café we had agreed to meet up at
when…”
XXX
December 8, 2014
“Hey, Makoto!”
Said Ultimate Lucky Student turned, beaming to see his girlfriend with a wide smile on her face,
rushing over to him as her purple skirt flowed in the wind, her long sleeve pink shirt tightly hugging
her curves.
“Hey, Kyoko! Glad you could…OOF!” Makoto nearly fell over as Kyoko tackled him into a hug,
ensnaring him in her loving grasp, asking “Kyoko…what’s…?”
Separating from him with a pink blush tainting her cheeks, Kyoko admitted “…I’m just…happy I
didn’t miss this with you…”
Smiling warmly, Makoto reached over and threaded their fingers, assuring her “Don’t worry about
it…now, let’s go sit down and grab some coffee before our movie!”
Kyoko smiled warmly as Makoto led them inside, the two of them sitting down and picking up
their menus. As Kyoko’s eyes started to wander, she gasped as she saw that they were sitting next
to a traditional Western fireplace, the appliance radiating a gentle heat that warmed her to her soul.
“Ma…Makoto…this is…”
Smiling sheepishly Makoto explained “…I remembered you said you wanted a roaring fireplace
during our movie night, so since I couldn’t get one in my room, I figured this was the next best
thing!”
Feeling happy tears trickle down her cheeks, and for once not caring, she put down her menu,
resting her palms over his knuckles as she whispered “I love you…”
Smiling softly, he put his menu down and reached for her face with his hands, her own still
covering them as he cradled her face and wiped the tear tracks from under her eyes, whispering
back “I love you too…” Once he had wiped her tears away, he retracted his hands and suggested
“Alright, let’s order our coffee so we can go watch that movie on time.”
Kyoko nodded and they picked up their menus, Kyoko’s lovesick smile hidden behind it as she
looked over the beverage and pastry menu.
For being so thoughtful on our anniversary…his favorite gluten and sugar mixture is the least I
can do to repay him!
XXX
“Happy Anniversary, Kyoko.”
Makoto smiled as they lay on his bed, his girlfriend snuggled against his chest as he stroked her
hair. His frown vanished however when he saw Kyoko’s lips tugging in a slight frown.
Panicking, Makoto rambled “Ano…did I…did I mess something up? I’m sorry! I…”
Shaking her head, Kyoko denied “No…you’ve been absolutely wonderful today, Makoto. You
found us a café with an actual fireplace, you paid for our movie, the popcorn, our coffee before
that…you even paid for the chocolate cake we shared, despite my insistences that I would pay for
it.”
Makoto chuckled sheepishly, scratching his cheek with his free hand and defending “Hey, I just
wanted to treat my girlfriend well on our anniversary.”
“And you did, and that’s the problem.” At Makoto’s befuddled expression, Kyoko elaborated
“You gave me so much Makoto, but I didn’t get you anything. The only present I ever got you
was showing up, and I couldn’t even guarantee that because of my surprise case today.”
“Kyoko, your job is important, and…” Makoto sighed and continued “Look, I won’t go into detail
about my insecurities again, but I never thought I’d be so lucky as to be dating a girl as awesome as
you! Just being with you…that’s all I need!”
Though touched by his words, Kyoko wouldn’t budge, retorting “But you deserve so much more,
and I need to be a little more proactive as your girlfriend. Let me make it up to you…you
remember that Christmas Ball that our two classes have been planning?”
Makoto nodded; he had come back to his room many a night exhausted beyond belief, the Class
Representative reflecting There are no words to express my gratitude for the extra coffee Kyoko’s
had ready for me during breakfast.
Smiling expectantly, Kyoko continued “Not that I have any reason to think you’d decline, but
would you like to be my partner?”
Makoto couldn’t nod fast enough, exclaiming “Yes! Of course I’d love to go with you!”
The loving couple now flooded with bliss, they resumed cuddling, knowing that sooner or later
they’d have to worry about what to wear to the Christmas Ball. For tonight however, they filed
that thought away in favor of spending the rest of their anniversary snuggled against each other.
XXX
Present Day
“Awww! That was so sweet of you! Is that why you’ve never missed any of our birthdays or
made sure we always had Christmas presents from you?”
“That’s part of it, yes…” Kyoko admitted, not yet ready to tell her daughter about her anxiety-
induced nightmares from when she was pregnant with Kiki. “I love you and your Father both, and
I don’t want to be the Mother who ignores her children…nor the wife who turns her back on her
husband.”
“Kyoko…” Makoto frowned in concern as she bit her lip, the both of them flashing back to when
she had thrown suspicion onto him during Mukuro Ikusaba’s trial and inadvertently condemned
him to die.
“You’ll never be that, Mommy! You’re the best Mommy anyone could ask for!”
As Kiki grabbed her hand, Makoto wrapped an arm around Kyoko’s waist, encouraging her “And
you’re the best wife any man could ever marry.”
“Kiki…Makoto…” Kyoko wiped her happy tears away and nodded, suggesting “Alright, what do
you say we all get to bed?”
“But I wanna hear about when you guys went to the Christmas Ball!”
Chuckling Makoto assured “Tomorrow, Kiki. We’ll get to that tomorrow.”
“Okay…” Kiki grumbled before her parents separated from their group hug.
Getting up off the bed, they brought the blanket up to Kiki’s chin as the young girl lay down, each
parent taking turns kissing her nose before they cooed “Good night, Kiki. Sweet dreams!”
*Yawn* “Sweet dreams…”
Once she really was dreaming, Makoto and Kyoko quietly crept out, Makoto closing the door
behind them. Once they arrived back into their room, they snuggled in their bed, replicating their
cuddling forms from when Kyoko asked him to the Christmas Ball all those years ago. Arms
wrapped around each other, Makoto leaned his head down to kiss her hair, the two yawning as they
fell into dreamland themselves, dreaming of the Christmas Ball they attended where they took the
next step in their relationship.
Love Arc Chapter Twelve: What Do I Wear? Shopping with Sayaka and
Leon!
Chapter Summary
Suddenly at a loss as to what to wear to the Christmas Ball, Makoto and Kyoko seek
out Leon and Sayaka for advice, who invite them to go shopping with them to pick out
their outfits. Will their shopping trip go off without a hitch?
Chapter Notes
: So I’ve decided to post the next two Chapters in Love Arc while I work on the next
Mini-Arc in HIMYM. It will probably be some time before I start posting the next
stretch of story, so hopefully these next two chapters will tide you over in the interim.
Please read and review, and enjoy!
Present Day
“So what happened at the Christmas Ball? Did you two finally kiss?”
Makoto chuckled and assured her “We’ll get there, Kiki. We’ll get there.” Once Kiki had calmed
down, Makoto began “Now then…over the next few days we were ecstatic that we were going as
each other’s dates. Eventually though, we realized that we hadn’t decided on what to wear.”
“Why didn’t you guys just wear your Halloween costumes?”
Kyoko explained “They were Halloween costumes. This was a Christmas Dance, and we wanted
this to be a special memory, so we also wanted to make sure we were dressed in appropriately
festive clothes.”
Nodding, Makoto continued “So we both started to panic…well, I don’t know about your Mother,
but I was probably obvious about it…”
Kyoko smiled at her blushing husband and agreed “You were an open book back then, sweetie.
Though, you weren’t alone. Even though I wasn’t obvious about it like you were, I was nervous
too. After all…I wanted that night to be special, so even though fashion wasn’t my thing, I wanted
to be sure I picked out the right dress for you.”
“Kyoko…” Makoto uttered before leaning over his daughter and pressing a kiss to Kyoko’s cheek,
making her blush before he pulled away, coughing into his fist as he continued. “So that Friday, I
pulled Leon aside after class while your Mother did the same with Sayaka and…”
XXX
December 12, 2014

“So I need your help, Leon! This dance is going to be my first one going with Kyoko as my date,
and I wanna make sure I wear something that doesn’t make me look totally goofy!”
Seeing Makoto’s panicked expression as he assumed the worst, the Ultimate Baseball Star grinned
and patted Makoto on the back, assuring him “Dude, calm down! Of course I’ll help…truthfully,
Sayaka and I were going to go pick out our outfits tomorrow. Why don’t you and Kyoko come
with us?”
“Come…with you? You mean…together?”
Nodding, Leon confirmed “Yeah…besides, I’m pretty sure I saw your girlfriend chasing down
mine right after class. So I’m sure Sayaka will give her the same invitation I just gave you.”
Deciding that this was the best way to both get Leon’s advice and Kyoko’s opinion before the Ball,
Makoto nodded and agreed “S…sure…it sounds fun…”
Giving a thumbs-up, Leon exclaimed “Great! Sorry dude, but I have to go get my homework
done. Sayaka made me promise when we got together that I had to keep being serious about
school in order to keep going out with her.”
…Makes sense, you hate doing schoolwork… Makoto reasoned, then smiled as Leon waved at him
as he ran off. “Okay, see you tomorrow, Leon!”
“You too, dude! I’ll e-mail you the details tonight!”
XXX
“So I…need your assistance with obtaining an appropriately festive dress for my first dance with
Makoto as his boyfriend” Kyoko admitted, unable to keep the nervousness out of her eyes as she
imagined the inevitable disappointment on Makoto’s face.
Sayaka grinned and took Kyoko’s hands in her own, stunning the Ultimate Detective as Sayaka
assured her “Kyoko, there’s no need to be so nervous. I know that you’re scared of disappointing
Makoto and you want this to be a special memory, but there’s no reason to be; you and Makoto are
made for each other, so there’s no way he’ll ever be disappointed in you.”
“H…how did you…?”
Hearing Kyoko’s surprised gasp, Sayaka grinned cheekily and replied ”Because, I’m psychic!”
Seeing Kyoko’s suddenly blank stare, Sayaka released Kyoko’s hands and pouted, murmuring
“That line always works on Makoto…”
Sighing, Kyoko replied “Well, I’m not my boyfriend, so that line isn’t going to work on me.”
Her pout transforming into a more relaxed smile, Sayaka nodded and explained “In all honesty, it’s
just good intuition. Plus I kind of know firsthand the anxieties that come with the honeymoon
phase of a relationship.”
She is dating Leon, so that does make sense…
Seeing Kyoko’s unspoken acceptance in her eyes, Sayaka continued “Anyway, your timing was
actually impeccable. Leon and I were going to buy our outfits at the mall tomorrow; why don’t
you and Makoto join us?”
Kyoko bit her lip and asked “…Isn’t that against the rules though? I thought I’d read somewhere
that boys aren’t supposed to see their significant other’s dress until the day of the event…”
Sighing, Sayaka informed her “That tradition only applies to weddings in America. And even if it
did apply to a high school dance, you shouldn’t try to make everything picture perfect!”
…He deserves perfect though…
Seeing the doubt in Kyoko’s eyes, Sayaka assured her “I know that you want to make Makoto
happy, but take it from someone who knew him before you. Makoto doesn’t need perfect to be
happy; he just needs to feel loved. As long as you treat him nicely and don’t torture yourself with
all these anxieties of yours, you two will do fine! So, come with us tomorrow; I’m sure Leon’s
already invited Makoto…”
*Beep, beep*
“Ah, chotto…” Sayaka apologized, digging her cell phone out of her pocket and looking at her
notifications before smiling and confirming “Speak of the devil…yep, he just invited him. So
come with us! We can help you pick out the perfect Christmas dress, and you can make sure
Makoto likes it too!”
…It is the best way to ensure that I get the perfect dress to please Makoto… Nodding, Kyoko gave
a small smile and agreed “Alright…I’ll trust your judgment, Sayaka.”
Sayaka squealed and jumped up and down, exclaiming “YAY! Oh this’ll be so much fun!” Her
bouncing finally coming to a halt, she turned around and told Kyoko “I gotta go; I’m meeting Leon
for a study date and if I’m not there, he’ll never focus! I’ll e-mail you the details after my date,
Kyoko! See you later!”
Kyoko sweatdropped as Sayaka zoomed away, leaving a cloud of dust in her wake, before she
shook her head and started walking to her room for a study date of her own with her boyfriend.
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, so did you and Daddy have another double date with Leon and Sayaka?”
“It wasn’t a double date, per se…we just happened to have the same goal in mind, so it made sense
for us to go together, Kiki.”
Kiki cocked her head in confusion and replied to Makoto “But you and Mommy were together, and
Leon and Sayaka were together…so it was a double date, wasn’t it, Daddy?”
Sighing, Kyoko interjected “It wasn’t a double date because we didn’t plan it as one; Sayaka and
Leon simply offered to help us pick out our clothes for the dance.”
Still not really getting it, Kiki merely nodded and moved on “So what happened next, Daddy?”
“Well, after our study date in my room, we woke up early the next morning. After your Mother’s
training with Sakura and Hina, we met up at the nearby mall and…”
XXX
December 13, 2014

“Hey, Makoto! Hey, Kyoko!”
Said couple turned around, smiling as they saw Sayaka and Leon running up to them. Makoto and
Kyoko had decided to grab a small lunch at the food court, both of them slurping the last noodle of
their Lo Mein when the other two Ultimates approached their table.
“Alright, you two ready to find an absolutely stunning Christmas dress?”
As Sayaka grinned at Kyoko, Leon elbowed Makoto and grinned, assuring him “Don’t you worry,
dude! By the time we’re done, you’ll have an outfit that’ll knock Kyoko’s skirt off! OW!”
Makoto and Kyoko blushed as Sayaka slapped the back of Leon’s head. Once Leon finished
nursing the lump on his head, he and Sayaka grabbed Makoto and Kyoko by the wrist respectively
and dragged the still blushing couple over to the nearest clothing store.
XXX
“Alright…so, what are you planning on going for in terms of style?”
Makoto adopted a thinking pose as he considered Leon’s question. Once they arrived, Leon took
Makoto over to the Men’s area while Sayaka took Kyoko to look at the dresses.
“Well…I just…I don’t wanna look goofy in front of Kyoko…so nothing goofy like those ugly
Christmas sweaters my parents made us wear every year…”
Mulling over Makoto’s words, Leon nodded and replied “I get ya…but you said that this Ball isn’t
a super formal event, right? And to be honest dude, I think the whole sweater look kind of suits
you.” As Makoto opened his mouth to protest, Leon held up his hands and explained “And there
are plenty of Christmas sweaters that aren’t “ugly” sweaters. So if we throw those together with a
pair of khakis, then throw some dress shoes on, I think you’d get something that’s warm and
comforting, but not super casual either.”
…I guess…but is that going to please Kyoko? Still uneasy, Makoto decided to give it a shot; he
nodded and agreed “…Alright, let’s see what kind of sweaters they have…”
Grinning, Leon assured him “Cheer up, dude! I’m sure we can find something that strikes a
middle ground! Now, this way!”
XXX
“So, what kind of dress are you gonna pick out to wear for Makoto?”
…Isn’t this why I came to you for advice? Kyoko deadpanned, then reconsidered. Still…it is
ultimately my decision. I have to be comfortable in it, so I should at least have some idea of the
framework… “Nothing extraordinarily fancy, maybe something in a similar vein to my Halloween
costume, but more festive.”
Nodding, Sayaka’s eyes lit up and she exclaimed “I’ve got it! Wait here!” Sayaka disappeared for
only a minute, long enough for Kyoko to start tugging at her gloves nervously before the Ultimate
Pop Sensation returned, grinning with a dress in hand and urging “Here! Take this dress and try it
on in the changing room!”
Kyoko looked over the dress; colored as green as a Christmas tree, the dress had no other designs,
exposing no cleavage, while the hem reached just above her knees, similarly to the trademark skirt
she wore as part of her detective uniform.
And this one has sleeves…this might work…
Kyoko confiscated the dress from Sayaka and walked to the changing stall, the Ultimate Pop
Sensation in tow as she walked behind Kyoko, smiling with satisfaction at having picked out a
dress that she was sure was perfect for Kyoko.
XXX
*Pant* “Yo, babe! We’ve got a problem it’s Makoto…”
*SLAM*
“What’s wrong with Makoto?”
Sayaka and Leon jumped as the door to the changing stall slammed open, Kyoko narrowing her
eyes as the still exhausted Leon sweated even more profusely.
“We found an outfit for him and he went into the changing stall to put it on. But the instant I asked
him to come out so he could show it off to you, he got cold feet and refused to come out. He’s
afraid you’ll laugh at him when you see it…his words, not mine!” Leon clarified at seeing Kyoko’s
intimidating glare.
Kyoko sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose, muttering “My boyfriend and his self-esteem
issues…alright, lead us to the stall, Leon.”
Nodding, Leon turned around and wordlessly started walking, Kyoko marching by his side with a
fierce determination in his step. Sayaka, left in the dust sweatdropped before sighing “…I’m kinda
glad I turned him down…I don’t know how I could handle dealing with Makoto’s emotional
baggage on a regular basis…”
Sighing one last time, Sayaka hurried after her boyfriend and Kyoko, trying to catch up with their
breakneck pace.
XXX
“Makoto, open the door!” Sayaka rapped on the door with her fist, trying to encourage him “It’s
me, Sayaka! Come on, open up and come on out so Kyoko can see how awesome you look!”
“NO! I’m not coming out!” Sayaka’s eyes widened, Leon murmuring “I told you so…” while
Kyoko stood there baffled as her boyfriend objected with panic in his voice “Once Kyoko sees me
in this, she’ll laugh at how silly and goofy I look in this!”
“That’s not true, Makoto; if Kyoko has an issue with your clothes, she’ll tell you to your face…”
“I don’t want to have her tell me! I just wanted to pick out something that she’d love, and this isn’t
it!”
Sighing, Sayaka was officially aggravated as she rebutted “Naegi, you’re acting like a big baby
about this…”
Sayaka’s tirade was cut off as she felt a soft squeeze on her shoulder. Turning around, she saw
Kyoko, shaking her head as her violet eyes softened, the Ultimate Detective letting go of Sayaka as
she approached the stall door.
“Leave Makoto to me. Sayaka, you and Leon stand at the entrance and keep watch. And don’t
turn around until I give the okay; this is going to involve something I’m not ready to show you
yet.”
Curious, Sayaka nevertheless nodded and replied “O…okay…come on, Leon, let’s leave this to
Kyoko.”
Kyoko watched as Leon obediently followed his girlfriend, the two standing guard in front of the
entrance to the stalls. Sighing, the Ultimate Detective turned to the occupied stall, deciding to try
one last time to coax her boyfriend out of the stall before resorting to her trump card.
“Makoto? It’s me, Kyoko.”
*Gasp*
Makoto’s face paled behind the door as he stuttered “K…Kyou…Kyoko?”
Biting her lip for a moment, she tried to softly plead with him “…Open the door, please? I
promise, I won’t laugh at you.”
Biting his lip now, Makoto leaned his back against the door and confessed “…I want to believe
you…but you don’t know yet just how dorky this outfit I’m wearing is…you wouldn’t want to be
seen with me in this, especially at a school dance! You’d either laugh or sigh in disappointment at
your choice in men…”
No I wouldn’t…
Seeing that Makoto was being stubborn and unreceptive, Kyoko sighed and pulled on the fabric of
her right glove, exposing the scarred flesh and sticking it through a gap in the side of the door.
Stuffing her glove in her jacket’s pocket, she felt around with her exposed hand until she tapped
Makoto’s elbow.
“YAH!”
Once the boy had calmed down, he uttered “Kyoko…your hand…”
Nodding on the other side, Kyoko encouraged him “You don’t have to come out if you don’t want
to…just please…let me hold your hand…”
Gulping, Makoto hesitantly reached for her exposed hand with his own, Kyoko instantly threading
her fingers with his, caressing his knuckles with her thumb. Makoto let out a sigh of relief and
calm as she continued her ministrations, Kyoko smiling at the progress.
“Makoto…you remember how self-conscious I was…with my hands…I never showed my scars to

anyone, in part because I was scared…scared that the first person outside of my immediate family
or my doctor to see them would laugh at me or call me ugly. I might not have cared much about
personal vanity, but the part of me that was still a teenage girl still wanted to keep the illusion of
being pretty…”
Squeezing her hand, Makoto nearly roared “O…of course you’re pretty, Kyoko…your hands are
beautiful!”
Smiling softly at Makoto’s attempt to make her feel loved, Kyoko replied “Well, beautiful is in the
eye of the beholder…but what’s undeniable is that when you saw my scars for what they were, you
never once laughed, nor did you react in disgust or disappointment. So why would I suddenly
laugh at or show disgust with you?”
Though most of his self-doubt washed away with Kyoko’s reassurances, a small bit remained,
causing Makoto to question one last time “…You’re not just saying this stuff to make me feel
better, are you?”
“…Have I ever been the type of girl who would pull her punches?”
…No, no you aren’t… Sighing, Makoto let out a small chuckle, making Kyoko smile as she
realized that she had finally gotten through to him. “…Guess I’ve been acting silly, huh?”
“You have, but I don’t hold it against you, Makoto. Just…come outside so I can see
you…please?”
A moment passed before Makoto retracted his hand, Kyoko doing the same as she stepped away
from the door, allowing Makoto to undo the latch and swing it open, the Luckster peering out shyly
from behind it. Seeing Kyoko’s encouraging smile, Makoto took a deep breath and gradually
stepped out of the stall and into view.
Kyoko took in his outfit; his top was covered by a red, fuzzy Christmas sweater, its only decoration
a big white snowflake covering almost the entire front. Looking down, she saw his wearing a pair
of khaki pants, before readjusting her gaze and walking up to him.
This is what he was so worried about? Kyoko resisted the urge to laugh at how worked up
Makoto had gotten over nothing, vowing I promised I wouldn’t laugh at him, and I won’t break it!
Makoto gulped in nervousness as she replaced her glove before placing her left hand on his
shoulder. She then rested her right palm over his heart, feeling his panicking heartbeat.
Before Makoto could chicken out and run back into the stall again, Kyoko smiled and evaluated
“…Warm and fuzzy…it suits you, Makoto.”
His eyes shining in relieved glee, Makoto murmured “Th…thank you…” before sizing up his
girlfriend, taking in her elegant forest green dress, beaming as he commented “Wow…you look…
beautiful, Kyoko…”
Smiling, Kyoko replied “…I’m glad…so there’s nothing to worry about…” With everything
resolved, Kyoko threaded their fingers together as she urged “Come on. Let’s go tell Sayaka and
Leon everything’s okay, then we can go and pay for this stuff.”
Nodding, Makoto agreed “S…sure…” blushing as he let Kyoko lead him out of the changing
room, preparing to apologize to two of his closest friends for causing such a fuss.
XXX
“I’m really sorry I acted like such a baby back there guys. I don’t know what came over me…”
Makoto sighed as he walked with Kyoko on his left and Leon on his right, Sayaka walking arm in
arm on the Ultimate Baseball Star’s other side as she rolled her eyes and told him “We heard you
the first time, Makoto.” Deciding he had earned a tease, Sayaka grinned cheekily “Just make sure
you don’t pull anything like this at your wedding. No girl likes being left at the altar, right
Kyoko?”
Makoto and Kyoko both blushed profusely, while Leon glared at his girlfriend, who closed her
mouth before she could tease them anymore.
Sighing with exasperation at his girlfriend, Leon gave Makoto an easy smile and assured him
“Dude, it’s cool, really! Besides, it all worked out; we all got our outfits for the Ball next week,
and you guys got some totally cool accessories to show off!”
Makoto and Kyoko looked down at the bags in their respective hands. Makoto had gotten a fresh
pair of black dress shoes while Kyoko had gotten a pair of emerald heels and ruby red gloves to
compliment her green dress. At last Makoto and Kyoko reached their respective dorms, bidding
farewell to the others as they separated to hang their new clothes in their closets. Once he had it
hung up, Makoto sighed as he looked at the sweater and khakis he bought.
“Well, Kyoko says she likes it, so I’ll believe in Kyoko! Alright, here’s hoping next week’s ball is
one she’ll remember for the rest of her life!”
XXX
Present Day
“You got that worked up over a sweater, Daddy?”
Blushing, Makoto explained to his daughter “Well, it wasn’t the sweater so much…more that…I
wanted to impress your Mother…and to my teenage self, a sweater just seemed…too casual for an
occasion so special…”
Kyoko threaded their fingers together, causing her husband to turn to her as she smiled warmly and
assured him “You’ve never made me not feel special, and you’ve always impressed me. That’s
what I’d say to your past self, if I could…”
Happy tears welling in his eyes, he murmured “Kyoko…” before leaning in to kiss his wife’s soft
lips. She reciprocated for a few seconds, before pulling away, allowing Makoto to urge his
daughter “Anyways, it’s bedtime for you, pumpkin.”
“But I wanna hear about the Ball!”
Giggling, Kyoko promised “Tomorrow, Kiki…I promise…”
“…Okay…” Kiki grumbled, before being tucked into bed by her parents. Kyoko stood back as she
let Makoto kiss his daughter good night.
“Good night, Kiki…we love you!”
*Yawn* “…I love you too, Daddy…you’re always special to me, too…”
Happy tears welled in his eyes again at hearing his daughter’s sleepy praise before he heard her
slight, feminine snores. It was then that Kyoko threaded their fingers together, gently pulling him
away from Kiki’s bedside as they retreated back to their room.
XXX
They both snuggled under the blankets, Kyoko rubbing Makoto’s back and leaning down to place
repeated light kisses all over his face to reassure him that he was indeed special.
Once he had closed his eyes and was on the verge of sleep, Kyoko smiled and breathed “Good
night, my special Hope…”
Makoto yawned and replied drowsily “Good night, my special Detective. Sweet dreams.”
They both squeezed each other tighter, any traces of their insecurities vanishing along with their
sense of awareness as they entered each other’s dreams, nothing but joy and love in their minds.
Love Arc Chapter Thirteen: Makoto and Kyoko at the Christmas Ball! A
Favor from Father?
Chapter Summary
With the Christmas Ball finally upon them, Makoto and Kyoko replicate their
Halloween dance. Will their kiss be interrupted again, or will they be able to stop that
part of history from repeating itself?
Present Day
“So what happened after you got back from shopping, Daddy?”
“Well, the next week passed without incident. Your Mother and I had a few study dates in our
rooms because we had exams coming up the day before the Ball. The next day I had just put on
my clothes and went next door to pick up your Mother and escort her to the auditorium…”
XXX
December 20, 2014
Makoto tugged nervously at the collar of his sweater, sweating as he looked down to make sure it
was still tucked into his pants.
Looking up at the nameplate on Kyoko’s door, Makoto took a deep breath as he tried to calm
down, telling himself “Breathe, Makoto. Kyoko already told you she likes your outfit, so there’s
no reason to get nervous. Just breathe…and knock…”
Before he could chicken out again, Makoto raised his fist and rapped three times on the door,
stepping back and kicking his heel with his toe nervously as he waited for Kyoko to answer the
door.
“You don’t have to look so nervous, Makoto…” Makoto looked up, his eyes widening as he took
in the sight of his girlfriend.
The Ultimate Detective smiled softly, donned in her green dress that seemed to flow down her
torso like a green waterfall as her silky smooth feet were encased in emerald green heels,
reminding Makoto of Dorothy’s ruby red slippers from the Wizard of Oz. He next took note of her
hair, missing the usual braid, it flowed down her back like a stream of water. She reached up with
her right hand to cup his cheek, Makoto humming and closing his eyes as he felt her ruby red silky
fingers stroke his face, feeling his nerves vanish with her reassuring ministrations.
Opening his eyes, Makoto smiled bashfully and apologized “S…sorry…I almost got cold feet
again…but…WOW…you look…beautiful, Kyoko…”
Blushing, Kyoko gave Makoto a once-over, smirking as she replied “You don’t look so bad
yourself, Naegi.” Linking her elbow with his own, Kyoko asked “So, shall we go?”
Nodding, Makoto smiled peacefully, leading his girlfriend through the halls as they made their
way to the gymnasium.
XXX
“And now, as before we part ways to rejoin our friends and families for the winter holidays, let us
all celebrate together as we partake in the annual Christmas Ball!”
Everyone applauded, even Kyoko, as Makoto made his way from the stand next to Chiaki back to
his girlfriend, sitting down next to her as all of his friends from the 77th and 78th Classes took to
the dance floor to engage in the festivities.
“You’re getting better at the public speaking part of your job…Representative Naegi.”
Makoto gave an embarrassed chuckle as he waved off “…It was Chiaki that came up with the
script.” Looking around at the walls of the gymnasium, he took in the various red bows and green
wreaths decorating the walls, commenting “And most everyone else decorated the gym…so I
kinda had the easy job, ne?”
Nodding in acceptance, Makoto and Kyoko watched their other classmates mingle and dance away,
the loving couple content to just watch for the time being.
Seeing Makoto frown, a concerned Kyoko prodded “What’s the matter, Makoto?”
Sighing, Makoto explained “It’s just…even though Chiaki had done most of the planning during
our meetings…she didn’t really seem into it tonight. That’s why she had me do the speaking…she
said she wasn’t really in the mood for DDR tonight. She’s just normally so upbeat, in her own
way…but she seemed…I don’t know…almost depressed. I just wonder what could be wrong…”
Kyoko nodded, understanding why Makoto was so concerned, and admittedly more than a little
curious herself.
Before she could ponder the matter further, Makoto continued “And then there’s Mukuro…”
Mukuro was the only member of their class to refuse to come, claiming that she was going to leave
school as soon as the exams were done.
“I’ll return in the new year with Junko when her suspension expires.”
“…You’re not having regrets about having exposed Junko, are you?”
“…It’s…complicated, Kyoko. What Junko did was wrong, I’d never argue that. I just…wish that
Mukuro didn’t have to suffer too. And I’m…kind of responsible for it…” Makoto sighed and
admitted “I just wish that she felt welcome enough to know that even if her sister’s not right here
with us, she still has friends…”
Kyoko’s eyes softened, understanding now why Makoto seemed so out of it.
Makoto…you’re too kind and self-sacrificing for your own good…but this is your dance too…how
can I get you to enjoy it?
“H…Hey!”
Makoto yelped as he found himself lifted out of his seat, Kyoko tugging him by the arm until he
was standing.
“It’s a dance, isn’t it? So why don’t we go dance and enjoy ourselves? Look, most of the others
have migrated to the tables and started mingling, so it’ll be like we have the floor all to ourselves.”
His eyes widening as he realized Kyoko was trying to cheer him up, Makoto smiled and nodded,
agreeing “Sure, I’d love to.”
Beaming at her boyfriend’s improved mood, Kyoko slid her hand down his arm until she threaded
her fingers with his own, the Ultimate Detective leading him giddily to the center of the gym.
“Remember our dance during Halloween?”
Nodding, Makoto resumed the position from memory; he threaded his right hand with her left,
placing his left hand on her waist as she placed her right hand on his back. The couple blushed as
memories of their Halloween Dance came rushing forward. With their positions now complete,
Kyoko for a change led her boyfriend in a simple waltz, allowing herself to smile as they danced in
a figure eight, weaving around what few couples were still on the dance floor.
Makoto relaxed into her grasp, beaming as he stared into her violet eyes, the rest of the room
seeming to blur away as they continued to waltz. His heart beat furiously while Kyoko caressed
his back with her supporting hand as they continued their loving dance, squeezing the other’s hand
in their threaded grasp.
All good things had to come to an end though. By their tenth rotation, Kyoko reluctantly came to
an end, Makoto’s face momentarily slamming into her breasts when he couldn’t stop his
momentum in time. Seeing Makoto pick his head up, his cheeks blushing furiously in
embarrassment, Kyoko giggled until she saw Makoto’s eyes widen, his gaze angled above them.
Her brow furrowed, following her boyfriend’s gaze until she saw what was catching his attention; a
single green plant tied to a long rope that extended past her field of vision.
“…What…is that…?”
Still blushing, Makoto stammered “…Mis…Mistletoe…”
“I see…forgive me, but what is it about mistletoe that’s making you blush?”
Makoto stared incredulously at Kyoko until he realized Oh right…her grandfather focused on

training her as a Detective, so he probably never taught her about romantic traditions… Gulping,
Makoto answered “Um…well…I don’t know when it started, but apparently it’s a Christmas
tradition that when two people stand under a piece of mistletoe together…they have to…ano…
kiss…”
Her eyes widening as she took in what Makoto just said, Kyoko blushed before hearing a pair of
feminine giggles in the background. Turning her head, she saw Sayaka and Hina, giggling as they
held a familiar rope in their palms, Leon and Sakura respectively trying in vain to drag them away.
Sighing, Kyoko turned her attention back to her nervous boyfriend and assured him “…We don’t
have to if you’re not ready. I won’t force you to kiss me if you still need more time.”
Smiling nervously, Makoto slid his hand from her hip to her back, gradually sliding it up her spine
as he admitted “…Would you believe me if I said I was more nervous about coming to this dance
at all than I was about the idea of kissing you?”
Kyoko gasped as he threaded his fingers in her lavender hair, cupping the back of her head with his
palm as she breathed “Makoto…”
His smile looking more confident, Makoto mustered up all of his courage as he breathed “If you’re
ready, then I’m ready. I trust you, Kyoko…”.
“…I’m ready, Makoto…” Kyoko whispered with glee, her boyfriend applying pressure on the back
of her head as he gradually pulled her down to his level.
It wasn’t until they could feel each other’s breath against their lips when Makoto uttered “I love
you, Kyoko!”
“I love you too, Makoto…”
Any other words between them were silenced as their lips pressed against each other. Closing their
eyes, Makoto and Kyoko continued to press their moist lips against each other, their tongues
staying in their respective mouths.
Unlike when they had sex over a month ago, this kiss was not the result of uncontrollable lust and
passion spurred on by their teenage hormones. This truly was a kiss of pure love, the two teenagers
releasing their hands so that they could cup each other’s cheeks, stroking their faces as softly and
warmly as the caresses of their lips. Eventually they both parted for air, Makoto and Kyoko
breathing lightly as they beamed at each other with loving smiles.
“…Not bad for a first kiss, Makoto…”
Tears of joy welling in his eyes, Makoto moved forward to capture her lips again in another soft
kiss. Once they had separated, Makoto moved his arms to wrap around her waist, burying his head
in her shoulder. Looking down at him with a loving expression, Kyoko wrapped one arm around
his waist while the other reached to stroke his head, fingers threading through his messy, spiky
hair.
“I…I love you, Kyoko. I can’t wait…to spend Christmas with you.”
Resting her head on his shoulder, Kyoko replied ”I love you too, Makoto. I can’t wait…to spend
Christmas with you and your family…”
Unknown to Makoto, Kyoko’s face suddenly looked pensive, the girl now reminded of her
dilemma.
I still need to keep Grandfather in the dark…but how…I need someone who can cover for me,
someone who my Grandfather wouldn’t suspect…but who…?
Kyoko’s eyes widened as she took in the sight of the Headmaster, leaning against the wall and
keeping a vigilant eye on his students, softly smiling at his daughter.
Perhaps…
XXX
Present Day
“So how did you do it, Mommy?” How did you keep your Grandfather Fuhito in the dark about
your plans with Daddy?
“Well, I had an idea, but I still needed to ponder it for a couple of days. Eventually, I decided to
take a leap of faith, and…”
XXX
December 23, 2014
*Knock, Knock*
Jin looked up from his paperwork, curiosity in his eyes as he shrugged and replied “Enter.”
To his surprise, the door opened, revealing an unusually shy and hesitant Kyoko, quietly stepping
inside and closing the door behind her.
“Oh, Kyoko! What can I do for you? I thought you’d be packing to go back with your Grandfather
again…”
Shaking her head, Kyoko approached his desk, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear as she
admitted “I…needed to speak with you again…as my Father…”
Kyoko couldn’t even get another word in before Jin rocketed up from his desk pulling one of the
chairs behind his desk and plopping down in his usual chair. He gestured for Kyoko to sit down,
and after just a moment of hesitation, walked over and sat down in the chair, facing her Father and
starting to fidget with her braid, memories of the last time she had sought him out bubbling to the
surface of her mind.
“So, what can I do for you, Kyoko?”
Biting her lip, she hesitated before reasoning Well, everyone else knows…and assuming he saw our
kiss at the dance like I think he did, he probably does too. So… Kyoko took a deep breath and told
him as plainly as she could “…I’m dating Makoto Naegi.”
To her relief, Jin feigned ignorance, a look of faux surprise on his face as he nodded and told her
“If you’re happy with him, then that’s all that matters.” Looking off to the side, he confessed with
a hint of shame in his voice “If you’ve come to ask for my blessing, you don’t need it. I…lost any
right I may have had as your Father to weigh in on your relationships after your Mother died, and
you’re certainly old enough to make your own decisions on this…”
Glad we’re on the same page… Kyoko deadpanned before shaking her head and revealing “That’s
not why I needed to speak with you. I’m here because…” Kyoko sighed and finished “I need a
favor from you…one only you can grant.”
Jin’s head cocked in confusion, but nonetheless he nodded and agreed “Of course, Kyoko…just tell
me what you need.”
“…I’m planning to spend Christmas Vacation with Makoto and his family this year…”
Smiling warmly, Jin replied “That sounds great, Kyoko. I’m sure the Naegis will be ecstatic to
have you with them, if their son is any indication.”
For just a second, for just a split second, Kyoko’s lips tugged into a smile as she thought about how
she wanted Makoto’s family to welcome her with open arms. As soon as Jin caught it however, her
lips returned to her standard neutral mask.
“However, Grandfather still doesn’t know that I’m in a relationship, and I’d prefer to keep things
that way for the time being.” At her Father’s confused expression, Kyoko explained “Grandfather
did everything he could to keep me away from boys as a teenager.” Smiling in reminiscence, she
revealed “I had a friend a few years ago named Yui Samidare, and Grandfather mistook her for a
boy and tried to beat her with his cane until I told her she was a girl.”
Jin’s eyes shined with concern, his fists clenched as he took in his daughter’s words, starting to
understand why Kyoko took such care to hide her first boyfriend from her guardian.
“I see…and you’re afraid that Makoto could be harmed if your Grandfather found out, am I
wrong?”
Nodding, Kyoko shook the visions of her Grandfather breaking every bone in Makoto’s body as
she confirmed “That’s right, so I need you to cover for me with Grandfather. Just tell him that you
asked me to work on a case that requires me to travel for a long duration.”
Smiling, Jin guessed “This is really important to you, isn’t it?”
Kyoko blushed before reluctantly nodding, wordlessly confirming Jin’s suspicions.
Beaming at her, Jin nodded and agreed “I’ll do it; I’ll keep your Grandfather off your trail.”
Kyoko barely had the time to smile before Jin continued “In fact, I’ll do you one better…think of it
as my Christmas present to you.”
XXX
Present Day
“So what did he do, Mommy? What was Grandpa Jin’s present to you?”
Smiling with her husband, Kyoko promised “…Tomorrow, Kiki.”
“Awww…” Kiki groaned before lying down, grumbling “Stupid cliffhangers…”
Tucking her in, Makoto and Kyoko kissed their daughter good night. Once she was fast asleep, her
parents quietly tiptoed out into the hallway and closed the door behind them.
XXX
Lying on the bed, Makoto murmured “…I can’t believe we’re at this part of the story…our first
Christmas together…”
“…Indeed…” Kyoko smiled before her eyes widened in epiphany. Turning to her husband, she
raised “Makoto, this part is no longer just our story right?”
Confused, Makoto sat up and asked “What are you getting at, honey?”
“I mean…why don’t we have them come and help tell the story with us?”
The light bulb in his head lit up in realization before Makoto grinned and nodded, agreeing “That
sounds like a great idea! Let me just…”
Makoto reached for the cell phone next to his side of the bed, disconnecting it from the charger
and tapping the phone app. He scrolled through his contact list until he found the one he was
looking for, tapping it before pressing his thumb on the call icon.
*Ring Ring*
Love Arc Chapter Fourteen: Christmas with the Naegis! Meeting the In-
Laws!
Chapter Summary
After Jin takes the opportunity to talk to Makoto as Kyoko's Father while driving them
to Makoto's house, they finally arrive and get to meet Makoto's parents and sister face-
to-face. Will Makoto's family take a liking to Kyoko right off the bat?
Chapter Notes
I’m sorry for the hiatus, but I wanted to have this mini-Arc all written out before I
started posting again. So, welcome to the “Christmas With the Naegis” mini-Arc! I’ll
be making daily updates on this fic for the next two weeks, starting today! Please read
and review, and enjoy!
Present Day
“So what happened next, Daddy? Did you ever find out what Grandpa Jin promised Mommy?”
Nodding, Makoto explained “You see, Kiki, originally I had planned for your Baa-chan and Jii-
chan to pick us up. However, I had to cancel those plans last minute. Because, you see…”
XXX
December 24, 2014
Makoto’s eyes darted nervously as he sat in the back of the car, his girlfriend holding his hand and
stroking his knuckles with her thumb in an attempt to calm him down. Sitting in the front seat was
none other than her father, Jin Kirigiri, who had volunteered to escort them to Makoto’s house.
…Maybe it wasn’t the best idea to have my Father be the one to drive us… Kyoko lamented as she
took note of Makoto’s hyper-nervous state. Father…please don’t do anything to scare him…
“So…Makoto…” Jin spoke as he steered. Kyoko narrowed her eyes as her Father continued
“Kyoko tells me that you two are dating…”
Swallowing the lump in his throat, Makoto stammered “Y…yes, we are. Thanks for dr…driving
us, Head…master…”
Giving an amused smile that identified at least one trait Kyoko had inherited from her Father, he
replied “If you want to thank me, then you can stop calling me “Headmaster” while we’re not on
campus. Mr. Kirigiri will do, don’t you think?”
Sweating, Makoto asked “A…are you sure…? Doesn’t that seem a bit…casual…?”
Briefly turning his head to give Makoto a reassuring look before turning his vision back to the
road, assuring him “Your respect for my position is admirable, but I’d like to be able to talk with
you as Kyoko’s father, too. So please, Mr. Kirigiri will do.”
Finally starting to calm down, Makoto nodded and replied “Okay, Mr. Kirigiri. So…” Makoto bit
his lip and asked with a hint of nervousness “So…you don’t have any issue with me…dating your
daughter…or her staying with me for Christmas…?”
“Kyoko is old enough to make her own decisions without her Father butting in…”
Isn’t that what you’re doing right now? Kyoko deadpanned before her Father continued.
“And besides…” Jin smiled wistfully as he continued “Even with me, my Father was never one to
celebrate holidays…” *Ring, Ring* Jin sighed and muttered “Speak of the devil. One moment,
please…” Jin pressed a button on his dashboard and answered “Yes, Dad?”
Makoto nearly jumped in his seat as Fuhito’s voice echoed in the car “Jin, where’s my
granddaughter? I came to pick her up from the campus and she was nowhere to be found.”
“Oh, I’m escorting Kyoko to her next case. She got a request from an anonymous client that
requires her to travel, so she’s gonna be away for the entirety of Christmas break.”
“Kyoko never mentioned anything about a case to me.”
Jin shrugged “What can I say, Dad? It came up really last minute; I just offered to drive her to her
first stop. She’s reviewing the main case file in the car right now, so she can’t really talk.”
Jin winked, making Kyoko smile appreciatively at her Father for once before Fuhito sighed and
conceded “Well…as long as it’s for Detective work…I suppose that’s okay. Just have her call me
once she’s done so I can hear about it.”
“Yes Dad, I’ll pass it on. Goodbye, Dad…” Jin hung up, making Kyoko and Makoto sigh in
relief that Fuhito had bought their lie before Jin continued “Now, where were we…ah, right,
Kyoko staying over for Christmas.” Jin gave Makoto an easygoing smile as he explained “I don’t
think it’s a stretch to say that my daughter hasn’t had an opportunity to celebrate the holidays
properly since her Mother died. If your family is as enthusiastic about the holidays as you were
about celebrating Kyoko’s birthday this year…I think spending Christmas with you and your
family will be good for her.”
Kyoko blushed at her Father’s paternal caring, while an also blushing Makoto smiled, finally
relaxing completely as he replied “Th…thank you, Mr. Kirigiri…”
Jin watched through the rear-view mirror, smiling at seeing his daughter and her boyfriend smiling
affectionately at each other as he continued driving down the streets of Tokyo, eager to officially
meet the parents of the boy who had saved his daughter’s life and opened her heart.
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, that was really nice of Grandpa Jin to cover for you like that!” Seeing Makoto and Kyoko
smile wistfully and nod in agreement, Kiki asked “So what happened next, Daddy? What
happened when you and Mommy arrived at Jii-ji and Baa-ba’s house?”
“Well, for that…” *Ding* Makoto looked down to his cell phone on Kiki’s dresser and smiled,
exclaiming “Ah, perfect timing! We have guests, so we have to go greet them!”
As Makoto got off the bed, Kiki whined “But what about storytime?!”
Kyoko got off the bed next, smiling at her daughter as she promised “Soon, Kiki; we’ll continue
storytime soon. In the meantime, come on and let’s help your Father greet our guests.”
“But…” *sniff* “storytiiimmmmeeeee…” Seeing that her parents were paying no heed to her
demands, Kiki sighed in surrender, wiggling out and off of her bed as she groaned
“Mattakuuuuuuu…” Dusting off her footie pajamas, she pouted and stomped after her parents,
muttering “This had better be good…”
XXX
“Baa-ba! Jii-ji! Auntie Komaru!”
Hana, Shingi, and Komaru all knelt down in the living room, wrapping the youngest Naegi in a
group hug as Makoto and Kyoko smiled in the sidelines.
As she was released from her group hug, Kiki asked “So what are you all doing here? It’s almost
bedtime.”
“But that’s why we’re here, Kiki!” Komaru answered.
Kiki cocked her head curiously at her Aunt before Hana explained “Your Mom and Dad called last
night and said they were telling the story of how they met and fell in love, and that they had just
gotten to the point where your Mom came over to spend Christmas with us.”
Shingi concluded “So they asked us if we could stay over and help tell this part of the story.”
Kiki’s eyes sparkled as she asked with bated breath “Really? You’re sleeping over?!”
Nodding, Hana confirmed “As long as it takes to tell the story.”
“YAY! SLUMBER PARTY!”
Komaru grinned, nodding and teasing “That’s right! We’ll be staying over for a while, so we’ll
have plenty of time for tickle fights!”
“But I wanna hear the story! I don’t wanna be ti…tihi…hihihihickllleeed riiighht

nowhwohowhowhowhowhow!”
Kiki’s objections gave way to a fit of giggles, as Komaru gently tackled her to the floor and started
scribbling her fingers over the top of Kiki’s pajama-covered belly, urging “Quick Dad; get her
feet!”
“Nohohohohoho! Not my feHEHEHEHEHEHEHEET JIII-

JIIHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHE! STAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!”
Kiki flailed, her belly bouncing with laughter as Shingi knelt down and started scratching at Kiki’s
soles. The young girl’s laughter sang even higher as her Grandfather’s curious fingers tickled
under her toes, the fuzzy fabric of her footie pajamas offering little defense against her
ticklishness. Makoto watched with an amused smile until he gasped, feeling a soft poke at his
waist.
Turning around, he paled at seeing his mother wiggle his fingers in front of him; stepping back in
fear, he held up his hands and stammered “M…Mom…I’m almost thirty years old! I’m too old to
be tickled by my Mother!”
Makoto quaked in fear at seeing not only his Mother not back down, but his wife join her in
threatening to tickle the Hope’s Peak Headmaster.
“Now, Ky…Kyoko…h…honey…we have a deal! No ti…tickling me unless I’m de…depressed.

So sta…WAH!”
Makoto yelped as his wife tackled him to the floor, scribbling her fingers across her husband’s
belly while her Mother-in-law kneeled on the floor and started paying attention to her son’s ticklish
toes, making them wiggle within their enclosed cocoons.
“KiiiiiiYOHOHOHOHOHOKOOOO!
MAAAHAHAHAHAHAHMMMMMEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEEEE!
STAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAHPPPPP! PLLLLEEEEHEHEHEEHEHEHEHEHEHEHHE!”
Captured in twin ticklish holds, Father and Daughter continued to laugh their heads off as the other
four Naegis continued to tickle torture their captives.
XXX
Now back on Kiki’s bed, the Naegi girl sat in her Father’s lap, the two of them sitting as far away
from Kyoko as possible. Meanwhile Hana, Shingi, and Komaru sat at the edge of the bed, all four
ex-ticklers smiling guiltily as the tickled pink Makoto and Kiki glanced fearfully at their family,
his arms wrapped around his daughter protectively as though to protect her from any future tickle
attacks.
Eventually it was Kyoko who broke the ice, suggesting “…Maybe we should continue the story.”
Hearing her husband and daughter sigh in relief, she suggested “Mom, would you do the honors?”
Nodding, Hana began “Your Father had called us early this morning and told us that your Grandpa
Jin would be driving you both home. With that in mind, we waited for you to arrive, and just
before you all drove in…”
XXX
December 24, 2014
“So when is Makoto going to get here?” Komaru asked as she and her parents stood in the
driveway, waiting for Makoto and his guest to arrive.
Smiling at her daughter, Hana replied “Soon, Komaru. They’ll be here soon.”
“…They’d better. I can’t wait to meet Makoto’s new girlfriend!”
Nodding in agreement, Shingi concurred “I’m rather intrigued to see what kind of girl stole your
brother’s heart as well.”
Smiling, Hana agreed “We’re all excited to meet Makoto’s first girlfriend. On that subject…”
Shingi and Komaru frowned as Hana’s expression suddenly turned serious and stern “I don’t want
to hear any teasing from either of you while Kyoko is here. As was stated earlier, she is Makoto’s
first girlfriend, and we are going to make sure she feels welcome. The last thing we want is to
make her feel embarrassed through your relentless teasing. Nor do we want to make Makoto never
want to bring her home again by embarrassing him.”
“Now, Hana…”
“But Moooommmm…”
Hana narrowed her eyes and told them “No “buts”. We are going to ensure Kyoko Kirigiri feels
welcome in the Naegi household. So no teasing…are we clear.”
“Okay…”
“Sure, honey…”
Hana smiled victoriously, then her eyes widened as she saw a car pull into their driveway, the
Naegi matriarch exclaiming “Oh look! They’re here! Well, let’s go and greet them, shall we?”
Her husband and daughter nodded, the trio walking up as the car doors opened, Makoto gingerly
getting out of the car, leading Kyoko out by the hand as a tall, purple-haired man stepped out of the
driver’s door. Makoto looked to his girlfriend, who smiled softly and nodded before he let go of
her hand and ran up to his family, pulling them into a group hug. As Kyoko got her luggage out of
the trunk, she and Jin smiled at the warm family scene playing out before their eyes, briefly
flashing back to a time when their family was as whole as the Naegis.
“Mom! Dad! Komaru! It’s good to be home!”
Smiling, Hana greeted “It’s good to have you home again, Makoto. We’re all excited to hear more
about your adventures at Hope’s Peak.”
“But first, is there someone you’d like to introduce us to, son?”
“Yeah, Onii-chan! We’re all dying to meet your girlfriend!”
Makoto blushed slightly, stammering “R…right…” As Kyoko was wheeling her suitcase behind
her, Makoto lightly grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her over, introducing “Mom, Dad,
Komaru, this is my girlfriend, Kyoko Kirigiri.”
As Makoto let go of her wrist, she let go of her suitcase and bowed respectfully before her future
in-laws, greeting her future Mother-in-law “Mrs. Naegi, hajimemashite.”
Smiling warmly, Hana was the first to rise from her bow, returning “It’s nice to meet you,
Kyoko.” As Kyoko rose from her bow and gave her a nervous smile, Hana’s brow furrowed as she
wondered …Have we met, you look familiar somehow…
Kyoko’s nervousness spiked under Hana’s scrutinizing gaze, the girl’s eyes starting to dart around
before her nervous state was broken by her future Father-in-law, who enthusiastically shook her
hand, forcing her to turn her attention to the Naegi patriarch as he warmly greeted “We’re all
excited to welcome you into our home, Kyoko!”
After he released her gloved hand, a new shaken Kyoko reflected …I can see where Makoto gets
his enthusiasm from…
Taking a deep breath, she turned to her future sister-in-law, who greeted “It’s nice to finally get to
meet the girl who stole my Onii-chan’s heart. Let’s try to have some quality girl time during your
stay with us.”
Nodding, Kyoko agreed “I look forward to getting to know my boyfriend’s little sister. Yoroshiku
onegaishimasu.”
Hana’s contemplative expression was finally broken as Jin finally approached behind and gave a
slight bow, the Naegi matriarch realizing “Oh, you must be…”
Giving an easy smile, Jin confirmed “Kyoko’s father, yes. My name’s Jin Kirigiri.”
Returning the smile with one of her own, Hana replied “It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Kirigiri. Thank
you for offering to drive Makoto and your daughter home for us.” In an attempt to make small
talk, Hana asked “If you don’t mind me asking, what do you do for a living?”
Shaking his head, Jin replied “Not at all…I’m the…Headmaster of Hope’s Peak Academy.”
Her eyes widening in shock, Hana stammered “He…Headmaster?!”
Looking to his son with an expression of amused shock, Shingi commented “Son, you never
mentioned you were dating the Headmaster’s daughter.”
Komaru whistled and commented “Damn, Onii-chan. Way to date above your league!”
Well I…I guess that’s true, but…
Jin let out a light chuckle at his future son-in-law’s embarrassment, Makoto’s blushing bringing
levity to the shocked Naegi trio and enabling them to relax.
Nodding, Jin said “Well, I should leave you all to get settled in. Even during Christmas, there’s no
rest for a Headmaster. I’ll come back on January 7th to pick them both up.” Bowing to the Naegi
family, he finished “It was nice to meet you all. I can tell Kyoko’s in good hands here. I’ll see you
soon, Kyoko.”
Seeing his daughter nod, Jin smiled and walked back to his car, getting in and driving out of the
driveway and out of sight, leaving Kyoko alone with the Naegis at their doorstep.
Shingi broke the ice by suggesting “Well, let’s not keep standing out here in the cold. Come on,
let’s get inside so you two can get settled.”
Nodding, Makoto and Kyoko followed Shingi, Hana and Komaru inside, Kyoko and Makoto
smiling at each other as the Ultimate Detective wheeled her suitcase behind her in one hand. Her
other hand threaded with Makoto’s, squeezing it as she eagerly looked forward to seeing the inside
of Makoto’s childhood home.
XXX
“This place looks very…homey…” Kyoko observed, standing in the living room after having been
given a tour of the first floor. So this is where Makoto grew up…it suits him…
Looking at the clock on the wall, Hana suggested “Makoto, why don’t you give Kyoko a tour of
the upstairs? The two of you can relax in your room while your Father and I make dinner.
Komaru, you go take Kyoko’s luggage up to the guest room. We’ll call you all down when
dinner’s ready, so make sure to leave your doors open.”
Makoto nodded as Kyoko let go of her suitcase, watching as Komaru confiscated it and wheeled it
up the stairs and out of sight. Once she was gone, Makoto threaded his fingers with Kyoko and
beamed at her.
“Alright, you ready to see the rest of my house?”
Kyoko nodded, permitting Makoto to lightly tug her along as she followed him up the stairs, softly
smiling as he started chattering about the family photos decorating the stairway. With that, the
Naegi parents, alone on the first floor, filed into the kitchen to begin dinner.
XXX
*Gasp*
Hana jumped as Shingi squeezed her shoulders from behind, commenting “You look so tense,
Hana. You’re usually so carefree when you work in the kitchen…”
Hana sighed and turned off the stove, looking over her shoulder at her concerned husband and
apologized “Sorry, Shingi…I’ve just…had a lot on my mind lately…”
“…Does it have to do with Kyoko?” Seeing his wife’s widened eyes, he shrugged and explained
“You had this scrutinizing look on your face once you got a good look at her, so I figured
something was bothering you…”
…That would make sense… Hana sighed and explained “I’m not…bothered by Kyoko…I just…
can’t help but feel like I’ve seen her before, but I can’t put my finger on it…”
Shingi nodded in understanding and replied “I see…but Kyoko’s a Detective, and Makoto never
met any Detectives before he started attending Hope’s Peak. And he’s never gotten in trouble or
been witness to a crime…so he wouldn’t have been in a situation where he needed to go to a police
station…not since the day he got his invitation anyhow…”
Shingi chuckled while his wife froze, realizing His invitation…the Akafuku incident…the police
station…that girl Makoto ran into… Her eyes widened as she wondered Could Kyoko have been
the one Makoto ran into that day?
“Hello? Earth to Hana, are you in there?”
Blinking and seeing her husband’s hand waving across her face, she smiled apologetically before
her husband took the frying pan out of her hand and suggested “If you’re gonna keep spacing out
like this, maybe I should be the one to cook tonight.”
Hana immediately swiped the pan back and bonked him on the head with it, laughing as Shingi
nursed the growing lump on his head before she complained “Kami, no! You’d burn down our
kitchen if we let you cook!” A determined fire burned in Hana’s eyes as she declared “Just get
some ice for your head and leave it to me!”
Grabbing an ice pack out of the freezer, Shingi grinned at seeing his wife in the zone.
In the end, it doesn’t really matter whether I met Kyoko before or not. She’s our guest now, and I
need to make sure she enjoys the best Christmas dinner I can cook!
XXX
Present Day
“So you…you recognized me…?”
Hana nodded and replied “That’s right; it took me a while, and it didn’t help that I only talked to
you for a few seconds when we first met, but I did remember you. I apologize if I appeared
standoffish, Kyoko. The last thing I wanted was to make you feel unwelcome…”
Kyoko waved her hand, assuring her “That doesn’t matter…though I will confess…my past self
had drawn her conclusions motivated by anxiety…”
Realizing what she was referencing, Makoto explained “I think I know what Kyoko’s referring to.
It was that evening, before we got called down for dinner. We were in my room when…”
XXX
December 24, 2014
Makoto and Kyoko sat on his bed, the Ultimate Detective looking around the room out of
curiosity. A single TV sat along the far wall, various DVD and game cases scattered around it. In
the corner sat a simple wooden desk with a single PC.
Nothing fancy, but it’s not run down either…
She continued to investigate with her eyes, seeing a singe bureau and closet for clothes, a bookshelf
containing various manga, and on top sat a handful of figurines, designed after popular fictional
characters she guessed.
“Ah, you saw my Digimon figurine collection…” Makoto commented. Seeing Kyoko’s confused
expression, Makoto explained “It’s a popular franchise of toys, anime, and video games. That
center figurine is my personal favorite; he’s called Wargreymon.”
Makoto tried to explain the gist of the story to her, but just like the Spider-man series, it went
completely over her head, the Detective only able to pick out a few nonsensical phrases like “Crest
of Hope” and “Crest of Courage”. As a result, her mind started to wander, eventually reflecting on
her initial meeting with Makoto’s Mom, making her frown.
Seeing that he had lost her, Makoto apologized “S…sorry…I’m probably boring you, aren’t I?”
Refocusing her attention, Kyoko shook her head and assured him “No, not at all…it’s just a little
over my head is all. Plus, I’m…a little…lost in thought…”
Makoto frowned and prodded “About what?”
Sighing, Kyoko decided to be honest with her boyfriend and answered “It’s just…after we were
introduced…your Mother seemed to be scrutinizing me…” Fidgeting with her braid, she wondered
“Does she…not like me…?”
His eyes widening in disbelief, Makoto denied “That can’t be it; Mom loves everybody Komaru or
I have brought home. Look, maybe she’s just out of it from getting everything ready for us or
something, I don’t know. But she doesn’t dislike you, alright?” Kyoko gasped as Makoto cradled
her face in his hands and assured her “I promise, Kyoko, by the end of the day, Mom and Dad and
Komaru are going to love you!”
Seeing her blush, Makoto leaned forward and captured her lips again with his own in a soft,
reassuring kiss. Surrendering to his kiss, and making sure to keep her hormones in check, Kyoko
reached to cup his cheeks as she returned his kiss, feeling her anxieties and worries about the
Naegis’ approval melt away as she continued to bask in Makoto’s love for her.
“MAKOTO! KYOKO! KOMARU! DINNER TIME!”
Makoto reluctantly pulled away, smiling at Kyoko who warmly smiled back as they released each
other’s cheeks.
Standing up and offering his hand, Makoto asked “Ready to have dinner with my family?”
Giving a relaxed smile, she nodded and accepted his hand, letting him pull her up into a standing
position before she admitted “I haven’t had a real family dinner since I was seven. I’m looking
forward to reliving the experience with you.”
Beaming, Makoto gently led her out of his room, fingers threaded as they made their way
downstairs to the Dining Room.
XXX
Present Day
“You were that worried that Baa-ba wouldn’t accept you, Mommy?”
Nodding, Kyoko admitted “…Just like your Father was worried that he’d disappoint me if he wore
the wrong clothes to our dance, I wanted to make a good impression on your Grandparents so I
could tell myself that Makoto made the right choice in choosing me as his girlfriend. And when I
couldn’t say definitively…I started to worry…”
Kyoko gasped as she suddenly found herself trapped in her Mother-in-law’s warm embrace, the
Naegi matriarch apologizing “I’m sorry…I made you worry like that. But Kyoko…my
pensiveness back then had nothing to do with your own self-worth. I simply wasn’t sure where I
had seen you before. Even when we hadn’t been properly introduced…the fact that you made
Makoto smile so brightly…told me all I needed to know.”
“M…Mom…”
Closing her eyes and smiling, Kyoko returned her embrace, the others smiling warmly at the
touching scene between Mother and daughter.
Once they separated, Makoto suggested “Alright, it’s pretty late, so why don’t we stop here for
tonight. Mom, Dad, Komaru, I’ll show you to your rooms. Kiki, say good night to everyone.”
Nodding, Kiki snuggled under the blankets as everyone got up and Kyoko tucked her in. Once she
was done, Hana, Shingi, and Komaru took their turns saying good night.
*Yawn* “…Good night, Mommy, Daddy, Auntie, Baa-ba, Jii-ji…”
Once Kiki was fast asleep, the party of five quietly crept out, Komaru closing the door behind them
and blowing her niece a kiss before following her parents and siblings to their rooms.
Love Arc Chapter Fifteen: Christmas with the Naegis! Dinner with the
Naegis!
Chapter Summary
Kyoko finally gets to enjoy her first family dinner in a decade when she eats with
Makoto and his family for the first time. Will Kyoko and Makoto's family bond over
Christmas Eve dinner?
Present Day
“So how did dinner go, Mommy?”
“Let’s see…your Father led me down the stairs to the Dinner Table and we took our seats just as
your Baa-chan had finished setting up the table.”
XXX
December 24, 2014
“Itadakimasu!”
Kyoko looked at the table and stared in amazement at the assortment of dishes prepared. As she
expected, there was a big bowl of rice and a platter of fried chicken, but in addition there were
platters of fried shrimp, sautéed vegetables, corn on the cob, sushi, and Makoto’s favorite, curry.
Kyoko looked next to her to see her boyfriend practically drooling at the sight, sweatdropping.
Hana giggled, directing Kyoko’s attention across to see the Naegi matriarch sitting on the other
side of the table, her husband on one side and her daughter on the other. Kyoko fiddled with her
braid, fearing that they were evaluating her, until Hana broke the silence.
“Curry is Makoto’s favorite; whenever I make it for him, he drools. I remember when he was a
little boy, I would sometimes have to bribe him with curry to get him to help around the house.”
Makoto blushed at the embarrassing memory, while Kyoko smiled, relaxing in her seat as she
commented “I didn’t know that…I’ll have to keep that in mind.” Turning her attention back to the
buffet in front of her, she shyly said “Thank you for cooking all this, Mrs. Naegi. This must have
been a lot of work…”
Shaking her head, Hana replied “Please, call me Hana; we don’t really exercise formality in this
house, so no need to worry about calling us by our surname.”
Slightly taken aback by the sudden friendliness from the woman who not even a couple of hours
ago had looked at her with scrutiny, Kyoko chose not to look a gift horse in the mouse, nodding
and accepting “Yes…Hana…”
Still smiling, Hana continued “As for the food, it was no trouble. Makoto never told me what you
liked to eat, so I decided to cook an array of meals so you’d have something to eat.” Extending her
hand expectantly, Hana asked “Now, what would you like, dear?”
“Oh, well…other than coriander, I’ll eat pretty much anything, so…a little of everything, please?”
Hana sweetly gestured with her outstretched hand, confusing Kyoko until Makoto whispered
“She’s asking for your plate; give it to her and she’ll fill up your plate for you.”
“O…oh!” Blushing in embarrassment, Kyoko handed Hana her plate, apologizing “My apologies;
I’m…not used to having other people put food on my plate for me.”
Staring incredulously at Kyoko, Komaru asked “Really? Your Mom or Dad never did any of that
stuff for you during family dinners?”
Makoto opened his mouth to divert the topic of conversation, but was interrupted when Kyoko beat
him to it, explaining curtly “My Mother passed away when I was seven and my relationship with
my Father is…strained. Legally, my Grandfather is my actual guardian, and he’s…not the
warmest man, so our dinners together are rather quiet.” Fiddling with her braid, Kyoko confessed
“This is actually my first family dinner that I can remember…”
The three Naegis blinked, baffled that this girl in front of them hadn’t experienced the warmth of a
family dinner before. Kyoko nearly jumped in her seat as she felt Makoto squeeze her hand
comfortingly. Turning to him, she sent him a grateful smile, her boyfriend reflecting it before they
turned back to the startled family.
“So…do you talk with your Father at all?” Shingi asked, continuing “He seemed rather warm
when he dropped you and Makoto off, so surely you must talk some time…”
Kyoko bit her lip, admitting “We’ve…started to reconcile…” She turned to her boyfriend, her lips
tugging into a small smile, she admitted “…I have your son to thank for that…”
Makoto smiled bashfully as Shingi beamed proudly, commenting “That must be one interesting
story…”
Seeing that this was a sensitive issue for Kyoko, Hana interrupted the conversation by placing
Kyoko’s now full plate in front of her, declaring “That can wait until after dinner, though.”
Skillfully taking the others’ plates and scooping food onto them, she continued “Right now though,
we should get to eating dinner; no sense just sitting here with our tummies rumbling.”
As if on cue, both Makoto and Kyoko’s bellies growled in sync, causing the loving couple to blush
as Komaru giggled into her palm.
“Like I said, best to fill our stomachs and save further conversation for later.” As she finished
giving Makoto his plate and bowl of curry, Hana smiled at Kyoko and offered “Feel free to take as
many second helpings as you want. Though you might have to fight Makoto for some curry; he
won’t even let Komaru have any…oh!”
Hana’s eyes widened in shock as Makoto took his bowl and poured roughly half of its contents on
Kyoko’s rice.
“Makoto…”
Chuckling, Shingi commented “Well, I’ll be…he actually shared!”
“I want some too, Onii-chan!”
Suddenly cradling his curry bowl protectively, Makoto snarled “Mine!”

Kyoko couldn’t help the giggle that burst from her belly as Hana and Shingi laughed at the
exchange.
Pouting, Komaru turned her gaze to her future sister-in-law and asked “Kyoko…how about…”
Kyoko slapped away Komaru’s wandering hand and refused “This was a precious and rare gift
from my boyfriend; I’m not about to let it go to waste.”
“Ow!”
“Here, Komaru, take your plate and dig in!” Hana told the pouting Komaru as she handed a sans-
curry platter.
Grumbling, Komaru obeyed, taking the plate from her Mother before everyone started eating.
XXX
Present Day
“But that can’t be!” Kiki objected “Daddy always shares his curry with me and Mommy!”
Makoto looked to the side, scratching his cheek nervously as Hana offered “I think he just has a
soft spot for his two special girls.”
Komaru nodded sagely, adding “In the seventeen years that we grew up together, your Father
never shared his curry with me. That day your Mother came over was the first time I saw him
share his curry with anyone.”
Turning to her Father, Kiki asked “Is that true, Daddy?”
“Well I, erm, you see…ano…” Makoto sighed in defeat, making everyone else laugh as he
confessed “Yeah, it’s true…”
Choosing to save her husband from further embarrassment, and to distract Kiki from the revelation
of her Father’s selfishness, Kyoko continued “Once your Baa-chan served the rest of us and sat
back down, we began to eat. No real conversation happened during that time, although…”
XXX
December 24, 2014
“Gochisosama!”
Kyoko leaned back in her seat, her lips tugging into a small, content smile as she reflected on the
meal she just ate.
The food was delicious, yes, but it’s more than that. This warm atmosphere, being surrounded by
Makoto’s welcoming family…I’ve never felt like this when I ate dinner with Grandfather…
“I take it you liked the food, Kyoko?”
Despite her reserved personality, despite the fact that she and Makoto’s family hadn’t even been
acquainted for a day, Kyoko couldn’t bring herself to replace her emotional mask when she
confirmed with a nod “Yes…Makoto truly is blessed to be eating your homecooked food every
night. Thank you for sharing it with me Mrs…I’m sorry, I…”
Beaming, Hana nodded and told her “We’ll get there…”
“Anyhow…” Komaru interrupted “We still haven’t heard about how my brother helped you and
your Dad reconnect. Is that when you two fell in love?”
“Komaru!” Makoto objected. “That’s…”
“…Fine. It’s fine, Makoto.” Seeing Makoto’s concerned stare, Kyoko justified “Your family was
kind enough to welcome me into your home. The least I can do is be honest about our past.”
Turning to the surprised Naegi trio, Kyoko explained “I asked Makoto not to mention this story to
anyone because it related to one of my Detective cases. But I think I can disclose a shortened
version without violating any client privacy.”
Seeing everyone reluctantly nod, Kyoko took a deep breath, and started her tale.
“Makoto and I weren’t exactly close, by my own personal choice. Then, his deductive skills
intrigued me, and two weeks after we attended class together, I asked for his assistance on one of
my cases. He agreed, and we went to investigate the hideout of a culprit that had escaped, but it
turned out to be a trap.”
Kyoko watched as her future in-laws’ eyes widened, waiting with bated breath for her to continue
the story as she started to kick herself. This is it…I put their son in mortal danger and now they
won’t accept me as his girlfriend. I did this to myself, I…
Kyoko’s self-depreciation was interrupted as she felt Makoto squeeze her hand. Briefly glancing
over to him, she saw his soft, reassuring smile, and the desire to softly kiss her anxieties away.
Feeling her doubts start to disintegrate, she squeezed back gratefully before turning her attention
back to his parents and sister, taking a deep breath and continuing her tale.
“The culprit ambushed us during the investigation. I ensured Makoto’s escape as a contingency
plan and had him call for backup while I subdued the culprit. After I subdued him though, he set
the hideout on fire and left us both trapped inside. Makoto saw the fire and decided to rush back
inside; as I was losing consciousness, he carried me outside and got me back to Hope’s Peak so that
I could receive medical attention.”
Hana smiled proudly at her son as Shingi beamed and exclaimed “Way to go, son!”
“Yeah, Onii-chan! You were like one of the knights in those RPGs!”
Makoto smiled bashfully, scratching his blushing cheek as he thought I’m not sure I’d go that far,
Komaru…
Kyoko continued “After I received medical attention, my Father came rushing into the medical
ward. I was slipping in and out of consciousness, so I didn’t hear everything, but from what I could
gather, he was remorseful that he wasn’t there to protect me. Makoto apparently reassured him
that, despite our rocky past, he could still try to make amends and be a Father to me. And after I
heard that…I…” Kyoko blushed as she admitted “I didn’t have the heart to cut him out of my life
like I had planned.”
Shingi nodded understandingly before Komaru asked “So is that when you fell in love with
Makoto? He did save your life, after all…”
Shaking her head, Kyoko denied “No, though it did make me realize that I could depend on him,
so I decided from that point on, that I would be his friend. My…attraction wouldn’t come for
several more months. Still…” Kyoko looked to her boyfriend as she admitted “I regret having put
him in danger…if you’re mad at me for that, I under…”
“Mad? Why would we be mad?”
“Huh?”
Kyoko stared incredulously at Hana, who smiled reassuringly at her and assured her “You asked
for his help, you didn’t twist his arm into it. Plus it helped you reconnect with your Father, and
everything turned out okay, right?”
Shingi nodded in agreement as Komaru commented “Besides, I know my brother; his luck is
absolutely horrible. If it wasn’t through helping you, he probably would have gotten in some other
wacky mess.”
Come on! My luck’s not that bad, is it?
Makoto pouted before Hana assured Kyoko “So no, we’re not mad.”
…This can’t truly be happening, can it? …Then again…she is Makoto’s Mother, so…
Kyoko nearly jumped in her seat as a plate with a slice of strawberry shortcake landed in front of
her, Hana smiling as she urged “You need to stop worrying about upsetting us so much, dear. I
know “meeting the parents” can be scary, but you need to relax. Have some Christmas cake; it
always helps us to relax when we’re wound up.”
Seeing the fork nudged in front of her, Kyoko nodded dumbly, choosing to take a bite, letting the
remainder of her anxieties get swept away by the sweet flavor of the Christmas dessert.
“Mmm…” She’s right; it is helping…
Hana grinned victoriously, happy that Kyoko was totally relaxed. Her job now done, she
proceeded to serve everyone else Christmas cake, the entire family following Kyoko’s example
and digging in.
XXX
By the time they were finished, everyone was stuffed to the brim. Makoto and Komaru were the
most bloated of all, their shirts just barely covering their navels, though even Kyoko’s standard
dress shirt had risen to just barely expose her midriff.
“Well…” Hana clapped and announced “I’d say we’re pretty stuffed, so why don’t we turn in early
for tonight? Kyoko, since you’re our guest, why don’t you shower first? Komaru, could you
please show Kyoko how the shower works?”
Nodding, Komaru rose from her seat, cradling her stuffed belly with one hand as she moaned
“Come on, Kyoko; grab some pajamas from your room and follow me.”
Nodding, Kyoko rose from her seat, pushing it in and quickly bowed to Makoto’s parents, thanking
them for the meal before following after Komaru.
XXX
Now dressed in a purple nightgown, Kyoko brushed her hair while sitting on the mattress, the
Ultimate Detective looking around the admittedly simple room.
It’s strange…this guest room lacks many of the luxuries I have at Grandfather’s mansion…yet
somehow…I feel more at home here than there…
*Knock Knock*
“Come in…”
The door opened, revealing Hana in a simple green nightgown and Makoto behind her, now
dressed in a simple pair of fuzzy, Christmas themed pajamas, white snowmen decorated against a
green background.
“Is everything to your liking, dear?”
Nodding, Kyoko confirmed “Yes…thank you for agreeing to house me during my stay here.”
Smiling, Hana assured her “No need to thank us, Kyoko; we’re happy to have you over. It means a
lot to Makoto, so it means a lot to us too.” Ignoring her blushing son, Hana told their guest “We’ll
be opening presents under the tree tomorrow morning, so if you brought anything you wanted to
give…”
Understanding Hana’s meaning, Kyoko dug around in her suitcase before fishing out a small box in
festive wrapping paper and tied with a purple bow, handing it to Hana before apologizing “I
apologize that I didn’t bring something for everyone; I just didn’t know what to get you all, so…”
Shaking her head, Hana told her “It’s alright, dear; the only present we need is having you here.”
Confiscating the present, she told them both “I’ll go put this under the tree. Makoto, say goodnight
to your girlfriend, then off to bed with you.”
“S…sure…” Makoto mumbled as the door closed behind them, leaving them with some privacy.
“So…how did you like everyone?”
Smiling at her boyfriend, she assured him “You were right; your family was warm and loving…
even if your sister can be a little nosy…”
Makoto chuckled and agreed “Yeah, she’s like that…I can’t begin to tell you how many times she
asked me if we were dating from when you slipped me your phone number.”
Smiling wistfully, Kyoko replied “She means well though…”
“Yeah…she can be a bit of a pain…but she’s my sister and I love her…I don’t know what I’d do if
anything happened to her or Mom or Dad…”
As Makoto sat down next to her, Kyoko mused “They’re lucky to have a brother and a son like you
in their lives…” Threading their fingers together, Kyoko flushed pink as she confessed “…I’m
lucky to have you in my life…”
Shaking his head, Makoto grinned, separating their hands so he could wind his arms around her
waist and denied “No, I’m the lucky one here. I am the Ultimate Lucky Student after all, and I
can’t imagine there being any better luck than having the privilege of dating you…” Makoto
leaned in to softly kiss Kyoko on the lips, pulling away all too soon as he breathed “I love you,
Kyoko.”
Blushing red, she cupped his cheeks, leaning in to give him a soft kiss of her own before returning
“…I love you too, Makoto…”
The two smiled lovingly at each other before Makoto reluctantly pulled away, standing up as he
said “I should…let you get to sleep. I’ll shut off the lights for you on my way out.” Seeing
Kyoko nod before crawling under the blankets, Makoto tuned around and walked towards the light
switch, turning back to face his girlfriend as he murmured “Good night, Kyoko. I’ll see you in the
morning…”
Nodding, Kyoko replied “You too, Makoto…sweet dreams…”
Makoto’s smile was the last thing she saw before the room went black, the lights off and the door
shut, Kyoko completely in the dark as all light was cut off. Sighing, Kyoko settled under the
blankets and settled into slumber, curling under the blankets and nuzzling the pillow the Naegis
provided for her.
XXX
Present Day
“Hey! I’m not nosy…am I…?”
“Yes, yes you are” was the simultaneous answer, causing Komaru to pout.
“…Even you, Kiki?”
Kiki smiled guiltily and apologized “…Sorry, Auntie, but you did start asking Miss Maki all sorts
of questions once Mommy and Daddy hired her…”
Komaru grumbled while Makoto and Kyoko laughed at the memory. Hana and Shingi smiled with
amusement, not having witnessed Komaru’s reception to Maki themselves but having heard
enough to get a decent imagination.
“So what happened Christmas Day? Did you and Daddy share a Christmas kiss, Mommy?”
Laying a kiss on her daughter’s head, Kyoko promised “Another night, Kiki. We have to get ready
for work tomorrow, and your Baa-chan and Jii-chan need a good night’s sleep if they’re going to
spend the day with you tomorrow.”
“…Okay…”
As everyone got off the bed, Makoto and Kyoko drew the blankets up to Kiki’s chin, tucking her in
before kissing her good night.
“Good night…” Kiki yawned in response to everyone’s cooing before falling asleep herself.
Their daughter now asleep, Makoto and Kyoko led the others out of Kiki’s room and showed them
to the guest rooms once more as a precaution before retiring to their own room and falling into
slumber.
Love Arc Chapter Sixteen: Christmas with the Naegis! Snuggle Me, Makoto!
Chapter Summary
When Kyoko suffers a nightmare on Christmas Eve, she finds that she forgot to pack
the plushie Makoto won for her. Will she cave and wake up Makoto to help her? Or
will propriety win out and force her to endure it alone?
Chapter Notes
I'm posting this new chapter tonight because there's a hurricane and tornado warning
where I live and I have no guarantee that I'll have power in the morning. Please read
and comment below, and enjoy!
Present Day
“So what happened? I wanna hear all about what happened Christmas morning!”
Kyoko looked to her Mother-in-law, the two sharing a smile which confused Kiki before Kyoko
answered “There’s…more before we get to Christmas morning, Kiki…”
“There’s MORE?!” Kiki exclaimed as she grinned, awaiting with bated breath as Kyoko
sweatdropped at her daughter’s enthusiasm. Her husband’s eyes widened in realization while
Komaru and Shingi’s heads cocked in surprise and confusion before Kyoko explained “As it turned
out, recalling the time your Father rescued me was more painful than I thought. It did make me
anxious about earning your Baa-chan and Jii-chan’s acceptance, but even beyond that…”
XXX
December 24, 2014
“Where…where am I?”
Kyoko hyperventilated as she was surrounded by flames, the Ultimate Detective trapped under
flaming, wooden beams. The flames continued to eat away at her clothes, nipping at the skin
underneath until it turned as red and coarse as her now exposed hands.
“Makoto?! Makoto, where are you?”
Kyoko struggled, unable to move the beams trapping her inside the burning building as she waited
for the boy who would rescue her…but Makoto never came.
“MAKOTO?! MAKOTO! PLEASE, I NEED YOU!”
But no matter how much she cried and begged, the boy never came to her rescue. As she cried
tears of despair and surrendered to her impending death, a burst of flames charged right at her, her
violet eyes shining in terror as the flames covered every inch of her body, disintegrating the
Detective along with the terrified scream lodged in her throat.
XXX
*Gasp, Gasp*
Kyoko shot up, her screams and gasps for air muffled by her palms as she looked around her
surroundings. She finally relaxed, lowering her palms as she realized she was safe at Makoto’s
house.
“Just a dream, just a dream…” The flames flashing in her mind, she decided “That’s it, I need…”
Kyoko started to sift through her suitcase next to the bed, only to panic as she muttered “No, no,
no…don’t tell me I left it at the school!”
But sure enough, the Detective Conan plushie that Makoto had won her prior to their courtship was
nowhere to be found, still sitting in her dorm room at Hope’s Peak Academy.
“Fuck! Now what am I gonna do? I can’t go back to sleep, so…”
Kyoko’s eyes widened as her gaze wandered to the doorway, the answer to her problems suddenly
obvious.
“No! No, no, no no no! That’s a violation of trust! Makoto’s family set up a room for you
without complaint, Kyoko! You can’t just…We’re not even…” The flames of terror flashing
before her eyes again, Kyoko caved, throwing the blankets off her body before standing up and
muttering “Oh, what the hell?!”
XXX
Having successfully tiptoed across the hall to Makoto’s door, she quietly creaked it open, praying
that Makoto’s family was conked out as she crept inside and closed the door behind her. Sighing in
relief, she crept over to the bed where Makoto slept, able to make it out in the relative darkness, the
crescent moon providing just enough light so she didn’t trip over anything.
Once she made it to his bed, she stared down at the snoozing Makoto, curled on his side as he lay
protected under his Digimon blankets. Kyoko smiled at how cute he looked while asleep, already
feeling the slightest bit of her terror slipping away.
Still not satisfied though, she reluctantly kneeled on the bed and shook his shoulder, whispering
“Makoto! Makoto, wake up.”
Luckily, Makoto wasn’t deep into sleep; he groaned and his eyes cracked open, his vision blurry as
he moaned “Wh…Who?”
“It’s me, Kyoko.”
“Kyoko…?”
“Yes.”
Still not really aware, Makoto asked as if he hadn’t heard her “Kyoko…?”
Already in a bad mood from her nightmare, Kyoko confirmed with a hint of irritation leaking into
her voice “I said yes…”
Smiling dreamily, Makoto mused “So Kyoko’s here…” Once his brain realized what his mouth
just said, his eyes widened, now fully awake as he exclaimed “Wait, WHA…MMMPH!”
Kyoko muffled his voice with her palm, hissing “Are you trying to get me caught?”
Once Makoto calmed down, Kyoko removed her palm from his mouth, allowing him to whisper as
he sat up “S…sorry…but…what are you doing here? You’re supposed to be asleep!”
Fidgeting with a lock of her hair and tucking it behind her ear, Kyoko blushed, embarrassed as she
admitted “I…I was hoping…you could…snuggle with me…while I slept…”
Fantasies of Kyoko snuggled against his chest flashed through Makoto’s mind before he shook
them away and asked incredulously “Kyoko, have you lost your mind? If my parents catch us
sleeping together, I’ll be grounded and forbidden from bringing you over again! And if Komaru
catches wind of this, I’ll never hear the end of it! We can’t…”
“I NEED TO!” Shocked into silence, Makoto stared curiously at her, silently urging her to
explain. “I…I had a bad dream tonight, and I can’t get back to sleep. So I…” Kyoko blushed
cherry red, her violet eyes starting to water as she confessed “I was hoping…you could snuggle me
and keep it away…”
Kyoko…
Makoto sat in silence, shocked by Kyoko’s pleading confession. Kyoko took his extended silence
as a timid refusal. The Ultimate Detective turned her head and started to cry, shocking Makoto as
he saw tears start to fall from the normally stoic Detective’s cheeks.
“You’re right; I wasn’t thinking…of course it would be inappropriate for us to sleep in the same
bed together; a breach of your parents’ trust. I’ll…” *sniff* “…go back to my room now. I’ll wait
for morning to come…maybe I’ll be able to get some sleep eventually…”
…Kyoko’s crying! Just as she turned around and got off his bed, she heard Makoto sigh and lift up
the covers, the Ultimate Detective gasping as Makoto urged “Get in here.” I can’t stand to see you
cry…
Deciding not to question her good luck, Kyoko practically dived in under the covers, slamming
into Makoto’s petit form as she wrapped her arms around his torso.
“Oof!”
Pulling him close, she nuzzled her cheek against his fuzzy chest.
Still worried about his girlfriend’s terrified state as she nuzzled her cheek against his fuzzy chest,
he gently craned her head with his hands and pulled her up until they were at eye level before he
asked “…What did you dream about that got you so panicked, anyway?”
Biting her lip, she decided to tell him the truth, murmuring “The Akafuku case…I was trapped in
the burning house, waiting for you to come rescue me…but you never came…”
As Kyoko gripped the shirt of his pajamas like a lifeline, Makoto realized …Talking about it must
have revitalized her suppressed terror… Realizing she never really dealt with the trauma, he wiped
the tears off her cheeks with his thumbs before wiping her eyes as he assured her “That didn’t
happen, Kyoko. I came for you; I’ll always come for you. Whenever you’re in danger, I’ll always
be there to save you, even if it means I have to give up my life in the process!”
“…Don’t even joke about that, Makoto…”

Makoto smiled guiltily and apologized “Right, sorry…but I meant it when I said I’d always be
there for you…I love you, Kyoko…”
Makoto brought her lips to his own in a soft, reassuring kiss, Kyoko closing her eyes and parting
her lips as his tongue gently sought entrance. The moist appendage softly stroked her own tongue,
seeking to calm her from the inside, just as his hands were doing from the outside.
As they parted, Kyoko cried joyful tears before burying her face back in his chest and whispering
“I love you too, Makoto…”
Smiling lovingly at his girlfriend, he wrapped his arms around her and stroked her back, his
soothing strokes and the gentle sound of his heartbeat lulling her into sleep. Once he was sure that
she was indeed deep into slumber, he looked at the nearby clock, just barely making out the time
“00:01”.
“Kami, please don’t let me mess this up; Kyoko’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me…”
Feeling sleep start to take him, he pressed a kiss atop her hair before moving to nestle his head on
her shoulder, murmuring “Merry Christmas, Kyoko…”
XXX
Present Day
Komaru held back the urge to laugh; even she could recognize that Kyoko’s episode back then was
nothing to laugh at, even if the image of her snuggled against her brother was comical without
context.
“So that’s why you two spent most of your vacation snuggling in Makoto’s room…” Shingi
realized.
Nodding, Kyoko confirmed “Yes, I…I needed Makoto to fall asleep that night. I apologize for
sneaking around about it without permission…”
Hana gave her daughter-in-law a knowing smile, which Kyoko returned before Kiki asked “So
what happened when you woke up from snuggling with Daddy, Mommy? Did Daddy kiss you
awake? Or did you kiss Daddy awake?”
Sharing a knowing smile with Hana, Kyoko explained “Well, I woke up before your Father did,
and decided to sneak back into my room before anyone else woke up. I managed to slither out of
his hug without waking him up, and then…”
XXX
December 25, 2014
Kyoko looked over her shoulder at the still snoring Makoto, snoozing away in bed. Already
missing the warmth of his protective embrace, Kyoko felt the urge to go back and continue
snuggling with him until he woke up.
…No, I can’t press my luck. I’ve gotta sneak back into the guest room before anyone notices…
Briefly smiling at her slumbering boyfriend, she quietly turned the doorknob and drew it open just
enough for her to slip through the opening. Once she was on the other side, she closed the door
behind her, sighing with relief as the creaking stopped. She turned around to flee into her room,
but gasped, her face paled as she came face to face with her future Mother-in-law.
…Busted…
To her shock though, Hana just grinned at the girl and greeted “Ah, Kyoko! Ohayo. I’m glad
you’re up; I need your help with something.”
…Huh?
Hana nodded and explained to the befuddled Kyoko “Every Christmas morning, I bake Christmas
cookies that we all eat before we open presents. Since this is your first Christmas with us, I figured
it would be a good experience if you helped me make them!” Hana giggled and turned around,
walking to the stairs as she finished “This’ll be so much fun! Follow me!”
As she watched Hana walk away, Kyoko just stood there, frozen in place as she tried to process
what just happened.
…What just happened? Obviously she caught me sneaking out of Makoto’s room, so why aren’t I
getting a stern lecture? Is baking cookies the punishment? But that’s not really a punishment at
all…
“Hurry up, Kyoko, or I’ll start without you…”
“H…hai…” Filing the conundrum away for later, Kyoko began walking to the kitchen so that she
could rejoin her future Mother-in-law.
XXX
Present Day
“You mean Baa-ba caught you trying to sneak out of Daddy’s room?”
Nodding reluctantly, Kyoko admitted “…Yes…apparently I had gotten rusty…”
Hana smiled and reassured her daughter-in-law “Hey, it all worked out, right? I didn’t get angry or
threaten to ground Makoto or try to kick you out of the house, did I?”
Kyoko gave a small smile as she acknowledged “…No, you did not…though honestly I had been
wondering at the time if your initial kindness upon catching me in the act was a ruse before the
punishment.”
“I never would have done that, dear. Worst case scenario, I might have given you a stern lecture,
but I would have at least heard you out before drawing a conclusion.”
As Kyoko nodded in gratitude, Kiki asked “So…how did Baa-ba end up reacting to you sneaking
into Daddy’s room once you got to the kitchen?”
Chuckling, Makoto ruffled Kiki’s hair, promising “Tomorrow, Kiki. It’s past your bedtime.”
“Aww…” Kiki groaned before Komaru crawled over and ruffled her hair.
“It’ll be okay, Kiki. Plus, tomorrow, we can have an Auntie-Kiki day when you wake up!”
“YAY!”
Everyone else smiled as Komaru kissed Kiki good night. Once Komaru and her parents got off the
bed, Makoto and Kyoko proceeded to tuck Kiki in, followed by Hana and Shingi who leaned in to
kiss their granddaughter good night.
“Good night, Kiki…”
*Yawn*
Without another word, Kiki fell asleep, snoring just like her Father. With their task now complete,
Makoto and Kyoko nudged the rest of their family out of Kiki’s room, closing the door behind
them as they all filed into their own respective rooms for the evening.
Love Arc Chapter Seventeen: Christmas with the Naegis! Baking Cookies
with Mama Naegi!
Chapter Summary
Having been caught sleeping in Makoto's room by his Mom, a nervous and confused
Kyoko finds herself baking cookies with Hana as a consequence of her actions. Is this
really a punishment? Or does Hana have a different purpose for her request?
Chapter Notes
So good news; I didn't actually end up losing power, so I'm resuming my regular
posting schedule. As a result, here's the next chapter of Love Arc this morning! Please
read and comment below, and enjoy!
Present Day
“So what happened next, Baa-ba? Did Mommy end up getting in trouble?”
Hana giggled at Kyoko’s embarrassed blush before shaking her head and assuring her “Not at all,
though I did think it was a good excuse to bond with her. After inviting her to bake cookies with
me, I walked downstairs and waited for her. It wasn’t long before she came through the kitchen
door. The poor dear; she looked so nervous, like your Father or Auntie Komaru when I caught
them with their hand stuck in the cookie jar.”
Kyoko fiddled with her hair, her blush deepening as the embarrassment from the incident came
flooding back at full force. Makoto squeezed her hand, making her turn to look at his reassuring
smile. The former Detective smiled back, squeezing his hand as Hana continued the story.
“So your Mother just stood there, nervously fiddling with her hair until finally…”
XXX
December 25, 2014
“So…how should I start?” Kyoko wondered, having never baked before.
Smiling warmly, Hana replied “I’ll preheat the oven and hook up the mixing bowl and eggbeaters.
Why don’t you go get two sticks of butter and sugar? The butter is in the refrigerator door and the
sugar is in that cupboard down there.”
Nodding, Kyoko went to the fridge, taking out two sticks of unopened butter before going to the
cupboard and retrieving the bag of sugar. Once Hana had set up the mixing bowl on the counter,
Kyoko carried the ingredients over and placed them next to it.
Smiling, Hana took out a measuring cup and scooped out some sugar, leveling it off with a butter
knife until half a cup remained.
“Here; put the butter and the half cup of sugar into the bowl, then I’ll start the eggbeaters.
Remember to remove the covers from the butter; it wouldn’t do to have bits of paper stuck in the
cookies!”
Nodding, Kyoko nervously did as was asked of her, unwrapping the two butter sticks and carefully
dropping them in the bowl before dumping the contents of the measuring cup into the bowl. As
she withdrew her hands and Hana pressed the “LOW” button, the machine roared to life, the
eggbeaters slowly rotating in a circle and mixing together the ingredients.
Picking up the empty wrappers, Kyoko asked “Ano…where’s your garbage can?”
Pointing to the corner, Hana informed her “It’s right over there, dear. I’ll get out the eggs and
vanilla extract while you’re doing that.”
Nodding, Kyoko turned around and walked over to the garbage can, dropping the butter wrappers
in as Hana dug in the fridge and cupboard for the egg carton and the bottle of vanilla. As Kyoko
returned from the garbage, Hana set the ingredients next to the bowl and, after peeking into the
bowl, pressed the “HIGH” button.
“Okay, so I just set the beater to “HIGH”, so while I get the remaining ingredients, wait here and
let me know when the mixture is creamy.”
“Ano…how will I know if it’s creamy without touching it?”
Smiling at her future daughter-in-law’s culinary naïveté, Hana asked “You’ve seen creamy foods,
right?”
“Well, yes, but…”
“Then you know when something looks creamy. If it looks creamy, then odds are the texture is
also creamy.”
Nodding, Kyoko stepped forward and peered into the bowl while Hana dug out the flour and
baking powder.
“…Is this creamy?”
Peering into the bowl, Hana nodded, pressing the “LOW” button and, while waiting for the
eggbeaters to slow down, removed an egg from the egg carton and handed it to Kyoko.
As she dug out a tablespoon from the drawer, Hana asked as she began squeezing out vanilla into
the spoon “Why don’t you crack the egg open and deposit the yolk into the bowl for me?”
Nodding, Kyoko held the egg in her hand and tried to make it collide with the edge of the
countertop…only to put too much momentum into her push, making the egg shell shatter and the
yolk fly on her nightgown, landing right between her breasts.
Horrified, Kyoko panicked “M…My apologies! I don’t know what…”
“Shhh…it’s okay, it’s okay…” Hana said soothingly as she grabbed a nearby kitchen towel and
wiped the egg smears off of Kyoko’s nightgown. Kyoko blushed in embarrassment as Hana
cleaned up her mess for her, the Naegi matriarch assuring her “It’s not a perfect science, and it’s
only an egg, so no harm done, okay?”
Still embarrassed, Kyoko nodded as Hana guessed “…You don’t have much experience with
baking, do you, dear?”
Reluctantly shaking her head, Kyoko confessed “My Grandfather’s focus on my Detective training
didn’t exactly leave much in the way of culinary education. He views things like baking pastries a
waste of time…”
Thankfully, Hana didn’t vocalize her disagreements with Fuhito’s philosophy; instead, after setting
the towel aside, she dug out a white apron from the nearby drawer and hung the loop over Kyoko’s
head. The white fabric hung over Kyoko’s front as Hana took the strings and walked behind the
Detective, tying them until the knot was snug against the small of her back.
“There; now any more messes will be caught by the apron instead of your nightgown.”
“Not a problem, dear.” Still smiling, Hana took out another egg and offered “Here, why don’t I
help teach you how to crack an egg?” Seeing Kyoko nod and lightly grasp the other end of the
egg, Hana guided her hand to the edge of the bowl and offered “Now, your idea about cracking it
on the edge of the counter wasn’t wrong. But since we’re going to be putting it in the bowl
anyway, cracking the egg against the bowl will save us some time. You follow me so far?”
Kyoko nodded as Hana continued her explanation.
“Now, most of the time you don’t need to smash the egg against the surface; just a light tap will
do. Let’s try it together, okay dear?” Kyoko nodded as she let Hana guide their momentum,
counting down “On three…One…Two…THREE!”
The both of them barely putting any force behind their collision, Kyoko watched as they removed
the egg, a single crack forming along the side as egg started to leak out.
Hana adjusted her grip so that her thumb was poking into the crack as she instructed “Now just
place your thumb on the opposite side of the crack. We’ll hold it over the bowl and pull at the
same time, making the yolk fall into the bowl.”
Once Kyoko nodded her comprehension, Hana counted down again, both of them pulling on the
shell and causing it to split in two, the yolk falling into the bowl. Kyoko couldn’t keep the amazed
smile off her face as she watched it get beaten in with the rest of the mixture, Hana beaming
proudly at her future daughter-in-law’s accomplishment.
“Here, pour this tablespoon of vanilla into the bowl while I measure out the flour and baking
powder.”
Nodding, Kyoko took the spoon and tilted it until the liquid poured into the bowl, Hana taking out
three measuring cups and scooping flour into each of them, leveling them off with her butter knife
again until she was left with three cups. Next, the Naegi matriarch dug out a half teaspoon from
the drawer before scooping out baking powder with it, leveling off the excess until she was left
with the half teaspoon.
Nudging the cups and spoon towards Kyoko, Hana requested “Pour these contents into the bowl
and let me know when everything’s blended together, okay?”
Nodding, Kyoko poured the contents into the bowl and kept a vigilant gaze on the inside of the
bowl for a minute until she called out “It’s blended, I think.”
Smiling, Hana pressed the “OFF” button and waited for the machine to come to a halt before
detaching the eggbeaters and handed one to Kyoko, announcing “Now we can lick the batter from
the eggbeaters before we put them in the sink!”
Clearly disgusted, Kyoko deadpanned “…That’s unsanitary; just the raw egg alone could give you
salmonella.”
Smiling reassuringly, Hana assured her “Kyoko, I’ve been doing this for seventeen years, and
nobody’s gotten sick yet. Besides…” Hana took a lick of her eggbeater, making Kyoko cringe as
she continued “…this is Makoto’s favorite part of helping me bake.”
…That does sound like my boyfriend… Her resolve wavering, she asked once more “…Are you
sure it’s safe?”
Smiling reassuringly, Hana replied “I wouldn’t be encouraging this if I thought it would make you
sick. So go ahead; eat up, dear!”
Gulping with fright, Kyoko caved, taking a tentative lick of the batter and swirling it around her
taste buds. Her eyes widened as she felt her mouth overcome with sweetness, her lips curling into a
soft smile as she surrendered to the explosion of flavor, Hana smiling victoriously at her future
daughter-in-law’s enjoyment.
Mmm…I can see why Makoto likes this so much… Kyoko mused as she and Hana both tossed their
respective eggbeaters in the sink.
Kyoko watched as Hana got four small plates from the cupboard and placed them next to the
bowl. Next, she reached into the bowl and meticulously tore the batter apart into four roughly
equal pieces, placing each piece on an individual plate.
“Kyoko, would you mind covering these with plastic wrap, then putting them in the fridge? The
plastic wrap is over there on the counter.”
Kyoko nodded, taking two plates at a time and covering them with plastic wrap before carrying
them to the fridge, opening the door and placing them wherever they would balance. She repeated
this one more time before closing the refrigerator door.
Smiling, Hana told her “Now we have to wait for an hour before we can cut the dough into
cookies.”
With that, the two stood in the kitchen, Kyoko nervously fiddling with a lock of her hair and
kicking her heel with her toe as she waited. With the act of helping to bake cookies no longer there
to distract her, Kyoko’s worries and anxieties started to return in full force, the Ultimate Detective
fearful of how much trouble she had gotten herself and Makoto into by sneaking into his room in
the middle of the night.
“Kyoko, relax.” Hana smiled as she assured her “I promise, I’m not gonna bite!”
“Right, my apologies. It’s just…ano…” Come on, Kyoko; just admit what you did and apologize
for violating their trust so you can move on…
Scrutinizing Kyoko’s nervous expression, Hana smiled in realization and asked “…Is this because I
caught you sneaking into Makoto’s room last night?” Kyoko’s blushing face was all the
confession she needed; Hana giggled, shocking Kyoko as the Naegi matriarch told her “You’re not
in any trouble, Kyoko.”
…Na…Nani?!
Hana smiled as she told the baffled Kyoko “I remember your story from dinner last light; I could
tell just how much you and Makoto depend on each other as you spoke last night. You two
sleeping together was unavoidable, and honestly, the thought of you too snuggling together on his
bed is just too cute to be upset about.”
“…So you’re…you’re not…mad?”
Shaking her head, Hana told her “I was a young girl in love too once, Kyoko.” Smiling wistfully,
Hana blushed as she reflected “I still remember the days when Shingi and I were dating and I
would sneak into his room to snuggle with him…” Turning her attention back to the amazed
Kyoko, Hana decided “So…here’s the deal; I’ll permit you two to sleep in the same bed together
during your stay…provided you agree to two conditions.”
Gaping at her good fortune, Kyoko hesitantly asked “…Which are…”
“First, you still have to change clothes in the guest room we’ve set up for you.” Kyoko blushed
before Hana continued “Second…” Hana smiled as she finished “As long as you’re in this house,
young lady… call me Mom.”
…M…Mom…?
As Kyoko stood there, baffled at Hana’s condition, the Naegi matriarch offered “Mom, Mommy,
Okaa-san, Haha-ue, take your pick; I’m not picky.”
“…Why…?” Kyoko stood there baffled by Hana’s proposal, asking “Why though?” Turning her
head to the side and averting her gaze, Kyoko mumbled “You haven’t even known me for a day,
and yet…you’re already treating me like one of your own children.”
Smiling warmly at her future daughter-in-law, Hana explained “I saw how you and Makoto were at
dinner last night, the way you glanced at each other, smiled at each other, and held hands under the
table to comfort each other…call it Mother’s Intuition, but I have a feeling that your relationship
isn’t some brief fling. I think you two are sticking together for the long term. And if that’s the
case…then I see no reason why I shouldn’t treat you as my own daughter.”
Gaping in shock, Kyoko hung her head, obscuring her eyes from view as she admitted “…Ten
years…it’s been over ten years…since I could call someone Mom…”
Kyoko gasped as she felt Hana pull her into a hug, her face nestled against her future Mother-in-
law’s breasts.
“Kyoko…I would never dream of trying to replace your Mother…but I am willing to be a Mother
to you…to love you as though you were one of my own children…if you’re ready…”
Kyoko flashed back to the time prior to their relationship where Makoto offered to hold her in his
protective embrace after her nightmare of being crushed to death.
…Guess now I know where he gets it from… “…Mom…”
Hana smiled at Kyoko’s answer, feeling the Ultimate Detective return her embrace before the
Naegi matriarch squeezed back, smiling warmly at the girl in her arms.
As they separated, Hana looked to the clock and suggested “We’ve still got a while before the
dough is finished cooling…why don’t you tell me a little more about yourself?”
Nodding in agreement, Kyoko removed her apron and followed Hana to the nearby table, the two
sitting across from each other as Hana asked her future daughter-in-law innocent questions, Kyoko
unable to keep from smiling as she felt the warmth of being loved by a Mother again flood her
heart.
XXX
No longer anxious, Kyoko happily took out the now cooled dough with Hana and placed them on
the cutting board that Hana had taken out and sprinkled with flour.
Taking out a wooden rolling pin from one of the kitchen drawers, Hana instructed “Alright, next
we’re going to take this rolling pin and roll it over the dough until it’s thinner. You hold that
handle, I’ll hold this handle, and we’ll roll together until I say stop. Then we’ll move on to the
next piece of dough until all of them are flattened.”
Kyoko nodded in understanding, taking one of the handles and matching Hana’s movements until
the first piece of dough was flattened. The two briefly smiled proudly before moving on to the
remaining pieces of dough, stretching and flattening them in no time at all.
Withdrawing four small cookie cutters, Hana explained “Okay; now that we’re done with the
rolling pin, we’re gonna cut the dough into shapes.” Hana spread out the cutters before Kyoko and
explained “Since this is your first time, I figured we’d start simple. We have a snowman cutter, a
tree cutter, a star cutter, and a gingerbread man cutter. Just press the cutter into the dough until you
feel it touching the cutting board, then remove the cutter and repeat until there’s not enough dough
to fit the cookie cutter into.”
“…So what do we do with the extra dough?” Kyoko wondered.
“We’ll probably just throw it out; there likely won’t be enough to get more than a couple more
cookies out of. Not worth the added effort if you ask me.”
Well, you’re the expert I suppose…
Seeing Kyoko nod, Hana suggested “We’ll each take two cutters and apply one to each piece of
dough. What two cutters do you want, dear?”
Contemplating for a moment, she eventually shrugged and picked “How about the star and the
tree?”
Hana nodded and with a smile, handed Kyoko the star and tree cutters. Without another word, the
two then got to work, easily falling into a rhythm as they cut their respective shapes out of the
dough. Once they were done, Hana took the remaining dough and deposited it into the garbage
can.
Hana then got out two baking trays and asked “Kyoko, would you please put the star and tree
cookies you baked on the left tray and I’ll put the snowman and gingerbread man cookies on the
right tray?”
Nodding, Kyoko got to work, placing the cookies on her tray in neat rows as Hana did the same.
Once they were done, Hana, now equipped with two oven mitts, opened the oven door and offered
“I’ll put these in the oven; I know you’re wearing gloves, but I still don’t want you to accidentally
burn yourself in my kitchen.”
…Yes…that would be bad… Kyoko mused as she looked at her concealed hands while Hana placed
the two cookie sheets on the oven rack.
Once she closed the door, she set the timer and announced “Now we wait for ten minutes…”
XXX
*Beep*
As Kyoko recognized the timer, Hana quickly turned it and the oven off, pulling the oven door
open again and withdrawing the cookie sheets from it, placing the hot trays on the stove top. She
then kneeled down and opened the nearby drawer under the oven, withdrawing two wire racks and
standing them up. After removing the oven mitts, she removed a spatula from one of the drawers
and started transporting the cookies to the cooling racks.
“Okay, now we have to wait for them to cool…”
After a couple of minutes passed, Hana dug around the drawers until she pulled out several colored
tubes, removing the caps on each of them before putting them in front of the cutting board.
“Okay, so now we’re going to frost them. Since this is your first time, we’ll keep it simple. Stars
are yellow, snowmen are blue, gingerbread men are white, and trees are green. Since you cut the
stars and the trees, why don’t you frost those?” Seeing Kyoko nod in acceptance, Hana offered
“Here, I’ll demonstrate with one of my snowmen so you know how to frost.”
Kyoko watched intently as Hana squeezed the end of the tube with one hand, blue frosting pouring
out as she waved her hand back and forth at a slow pace until the entire top side of the snowman
was covered in blue frosting.
“There, now you try.”
Taking a deep breath, Kyoko took the yellow tube, holding it over one of her star cookies and
squeezed, only to cock her head in confusion as no frosting came out.
“Ano…M…Mom…nothing’s coming out…”
Curious, Hana mused as Kyoko continued squeezing “Hmm, that’s odd…maybe there’s some
dried frosting in there that won’t come out. I’ll get a…”
*SPLAT*
Before Hana could finish, the opposite end of the tube burst open, gold frosting blasting out like a
cannonball and splattering every inch of Kyoko’s face like a mask.
“Kyoko! Are you…he…hehe…hahahahahahah!”
Hana fell into a fit of giggles at the sight of Kyoko’s frosting mask, Kyoko soon following suit as
she realized how ridiculous she must look with her face covered in yellow frosting.
Wiping a tear from her eye, Hana apologized “I’m sorry, dear; I shouldn’t be laughing…here, let’s
get your face cleaned off.” Hana swiped as much frosting as she could off Kyoko’s face with her
pointer finger before bringing it to her tongue, tasting it before she moaned “Mmm…delicious…”
Curious, and missing that sweet batter taste from earlier, Kyoko followed Hana’s lead and started
swiping frosting from her own face and suckling her frosting-coated finger. Like Hana, Kyoko
moaned in pleasure and, before they knew it, they kept taking turns cleaning Kyoko’s frosting
mask, moaning and giggling all the while.
Eventually, when Kyoko’s face was mostly clean, Hana handed her a kitchen towel and urged
“Here, go wipe the rest of your face while I get a spare frosting tube.”
Once Kyoko had cleaned off what little frosting remained on her face, Hana handed her another
yellow frosting tube, testing it this time to avoid a repeat incident. Kyoko sighed in relief as she
got to work frosting her star cookies. Once they were done, she grabbed the green frosting and
moved on to her tree cookies while Hana worked to frost the snowman and gingerbread man
cookies.
As she took the frosting tubes and [placed them back in the drawer, Hana mused “I wonder why
Makoto hasn’t come down yet…usually he comes racing down the instant he smells cookies
baking…”
*Slam*
Kyoko jumped when, as if on cue, Makoto slammed the kitchen door open, still half asleep as he
sighed in pleasure.
Beaming, Kyoko moved to hug her boyfriend as she greeted “Makoto, Good…Makoto?”
Kyoko stood there, frozen in disbelief and disappointment as Makoto walked straight past her,
seeming to ignore her completely as he approached the stove, his fingers wiggling as he moaned
“Cookie…Christmas Cookie…OW!”
Now aware of his surroundings, Makoto nursed his bruised hand as he looked up to see his Mother,
spatula in hand as she lectured “Uh-uh, no first dibs, young man. I’ll bring out the cookies after
your Father and sister come down. In the meantime…” Hana pointed her spatula at Kyoko as she
ordered “Go get your girlfriend settled on the couch while you wait.”
“Huh?” Turning around and finally realizing that his girlfriend was in the kitchen, Makoto blushed
as he exclaimed “Oh, Kyoko! S…sorry…I guess I’m just…” *yawn* “…not totally awake yet…”
Kyoko blinked, then fell into a brief fit of giggles, making Makoto stare in confusion before she
assured him “It’s nothing…” She threaded their fingers together as she urged “Come on; let’s get
settled around the Christmas tree.”
Still feeling lightly drowsy, Makoto nevertheless smiled and squeezed his girlfriend’s hand,
walking out with Kyoko in tow and leaving his Mother alone in the kitchen.
XXX
Present Day
“Hahahahahahahah!” Kiki giggled before exclaiming “No wonder you always wake up to the
smell of Mommy’s cookies! It was the same with your Mommy’s cookies!”
Makoto gave a guilty smile, everyone else chuckling at his embarrassment. Just like when he was
a little kid, whenever Kyoko would bake cookies for them and Kiki, he would come straight out of
bed, lured in by the nostalgic smell. And just like his childhood, Kyoko would slap his hand if he
tried to take a bite before Kiki got to.
“So what happened next, Daddy? What did you and Mommy get for Christmas?”
“…Sorry, Kiki; that’s gonna have to wait until tomorrow.”
“Aww…” Kiki groaned before wiggling under the blankets, resting her head under the pillow as
everyone got else got off her bed.
Hana and Shingi brought the blankets up to her chin, tucking their granddaughter in before
everyone kissed her good night simultaneously. Makoto and Kyoko kissed her forehead, Komaru
took her nose, and Hana and Shingi each claimed one of her cheeks.
“Good night, Kiki; we love you.”
“…Love you too…” Kiki yawned before falling asleep.
Her parents, Aunt, and Grandparents smiled at the sleeping girl before Makoto and Kyoko nudged
them outside, Makoto giving his daughter one last smile before quietly closing the door behind
him, following his wife back to their room.
Love Arc Chapter Eighteen: Christmas with the Naegis! Gathered Around the
Christmas Tree!
Chapter Summary
With the Naegi family finally up, Kyoko prepares to spend her first Christmas with her
boyfriend and his family. What will the two loving teenagers receive on this special
day?
Present Day
“So what happened after you and Mommy sat around the Christmas tree, Daddy?”
“Well, we sat on the floor in front of the couch as we waited for Auntie Komaru and Jii-chan to
come down. While we were waiting…”
XXX
December 25, 2014
Kyoko sat cross-legged, leaning her head on Makoto’s shoulder as his arm around her waist
squeezed protectively. She looked in front of her, seeing a spruce tree fixed in the center of the
room not much taller than her boyfriend, decorated with multicolored lights and a red ribbon
running around the perimeter before being tied in a bow at the top. In the space between the tree
and the floor was a small circle of wrapped boxes.
Noticing Kyoko’s wandering gaze, Makoto guessed “I imagine your Christmases with your
Grandfather must have been more extravagant than at my house…” Before she could shake her
head, Makoto continued “We don’t have a ton of money, so we can’t get the tallest tree or the most
presents, but…Komaru and I have always been happy to spend Christmas morning with our
parents.”
“…My Grandfather never celebrated Christmas.” Staring at his girlfriend incredulously, Makoto
listened as Kyoko revealed “Since Christmas isn’t a mandatory holiday in Japan, we always spent
it doing more casework. Since my Mother died…this is the first Christmas that I can remember…
actually celebrating…”
“Kyoko…”
“So…I don’t care whether it’s extravagant or not. I’m just happy to spend it with you and your
family. Besides…” Kyoko smiled as she admitted “I like your home…it has a coziness and
warmth…that I’ve been missing for a long time…”
“Kyoko…” Makoto breathed before smiling, wrapping his other arm around Kyoko’s waist and
tugging her into his lap, making the Ultimate Detective blush. “I promise…we’ll all make your
first real Christmas one to remember!”
“Makoto…” Overcome with joy, Kyoko leaned forward and pressed her lips against his own in a
soft kiss.
Makoto’s eyes widened briefly before both of them closed their eyes, squeezing each other tightly
as they relaxed into the soft kiss, their moistened lips pressing against each other as they lost
themselves in their love for each other.
“…And I didn’t even have to break out the mistletoe…”
Gasping, Makoto and Kyoko instantly broke apart blushing as they looked up at Komaru, who was
looking down at them while grinning cheekily. Startled, the two instantly released each other,
Kyoko scurrying out of his lap and sitting down next to him, the two staring down at the floor in
embarrassment while Komaru giggled.
As she took her seat at her brother’s other side, a masculine voice called out “Merry Christmas,
everyone!” Makoto and Kyoko reluctantly looked up from their laps to see a smiling Shingi
entering the living room, a bungle of small wrapped boxes in his arms as he announced “I got the…
huh?” Cocking his head in confusion as he took in Makoto and Kyoko’s blushing faces, he asked
“What’s with you two?”
It was Komaru who answered, revealing “I caught them smooching when I came down into the
living room.”
Shingi nodded in understanding, about to open his mouth to comment before Hana came in with a
plate in her hands, the Naegi matriarch reprimanding “Shingi, Komaru, remember what I said about
teasing Makoto and his girlfriend.” Smiling after they both deflated, Hana suggested “Shingi, why
don’t you put the ornaments in front of the presents? Then we can all have these delicious cookies
that Kyoko helped me bake!”
His blush now vanished, Makoto turned to his girlfriend and commented “I didn’t know you
baked.”
“I…I don’t…this was my first time…”
Smiling, Makoto reached down and squeezed her hand, encouraging “Well I can’t wait to sample
your handiwork.”
Kyoko closed her eyes and smiled, opening them once Hana placed the plate of cookies on the
nearby coffee table and announced “Alright; dig in everyone!”
XXX
Makoto patted his belly, moaning in delight as his last cookie disappeared down his throat.
“Those were amazing! Thanks Mom! Thanks, Kyoko!”
Shingi and Komaru nodded in agreement, making Kyoko blush slightly and mumbling with an
embarrassed smile “Th…thank you…”
Hana clapped her hands and announced “Okay; now that we’ve had our fill of Christmas cookies,
let’s get to opening the ornaments!” Walking over to the pile, she gathered the boxes into her arms
and started to distribute them, announcing “This one…, is for Shingi and me, this one’s for
Komaru, this one’s for Makoto…”
As Kyoko watched her boyfriend accept his ornament, she started to feel slightly left out, before
shaking the thought and reasoning “I’m Makoto’s girlfriend, not his wife or fiancée. Plus, my visit
was sort of last minute, and they didn’t know what I looked like before yesterday. So…”
“And last but not least, here’s one for Kyoko!”
“What? M…me…?”
Hana grinned as she forced the box into Kyoko’s hands, confirming “Of course, dear. You and
Makoto are dating, so you’re part of the family as far as we’re concerned. And in this house,
everyone in the family gets an ornament!”
“I get…an ornament? I’m…part of the…family?”
Kyoko sat there, befuddled as she watched everyone else open their ornaments. Hana gushed as
she opened a married couple figurine ornament that Shingi had bought for them. Komaru grinned
as she opened a round, disc-shaped ornament that had the words “Best Little Sister” displayed in
bright red text. Looking to her boyfriend, she saw him smile as he opened an ornament that was a
ceramic four-leaf clover, an obvious reference to his “Ultimate Lucky Student” title.
“Go on, dear; that ornament of yours isn’t going to open itself!”
Kyoko looked down at the box in her hands, still in disbelief that the ornament in her hands was a
gift for her, until she felt Makoto nudge her.
Smiling reassuringly, the Ultimate Lucky Student encouraged “Go ahead, Kyoko. We all pitched
in to get this for you.”
You…you all…
Wordlessly nodding, Kyoko finally began to meticulously undo the wrapping paper, treating it as
sacred until she placed it next to her, now looking at a standard box. With bated breath, she
removed the cover, taking out a ceramic miniature magnifying glass, with text printed across the
lens in big, lavender letters.
“Ace Detective…” Looking at her newfound family who had already done more for her than her
own flesh and blood family, she whispered “…Thank you…”
Everyone grinned, enjoying a comfortable silence for a minute before Hana clapped her hands and
suggested “All right, why don’t we hang up our ornaments on the tree? Makoto? Kyoko?”
Nodding, Makoto stood up, helping Kyoko to her feet and leading her to the tree.
“Here, these two branches look sturdy. Just take the ribbon looped through your ornament and
hang it around the branch. That’s it, now just push it in the direction of the trunk until you’re sure
it won’t fall. There; now I’ll hang mine on the branch next to it!”
When he was finished, Makoto and Kyoko stepped back, admiring how the two ornaments hung
right next to each other, their edges on the verge of touching. Smiling at each other, they then sat
back down in their original spots, allowing the others to hang their own ornaments.
“Okay, now it’s time to open presents!”
“YAY!” Everyone cheered save for Kyoko, who still smiled.
Hana dug out a long, rectangular box, announcing “Since Kyoko got the last ornament, in the
interest of fairness, she should open a present first! Here you go, dear.”
Stunned once more, Kyoko breathed “You…you got me presents too?” Hana grinned and nodded,
forcing the box into Kyoko’s hands, the Ultimate Detective closing her eyes and accepting of
course they did; this is Makoto’s family, after all…I shouldn’t be surprised anymore…
In contrast to opening the ornament, Kyoko ripped into the wrapping paper excitedly, making
everyone else chuckle at her enthusiasm before she opened the box and her eyes widened as she
withdrew a green Christmas sweater with the name “KYOKO” printed across the chest in bright,
purple font.
“What…how…”
Kyoko turned to Hana, who grinned and asked “Like it? I had to use Komaru’s sweaters as a base,
since I didn’t know your measurements. But hopefully I didn’t do too bad of a job knitting it…”
“You…knitted this…all by yourself?”
“Of course, dear. I’m something of a stay-at-home Mom, so I’ve knitted plenty of sweaters and
stuff for my kids since they were little.”
She made this…by hand…for me… Kyoko’s eyes watered, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks
as she confessed “…I love it…nobody’s ever done something like this for me before…thank
you…Mom…”
Makoto smiled, offering Kyoko his sleeve to wipe her eyes on, which Kyoko accepted, mumbling
an apology before Hana assured her it was fine before kneeling and sifting through the pile of
presents again.
“Here; I know that we just gave you one dear, but these presents for you and Makoto are meant to
be opened simultaneously.”
Makoto’s eyes sparkled in curiosity as Shingi took them from his wife and gave the presents to the
young couple, explaining “Here; I had to work a little extra overtime this month, but I think it was
worth it.”
Makoto’s Dad…worked overtime…to get something for both of us…?
Still wondering how she ever got so lucky, she filed the thought away and looked to Makoto, who
nodded along with her as they silently agreed on a course of action. After three seconds had
passed, they ripped into their respective wrapping paper, tearing them open to reveal two
rectangular boxes.
Kyoko examined it, turning it every which way as she tried to decipher what it was, only for
Makoto to exclaim “Wow! A Nintendo 3DS? And it’s bundled with Pokemon X!”
Spotting the relevant text, Kyoko reveled “I got one too…only mine says Pokemon Y…”
Nodding, Shingi answered “When Makoto and Komaru were little kids, they would play those
Pokemon games together all the time. But since you see him more often now than she does, I
figured it would be a nice activity for you two to do together when you’re just relaxing together.”
Beaming with childish glee, Makoto exclaimed “Oh wow; thanks, Dad!”
Shingi chuckled as he moved to wrap Makoto in a hug, assuring him “Don’t mention it, son!”
Kyoko watched the grin on Makoto’s face, then looked down at her own 3DS, her insecurities
taking root as she thought But…I don’t even know how to play…how can I…
Kyoko was startled out of her anxious contemplation as she felt Makoto’s hand on her shoulder.
Turning her head, she saw Makoto’s reassuring smile as he squeezed her shoulder.
“Don’t worry; I’ll teach you how to play later.”
Feeling her anxieties trickle away in the face of Makoto’s reassurances, Kyoko smiled and nodded,
turning to her future Father-in-law and thanking “Thank you, Mr. Nae…D…Dad…”
She turned to Hana, who nodded and smiled approvingly, while her son smiled warmly at the sight
of Kyoko getting along with his parents so well.
“Oh! Mine next! Give them the presents from me, next!”
Hana chuckled at her daughter’s enthusiasm, caving “Alright, alright, Komaru…” Hana sifted
through the pile again and pulled out two Christmas-themed boxes, tied with a green and purple
bow respectively and handed them to Makoto and Kyoko, explaining “These are from Komaru to
the both of you. For some reason, she insisted on packaging these herself; even I don’t know
what’s in them.”
As he stared at the box, Makoto’s expression suddenly turned pensive as he wondered Even Mom
doesn’t know what’s inside…Komaru, what are you up to?
Reasoning that it was pointless to worry, Makoto sighed before looking at Kyoko who nodded and,
after three seconds had passed, the couple simultaneously untied their respective ribbons, opening
the lids of their boxes and pulling out the contents with befuddled expressions on their faces.
What the… Kyoko wondered as she pulled out a single headband with two long, lavender bunny
ears attached to it.
“K…KOMARU!!” A mortified Makoto shrieked as he held up a headband of his own, complete

with emerald green bunny ears. “WHAT THE…HOW DID YOU EVEN…WHERE DID YOU
GET THESE FROM?!”
Barely managing to hold back her giggles from seeing her brother’s reaction, Komaru grinned and
explained “I got them from an internet seller; someone with the username hareracer. Besides, you
should be thanking me; now you two can roleplay or use them for your next Halloween costume or
something.”
R…roleplay…? Makoto stammered in his thoughts as he started to imagine a bunny-eared Kyoko

dressed in a purple leotard and gray leggings.
Unknown to him, a blushing Kyoko was currently fantasizing about a similarly bunny-eared
Makoto dressed in shorts and a sleeveless green hoodie vest that left his chest partially exposed.
“Ha! You’re both thinking about it! I knew this was a good idea!”
“T…that’s not…”
“Let’s just…move on for now…and we can decide what to do with these…accessories…later.”

Kyoko suggested, leaving her boyfriend to stare incredulously at her before admitting that was
probably the path of least embarrassment and nodding in response, the two placing the bunny ears
on top of their respective present piles.
“Okay!” Hana announced as she started sifting through the present pile again before withdrawing
two more wrapped boxes, one of which Kyoko recognized. “These are the last two presents for the
two of you. Here you go; to Kyoko from Makoto, and to Makoto from Kyoko!”
Nodding to each other, they once again ripped into the packaging simultaneously, opening the
boxes and staring inside.
Kyoko’s eyes widened as she withdrew a pair of gloves identical to the ones she was currently
wearing, complete with identical silver studs. These however had a much fuzzier texture,
indicating a warmer, more insulated material than her everyday gloves.
Makoto smiled and explained “I thought your gloves might leave your hands a little cold in winter
weather, so I found this website that makes custom gloves and got you a pair of winter gloves.”
Kyoko’s heart instantly grew three sizes, joyous tears streaming down her cheeks as she sat there,
amazed at her boyfriend’s thoughtfulness.
“WAH!”
Makoto yelped as Kyoko put the gloves on her pile and tackled him into a hug, whispering in his
ear “Thank you…Thank you…I LOVE THEM!”
Hana and Shingi watched the scene with touched smiles, while Komaru wiped a stray tear from her
eye.
Finally letting go and blushing, Kyoko urged “…Now you open mine…please…”
Makoto nodded, reaching in and removing a single book, reading the title “A Collection of
Mystery Fiction.”
Looking at her boyfriend shyly, Kyoko confessed “I know you’re always interested in my work…
so I thought…when we’re done with our study dates…we could read them on your bed together to
unwind…”
To her relief, Makoto beamed, pressing a kiss to her cheek and nodding “I’d like that…very
much.”
Everyone stayed silent, enjoying the moment before Hana clapped her hands one more time and
announced “Okay! That’s all for you two; next is…”
XXX
Present Day
Kiki erupted into a fit of giggles, managing to say “Oh man! Auntie Komaru…gave you…bunny
ears? Where…where are they…now?”
Someplace you’ll never find them… Makoto and Kyoko thought simultaneously as their thoughts
wandered to the hidden box in their basement.
Seeing that her parents weren’t gonna tell her anytime soon, she asked “So what happened once
you guys finished opening presents, Daddy?”
“Another time, Kiki; it’s almost time for bed anyway…”
Kiki groaned but nonetheless laid her head on the pillow. Everyone got up off the bed, but just as
Makoto and Kyoko were about to tuck Kiki in, Hana and Shingi stopped them.
“Why don’t you let us tuck her in tonight? You must have a busy day at the Academy, so you two
go get some early sleep in while we say good night to our granddaughter.”
Makoto and Kyoko blinked in surprise, but smiled and nodded, calling out “Good night, Kiki.
Sweet dreams.”
Kiki waved back with one hand, replying “You too, Mommy. You too, Daddy.”
Makoto and Kyoko soon walked out, Komaru following them to her room as Hana and Shingi
finished tucking Kiki in.
“Love you too, Baa-ba…Jii-ji…” *Yawn*
Kiki soon fell asleep, her Grandparents smiling lovingly as they heard Kiki’s snores. They quietly
crept out, closing the door behind them as they retired to their guest room for the evenin
Love Arc Chapter Nineteen: Christmas with the Naegis! Makoto and Kyoko
in the Snow!
Chapter Summary
With presents now opened, Makoto invites Kyoko to play in the snow with him. What
new experiences will she discover while playing outside with her boyfriend?
Chapter Notes
This chapter has just been updated with an art commisison from yuseirra!
Present Day
Komaru pouted at the memory while her brother smiled wistfully and explained “Well, once we
finished opening our presents, we had lunch together. After that, I looked out the window and,
upon seeing that it was snowing, I invited your Mother to play in the snow. After some
encouragement from your Baa-chan, she agreed and we went to change into our winter clothes.
But as we were about to head out the door…”
XXX
December 25, 2014
“WHAT DO YOU MEAN I CAN’T GO OUTSIDE AND PLAY WITH MAKOTO AND
KYOKO?!”
Hana shook her head and told Komaru sternly “I warned you and your Father against teasing your
brother or his girlfriend during her stay. Consider this your grounding for the bunny ears; you can
play a board game with your Father instead.”
“But Moooommmmmmmm…”
Komaru’s whining was interrupted by a gentle hand on her shoulder. Looking up, she saw her
Father’s reassuring smile as he nodded.
“Listen to your Mother, Komaru. Come on, we can play a round of Shogi while your brother and
his girlfriend play in the snow.”
Komaru grumbled as her Father led her back into the living room. Meanwhile, Hana smiled at the
slightly guilt-ridden Makoto, dressed in black snow pants and a green winter coat that obscured his
similarly green Christmas sweater. Kyoko on the other hand was dressed in grey winter pants and
a purple winter jacket that also obscured her new sweater. Kyoko had traded in her standard
gloves for the ones she got from Makoto, and both had red scarves wrapped around their necks.
“Don’t mind your sister; she’ll be free of her grounding tomorrow. Have fun, you two!”
Feeling slightly better, Makoto smiled and nodded, exclaiming “We will, Mom!” Threading their
fingers together, he exclaimed “Come on, Kyoko!”
Kyoko yelped as Makoto tugged her out the door, slamming it behind them, leaving the Naegi
Matriarch to smile and giggle at the antics of her son and his girlfriend.
XXX
“Look, Kyoko!”
Kyoko stared as Makoto beamed proudly at the collection of three snowballs stacked on top of
each other, largest on the bottom and smallest on top.
“…You made three spheres of differing sizes out of snow because…”
Makoto pouted “Good grief, Kyoko; I’m building a snowman! You’ve never seen a snowman
before?”
Kyoko pondered before a memory flashed through her mind, nodding as she admitted “It’s a little
fuzzy, but…I think…I might have built one with my parents when I was five…it was just so long
ago, I forgot it even happened…”
Makoto frowned sympathetically before offering “Well, how about you help me finish it? Kyoko,
do you wanna build a snowman?”
…Maybe…if I do it with Makoto…then I’ll better be able to remember doing it with my own
Mother. Besides, I…I don’t exactly…hate the idea… Sighing she asked “Alright, what do you
want me to do?”
Beaming, Makoto asked “Can you help me find a handful of pebbles? I’ll explain what we’re
going to do with them later.”
Before she could say anything else, Makoto ran around to the backyard. Sighing, she decided to
just do as he asked, somewhat interested in what he wanted to do with them.
XXX
“Alright, I’m back! You got the pebbles?”
She turned to see Makoto running from the backyard, two large sticks in hand. Walking up to him,
she nodded and uncurled her palm, revealing a collection of twelve round stones, roughly equal in
size.
“Great!” As he led her up to the snowman, he made two small indentations with his fingers and
instructed “Here; put one stone in each socket.”
Finally starting to understand what he was going for, Kyoko did as he asked, installing two eyes in
the snowman’s head before guessing “So the rest of these pebbles…do they go…like this…?”
Makoto watched proudly as Kyoko put the stones a fair bit below the eyes in a straight horizontal
line, interjecting when she was done “You’re on the right track, though it’s better if…” Makoto
started rearranging a third of Kyoko’s pebbles before exclaiming “There!”
As he stepped back, Kyoko looked at his handiwork, her unexpressive mouth changed into a smile.
She nodded before Makoto declared “Only one thing left for the face…” Kyoko stared curiously
as Makoto withdrew a single carrot, sticking it into the head between the eyes and mouth as he
exclaimed “Carrot Nose!”
Kyoko sweatdropped as she gave an amused sigh, commenting “You’re such a little boy
sometimes…”
Makoto grinned before he stuck a twig on each side of the torso, then walked around the snowman,
inspecting it before musing “Something’s still missing…” His eyes flashed in realization as he
exclaimed “Now I understand! Wait here, I’ll be right back!”
Kyoko sweatdropped as she waited for only a minute, Makoto blazing back outside with his scarf
in one hand and a black top hat in the other. Kyoko watched as he wrapped the scarf around the
snowman’s “neck”, before standing on the tips of his toes and placing the top hat on top of the
snowman’s head.
Makoto stepped back, looking through his hands that had formed an imaginary camera before he
gave a satisfied smile and declared “There; just like Frosty!” At Kyoko’s befuddled stare, Makoto
realized “Oh, that’s right; you’ve never seen old Christmas movies. There’s this old fairy tale
about a snowman that came to life when the kids who built him put a magic hat on his head and
named him Frosty.”
Kyoko sweatdropped before shaking her head at the ridiculousness of such a fairy tale.
Frowning at his exposed neck, Kyoko lectured him “You should at least take your scarf back;
you’ll get cold without it.”
Makoto stuck his tongue out and rebutted “I already got the lecture from my Mom. Anyway, I’m
not gonna freeze to death just from…HEY!”
Makoto shivered as he felt snow slide down his neck and melt against his chest, turning to see
Kyoko tossing a snowball up and down in her hand as she smirked and concluded “I rest my case.”
As the shivers subsided, Makoto gave an uncharacteristically evil grin as he bent down, grabbing
some snow and packing it into a ball in his palm as he challenged “Oh, you’re on, Kiri!”
Before she could say anything further, Kyoko found her face covered in snow, Makoto’s snowball
having hit her right between the eyes. Wiping the snow from her face, she bent down and started
making another snowball, her eyes narrowed in determination as she stood up with a smirk.
“Alright, Naegi-kun! You want war, I’ll give you war!”
XXX
It wasn’t long until they were both covered in snow, Kyoko not really trying to avoid Makoto’s
projectiles as she recognized that this was only a game. They ended the game by charging at each
other, snowball in hand and, upon embracing each other with one arm, used their other hand to
throw their weapons down the other’s sweaters. They both shivered as they fell together into the
snow, lying on their backs as they burst into laughter.
Still giggling, Makoto spread and retracted his arms and legs repeatedly as he urged “Come on,
Kyoko; make snow angels with me! Just do what I do!”
Still drowning in her gleeful giggles too deep to care about how silly she was being, Kyoko
obliged, matching his movements and creating a snow angel of her own, her heart rate spiking for a
split second each time their hands and feet touched. Eventually they stopped, their toes touching as
their adjacent fingers threaded with each other. The loving couple turned their faces toward each
other, blushing smiles spreading from ear to ear as they basked in the fun moment.
“MAKOTO! KYOKO! HURRY INSIDE, OR YOU’LL BOTH CATCH COLDS!”
“COMING!”
Makoto sighed and stood up, helping his girlfriend to stand before they dusted the snow off of their
clothes and, still holding hands, headed back inside to change out of their damp winter clothes.
XXX
Present Day
“But if Daddy could, why can’t I put my scarf on the snowman?”
Kyoko stared at her daughter and lectured “Kiki, just because your Father could put his scarf on
the snowman, doesn’t mean he didn’t get cold. I had no authority as his girlfriend to force the
scarf around his neck. As your Mother however, I am telling you that you must keep your scarf on
when you’re building a snowman. We have plenty of spare scarves around the house; use one of
those for the snowman if you have to.”
Pouting, Kiki groaned “…Okay, Mommy…” Turning to her Father, Kiki asked “So what
happened when you got back inside, Daddy?”
“Well, after we got inside, we changed back into regular clothes and had dinner, though your Baa-
chan quickly dried our sweaters. We still needed them, for you see…”
XXX
December 25, 2014
“Alright everyone, get into position for our first family photo with Kyoko!” Hana directed from
behind the tripod propping up the camera. “Makoto, you sit in the center of the couch. Kyoko,
Komaru, you get on either side of Makoto. Shingi, stand behind the couch.”
Everyone followed the directions, Kyoko plopping down on Makoto’s left while Komaru sat on
Makoto’s right. Everyone wore traditional Santa hats that Shingi had dug out of the closet, as well
as Christmas sweaters with their names on them.
“Good, good! Makoto, since you’re shorter than Kyoko, lean against her shoulder; it’ll make the
picture cuter!”
“O…okay…” Makoto stammered, blushing before threading his fingers with Kyoko, leaning his
cheek against her shoulder.
Kyoko blushed, before closing her eyes and smiling. Komaru shot them a teasing stare, deciding
that if she was getting grounded today for teasing, then she’d make the most of it.
“Okay, I’ll set the timer for thirty seconds; just keep that pose and don’t move!”
Pressing the button, Hana quickly ran behind the couch next to her husband, the two parents
staring down lovingly at their lucky in love son and future daughter-in-law. Before they knew it, a
bright light flashed for a split second before dissipating, startling the couple out of their romantic
pose. As they separated, Hana ran over to the camera, fiddling with the buttons before giving a
satisfied smile.
“Perfect; absolutely perfect! I’ve gotta go upload this to the computer and print off some copies!
I’ll give you all one tomorrow.”
The others sweatdropped as Hana ran up to the office, giggling with glee.
Shingi sighed, smiling as he said “Well, I’ll go and make sure she actually sleeps tonight; you two
know how your Mother gets when she takes a family photo she likes.” Turning to his children and
future daughter-in-law, he suggested “You kids should get yourselves to bed; see you all in the
morning.”
With that, Shingi jogged up the stairs, leaving Makoto, Kyoko, and Komaru alone on the couch.
XXX
“I still can’t believe Mom agreed to let us sleep in the same bed together…” Makoto commented as
he cuddled with his girlfriend, now in their pajamas as the moon shone through his window as their
only light source.
Kyoko smiled lovingly, stroking his head as they lay under the covers, the Ultimate Detective
musing “Indeed…though I’m not complain…”
*Ah-ah-ah-choo*
Kyoko frowned as Makoto sneezed, the boy reaching for a nearby tissue and leaning back just far
enough to let him blow his nose before taking it back and tossing it onto his dresser.
“Makoto, are you alright? I told you to keep your scarf on…”
Makoto pouted as he moaned “Geez, now you’re really sounding like my Mom. I’m fine, Kyoko;
I just sneezed. People can sneeze without being sick, you know.”
Kyoko frowned, still concerned as she tried to counter “But…”
Makoto groaned as he interrupted “Kami, Kyoko! Could you please not turn into my Mom?”
Kyoko let go of her boyfriend, startled by his response. It wasn’t long before Makoto’s rush of
annoyance dissipated in the absence of Kyoko’s touch, guilt for yelling at his girlfriend swiftly
taking its place.
He hung his head and apologized “S…sorry…I didn’t mean to snap at you, honest…”
Kyoko wrapped her arms around Makoto again, squeezing him gently to let him know all was
forgiven as she returned “It’s okay…besides…I…may have overreacted myself.” Blushing,
Kyoko explained “I know I’m not your Mother, Makoto. But as your girlfriend, I care about you
and want you to be healthy. If I have an opportunity to keep you from getting sick, I’m going to
take it.”
Taking in her words, Makoto nodded “…Okay…I’ll try to listen to you more when it comes to my
health…”
Nodding response, Kyoko returned “And I’ll try not to get on your case about it so much…
especially when your own Mother is in the same house.”
Makoto and Kyoko grinned at each other, the boy snuggling against her as they pulled each other
closer, Makoto becoming slightly drowsier the longer he listened to the *thump thump* of
Kyoko’s heart.
“Good night, Makoto…” She cooed as she stroked his hair, finishing “Merry Christmas…I love
you.”
Makoto sighed, softly smiling as he murmured drowsily “Merry Christmas, Kyoko…I love you
too…”
Smiling lovingly again, Kyoko continued to stroke his scalp, the soothing motion lulling him to
sleep. It wasn’t long until he started snoring, the quiet sound serving as a lullaby to her as she was
pulled into dreamland with him.
XXX
Present Day
“Daddy…did you get sick after all?”
“Well, I, erm…” Seeing his wife and Mother glare at him, Makoto sighed and settled on “You’ll
find out tomorrow, Kiki. It’s time for bed.”
Copout… Kyoko, Hana, and Kiki all thought before Kiki sighed, snuggling under the blankets as
everyone else got off. Komaru tucked her in, bringing the blanket up to her chin and pressing a
kiss to Kiki’s nose.
“Good night, Kiki. Auntie Komaru loves you!”
*Yawn* “…Love you too, Auntie Komaru…” Kiki mumbled before falling asleep.
Makoto and Komaru beamed proudly at their sister before shooing everyone out of Kiki’s room,
the four elder Naegis filing to their respective rooms to retire for the night.
Love Arc Chapter Twenty: Christmas with the Naegis! Sick in Bed!
Chapter Summary
With Makoto having caught a cold from playing in the snow, Kyoko resolves to take
care of him until he gets better. But will she end up catching his cold too?
Present Day
“So what happened next, Mommy? Did Daddy get sick after all?”
Nodding, Kyoko replied as Makoto blushed in embarrassment at the memory “I was the first to
wake up. At first I thought your Father was just sleeping in like he did Christmas morning. But
you see…”
XXX
December 26, 2014
*Yawn*
Kyoko’s eyes fluttered open, stretching as she sat up, yawning away her drowsy state. Once she
rubbed the sleep out of her eyes and her vision came into focus, she looked around, her brow
furrowing at the unfamiliar room.
“Where…where am I…”
Kyoko’s eyes continued to wander until she looked down at Makoto’s sleeping form, her eyes
widening as the memories of Christmas Day came flooding back. Kyoko smiled softly as she
couldn’t help but think about how cute her boyfriend looked asleep in his fuzzy pajamas.
…I suppose we should get up sooner rather than later…he’ll probably be hungry… She leaned
down and breathed just above a whisper in his ear “Makoto…time to get up…” Makoto only
shivered, making Kyoko frown in worry as she asked after sitting up “Makoto…?”
Makoto groaned and struggled to get up, finally getting on his hands and knees before looking up
at his girlfriend with a barely aware expression.
“Kyou…Kyou…koooo…?”
Kyoko frowned worriedly as she saw his face covered in a sweaty sheen, the boy still shivering as
he coughed, his arms looking like they were going to collapse at any moment. Kyoko reached for
his forehead, only to retract it at the abnormal heat emanating from his body.
“Makoto! You’re burning up!”
As she withdrew her hands and stared at the clearly sick Makoto, she saw his nose twitch until
“Ah…Ah…Ah-choo!”
Makoto sniffled, wiping his snot on the back of his hand before he continued to shiver. Finally his
arms gave out, his sneeze costing him the last of his energy.
“Makoto!”
Kyoko caught him in her arms, wrapping them around his back and pulling him up to support him
as she panicked He’s clearly sick, but what do I do? I can’t just leave him alone, but I don’t know
how to take care of someone sick! What should I…
“C…cold…” Kyoko was shaken out of her thoughts as she heard Makoto’s words; the boy
continued to shiver as his teeth chattered “Soo…c…cold…”
Following her instincts, Kyoko pulled him as tight against her chest as she could, praying that her
body’s natural warmth would be enough to keep Makoto’s chills away. Makoto’s hands clawed at
her back in a desperate, secure grip as he continued hacking. Kyoko patted his back to help him
get the coughs out of his system as she turned her gaze to the bedroom door, desperate fr someone
more knowledgeable to help her take care of the boy she loved.
Mom…Dad…Komaru…please, hurry!!!
XXX
Present Day
“So who helped you take care of Daddy, Mommy? Was it Baa-ba, Jii-ji, or Auntie Komaru?”
Hana nodded and answered “It was me; when your Father didn’t come down for breakfast, I
peeked me head in to see what was keeping him. Your Mother saw me and stared with this
pleading expression. Once I saw how your Father was sweating and shivering, I nodded and
walked over to the bathroom to grab a thermometer. I then went back with it and a glass of water
and took your Father’s temperature…”
XXX
December 26, 2014
*Beep, Beep*
Hana removed the thermometer from Makoto’s mouth, the boy now propped up into a sitting
position by several pillows that Kyoko, after some direction from Hana, placed against Makoto’s
back.
Makoto groaned as she observed the thermometer and announced “Thirty-eight degrees…you have
a fever…probably the sign of a cold you caught from playing in the snow yesterday.”
…I told you to keep your scarf on… Kyoko kept to herself, realizing that berating him wouldn’t get
rid of his cold.
Makoto sneezed, then, as if reading her mind, glanced at his girlfriend and apologized “S…
sorry…”
Kyoko’s eyes softened before Hana announced “I’m going to go make some nice hot soup…
Kyoko, would you mind just staying with him until I’m done?” Seeing Kyoko nod with
determination in her eyes, Hana smiled and continued “Good; in the meantime, make sure he
drinks all of this water…it’ll help…”
Kyoko accepted the glass gratefully, helping him to bring it to his mouth and tip it so that cool
liquid poured down his throat and worked to bring down his temperature.
“Hey Onii-chan! Wanna build a snow fort toge…”
Turning to the unaware Komaru, Hana smiled sadly and told her “Your brother caught a cold,
dear. You can help me cook some nice hot soup for him.”
Komaru pouted and grumbled “Mooouuuuu…” before following her Mother outside, leaving
Kyoko to help him sip the glass of water in between coughs.
XXX
Hana walked back in, carrying a bowl of piping hot soup in her hands. Kyoko’s eyes widened as
the scent passed her nose, shocked by how delicious it smelled.
I haven’t even tasted it and it already smells like the most delicious thing on earth!
Hana pulled the chair from Makoto’s desk over and sat down in it, suggesting “Kyoko, why don’t
you get dressed while I feed Makoto this soup?”
“…But…shouldn’t I stay here…and try to help…?”
Hana smiled, touched by Kyoko’s eagerness to tend to Makoto before she encouraged “Dear, this
is just a cold. I’ve tended to my son countless times, and although it’s sweet that you want to be
there for him…you shouldn’t neglect yourself in the process. Go on Kyoko; go get dressed and
you can be there for him when you get back.”
Kyoko bit her lip before acknowledging that Hana was probably right as an experienced Mother.
Before leaving to change out of her nightgown, Kyoko walked up to Makoto and lightly pressed her
palm against his cheek to get his attention.
“I’ll be right back, okay? I promise…just hang in there until I get back…”
Makoto weakly nodded, Kyoko forcing herself away and closing the door behind her. Hana
sighed, smiling at the love her future daughter-in-law was showing towards her son.
Spooning out a bit of broth, Hana encouraged “Alright, Makoto; open up!”
XXX
Present Day
“That’s right; Daddy did say that he learned to make that soup from you…so who makes it better?
You or Daddy?”
Hana smiled and replied “I’m sure your Father would say me since I did create the recipe…but I
haven’t really had a chance to sample his version, so I can’t really say.”
Kiki looked up at her Father and smiled, saying “Don’t worry, Daddy! Even if Baa-ba does make
it better, you still make great soup when Mommy and I are sick!”
Makoto blushed as he mumbled an expression of gratitude before Kiki asked “So what happened
after you left, Mommy?”
“…Well, I did as I was asked; I took a brief shower before getting dressed and I did my usual hair
braid. Afterwards my stomach started growling and…”
XXX
December 26, 2014
*Grumble*
Looking down at her belly, Kyoko sighed “I suppose I should get something to eat…Mom did say
not to neglect my health…”
Slipping on a long sleeve shirt, Kyoko opened the door and headed down to the kitchen.
XXX
Present Day
“And what did you decide to eat, Mommy?”
Komaru grinned and took over, revealing “She didn’t decide anything…it was me who gave her
breakfast. You see…”
XXX
December 26, 2014
“Here.”
Kyoko looked at the steaming hot bowl of apple cinnamon oatmeal and the plate of breakfast
sausage Komaru held out in front of her, confused as to why her future sister-in-law had already
prepared breakfast from her.
Komaru sighed and explained “Mom said you would be hungry when we were making soup for
Makoto, so when we were done, she asked me to nuke a bowl of oatmeal and a plate of sausage for
us. So…eat.”
Finally understanding, Kyoko smiled and accepted the food, replying “Thank you, Komaru.”
Food in hand, Komaru followed her to the dining room table, where they sat down and ate in
comfortable silence, no words needing to be exchanged as they simply enjoyed each other’s
company.
XXX
Present Day
“That was so sweet of you, Auntie Komaru!”
Komaru grinned, ruffling Kiki’s hair as she cooed “Aww, thanks, Kiki!” Inside, she gloated Point:
Auntie Komaru!
Makoto and Kyoko sweatdropped at the look of satisfaction on Komaru’s face before sighing
simultaneously and lamenting …Shikata wa nai…
Kiki turned to her Mother and asked “So what happened after you and Auntie Komaru had
breakfast together, Mommy?”
“Once we finished eating, Auntie Komaru volunteered to wash the dishes. With that chore out of
the way, I headed back up to your Father’s room. Your Baa-chan had just finished feeding him his
soup and he seemed to be in better spirits, so after she left…”
XXX
December 26, 2014
Kyoko sat on the bed next to Makoto, who was currently wrapped in a cocoon of blankets. The
boy’s chills and exceptionally high fever had mostly retreated, sniffles and sneezes being the only
persistent symptoms of his cold.
“Ah-choo!” Makoto sneezed as Kyoko grabbed a tissue, letting him blow his reddened nose into it
before dropping it next to his bed. Makoto looked up to her and apologized “S…sorry…You must
be annoyed with having to spend your vacation taking care of me…like this…”
…Please don’t tell me…another one of his insecurities… Deciding to nip this one in the bud, she
told him “I’m not annoyed with you; you didn’t decide to get sick, so I can’t hold it against you.”
*Cough*
As Kyoko patted his back, Makoto wheezed “Even so…you should know…this isn’t a fluke…”
Seeing Kyoko raise her eyebrows in confusion, Makoto explained “I…I get sick really easily. Is
there’s a bug going around, I’m virtually guaranteed to catch it. If you stay with me…you know…
long-term…” Makoto blushed as he continued “You’ll have to take care of me way more often
than the other way around. Why would you want to keep tending to someone who’s just going to
be a burden…?”
Kyoko held back the urge to slap him, thinking He’s already sick; slapping him back to his senses
isn’t what he needs…it’s unnecessarily cruel treatment…
Sighing, Kyoko chose to smile as she wrapped har arm tighter around him, the boy’s blush
darkening in shade at their more intimate contact.
“Makoto…you’re not a burden, okay? You’re the boy I love…not just in health, but in sickness
too. To be honest…I can’t think of a better way to spend my vacation than spending time with
you…especially curled up on your bed together. So please…don’t think you’re burdening me…
I’m happy…happy being with you and spending time with you…and yes, even helping you to
blow your nose.”
Makoto’s eyes watered as he uttered “…Kyoko…you…” before pulling his arms out of his cocoon
and turning to wrap them around his girlfriend, nuzzling his face against her breasts.
Kyoko smiled lovingly, reaching to wrap the blankets around the both of them, keeping them warm
as she continued to nurse her boyfriend back to health with the love she had for him.
XXX
“A…are you sure you want to sleep together tonight…” Makoto asked worriedly before sniffling.
“You…you might end up catching my cold…”
Kyoko sighed before sliding under the blankets and wrapping her arms around him, holding him
close and looking into his eyes as she rejected “It’s a chance I’m willing to take…remember what I
said, Makoto. I promised to be there for you in health and sickness, and I won’t leave you to sleep
in the guest room while you deal with your cold alone.”
“…If you insist…” Not that I’m complaining… Makoto admitted to himself as he smiled and
returned her embrace, nuzzling her shoulder. “Good…” *Yawn* “Good night, Kyoko. I love
you…”
Smiling lovingly at her now snoozing boyfriend, Kyoko caressed his fuzzy head and cooed “I love
you too…get well soon, Makoto…” before she fell into slumber along with him.
XXX
Present Day
“Daddy…you really thought you were a burden to Mommy?”
Makoto blushed in embarrassment as he took a deep breath and admitted “At the time…there were
instances when I believed that. Because there was still a part of me that believed I was normal and
uninteresting…I was admittedly a bit of a pessimist when it came to my romantic capabilities.”
Kyoko reached down and squeezed his hand, making him look at her as they smiled lovingly,
blushing pink as she assured him “But you outgrew it eventually…”
Makoto kissed her on the cheek before he cooed “Thanks to you…I never could have done it
without you…”
“Makoto…”
Hana and Shingi smiled at the loving scene, while Komaru and Kiki let out a simultaneous
“Blech!” in disgust.
Once Makoto and Kyoko came back from their romantic trance, Kiki asked “So what happened
tomorrow, Daddy? Did Mommy get sick too?”
“…At first, when I woke up refreshed the next morning, I thought she was just sleeping in.
Normally I would have stayed until she woke up, but my stomach was growling so…” Komaru
and Kiki giggled while Kyoko, Hana, and Shingi gave amused smiles before Makoto coughed into
his palm and continued “…so I went downstairs to get breakfast and…”
XXX
December 27, 2014
“Mama, Ohayo!”
Hana smiled at a refreshed Makoto and greeted “Good Morning, Makoto! Are you feeling better?”
Makoto nodded energetically and replied “Yeah; my cold is all gone and I’m feeling much more
energetic!”
“I’m glad…” Hana’s brow furrowed as she realized “So where’s Kyoko?”
“Oh, when I woke up she was still asleep.” Makoto blushed when he explained “She took such
good care of me the other day…I figured she deserved to sleep in a little…I would have stayed
with her, but…”
Hana grinned knowingly and guessed “You got hungry, right?” Seeing Makoto’s embarrassed
nod, Hana brought over a plate of pancakes topped with syrup, as well as scrambled eggs and a
side of bacon, telling him “You’re in luck, I just finished cooking breakfast. Eat up, dear.”
“Yum! Thanks, Mom!” Makoto thanked before digging in ravenously, the Naegi matriarch
smiling as she continued cooking breakfast.
A couple minutes later, Makoto let out a contented sigh, rubbing his slightly rounded belly as he
opened his mouth to thank his Mother for the scrumptious breakfast. Before he could do so, the
quiet dragging of feet attracted his attention and caused him to turn around. Makoto smiled at
seeing his girlfriend, her body obscured by the blanket she had draped around her, walk into the
Dining Room.
“Kyoko, Good Morning! Did you sleep we…Kyoko?”
Makoto frowned, his brow furrowing in concern as he finally took in his girlfriend’s face. Kyoko’s
eyes were half-shut, the girl sniffling as her cheeks were painted rosy pink.
“Kyoko…are you al…”
“Ma…koto…” she managed to utter before dropping the blanket and clinging to his surprised
form, hugging him close and allowing him to feel her shivering and sweating, her sniffles ringing
in his ears.
“Kyoko…you must have caught my cold again; you’re burning up! You should be in bed resting!”
Shaking her head against his chest, Kyoko moaned “I’m fine…just get me some coffee and I’ll be
as good as new…”
Kyoko’s hopes were dashed as Hana informed her “There’s no coffee in this house, dear.” As
Kyoko cursed under her breath, Hana smiled and replied “I’ll forgive your language this once
seeing as you’re sick.” As Kyoko mumbled a barely coherent apology, Hana continued “It’s okay
dear, just go back to bed and I’ll heat up some leftover soup for you. Makoto, help your girlfriend
upstairs, alright?”
Makoto nodded, wrapping his arm around Kyoko’s waist to support her as they walked. Kyoko,
with her stuffy nose clogging up what little brain power she possessed, lacked the energy to be
stubborn and relented. The girl leaned into Makoto’s embrace as he helped her up the stairs and
into his room.
XXX
“Why didn’t you tell me you were sick?” Makoto pleaded, his hands resting on her shoulders now
that she was resting on his bed once more.
Kyoko averted her gaze and muttered “It’s nothing I’m not already used to…” Glancing back at
Makoto’s confused expression, Kyoko sighed, then sniffled before explaining “Being raised by my
Grandfather, being sick was never an excuse to slack off on my training. Whenever I was sick and
didn’t require hospitalization, he would just leave my casework in my room for me to do while I
was in bed.”
That…that’s awful! Makoto kept that thought to himself, not wanting to insult her family.
“So…I’m used to being active while I’m sick…so we can still…”
“What you can still do dear, is lay in bed and rest.” Makoto and Kyoko turned their heads to see
Hana standing in the entryway, carrying a piping hot bowl of soup in her hands as she smiled and
came over to them, telling the sick Detective in a kind, yet forceful voice “In the Naegi household,
we don’t push ourselves until we collapse. When we’re sick, we lie in bed and recover our strength
so our bodies can focus on healing.”
“But…”
Kyoko was silenced by Hana’s kind, yet stern stare as the Naegi matriarch encouraged her “Kyoko,
I understand that your guardian raised you differently, but you’re on vacation. It’s perfectly okay
to just spend a day lying in bed and resting, especially if you’re sick. You don’t need to tough it
out, Kyoko.”
Seeing her boyfriend nod and feeling her nose twitch at the scent of Hana’s delicious soup, Kyoko
sighed in defeat and nodded.
Hana smiled in victory and urged “Alright then…have some nice, hot soup while you’re resting;
it’ll help your body recover…”
Hana walked over and started to spoon some broth for Kyoko, only for the sick Detective to try
and grab the bowl and insist “I can…eat it…myself…”
Her body betrayed her, for Hana smiled and pointed out “You’re still shaking from the chills,
dear. You’ll just spill the soup if you try and eat it by yourself.” As Kyoko pouted, Hana guessed
“…I take it your Grandfather never waited on you like this when you were little…”
Kyoko’s silence was all Hana needed; Kyoko was too young to remember her parents taking care
of her when she was sick, and her Grandfather always pushed her to do things on her own.
“Kyoko…it’s okay to want to be independent…but it’s also important to be able to lean on others
and allow them to help you while you get better…even with things as simple as eating soup.”
Hana smiled warmly as she continued “I promised you that I’d treat you like my own daughter, and
I’ve done this for both Makoto and Komaru multiple times when they were sick, even into their
teenage years. So don’t be stubborn about this; let me wait on you as your Mother…and let
Makoto wait on you as your boyfriend.”
“…” The argument that she was simply being treated like one of Hana’s own children broke what
remaining resistance she had left; Kyoko sighed and opened her mouth, letting her future Mother-
in-law spoon-feed her the soup. It…it’s even better than I imagined!
Kyoko’s eyes widened as she couldn’t help but smile at the delicious delicacy. Hana smiled as
Kyoko continued to comply more enthusiastically, opening wide as Hana continued to spoon-feed
her, Makoto smiling at how his Mother and girlfriend were bonding.
XXX
“I’m glad you let us take care of you today…” Makoto admitted as they snuggled under the
blankets, her sniffles and stuffy nose being the last remaining evidence of her cold after consuming
Hana’s homemade soup.
“…” Kyoko nodded against his chest and told him “…Don’t get used to it…I’m still a very
independent girl, and I’m not someone who’s entirely comfortable being waited on like a
Princess…your Mother can just be very persuasive.”
…We’ll work on it… Makoto smiled as he stroked her hair, kissing the top of her head. Yawning,
Makoto urged “…Get some sleep, Kyoko…”
Nodding, Kyoko lifted her head off of his chest to press her lips against his own in a soft, loving
kiss. Makoto reciprocated, pressing back in a gentle display of loving affection before Kyoko
broke off their contact, retreating back to nuzzle his chest.
“Good night, Makoto…I love you…”
Makoto smiled, stroking her back as he cooed “I love you too, Kyoko…sweet dreams, and get well
soon…”
XXX
Present Day
“Really? You resisted having Daddy and Baa-ba take care of you?”
Makoto and Hana smiled wistfully before he explained to his daughter “Kiki, your Mother was,
and still is to some degree, a private person. Her Grandfather raised her to struggle through life
with her own strength, so I wasn’t surprised when she tried to resist at first.”
Nodding, Kyoko explained “But I’m a different person now.” Holding her husband’s hand, Kyoko
smiled as she continued “Your Father, and your Baa-chan…” Hana smiled as Kyoko continued
“…taught me that it was okay to lean on them. I’ve become a better person because of them, and I
wouldn’t be the Mother I am today if it weren’t for them.”
Kiki glanced at her Father and Grandmother gratefully, who smiled and nodded in return.
*Yawn*
Kyoko smiled and commented “Sounds to me like you’re ready for bed, young lady…”
“…Maybe…” Kiki moaned as everyone else got off the bed, her parents tucking her in before
everyone leaned in for a simultaneous good night kiss.
Without another word, Kiki’s eyes closed and she fell asleep. Smiling, Kyoko and her husband
nudged the others out of Kiki’s bedroom before exiting themselves, Kyoko closing the door behind
her as she left with her husband to cuddle to sleep in their own bed.
Love Arc Chapter Twenty-One: Christmas with the Naegis! Pokémon Trainer
Kyoko Starts Her Journey!
Chapter Summary
Still feeling fatigued from her cold, Kyoko asks Makoto to teach her how to play the
Pokémon game that her future in-laws bought her for Christmas. How will her
Pokémon Journey unfold?
Present Day
“So did you feel better after you snuggled with Daddy, Mommy?”
“…For the most part.” Kyoko smiled at her husband and revealed “Your Father made sure to stay
with me until I woke up this time, and after I assured him I was fine, we walked down to the
kitchen together for breakfast where…”
XXX
December 28, 2014
“Good morning, sleepyheads!” Hana greeted as Makoto and Kyoko joined Hana, Komaru, and
Shingi at the table, the Naegi matriarch handing them both breakfast platters and urging “Dig in!”
“Itadakimasu.”
With that, the young couple instantly dug in to their meals, Kyoko a little more sluggishly than
normal.
Shingi noticed and asked “Are you alright, Kyoko? You’re not still sick, are you?”
Shaking her head, Kyoko assured her future Father-in-law “I’m fine; I just have this feeling of
general fatigue.” Kyoko smirked at her boyfriend who smiled bashfully as she commented “After
all, not all of us can have your son’s uncanny ability to bounce back in a heartbeat.” Redirecting
her attention back to Shingi, Kyoko continued “Anyway, I was thinking maybe it would be a good
day to take it easy…Makoto and I are meeting some friends at Comic Market tomorrow and I want
to be sure I’m at a hundred percent when we go, so perhaps it’s not unwise to refrain from doing
anything too strenuous for today.”
Hana smiled, glad that Kyoko was taking her lesson to heart as she replied “That’s a good idea;
perhaps your body is telling you that you still need to recover. There’s nothing wrong with just
enjoying your vacation.”
Makoto nodded in agreement before Kyoko realized “That reminds me…Makoto, how are we
getting there tomorrow?”
Shingi smiled and informed her “Makoto called and told us after he asked if you could stay over;
I’ll be driving you there tomorrow morning.”
Komaru pouted and groaned “Mou! I’m so jealous; I’ve never been to an anime convention
before.”
Kyoko looked to her boyfriend who smiled and explained “Komaru’s a huge anime and manga fan,
so going to Comic Market is like a dream come true to her…I remember how she begged me to
give her my ticket once I told her what had happened…”
“Onii-chan, PLEASSSEEEEE! I’ll pay you anything for it!”
“Sorry, Komaru. This is for an upcoming date with Kyoko, so I wouldn’t trade it for anything!”
“Mattaku!”
Komaru pouted for a moment before realizing with an excited smile “Hey, Kyoko; do you have a
costume yet? ‘Cuz I can totally help you make one! It’ll be super fun, like a girls’ day!”
Kyoko chuckled and shook her head, explaining “…I hate to burst your bubble…but one of my
classmates that we’re meeting up with has already made me a costume and is going to give it to me
there.”
Komaru pouted, her enthusiasm deflated as everyone smiled with amusement before Makoto asked
“So…what do you want to do today? You wanna watch a movie, or…”
“…I was thinking…you know that…device…your parents gave us for Christmas? What was it…
the…3DS?”
Nodding, Makoto asked “You mean the ones that came bundled with the Pokémon games?”
Kyoko nodded and suggested bashfully “…Since this is a relaxation day…perhaps…you could
teach me…how to play?”
Nodding energetically, Makoto answered “Of course! I’d be happy to show you how to play! And
it’s not that hard at all; before long, you’ll be starting your own Pokémon journey!”
Kyoko smiled at her boyfriend’s boundless enthusiasm and finished what was left of her breakfast,
picking up her plate as she got up.
“I’ll meet you in your room later; after I wash my plate I need to take a hot shower. I’ve spent an
entire day in this nightgown and I really need to get dressed in actual clothes.”
Makoto smiled and nodded, watching as his girlfriend went into the kitchen, then came back out a
minute later and headed upstairs to shower and change.
XXX
“…That was a lot of setup for a game system…” Kyoko remarked as they sat side by side on his
bed, now dressed.
Makoto smiled and commented “Yeah; ever since Wi-Fi connectivity in video games became a
standard, new systems make players create an online profile before they can actually play
anything. Alright, so now that you’ve set up your 3DS profile, we can start playing.”
Nodding, Kyoko looked around the display and asked “So how do I start? Is it pre-installed?”
Shaking his head, Makoto held up a square game case and answered “A case like this should have
come in the box your 3DS came in.”
Reaching for the nearby box, Kyoko fished around until she pulled out a nearly identical game
case. Smiling in approval, Makoto opened his, prompting her to open her own and reveal a small
cartridge the size of an SD card.
“Alright, now just watch what I do and insert your game cartridge into the slot.”
Kyoko nodded, watching him remove the game from the box and insert it in the back of his 3DS.
Taking a deep breath, she brought hers to the slot and pushed it in until it clicked.
“…The icon changed…” Kyoko noticed after she inserted the game into her 3DS.
Makoto nodded and directed “Just take out your stylus and tap the icon twice to boot it up.”
Kyoko nodded again, removing the stylus from its holder and grasping it like she would her pen at
work, lightly tapping the icon twice and watching as the screen faded into black.
XXX
“I’m creating…an…Avatar, you called it?”
Nodding, Makoto explained “It’s a character representing you in the game. You get to pick your
gender and your name…hmm…looks like you can pick your hair and skin tone in this one too…”
“…Not too many options…” Kyoko pointed out as she selected the peach skin and brown hair
option. “If it’s supposed to represent me, there should be more customization options.”
Makoto chuckled and replied “Yeah, but this is the first game in the series that let you customize
those things at all. In the original game, you were stuck playing as a boy.”
“I see…” Perhaps I am being a bit too critical of something I’ve never played… Kyoko mused as
she typed in “Kyoko” with her stylus and Professor Sycamore continued with his pre-game
monologue.
XXX
“So…which one do I choose?” Kyoko asked as she was presented with her choice of starter
Pokémon.
Makoto smiled and replied “There’s not really a right or wrong answer; just pick whatever one you
think looks cutest or something.”
Sighing, Kyoko turned her attention to the screen and mulled Hmm…there’s this Grass-type,
Chespin… Kyoko smiled as she mused that pure smile and spikes on its head remind me of a
certain someone…
Sneaking a glance at her boyfriend, she decided that picking a Pokémon that looked like Makoto
would be a little weird and moved on.
There’s this Water-type named Froakie…
Kyoko frowned; though she couldn’t deny the frog design had its cuteness, its neutral frown
reminded her too much of her past self, and decided against that one too.
Alright…last is this Fire-type Fennekin…the fox design looks kind of cute, and the smile is nice
but not inherently pure…alright, Fennekin it is… “What? Nickname?”
Makoto leaned over and looked at her screen, exclaiming “Oh, you picked Fennekin! I went with
Chespin.”
…So he did pick that one…it suits him…
“Getting back on topic…” Makoto continued “…whenever you get a new Pokémon, you can
choose whether or not to give it a nickname. I think I might give mine one…but what should I
name it…”
“…How about Koto?”
Looking at her incredulously, Makoto asked “You think I should name my Chespin after me?”
Pulling a lock of hair behind her ear shyly, Kyoko defended “…It kind of bears a resemblance to
you, so why not?”
“Hmm…” Makoto hummed, pondering “…I guess I can see the resemblance…” Smiling
mischievously, Makoto proposed “Alright, but only if you name your Fennekin “Kiri”…deal?”
Kyoko blushed, realizing that she had dug herself into a hole that Makoto wouldn’t help her out
of. Sighing, she wordlessly typed in “Kiri” with her stylus. Makoto grinned before typing in
“Koto” for his Chespin, the two stealing glances at each other while progressing through the
dialogue.
XXX
“Huh? What…a battle?”
Makoto turned to Kyoko and explained “Yeah…the main draws of Pokémon is using your
creatures to battle. It’s basically a turn-based RPG.”
Nodding in slight comprehension, a still lost Kyoko asked “So…what should I do?”
Smiling reassuringly, Makoto explained “First, tap “Fight”, okay?” Once she did so, Makoto
explained “So Pokémon battles are largely influenced by a Rock-Paper-Scissors mechanic. Each
type of Pokémon is strong or weak against Pokémon of another type. That means that if a
Pokémon is hit with an attack of a type it’s weak against, it takes twice the damage it normally
would. On the other hand, if it’s hit by an attack of a type it’s strong against, it only takes half the
damage.”
“I see…and how do I know what the rules are?”
“Normally you can figure it out through common sense. Using the three starters as an example,
Fire beats Grass, Grass beats Water, and Water beats Fire.”
I see…that does make sense… Kyoko looked at her screen and noticed “It says I have a Fire-type
move called “Ember”. Chespin was a Grass-type, right?” Seeing Makoto nod, Kyoko guessed
“Then…it would be wise to attack with Ember, correct?”
Seeing him nod encouragingly, Kyoko proceeded with her plan of attack. Barely two turns had
passed until…
“It…fainted?”
Makoto nodded and explained “Pokémon is designed to be a family friendly game, so instead of
killing the other Pokémon like you would goblins or imps in a game like Final Fantasy or Dragon
Quest, the losing Pokémon just faints.”
Nodding, Kyoko asked “So…I won…?”
“The tutorial battle, anyway…I think that trainer battle was a tutorial meant to teach the player
how to battle.” Before Kyoko could feel disappointed at the reduced importance of her
accomplishment, she felt Makoto’s lips press against her cheek as he praised “Nevertheless, that
was good deduction; you did well for your first time, Kyoko.”
Kyoko blushed at the praise, smiling bashfully as the screen shifted back to the exploration mode
of the game.
XXX
“A…wild Pokémon…?”
Makoto nodded and explained “Wild Pokémon are Pokémon not owned by another trainer. After
you get items called Poke-Balls, you can catch them and add them to your team, but we haven’t
gotten any yet, so we can’t anything.”
“You can…get more Pokémon?”
“Yeah, it’s one of the big draws of this game. Some people play because they like RPGs, some
people play because they like the battles, and others play so they can catch every Pokémon in the
game.”
“I see…and how many are there in the game?”
“Well…in the first games, Red and Green, there were 150, then with each new generation they
added more and more…I read online that there were a total of around 700 or so with these games.
But there’s always a handful in each generation that are exclusive to a single version, so players
who want to collect all of them will trade with each other to complete their collections.”
Kyoko’s eyes widened as she replied “I see…that would keep a potential player busy for a long
time…and you can have that many on your team?”
Shaking his head, Makoto explained “No, you can have up to six in your party at one time. Any
more you catch after that get sent to a digital space within the game. Once you get to a Pokémon
Center in the next town…think of it like an inn…you can switch out Pokémon in your party on the
PC there.”
“Okay…so what stops someone from trading for an extremely powerful Pokémon and steamrolling
through the game faster than the designers intended?”
“It’s slightly complicated, but there are these items you collect at certain intervals called Badges.
Unless you have a certain Badge, Pokémon above a certain level will just stand there and do
nothing when you try and get them to battle; that’s how the game incentivizes you to play as it was
intended.”
“I see…what happens if you try to catch another Trainer’s Pokémon?”
Shaking his head, Makoto denied “The rules don’t allow you to do that.”
Yes…I suppose that would in effect be stealing… Turning her attention back to the wild Pidgey in
front of her, she observed “It looks like a small bird…probably based off of a pigeon. Is Fire
strong against it?”
“Fire is neutral against both Normal and Flying types. At this stage, neither of your attacks are
super effective against it.”
“So…what should I do?”
“Both Ember and Scratch will still deal decent damage, and Ember will likely deal a little more
damage since it shares the Fire-type with Fennekin. You could also use Tail Whip to lower its
Defense stat and make it more vulnerable to Scratch. Use whatever tactic you like, Kyoko, though
as your Pokémon learn more moves, I would recommend familiarizing yourself with their effects
so you can strategize.”
Nodding, Kyoko asked “And is there a limit to the number of moves one Pokémon can know?”
“Four; each Pokémon can only know four moves at one time. If you want it to learn a new one,
you have to force it to forget a move you don’t want anymore. You’ll have to do that a lot
throughout the game; that’s what makes this game so popular. It’s easy to pick up and learn, but
there’s a lot of strategic depth if you’re willing to go deep enough. After you get more Pokémon
and have more moves to remember, I’d take a pause and look at their effects in the Status Menu so
you can better strategize with your Pokémon.”
“I see…” Kyoko turned her attention back to the screen and tapped on the “Tail Whip” option,
opting for a less direct tactic.
XXX
“Oh wow! You caught a Pikachu already?!”
Kyoko looked to Makoto who was bouncing excitedly next to her as she asked “I take it…you like
Pikachu…?”
Grinning excitedly and making her flinch, Makoto gushed “Are you kidding? Everyone loves
Pikachu; he’s like the mascot of the entire Pokémon series! Catching him in your game is like an
unofficial necessity for any Pokémon fan! Plus he’s not exactly easy to find, so you have no idea
how lucky you are to catch one so early in your playthrough!”
…If you love it so much, I’ll trade…oh, right; the whole badge mechanic would make that
pointless…
Realizing that his enthusiasm was getting a little out of hand, Makoto chuckled bashfully and
apologized “Sorry…I overdid it again, didn’t I?”
Kyoko giggled and assured him “It’s okay, besides…your enthusiasm for this game is…rather
cute…”
They both blushed before Makoto broke the silence, his eyes blazing with determination as he
decided while clenching his fist “Well, now that I know that Pikachus can be found in Santalune
Forest, I’m not leaving this place until I catch one!”
Giggling once more, Kyoko ruffled his hair and told him “You’re such a little boy sometimes…”
Laughing, Makoto ducked away before she relented, the two both focusing on their respective
objectives; Makoto on catching a Pikachu, and Kyoko on progressing through Santalune Forest.
XXX
“Pokémon…Gym…?”
“Yeah, remember when I mentioned about Badges?” Seeing Kyoko nod, Makoto explained “Well,
Badges are earned at Gyms. Each Gym has a Gym Leader; they’re like the bosses of the Pokémon
Games. If you defeat one in a Pokémon Battle, you get their badge.”
“Ah, so they exist as a progression system…”
Makoto nodded and explained “Yeah, gym Leaders generally specialize in a specific Pokémon
type; they’re basically a way to test the player to see if they know what they’re doing. Usually,
you can beat them without too much trouble if you have one or two Pokémon on your team of a
comparable level that have a type advantage against it.”
“I see…so it would make sense to have a team of different types so you can cover as many
weaknesses as possible…”
Makoto grinned and cheered “Now you’re getting it! Alright, let’s go challenge the Santalune
Gym!”
XXX
“I…did it…” Kyoko felt her lips curve uncontrollably into an excited smile as she breathed “I did
it…I got my first badge.”
Makoto glomped her and praised “Way to go, Kyoko; I’m so proud of you!”
Blushing, she then coughed into her fist to compose herself, Makoto letting go as he turned his
attention back to his own attempt to beat the Santalune Gym.
“…It certainly wasn’t easy…” Kyoko lamented “If I hadn’t kept my Fennekin at the front of my
Party for every battle…I might not have been able to do it…”
Nodding, Makoto replied as he continued to play “You’re telling me…Koto is weak against Bug
types, so I have to resort to my Pidgey to battle. But…NO! She fainted my last Pokémon!”
“…What happens when all your Pokémon faint?”
“…You lose some in-game money and get sent to the last Pokémon Center you visited.” Makoto
groaned “Guess I should go back to Santalune Forest and grind up my Pidgey a few more levels…”
“…Grind…?”
Makoto nodded and explained “It’s when you fight low-level enemies over and over in RPG games
with the express purpose of accumulating Experience or money.” Makoto hung his head and
moaned “It’s a real pain…”
Taking pity on him, Kyoko saved her game and shut off her 3DS, placing it next to her before she
removed her gloves and draped them over her 3DS. Reaching for his face, she cradled his cheeks
in her bare palms, making him gasp and blush. Angling his face up, she leaned down to softly kiss
his lips. Stunned momentarily, Makoto soon closed his eyes, dropping his 3DS on his lap as he
wrapped his arms around her back and reciprocated her kiss.
A good minute or so passed before they separated, Kyoko breathing “…Better?”

Makoto smiled as he breathed “…Yeah…”
Kyoko smiled, slipping her gloves back on now that her boyfriend was sufficiently cheered up.
Makoto immediately picked up his 3DS and went back to his game, only pausing when he realized
that Kyoko hadn’t turned her game back on.
“Kyoko…aren’t you gonna keep playing?”
Shaking her head, Kyoko explained “I’m waiting for you to catch up.”
Immediately feeling guilty, Makoto objected “But you shouldn’t have to stop playing on my
account! I’ll be fine, really…”
“Makoto…” Makoto shut up, allowing Kyoko to explain “I enjoy playing this with you; I
wouldn’t have experienced this at all if you hadn’t played it with me. I don’t want to get ahead of
you, so I’m willing to wait until you beat the Santalune Gym…then we can play side-by-side
again.”
“Kyoko…” Makoto smiled and agreed “Okay…and once I do, after we have dinner and get into
pajamas…before we get into bed…why don’t we have a Pokémon Battle?”
“…You can…battle…with human players?”
Makoto nodded and explained “That’s one of the other draws of the game; some people like to
battle against human opponents; there’s even a competitive tournament where people battle their
Pokemon teams against one another.”
“I see…” Kyoko smirked and accepted “In that case…you’d better get a move on, Mr. Pokemon
Trainer!”
Makoto grinned before going back to his game, determined to level up his Pidgey so it would stand
a chance against the Gym Leader’s Bug Pokemon.
XXX
Present Day
“Aww…that was so sweet of Mommy to cheer you up, Daddy!”
Makoto turned to his wife and smiled, agreeing “Yes, it was…”
Kyoko blushed, then smiled wistfully and lamented “…I still can’t believe I let you get me that
interested into a children’s video game…”
“Hey!” Makoto cried out indignantly, protesting “Pokémon appeals to all ages!”
“Yeah!” Komaru and Kiki agreed, remembering with fondness how the two of them had played
one of Komaru’s old games and watched a couple of the anime episodes together…with Makoto’s
permission.
Hana and Shingi smiled with amusement before Kiki sighed and asked “So Daddy…did you ever
get past the Santalune Gym? And did you guys get to battle each other?”
Makoto nodded and explained “Luckily my Pidgey only needed to gain a couple more levels, so
grinding didn’t take as long as I thought. Just after I beat the Gym Leader and saved, your Baa-
chan popped her head in and let us know that dinner was ready.”
Makoto and Kyoko blushed as they recalled how an excited Makoto had tackled Kyoko into a hug
upon clearing the Santalune Gym, and how Hana had smiled upon walking in on their moment.
“After we had dinner together, we took turns showering and getting changed into our pajamas, then
after we figured out how the new multiplayer battle system worked, we picked our teams and…”
XXX
December 28, 2014
“Wait, Level 50?”
Makoto nodded, explaining “Yeah; when you battle a human opponent, the game automatically
changes all Pokémon’s levels to 50 in order to make it fair.”
Nodding in acceptance, Kyoko finished picking out her team and asked for confirmation “So, first
player to have all their Pokémon faint loses, correct?”
Nodding, Makoto’s eyes flared with playful determination as he warned her “Don’t think I’m
gonna go easy on you just because you’re my girlfriend!”
Makoto smirked and confirmed her team, replying “Wouldn’t want you to!”
Makoto stuck his tongue out at her from the side of his mouth before confirming his team,
beginning their battle.
XXX
It was a close battle, but in the end, Makoto’s years of experience playing Pokémon just narrowly
edged out Kyoko’s quick study skills.
Seeing a slightly disappointed Kyoko, Makoto nudged her with his elbow and assured her “Hey,
that was a really close battle. If you had just had a better grasp of your typing matchups, I don’t
think I would have won that battle.”
Kyoko’s lips twitched into a smile at Makoto’s attempt to cheer her up before she admitted “Don’t
misunderstand; I did have fun battling you…I guess…I’m just not used to…losing…you know?”
She sighed, making Makoto frown as he tried to think of how to cheer her up before they hit the
hay. Suddenly their soft kiss from when she cheered him up after his loss came to mind, making
Makoto blush. Without another word, he reached to cradle her cheeks, making her blush as he
twisted her face to make her look at him.
“Makoto…mmph!”
Kyoko was silenced as Makoto shyly pressed his lips against hers in a soft kiss, both of them
closing their eyes as she reciprocated the kiss. All thoughts of her defeat banished from her mind,
Kyoko wrapped her arms around his neck and started to roll them until he was underneath her,
pinned down by her hands on his shoulders.
“Kyoko…”
“Makoto…”
They stared at each other with loving, blushing smiles as they met in another kiss, Kyoko reaching
down to pull the blanket out from under him to drape over the two of them. By the time they were
done smooching, they had fallen asleep in each other’s arms, their lips still barely touching as she
lay lazily draped over his snoring form. Unbeknownst to the dreaming couple, their 3DS systems
lay abandoned at their bedside, dimly glowing as they continued to run throughout the night until
they ran out of power.
XXX
Present Day
“Aww…that was sweet of you to cheer Mommy up after she lost!”
Makoto and Kyoko blushed, smiling bashfully at each other as they recalled the loving memory.
Coughing into their fists to compose themselves, Makoto and Kyoko said simultaneously “Alright,
Kiki, time for bed.”
“Aww…but I wanted to hear about Comic Market!”
“Me too!” Komaru agreed.
“Please, Daddy?!” Kiki pleaded.
Kyoko smiled with amusement as she promised “Tomorrow, Kiki. I promise, tomorrow.”
“Aww…” Kiki and Komaru groaned, leading Hana and Shingi to nudge her off the bed.
“Come on, Komaru; let’s let Kiki sleep.” Hana urged.
Nodding in agreement, Shingi agreed “It’s probably past her bedtime, so let’s say our good nights
so she can get a good rest.”
Huffing, Komaru turned her head and called out “Good night, Kiki…”
Waving, the defeated Kiki called back “Good night Auntie Komaru, Baa-ba, Jii-ji…” as the three
headed out the door.
Now left alone, Makoto and Kyoko tucked Kiki in, kissing both of her cheeks as they bid her good
night. As Kiki yawned and went to sleep, Makoto and Kyoko walked away, closing the door
behind them as they headed to their room, settling into bed until their sleeping forms mimicked
their teenage selves that night.
Love Arc Chapter Twenty-Two: Christmas with the Naegis! Reunion at
Comic Market!
Chapter Summary
Makoto and Kyoko finally arrive at Comic Market, tickets in hand as they go to meet
Leon, Hina, Sakura, Chihiro, and Hifumi. What will the Ultimate Detective end up
cosplaying as?
Chapter Notes
This fic is the result of an ask sent to my ask box by NotFanFicNet. Please read and
comment below, and enjoy!
Present Day
“So what happened at Comic Market, Daddy?”
“Yeah! I wanna hear it after all these years of being kept in the dark!”
Kiki and Komaru leaned closer to Makoto, making his sweatdrop before he coughed in his fist and
began “Well, luckily my alarm managed to work this time, so we got up with plenty of time to
spare. We played some more Pokémon in the car while your Jii-chan drove us until…”
XXX
December 29, 2014
“Alright, you kids have fun!” Shingi called as Makoto helped Kyoko out of the car. “I’ll be back
in four hours to pick you up.”
Kyoko nodded as she shut the door behind her, Makoto replying “Okay, see you then, Dad!”
Shingi smiled and waved before driving off, disappearing from sight. Kyoko turned to look at her
boyfriend, smiling as she fluffed his blue suit jacket and straightened his red bowtie.
“You look pretty dapper in your Conan cosplay…wait…” Kyoko adjusted his fake glasses and
clicked her tongue, announcing “There; perfect. Though it’s a good thing you went with jeans
instead of shorts; it is winter after all.”
Makoto blushed before coughing into his fist and suggesting “Let’s go inside and meet up with the
others.”
Kyoko nodded, treading their fingers together as they walked inside the venue together.
“I didn’t expect it to be so packed…” Kyoko noted as she observed the insane crowd of people
packed together.
“…Well it is the most popular anime convention in Japan…” Makoto reminded her. “I’m
surprised Hifumi was able to secure tickets at all…”
“Hey dude!”
“Hey, Kyoko!”
“Leon! Hina!” Makoto exclaimed as they waded their way through the crowd and over to their
classmates, seeing Leon, Chihiro, Hina, and Sakura gathered together.
Meeting Leon in a handshake, Leon greeted “Dude, how’ve you been?”
Hina and Kyoko smiled at each other in greeting, while Sakura and Chihiro smiled at their mini-
class reunion.
Suddenly, Hina cocked her head in confusion and asked “Ne, Kyoko, Why aren’t you wearing your
costume?”
His eyes widening in surprise, Chihiro asked “Did you not have one? I…I’m sorry…I should have
brought one for you…”
Shaking her head, Kyoko clarified “No need to apologize, Chihiro…Hifumi actually has mine; I
had him make one for me and he said he’d give it to me when we met up at this event.”
Pumping her fists, Hina declared excitedly “Then what are we waiting for?! Let’s go so we can
see your costume!”
“HEY! HINA!!” Kyoko exclaimed as Hina dragged her by the wrist into the crowd.
Everyone sweatdropped before Sakura sighed and apologized to Makoto “I apologize for Hina’s
enthusiasm…”
Shaking his head, Makoto assured her “No, no, it’s okay, really. I’m excited to see Kyoko’s
cosplay too…” Looking over into the crowd, he suggested “Let’s go try and catch up with them,
then we can talk more about costumes…”
Nodding, the remaining group waded through the crowd, Leon grinning as he asked “So dude,
while your girlfriend’s not here, gimme all the details about your vacation together so far!”
Makoto barely held back a blush as he lied “N…nothing exciting. Just…hanging out with my
family, really…” No way am I telling them how we’ve slept in the same bed or anything else…
that’s private!
Leon continued to poke and prod in vain as Sakura and Chihiro smiled in amusement while the
four hurried to catch up with Kyoko and Hina.
XXX
“Ah, Mr. Naegi, Miss Kirigiri, Miss Asahina, Miss Fujisaki…” Chihiro smiled gratefully at
Hifumi’s decision to refer to her as female while in public before he continued “Miss Ogami, Mr.
Kuwata…welcome to my booth!”
The six guests gazed around the booth, seeing various mangas, T-shirts, and posters depicting
anime-esque characters. Behind them was a petit, chubby girl who bore a striking resemblance to
the Ultimate Fanfic Creator.
Seeing their curious gaze, Hifumi grinned proudly and introduced “Ah, this young lady working by
booth is my older sister and partner in all things fanfic, Fujiko!”
But…she’s shorter than you… everyone except Makoto and Kyoko deadpanned.
Finally taking notice of Kyoko, Fujiko stood up and greeted “Oh…you must be that girl Hifumi
made that cosplay for. I think you’ll like it; we worked really hard to make it. Now, if you’ll
follow me…”
With a nod from Hifumi, Kyoko let go of Makoto’s hand and followed Fujiko to the nearby
changing room.
XXX
“…She got really defensive about removing her gloves…she wouldn’t let me inside the stall at all
until she put the gloves on herself…” Fujiko shivered as she approached the booth.
“…How do I look…?”
Everyone looked at the blushing Kyoko, Makoto’s eyes widening as he took in Kyoko’s costume.
Her long hair was tied back into a ponytail with a light blue beaded elastic, and curling just above
her eyebrows in a V shape was a golden tiara. Showing off her curves was a white leotard with a
pink bow on her breasts as well as one tied at her lower back, as well as a dark green collar that was
reminiscent of sailor uniforms.
…Is she… Makoto wondered as he continued to observe her costume, Kyoko fidgeting with her
front bow in nervousness.
In place of her standard studded gloves were two long, white gloves with green collars. Looking
lower, he saw the short green skirt that barely covered her panties, as well as green high heels with
white lacing.
“…Sailor Jupiter…” Makoto breathed as he flashed back to his days of watching Sailor Moon
reruns with Komaru.
Hina’s eyes flashed in realization as she exclaimed “Oh yeah, from that Sailor Moon anime…
wait…in the show, her name was…Makoto…” Hina grinned slyly as she walked over and
elbowed Kyoko in the side, teasing “…You picked that out ‘cuz the character has the same name
as your boyfriend, didn’t you?”
Blushing even redder, Kyoko denied “N…no…it’s just a…coincidence…I’ve never even seen that
show before…”
Sakura then walked over and placed her hand on Kyoko’s shoulder comfortingly and flashed a
reassuring smile, encouraging “It’s okay; you don’t need to feel embarrassed even if that is the
reason. If it makes you feel any better…I chose my costume because the character is engaged to
another character who shares the same name as my boyfriend.”
Hifumi pushed his glasses up against his nose as he deduced “Ah yes, then you must be Yuria of
Fist of the North Star”, taking in Sakura’s unusually elegant hair and beautiful red dress that parted
at the waist to reveal her muscular legs encased in long-sleeved white boots.
Sakura’s words did help to ease Kyoko’s blush, which only disappeared when Makoto walked up
and held her hands, smiling as he assured her “It’s okay…you look beautiful, Kyoko…” Makoto
blushed as he admitted “To be honest, I…had a bit of a boyish crush on Sailor Jupiter when I was a
little kid…”
Makoto chuckled nervously, allowing Kyoko to finally smile and relax, squeezing his hands in
gratitude before nodding and separating.
“…Thank you, Hifumi…Fujiko…I am…satisfied with the costume.”
The Yamada siblings grinned proudly before Hifumi took note of everyone else’s costumes,
pointing out “And Miss Asahina, I see you’re dressed as Sumia from Fire Emblem: Awakening!”
Hina nodded in her silver and purple armor and purple high boots, standing to attention with her toy
spear as she admitted “I considered going as this swimming anime character Amuro Ninagawa…
but then I realized I’d just be wearing one of my swimsuits…and that’s not really cosplay, you
know? So I asked my brother Yuta for advice, and he recommended this one because I’ve always
liked horses, and she’s a Pegasus Knight, so I decided to give her a try!”
…That’s the only reason?! Hifumi thought, flabbergasted before sighing and turning his attention
to Leon and taking note “Ah, Mr. Kuwata…you’re dressed as Ranma from Ranma ½ .”
Rubbign the back of his head as he stood dressed in a red one-piece with a yellow Chinese dragon
on his chest and black slippers, Leon replied “Yeah, but I can’t pull off the female form…my voice
is too deep and my goatee gives me away…I envy your acting capabilities, Chihiro…”
Chihiro flushed, fidgeting in his blue hakama, turquoise coat, and tan vest, muttering “It’s just pr…
practice and lack of fa…facial hair…and my voice is high enough that I can pull it off…”
In an attempt to distract Chihiro from his nervous state, Makoto noted “So, Chihiro…you’re
dressed as Shippo from Inuyasha…”
Chihiro nodded, his creamy bushy tail seeming to quake with the rest of his body as he stammered
“Y…yeah…I…I’d like to be able to come out pu…publicly…but I’m still sc…scared. So I…I
thought if I could cosplay as a we…weak male character…it would give me the confidence I ne…
need to ta…take the next step…”
Everyone’s eyes widened, before Makoto and Sakura gave easy smiles, the Ultimate Lucky
Student kneeling in front of Chihiro and squeezing his shoulders before encouraging “It’s okay,
Chihiro…you do what you feel comfortable doing, okay?”
Sakura nodded “Indeed; train at your own pace, Chihiro.”
“Everyone…” Happy tears streamed down Chihiro’s face as he bowed and muttered “Thank
you…”
Nodding in approval, Hifumi turned to Makoto and remarked “Mr. Naegi, both you and Miss
Fujisaki’s costumes are aesthetically pleasing. In fact, you should all take part in the cosplay
contest my circle is…”
“No.”
Hifumi and Fujiko gaped at Kyoko’s simple refusal, the Ultimate Fanfic Creator protesting “But
Miss Kirigiri…”
Sighing, Kyoko explained “While I am grateful to the both of you for making this costume for
me…I never agreed to parade myself for you and your…circle’s amusement. I prefer to keep a
low profile, and partaking in a competition and parading my scantily clad body would attract
unnecessary attention to myself.” Especially my Grandfather’s…
Turning to Makoto, Hifumi begged “Mr. Naegi, surely…”
Makoto shook his head and answered “If Kyoko wanted to, I might have been willing to do it…but
I’m not really comfortable partaking in a cosplay contest either.”
Hifumi turned to Chihiro, who was suddenly guarded by Hina and Sakura who glared at him while
the Ultimate Martial Artist warned him “Don’t even think about it, Hifumi.”
Nodding, Hina remarked “Besides, none of us are into this like you, so why would we want to
enter a contest?”
“Mr. Kuwata, surely…”
“Like Makoto said, if it was with my girlfriend, I might be willing. But she’s not, and I don’t want
to be accused of taking the chance to flirt with other girls, so I’m gonna have to say no, dude.”
Hifumi and Fujiko sighed in defeat; with that out of the way, Makoto suggested to the others “Hey,
why don’t we walk around and check out the other booths? We can see if there are any souvenirs
we want to take home with us.”
With a simultaneous nod, the group of six started to walk around, splitting off into pairs. Makoto
went with Kyoko, Hina went with Sakura, and Leon went with Chihiro as they went to investigate
the various stands and booths.
XXX
Present Day
“Is that true, Daddy? You had a crush on Mommy’s cosplay?”
Sighing, Makoto muttered “Yes…”
Kyoko, Komaru, Hana, and Shingi smiled with amusement as Kiki burst into laughter, only ceasing
when Makoto started grumbling.
Once his grumbling had stopped, Kiki asked “So what did you guys do after you split up, Daddy?”
Shrugging, Makoto revealed “It was actually pretty uneventful; you’d be surprised how much time
you spend just wading through the crowds and waiting in line. We grabbed some souvenirs and ate
some lunch at one of the nearby restaurants, but it wasn’t anything noteworthy.”
Kiki and Komaru huffed, disappointed that the Anime convention story turned out to be a narrative
bust.
Kyoko then took over, continuing “After lunch, we decided to call it a day; we bid our goodbyes
and Makoto called your Jii-chan to let him know we were done. Before long he picked us up and
drove us home. When we walked in the door…”
XXX
December 29, 2014

“Tadaima!”
Hana and Komaru got up from their spot on the couch to walk over and greet the returning Naegis
and Kyoko.
“Welcome home you three! You three are back early. Did you have fun?”
Nodding, Kyoko answered Hana “It was…enjoyable to reunite with our classmates, though Makoto
and I both agree that conventions of that size are a touch too crowded for our tastes.”
Komaru huffed “Mou…you should have just given me your ticket if that’s how you feel…Oh,
Kami!” Kyoko flinched as Komaru ran up excitedly, nearly hopping in place as she exclaimed “I
love your cosplay, Kyoko!”
Taken aback, Kyoko muttered “Th…thank you…”
Kyoko froze as Komaru latched onto Kyoko’s gloves, babbling “Seriously, who made this Sailor
Jupiter costume? It’s really well done? Are you willing to sell it? I’d totally…”
*Slip* *Slap*
“Hey! Makoto!” Komaru exclaimed as she nursed her slapped hands, her brother standing in
between the two girls with a fierce, protective glare aimed straight at his sister, his hands latched
around Kyoko’s to obscure them from view.
After a tense moment, Makoto sighed and apologized “Sorry…but you shouldn’t have touched her
hands without her permission!”
“Makoto, I…”
Makoto sighed and told his shocked family “We’ll be upstairs for now…come on, Kyoko…”
before walking then awkwardly backwards until they reached the top of the stairs and out of view.
Still shellshocked, Komaru turned to her parents and asked “What was that all about?”
His brow furrowed in concern, Shingi admitted “I don’t know…but you shouldn’t have gotten in
her boundaries like that, Komaru…” sounding uncharacteristically stern.
Nodding, Hana said equally as sternly “When they come down for dinner…I want you to
apologize to Kyoko.”
“But what about Makoto? He slapped me; isn’t he gona get punished for that?!”
Komaru shivered at Hana’s glare as she rebutted “Makoto already apologized, and I don’t know
why he reacted the way he did, but it seemed to me that he was protecting Kyoko. I’m not going to
punish him for trying to safeguard the girl he loves. So I’ll say this one more time, young lady;
apologize to Kyoko and your brother.”
Seeing there was no way she was gonna argue out of this one, Komaru sighed and resigned “Yes,
Mommy…yes, Daddy.”
Nodding with a motherly smile, Hana replied “Good…now, help me cook dinner tonight.”
Komaru held back her groan and followed obediently into the kitchen, beginning her punishment
for her overexcitement.
XXX
*Snap*
Kyoko pulled her cosplay gloves tighter against her skin and looked at her boyfriend who was
removing his fake glasses.
“Thanks for the save back there, Makoto.”
Removing his jacket, Makoto smiled and replied “Don’t worry about it…sorry about Komaru by
the way; she didn’t mean any harm, she just gets really excited.”
Shaking her head, Kyoko replied “It wouldn’t have even been an issue if I had been wearing my
normal gloves. These aren’t custom designed to fit the size of my hands, so they started to slip off
when Komaru started to exert pressure on them.” She smiled reassuringly and told him “I’m not
upset, Makoto; I’m just not ready to show my scars to your family, regardless of how kind they’ve
been to me so far.”
“Oh…that’s good then…”
Nodding, Kyoko smirked and teased “Besides, if nothing else…now you can fulfill a childhood
fantasy.”
“Childhood…fantasy?”
Nodding, Kyoko sauntered up to him, making Makoto sweat as she continued “You said earlier
you had a childhood crush on Sailor Jupiter…” Before he could even stammer, Kyoko wrapped
her arms around his neck and breathed “So, now you have an opportunity to kiss your first crush.”
Kyoko leaned forward, eager to press her lips against his, only to be stopped in her tracks as she
felt Makoto press a finger to her lips.
“That was a long time ago…I don’t want to kiss Sailor Jupiter now…” Before she could feel even
a twinge of disappointment, she felt Makoto remove her tiara and her hair elastic, letting them both
fall with a *clang* before he cradled her cheeks, smiling lovingly as he cooed “…I want to kiss
Kyoko Kirigiri…”
Kyoko’s eyes watered as she breathed “Makoto…mmph!”
Kyoko was silenced as her boyfriend finally pressed his lips against hers, the tow closing their eyes
as they melted into the loving kiss. Eventually though…
“MAKOTO! KYOKO! DINNER IN FIVE MINUTES!”
With a frustrated groan, Makoto pulled away, Kyoko releasing him from her grasp as she admitted
with a blush “…We should…get dressed in regular clothes…I’ll change in my room, then meet
you downstairs.”
Seeing Makoto reluctantly nod, Kyoko turned around and walked across the hall to the guest room,
locking it for good measure as she changed out of her cosplay and into her standard skirt and a
long-sleeved shirt.
XXX
The Naegi family and Kyoko sat at the dinner table, an awkward silence pervading the room as
they ate, Makoto and Komaru averting their gazes as Kyoko fidgeted, feeling like she was in the
middle of a warzone.
Once they had finished eating, Hana put her chopsticks down and asked politely “Komaru, is there
something you’d like to say to your brother and his guest?”
Gulping, Komaru reluctantly looked the nervous Kyoko in the eye and apologized “Ano…
Kyoko…I’m sorry I got in your space earlier…I just…got really excited by your costume and…”
“…That doesn’t matter anymore.” Seeing Komaru’s astonished stare, Kyoko clarified “What
happened today was an accident, and I don’t wish to hold a grudge against Makoto’s family. Let’s
just…forget it ever happened.”
Tears welling up in her eyes, Komaru bowed her head respectfully, making the Naegi parents smile
in approval.
The tension now gone, Makoto turned to Kyoko and asked “So, Kyoko…what do you want to do
tomorrow?”
Kyoko shrugged and admitted “I’m not sure…there’s so much I haven’t experienced…I’m really
open to anything…”
Hana smiled and suggested “Well, let’s play twenty questions and find out what you have and
haven’t experienced so we can get an idea of what to introduce you to. Does that sound okay to
you?”
…Twenty questions…? Kyoko slowly nodded, not seeing the harm in it.
“Okay then…I’ll start!” Hana began “Have you ever been to an amusement park?”
Kyoko shook her head, making Hana smile and make a pondering pose as her husband turned to
her and asked with a smile “Hana, are you thinking…”
“Mm-hmm…” Hana grinned and stood up, clapping once before announcing “Let’s all turn in
early, everyone! Tomorrow morning, we’re going to…”
XXX
Present Day
“Going where, Mommy?!”
Everyone else smiled at the memory before Kyoko ruffled her daughter’s hair and decided
“Tomorrow, Kiki; it’s almost bedtime for you.”
“Aww…” Kiki groaned before snuggling under the blankets.
As Hana, Shingi, and Komaru filed out, Makoto and Kyoko tucked Kiki in and kissed her good
night. Once she reluctantly fell asleep, Makoto and Kyoko quietly tiptoed out, closing the door
behind them and retiring back to their own room.
Love Arc Chapter Twenty-Three: Christmas with the Naegis! We’re Going to
Tokyo Disneyland!
Chapter Summary
After hearing that Kyoko has never been to an amusement park before, the Naegis take
her to Tokyo Disneyland. Will she enjoy her new experience? Or will she be immune
to the magic of Disney?
Present Day
“So where did you guys end up going?”
Makoto and Kyoko nodded to Hana who explained “So we woke up bright and early the next
morning and after a quick breakfast, we all got dressed and got in the car. I then drove us to…”
XXX
December 30, 2014
“Tokyo…Disneyland…?” Kyoko repeated as she looked at the white and blue castle in the
distance.
Makoto nodded and explained “It’s an amusement park owned by an American cartoon company.
It’s themed around many of their cartoon characters: Micky Mouse, Donald Duck…” Seeing
Kyoko’s blank stare, he finished “You’ll…see what I mean when we get inside.”
Shingi nodded and smiled, commenting “And it looks like we’re in luck; this place isn’t as packed
as it usually is.”
Kyoko looked around and realized that the parking lot was only filled to half capacity, pondering
At least we won’t have to wade through crowds again…perhaps I will be able to enjoy this…
Komaru jogged a little ways ahead of them, calling out “Well what are we waiting for? Let’s get
going already, slowpokes! I wanna go ride Splash Mountain!”
Hana shook her head with an amused smile as she called out “All right, all right. But let’s all stay
together as a group, since this is Kyoko’s first time.”
Komaru held back a groan, reluctantly slowing down as the others continued walking in her
direction, Kyoko threading her fingers with Makoto as they got closer and closer to the entrance.
XXX
“Woo-hoo!”
A soaked Makoto and Kyoko walked behind a cheering Komaru, the Ultimate Detective wringing
the water out of her hair as she grumbled “You could have warned me I’d get splashed.”
It is called Splash Mountain… Makoto deadpanned as they walked over to the waiting Naegi
parents.
After one glance at Kyoko’s cranky expression, Hana guessed sympathetically “…I take it Splash
Mountain wasn’t to your liking?”
Huffing, Kyoko explained “I enjoy a good water park as much as the next girl…but only when I’m
mentally prepared and dressed to get wet. And the theme seemed a bit too cartoonish for my
tastes.”
Komaru stuck her tongue out, then retracted it upon a glare from her Mother, before Shingi
suggested “Alright, so Splash Mountain wasn’t your thing…so let’s try to find something that is.”
Makoto suggested “Why don’t we try visiting the Penny Arcade? There’s pinball and stuff, so that
might be more Kyoko’s speed.”
Shingi smiled and praised “Good idea, son. Any objections?” Hearing none, Shingi directed
“Alright, let’s go!” as the others followed the marching Father to the Penny Arcade.
XXX
Kyoko smirked as they walked out of the arcade, Makoto and Komaru walking on opposite sides
of her as the siblings wore matching Mickey Mouse hats.
“I can’t believe you creamed us at pinball! And not just that, but miniature baseball, and the
freaking crane game too! Those crane games are rigged!”
Kyoko’s smirk grew bigger and bigger as Komaru continued to grumble is disbelief. While in the
Penny Arcade, Kyoko went on a winning streak; in pinball, she managed to score a million points
compared to Komaru’s five hundred thousand and Makoto’s seven hundred fifty thousand. She
also managed to hold her own in the other various mechanical arcade games, and when Makoto
failed to get a Mickey Mouse plushie, Kyoko took it upon herself to beat the rigged game and get it
for him.
Makoto blushed as he looked down at said plushie in his arms and defended “Hey, if anyone can
deduce the trick to those crane games, it’s Kyoko!”
Kyoko blushed, smiling at the praise before they approached the waiting Naegi parents, Hana
smiling as she remarked “It looks like you had a lot more fun, dear.”
Makoto nodded and agreed “She totally kicked butt in the Arcade; she even won me this plushie!”
Makoto beamed proudly before realizing “Oh, that reminds me…” Digging into his shopping bag,
Makoto pulled out a third Mickey Mouse cap and held it out to her.
“…I’m not wearing that…”
To be rejected so simply…
While Makoto looked disappointed, Komaru shrugged and remarked “Ah, her loss, Onii-chan. She
doesn’t know what…”
*Splat*
Kyoko and Komaru looked at Makoto, their hands over their mouths as Makoto’s brow furrowed
and he asked “Uh, what’s so…oh, don’t tell me…”
Sure enough, upon removing the Mickey Mouse cap from his head and inspecting it, he groaned at
an obvious white splatch in between the ears. Unable to hold back any longer, Kyoko and Komaru
let out muffled giggles into their palms.
“Ultimate Lucky Student my butt…” Makoto grumbled, walking over to the nearby trash can and
dumping the ruined hat inside, replacing it with the hat that Kyoko had rejected.
Still smiling even after her giggles had subsided, Kyoko comforted “At least you had a spare…”
Once Makoto’s grumpiness subsided, Hana suggested “Why don’t we grab lunch; then we can
decide what to do next.”
Everyone nodded in agreement, following the Naegi matriarch to the nearby restaurants.
XXX
Makoto licked his fingers as he finished off the last of the shrimp tempura his parents had ordered
for the five of them to share.
“So, what do you kids want to do next?” Shingi asked.
Before Makoto or Kyoko could ponder what to do next, Komaru replied “Ooh, ooh, I wanna go to
the Westernland Shootin’ Gallery and Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters!” Turning to stare at her
future sister-in-law with a fierce determination, she vowed “I gotta make sure I get back at Kyoko
for crushing us at the arcade!”
Makoto sighed and warned her “Komaru, you’d be better off just giving up; Kyoko’s almost
unbeatable…”
Standing her ground, Komaru rebuffed “No way! My pride is on the line! Let’s go!”
Komaru marched off while everyone sweatdropped and sighed, Makoto murmuring “I suppose it
would be pointless to ask you to let her win…”
Nodding, Kyoko told him “A Kirigiri never takes it easy on their opponent, and I won’t stop now,
not even for your sister.”
“…I was afraid of that…”
“Hey! Come on, slowpokes, or I’ll start without you!”
Sighing collectively one last time, they hurried to catch up with the determined Komaru.
XXX
Komaru’s head hung, dejected as they walked out of the Buzz Lightyear attraction. At both games,
Kyoko managed to outshoot her; it wasn’t even close.
At least I did better than Onii-chan… she comforted herself, recalling how he just sat back
leisurely next to Kyoko and let her do all the shooting.
Makoto smiled reassuringly at his sister and patted her on the back, commenting “…I’d say I told
you so, but ano…”
Komaru sighed in defeat and mumbled “…Yeah…I know…it’s pointless to challenge your
girlfriend…”
“…Don’t take it personally…”
Before Komaru could ask what she meant, Makoto, in an effort to prevent a continued rivalry, got
between them and urged “Hey, why don’t we just go on some rides for the rest of the day? No
competition, just to have fun, okay?”
Glancing at each other, Komaru and Kyoko nodded and replied simultaneously “That’s fine.”
Makoto smiled and pondered “All right, so what should we ride next?”
XXX
*Blech*
Kyoko rubbed Makoto’s back, whispering words of comfort in his ear as he heaved his lunch into a
nearby trash can, the Big Thunder Mountain ride too much for his stomach to handle.
At last he leaned away from the trash can, Kyoko easing them into a sitting position as he assured
her “I’m okay, I’m okay…”
As Makoto caught his second wind, Kyoko commented “I still don’t understand why you insisted
on riding that roller coaster if it just made you sick.”
Makoto smiled weakly before shrugging and replying “What can I say? I guess it was just the
thrill?” Kyoko sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose before Makoto asked “Anyways, other
than the roller coaster…have you been having fun?”
Smiling sweetly, Kyoko answered “It’s been a new experience, but aside from Splash Mountain…
yes, I am having fun. If I had to pick a favorite so far…I’d say the Haunted House ride was
especially fun.”
Makoto blushed while Kyoko remembered fondly how Makoto had gotten spooked by the
holographic ghosts haunting the ride and held onto her for comfort as she squeezed him against her
with one arm.
“WAAAAHHHHHHHH!”
“Shh…it’s okay, it’s okay…”
Kyoko looked up and, noticing the setting sun, asked “It’s getting late; was there anything else you
wanted to do here before we head back home?”
Makoto pondered “Well, my stomach still feels woozy, so…” Makoto’s eyes widened in
realization as he decided “There’s a Riverboat ride that we could go on…you know, watch the
sunset on the lake…”
Kyoko closed her eyes, smiling as her cheeks gained a pink dusting while she agreed “That
sounds…romantic…sure, why not?”
Wrapping her arm around is back for support and helping him to stand, she spotted Makoto as they
walked over to where his parents and Komaru were standing, watching the scene with warm, and in
Komaru’s case, teasing smiles.
“Hey, before we go, can we…”
XXX
“Hey Mom, Kyoko and I are gonna go over there, okay?” Makoto told Hana, pointing to a
secluded part of the already sparsely populated riverboat.
Nodding, Hana smiled and replied “Okay dear, you and Kyoko have fun; just be sure to stay where
I can see you so we can leave together when the ride ends.”
Makoto nodded and threaded fingers with Kyoko, the two of them walking to the far end of the
boat as Hana and Shingi smiled at the obviously in love couple.
“I’ve never seen him so happy…” Shingi remarked in awe. “I always regretted that I couldn’t help
to boost his self-confidence, but ever since he started dating Kyoko…it’s like he’s started to smile
and look more emotionally secure.”
Hana wrapped her arms around her husband, nodding in agreement before resting her chin on his
shoulder and murmuring “I agree…it really is like she’s become part of the family…”
As the two parents started to giggle at each other, Komaru, being the only single Naegi left on the
boat, fake-gagged in disgust at how lover-dover her parents and brother were being. Said brother
was out of earshot, his arm wrapped around Kyoko’s waist while her own was wrapped around his.
“Isn’t the sunset beautiful, Kyoko?”
The Ultimate Detective nodded in agreement, replying “It is…thank you for bringing me here…I
can’t think of a better way to close out this field trip.” Glancing down at his belly, Kyoko asked
“Is your stomach feeling better?”
Makoto nodded and replied “It is…luckily I don’t get seasick, so my queasiness is all gone.”
Kyoko smiled before wordlessly pivoting behind and wrapping her arms, locking her fingers
securely over his belly and pulling him against her until his back lay snugly against her front.
Makoto gasped, blushing before relaxing into his temporary pillow, nuzzling her breasts and
pulling the edges of her jacket around him. Smiling, they watched as the sun set in an explosion of
reds and purples, their faces matching the sky’s complexion.
XXX
“So, did you have fun at your first amusement park, Kyoko?” Hana asked as she drove their car out
of the parking lot.
Nodding, Kyoko replied “For the most part…yes, though running around to all the various
attractions is…” Yawn* “…exhausting in its own way.”
Makoto matched her yawn and agreed “Yeah…I’m always…exhausted whenever…I go to one of
these amusement parks…” *Yawn* “…I could use a nap…”
“…then rest, Makoto…” urged Kyoko, unable to hold back another yawn.
Nodding, Makoto mumbled, his eyes feeling droopy “Yeah…you too…” *Yawn* “Kyoko…”
Kyoko opened her mouth to reply, but only a final yawn came out, the two teenagers leaning
against each other’s shoulders as their eyes closed and they fell into slumber.
Komaru was about to nudge her brother, but Hana shook her head, smiling warmly as she quietly
urged “Let them sleep, dear…and don’t even think about taking a photo of them for blackmail.”
Seeing her Father nod, Komaru quietly huffed before leaning back in her seat, smiling softly as she
watched them unconsciously squeeze each other’s hands in their sleep, content smiles on both of
their faces.
Sweet dreams Onii-chan, Kyoko…
XXX
Present Day
“Aww…that was so adorable!” Kiki gushed, her parents blushing at the memory of falling asleep
in the car.
Hana smiled and agreed “They really were…even back then, when their relationship was in its
infancy, your parents loved each other very much.”
Shingi nodded in agreement and contributed “And they brought out the best in each other; your
Mother helped your Father to believe in himself, and from what I understand of her history, your
Father helped your Mother to smile again.”
Seeing Komaru nod in agreement, Makoto and Kyoko blushed before Kiki asked “So what
happened next, Daddy?”
Makoto, no longer embarrassed, ruffled Kiki’s hair with a smile as he replied “Next is your
bedtime, pumpkin.”
“Aww…” Kiki groaned before wiggling under the blankets.
As Hana, Shingi, and Komaru walked out, Makoto and Kyoko tucked her in, kissing her forehead
as they bid her goodnight. Once her eyes were closed and she was snoring, they tiptoed outside
and closed the door behind them, heading to the kitchen to make some herbal tea before bed.
Love Arc Chapter Twenty-Four: Christmas with the Naegis! Oshogatsu!
Chapter Summary
Unable to fall asleep after staying up late to watch the New Year's sunrise, Makoto and
Kyoko watch some of his favorite childhood Christmas movies on his bed together.
Will she enjoy these classics with him?
Present Day
“Well, the next day was New Year’s Eve. Your Baa-chan encouraged us to go get some fresh air
while she, Jii-chan, and Auntie Komaru cleaned the house. So, after making sure we both dressed
warmly, we left the house and started to explore your Father’s home neighborhood…”
XXX
December 31, 2014
The two walked in comfortable silence on the sidewalk, smiling softly at each other through their
scarves.
Suddenly, Makoto turned his head and exclaimed “Oh, Kyoko!” Hearing her hum in curiosity, he
pointed across the street to an abandoned playground next to what looked like a high school
building and explained “That’s the playground my parents took me and Komaru to all the time…
and there’s the high school I went to before we met!”
Seeing the nostalgic smile on his face, she nudged him with her elbow and asked “So are we just
going to stare at it all day or are we actually going to investigate it?”
Makoto grinned and pulled her by the wrist, Kyoko yelping as he dragged her to the nostalgic
playground.
XXX
“You wanna go on the swings with me?” Makoto asked as he sat down on an old swing set.
Nodding, Kyoko walked over to the swing next to him, launching with her feet as she and Makoto
began to swing back and forth in tandem.
“So…” Makoto began “It’ll be a new year tomorrow…” Seeing Kyoko nod curiously, Makoto
turned his head to smile at her and mused “I can’t believe it’s been nearly nine months since we
first met.”
Smiling back at him, Kyoko replied “It would seem so; we enrolled back in April together…”
Technically March, but you don’t remember that… “…so it has been nine months, and we’ve been
dating for almost two…” Frowning as she turned her head to look straight ahead at the Dusk High
School building, she admitted “…Sometimes I wished I’d gotten my head out of my case files
sooner and realized how much I loved you…then perhaps you wouldn’t have had to find out
through a shared bath…”
Makoto blushed at the memory before asking curiously “Ano…do you…regret…having sex with
me back then…?”
Her own cheeks heating up at the memory, she nonetheless shook her head and denied “No…I
didn’t regret it, per se…but I still kind of forced you into it…and perhaps in hindsight…I just wish
I had come clean about my feelings in a healthier way than by letting my hormones dictate my
actions.” Squeezing the chains of her swing tighter, she finished “…You deserved better from a
girl who loves you…”
“Ah…don’t worry about it, Kyoko; it all worked out in the end, right? I’ll admit…I was shocked
in the moment…but I’m just grateful that you’re willing to say that you love me.” Both blushed,
smiling as they continued to swing in silence before Makoto asked nervously “So...on that
subject…can I ask you something?”
“Hm?”
Makoto bit his lip, murmuring “…So…I know that we haven’t even been dating for two months…
but…you know that I love you…and you’ve said that you love me…but I’m just wondering…do
you envision…us…being something…long-term?”
Kyoko smiled teasingly as she remarked “Seventeen’s a little young to be getting married, isn’t it?”
His face turning as red as a tomato, Makoto yelped in shock as he fell off the swing.
As Kyoko sweatdropped, Makoto sat up, nursing his head before holding his hands up in surrender
as he protested “Oh no oh no oh no, Kyoko! I didn’t mean it like that, I swear! I haven’t even
been thinking about marriage, I just…”
Makoto was cut off as Kyoko giggled and apologized “I’m sorry…I just couldn’t resist the
opportunity to tease you…”
Seeing his blush start to recede, Kyoko sighed and got off the swing, pivoting to sit down cross-
legged in front of him. Makoto’s eyes widened as she removed her gloves to thread their hands
together.
Blushing again at the intimate contact, Makoto listened intently as Kyoko told him “All joking
aside, Makoto…you know the story of my past…about how my Grandfather raised me. Every
aspect of how to live he taught me centered around being a Detective; love was never part of the
equation, and as a result, I never thought at all about my romantic future.”
Makoto squeezed her hands, trying to provide some measure of comfort to the girl who was
reflecting on her painful past.
After squeezing back, Kyoko continued “But then you came along…and even if I made things a
little rocky at first…” Kyoko’s expression morphed into one of guilt before she continued “You
broke through to me, and helped me to truly feel again…you gave me my first friends since Yui…
and you gave me someone I could trust my heart to…someone to love…Makoto, that’s something
I never thought would ever happen to me. And I don’t want to give that up for anything…”
“Kyoko…mmph!”
Makoto’s exclamation was muffled against Kyoko’s breasts as she wrapped her arms around his
head and pulled him against her, assuring him “So yes…I envision this being long term…our
relationship is no short fling…I promise you that!”
Feeling happy tears stream down his cheeks, Makoto relaxed against her breasts, wrapping his
arms around her waist and trying to get as close to her beating heart as possible. Kyoko smiled
down at him, stroking his head with one hand while caressing his back with the other, Makoto
reciprocating her affectionate gestures as they sat on the playground in silence, enjoying their
promise to stay together for a long time.
XXX
Present Day
“Aww…that was so cute! But Daddy, why didn’t you propose to Mommy right then and there?
You were obviously thinking it!”
Blushing, Makoto replied “Kiki…you have to understand, we weren’t even dating for two months
at that point in time…and even if we had been dating longer and did want to get married…
seventeen is an extremely young age to get married. I would have needed your Baa-chan’s
approval first.”
To Kiki’s shock, Hana nodded “and I would have declined.” Looking to Kyoko she explained “No
offense dear, but I would have been extremely nervous about letting my baby boy get married at
such a young age, especially considering the infancy of your courtship.”
Nodding, Kyoko assured her “None taken; it was just a joke on my part at the time.”
Kiki huffed, grumbling before moving on “So…what happened when you got back, Mommy?”
“After we walked back from the playground, we headed home and had dinner with your
Grandparents and Auntie Komaru. Then after that…”
XXX
December 31, 2014
“Not that I’m complaining, but why did we hike out to Yoyogi Park in the middle of the night?”
Makoto smiled energetically and answered his girlfriend’s question “Because, every year on New
Year’s Eve, we all go to the tip of this hill so we can catch the New Year’s sunrise.”
Komaru explained further “We’d do it on our roof, but it has too much of a slope to be safe.”
“…Aren’t you worried about being too tired in the morning?”
Makoto shook his head and denied “Nah, we all sleep in New Year’s Day anyway.”
Kyoko stared incredulously at her boyfriend before Shingi exclaimed “Oh look; we’re here!”
How can you tell? I can’t see the texture of the grass… Kyoko thought as she held onto her
boyfriend’s hand like an anchor, the family making their way up and sitting on the grass.
For all her skepticism, once they sat down on the grass, Kyoko found herself actually relaxing,
leaning against her boyfriend’s shoulder while the Naegi parents and Komaru engaged in light
conversation, the sky still too dark to do anything else.
Looking over to his girlfriend, Makoto offered “If you’re feeling tired, feel free to take a nap; we’ll
wake you when the sun rises.”
Kyoko shook her head and assured him “It’s okay; I’m used to staying up at odd hours when I’m
on a case. I have no issue with staying awake past midnight.” Even though he couldn’t see it yet,
Makoto could almost feel Kyoko smiling at him as she offered “You on the other hand have no
such training, so if you needed a shoulder to rest on…”
His cheeks blushing at fantasies of Kyoko stroking his hair while he lay on her lap, Makoto shook
his head and declined “Nah, I’ve done this before, so it’s no big deal.”
With that, they sat in comfortable silence, occasionally toying with each other’s fingers as they
waited for the sun to rise.
“Look you two!”
Dropping what they were doing, Makoto and Kyoko looked ahead to see daybreak, a perfect
explosion of reds, yellows, and oranges breaking through the curtain of darkness and restoring light
to the Land of the Rising Sun.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it Kyoko?”
Nodding, Kyoko smiled and agreed “It is…thank you for bringing me to see it…”
They both wrapped their arms around the other, pulling each other close in a mutual embrace.
Hana smiled and urged “Quick everyone; make a wish before daybreak ends.”
“I wish for another class of fun, energetic children to teach in the coming year!”
“I wish for a bright, happy future for my children.”
“I wish that I can get into Hope’s Peak like my big brother. Ne, Onii-chan, what are you and
Kyoko gonna wish for?”
…I wish for Kyoko to always smile…and to keep spending my days with her!
…I wish for Makoto to continue believing in himself…and to keep spending my days with him!
Keeping their wishes to themselves, Makoto and Kyoko closed their eyes, nuzzling their heads
together as they looked forward to another year in love with each other.
XXX
Present Day
“So that was what you wished for! Why didn’t you tell us when we made our wishes?!”
Makoto blushed as he remembered the New Year’s Wish he made with Kyoko; finally he turned to
face Komaru and answered “I chose to keep my wish private; just because you’re my little sister
doesn’t mean I have to spill my every secret to you Komaru.”
Kiki nodded and answered matter-of-factly “Yeah! Besides, if they told you their wish, it wouldn’t
come true!”
Komaru stared at her niece incredulously, unable to believe that the daughter of the Ultimate
Detective would fall for such an obvious lie.
…She is only five, I suppose…
After Komaru sighed in defeat, Kiki asked “So what happened next, Daddy?”
“Well, after we got in the car, your Mother and I took a nap on the ride home. Then when we got
home, we changed into pajamas and tried to go to bed. But…”
XXX
January 1, 2015
Kyoko groaned as she and Makoto tried to snuggle under the blankets, sleep frustratingly eluding
them as they tried to find a comfortable position.
Eventually Makoto sighed and gave up, voicing “You’re…not feeling sleepy, are you?”
Kyoko frowned, releasing him from her embrace and sitting up, Makoto joining her as she
pondered “It’s strange…we didn’t even sleep last night; all we had was a brief nap in the car ride
home. That wouldn’t have been nearly enough to make up for the eight hours of sleep we lost.”
Assuming her standard thinking pose, Makoto guessed “Maybe it messed up our biological clocks.
You know…since it’s morning, our bodies are making us stay awake, even though we’re tired…?”
With a frustrated sigh, Kyoko concluded “In other words, we just have to wait it out until
nighttime, right?”
Nodding, Makoto asked “So…what do you want to do to pass the time?”
Kyoko groaned and admitted “…Even though I’m not drowsy, I’m still tired. And I’ve been
thinking about what your Mother said when I was sick…maybe…I want to just lie here and not do
anything active…” Makoto smiled at Kyoko’s change of philosophy since coming to his
childhood home before she continued “That being said…I’m not that good at staying still. I want
to be doing something…I’m just not sure what…”
“Hmm…” A light bulb turned on in Makoto’s head as he realized “How about we watch some old
Christmas movies together?” Instantly jumping out of bed, he ran to his entertainment center and
sifted wildly through his DVD collection, explaining as she stared at him with curiosity “Mom and
Dad got me a few of the older classics on DVD over the years, so how about we watch a couple
together?”
Intrigued by the idea of cuddling while getting a taste of Makoto’s childhood, she nodded, smiling
softly as she agreed “Alright, I suppose there’s no harm.”
Makoto grinned as he pulled out a DVD triumphantly, fiddling with the DVD player as he put in
the disc and closed the drive. He grabbed the remote and ran back to the bed, jumping onto it so
that he was sitting next to Kyoko again.
As he fiddled with the remote, Makoto explained “This one’s one of my childhood favorites; it’s
called Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town!” Seeing Kyoko’s blank stare, Makoto explained “There’s
this…fairy tale…I guess you could call it…the short version is that there’s this man who lives at
the North Pole called Santa Claus who delivers presents to good children every Christmas Eve.”
“…In other words, a way for authority figures to incentivize good behavior…” Kyoko deadpanned,
leading Makoto to sweatdrop as he wordlessly started the movie.
XXX
“So that’s where you got that song from when you taught me how to ice skate.”
“So he taught you to ice skate…”
Makoto immediately hit the “PAUSE” button, stopping the movie as he and Kyoko turned their
heads to see Hana in the doorway, holding a tray containing two plates of eggs and sausage, as well
as two cups of hot chocolate and marshmallows.
Hana smiled and placed the tray on Makoto’s dresser, handing them their brunches as she
explained “When you two didn’t show up at the table for breakfast, I figured you’d be here
together.” Makoto mumbled a quiet apology before Hana just continued to smile and waved it off
“No harm done; after how late we all stayed up, you two deserve a day to just lie in bed. So, what
are you watching…ah, that’s a classic…and one of Makoto’s personal favorites.”
Kyoko nodded and explained “He suggested that we watch some of his childhood Christmas
movies together.”
Hana smiled nostalgically and reminisced “Yes; I remember when Makoto and Komaru used to
believe in Santa Claus…he’d insist we all get to bed early on Christmas Eve, and when Komaru
would ask why, every year, he would sing “Because, Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town…” I swear,
he had that movie’s entire musical score memorized.”
…Why doesn’t that surprise me?
Kyoko giggled at the image of a seven-year-old Makoto singing about an imaginary man
delivering presents to his house, making Makoto blush before screeching “MOM! YOU’RE
EMBARRASSING ME!!!”
Hana smiled sweetly and apologized “Sorry, dear. Anyway, I wanted to ask you two…Komaru’s
been saying how she wants to go ice skating tomorrow, so I thought I’d come by and ask how you
felt about the idea.”
His embarrassment giving way to intrigue, Makoto handed back his now empty bowl along with
Kyoko’s and nodded, agreeing “I don’t mind; it sounds fun…what about you, Kyoko? You up for
going ice skating again tomorrow?”
Ice skating…with Makoto again…? Blushing at the memory of how he had supported and
encouraged her during the whole date, she smiled and agreed “Sure…I’m looking forward to it.”
Hana smiled and replied “That’s wonderful; I’ll go tell Komaru the good news. In the
meantime…” Hana handed them the two cups of still warm hot cocoa and offered “Here, why
don’t you two have some hot cocoa while you snuggle in bed for the movie?”
Holding back his blush, Makoto eagerly took the cup, nearly salivating as he accepted “Smells
delicious, thanks Mom!”
“…Indeed.” Kyoko replied simply as she closed her eyes and inhaled the aroma of chocolate,
smiling as the scent reached her taste buds.
Hana smiled sweetly before turning around and walking out, finishing “In that case, I’ll leave you
two to your movie. Have fun, dears.”
Wordlessly nodding at each other, Makoto reached with his free hand and pressed “PLAY” on the
remote, bringing their cups of hot cocoa to their lips and slowly savoring the flavor as they sipped,
smiles on their faces as they enjoyed the moment.
XXX
“…That movie was riddled with scientific inaccuracies. I can accept the premise of a family of
toymakers and a tyrannical mayor, but a Winter Warlock whose powers weaken upon being given
a toy? Kernels that make reindeer fly upon being ingested…”
Makoto sweatdropped and replied “Well…it’s not supposed to be realistic; it’s supposed to be
entertaining. At least say that it was entertaining; I don’t think my childhood could take it if you
said no!”
Sighing, Kyoko smiled and nodded “I can admit that the film contains a certain charm that would
appeal to children…probably helped by its catchy lyrics…” She smirked teasingly as she
remarked “…It’s no wonder your Mom said you liked to sing those songs all the time as a little
boy.”
Makoto instantly pouted, his cheeks flushing as he grumbled.
Kyoko giggled and assured him “You don’t need to feel embarrassed; it’s cute!”
“…It is not! She might as well have shown you my baby pictures!” Seeing the curious flash in her
eyes, Makoto performed a very close imitation of her Kirigiri glare as he warned “Don’t even think
about it, Kyoko Kirigiri!”
Realizing that sating her curiosity wasn’t worth Makoto feeling embarrassed, along with being
satisfied at having gotten a rise out of him, Kyoko smiled and conceded “Alright, I’m sorry…”
Sighing now that his embarrassed anger had subsided, Makoto wrapped his arms around her waist,
resting his head in her lap in an unspoken apology for making a mountain out of a molehill. Kyoko
smiled lovingly at the boy, resting a hand on his back while the other caressed his messy brown
hair. Makoto practically purred, relaxing into her loving gesture.
XXX
Present Day
“Aww…that was so sweet! Bud Daddy…why were you embarrassed at Mommy seeing your baby
pictures?”
Now that Kyoko had years to coo and giggle at his baby pictures, Makoto was able to answer
without embarrassment “Kiki, when you’re older, you’ll understand that most people get
embarrassed when someone brings up their time as a baby. It’s not wrong or right, it’s just…a fact
of life.”
“…I still don’t get it, but okay, Daddy…” Turning to her Grandmother, Kiki asked “So Baa-ba,
were they still like that all day?”
Smiling wistfully at the memory, Hana answered “Well, I tried to call them down for dinner, but
they never showed up. So your Jii-chan, Auntie Komaru, and I all went up to check on them. But
when we peeked inside…”
XXX
January 1, 2015
“Makoto, Kyoko, dinner’s…oh…” Hana trailed off, Shingi and Komaru’s jaws hanging open as
they took in the sight of Makoto and Kyoko snuggled under the blankets, having nodded off some
time ago.
Hana smiled warmly at the content smiles on both of their faces, turning to her husband and
daughter as she suggested “What do you say we let them sleep?”
Shingi nodded, a joyful smile on his lips as he agreed “Sure, they look so peaceful together…I
don’t have the heart to wake them up.”
As the trio left the room and Hana closed the door behind them to give Makoto and Kyoko
privacy, Komaru pouted and quietly exclaimed “Why do Onii-chan and his girlfriend get to sleep
together? They’re not even married!”
Shingi smiled and admitted “I’ll admit it’s unorthodox, but did you see how peaceful your brother
looked, Komaru? I doubt they’re doing anything they shouldn’t, so what’s the harm?”
At that point, Hana interrupted “Alright, that’s enough gossip from you two. We’re still having
dinner at the table, so go set the table, okay? I’ll be down in a bit.”
Grumbling, Shingi and Komaru went back down to get dinner ready. Meanwhile, Hana tiptoed
back to Makoto’s room and quietly crept inside, the door quietly creaking open as she collected
their used hot cocoa mugs.
*Snore* “Kyoko…I love you…”
*Groan* “Makoto…I love you too…”
Smiling warmly and still holding the mugs in her hand, she proceeded to fix the blanket, tucking
them in before gently pressing two gentle kisses on the cheeks of her son and future daughter-in-
law.
“Sweet dreams you two…” she whispered before tiptoeing back outside, quietly closing the door
behind her before walking back downstairs to feed her husband and daughter.
XXX
Present Day
“H..huhuhuhuhuhu…HUH?!” Makoto exclaimed, both Makoto and Kyoko obscuring their

furiously blushing cheeks with their palms as they realized what happened while they were asleep.
“You tucked Mommy and Daddy in?”
Hana smiled at her granddaughter and nodded to Makoto and Kyoko “I had just planned to bring
your dishes into the kitchen. But you two just looked so cuts snuggling together…I couldn’t help
it, dears.”
Slightly calmer than her husband, Kyoko managed to sigh, still blushing as she replied “That
explains why I couldn’t find our dishes the following morning.”
Seeing how embarrassed the two were at her revelation, Hana offered “Why don’t you two go to
bed early? We can tuck Kiki in for you.”
Nodding, the two of them got up, uttered a simple “Good night, Kiki” before scurrying out of the
bedroom, the others sweatdropping at Makoto and Kyoko’s embarrassed states.
“Are Mommy and Daddy gonna be alright, Baa-ba?”
Smiling as she proceeded to tuck Kiki in, Hana placed a kiss on Kiki’s forehead as she told her
“They’ll be fine Kiki; they’re just in shock.”
“But why?” Kiki cocked her head in confusion as she protested “They shouldn’t be embarrassed
that you tucked them in. That’s what Mommies are supposed to do!”
Shingi kissed Kiki’s nose as he explained “Once you reach a certain age, most people find it
embarrassing. You’ll understand when you’re older, Kiki…”
“…The story of my life…” Kiki sighed before settling her head under the pillow.
Komaru was the last to kiss her niece good night, cooing “Sweet dreams, Kiki…we love you.”
Kiki yawned, then nodded before her eyes closed, snoring filling the room as she fell into slumber.
Smiling, the three Naegis quietly tiptoed out, closing the door behind them before retiring to their
guest rooms.
XXX
*Snap*
“Makoto…isn’t locking the door a little extreme? She’s your Mother!”
Makoto shivered, denying “She tucked us in…when we were practically adults, Kyoko! Do you
have any idea how creepy that is?”
Kyoko sighed as she reminded him “Makoto, it was technically her house, and as your guardian,
she was responsible for your well-being. And we’re talking about a woman who embraced me as
her daughter after knowing me for less than twenty-four hours. You should be grateful to have a
Mother who would happily tuck you in at night when you’re a teenager.”
Makoto sighed, unlocking the door in surrender as he sat next to Kyoko and admitted “I love my
Mom, don’t get me wrong…she’s the best Mother anyone could ask for…I’m just…creeped out,
ya know?”
Nodding, Kyoko sat up and drew him into a hug, assuring him “Makoto…I’m not…entirely
comfortable with her tucking us in either…but that was years ago, and we have a house of our own
now. She has no reason to tuck us in at night, because she has no reason to check on us. So…let’s
just forget it ever happened, okay?”
Sighing, Makoto surrendered “Okay…I’ll forget it ever happened.”
Smiling, Kyoko pulled him down into a soft kiss, Makoto’s eyes closing as he melted into the
sweet gesture. Kyoko reached over and pulled it over them, continuing their soft kiss as they
snuggled against each other, separating to smile drowsily at each other before yawning once,
falling asleep and rejoining each other in their dreams.
Love Arc Chapter Twenty-Five: Christmas with the Naegis! Ice Skating
Redux!
Chapter Summary
After a day of ice skating with her future in-laws and Makoto, Kyoko sits bored when
Komaru drags Makoto outside to play in the snow with her. Seizing the opportunity,
Hana decides to engage her in a game of shogi. How will Kyoko and Hana bond over
their shared pastime?
Present Day
“So what happened when you all went ice skating, Mommy?”
“So, we didn’t go right away. We had breakfast and your Father and I played some more Pokémon
together until lunchtime. Once we finished eating, we all got in the car and drove off to the same
ice rink that your Father used to teach me how to skate. Once we paid our admission and changed
into our ice-skating gear…”
XXX
January 2, 2015
“Whoa!” Kyoko closed her eyes, bracing herself for the pain of falling against the hard ice, only to
find her fall suspended by two arms wrapped around her torso, pulling her up to stand again.
Opening her eyes, she saw Makoto’s relieved smile pointed right at her; she sighed with
disappointment as she muttered “So much for my training…”
Skating over to them on her ice skates, Hana smiled reassuringly and asked “Don’t get so down,
dear. You said Makoto taught you how to ice skate, right? How long ago was that?”
“…Nearly six weeks ago…”
“And have you gone ice skating since?”
“…”
Hana smiled and concluded “I thought so. You shouldn’t hold yourself to such a high standard of
skill, dear, especially when your first and only time was over a month ago. Even for someone who
does it regularly, ice skating can be tricky to do and takes a long time to feel natural. I remember
when Makoto and Komaru were first learning how to skate, whenever he fell down, he would feel
discouraged and cry about how he was never going to get any good at it.”
“He did..?” Kyoko wondered, unable to reconcile the discouraged boy Hana described with the
hopeful young man she fell in love with.
Hana nodded, recalling one of her many memories of encouraging a distraught little Makoto.
“It’s too hard, Mommy! I’ll never be any good at ice skating! I wanna go home!!!”
“Shh…Makoto, it’s okay. I know it sucks to fall down, and I know you probably feel cold and sore,
but nobody’s born good at something; you’ll only get better with practice! Eventually, you’re
gonna be able to skate circles around this rink without Mommy here to hold you up!”
*Sniff* “Okay…if you say so Mommy…I’ll…I’ll try again!”
Shaking the memory from her mind, Hana flashed Kyoko the same reassuring smile she gave
Makoto years ago and encouraged her “So don’t get down just because you slipped; take it slow,
and soon it’ll be like riding a bicycle.”
Nodding, Kyoko found her balance, nudging his arms away before she reached for the railing,
promising “Okay…I’ll try to lower my expectations of myself…”
Makoto smiled as he stood next to his girlfriend and encouraged “Just take it one step at a time,
Kyoko. You remember, just put one foot in front of the other until you find your balance.”
Somewhat missing his tune from last time, yet understanding that he didn’t want to get teased by
his Mother again, Kyoko took a deep breath as she held on loosely to the railing, repeating “Put
one foot in front of the other…” as she walked on the ice. Before long, she found herself walking
confidently on the ice, letting go of the railing as she remarked with surprise “…That took less time
than I thought it would…”
Kyoko saw Makoto’s proud smile before Hana skated over to her and encouraged warmly “What’d
I tell you? Like riding a bike!”
Nodding, Kyoko took another deep breath and started to skate, remembering Makoto’s teachings of
the motions and momentum. While she felt a little wobbly at first, she never once felt like she was
about to fall. Eventually, she felt like she could skate almost as fast as she could walk, never once
reaching for the nearby handrail as Makoto skated beside her. Kyoko smiled at her boyfriend,
enjoying the feeling of skating by his side again
Hana caught up to them, smiling at her progress as she praised “You’re doing really well, dear.
Why don’t we try the next step?”
“…Next step?”
Kyoko looked at her future Mother-in-law, confused as Hana nodded “If you can do this, then
you’ll have mastered the basics of skating.” Curious, Kyoko watched as Hana stated elegantly
over to the other side of the rink and called “You and Makoto try skating over to me, alright
Kyoko?”
Skate…through the middle? But…but there’s no support railing! What if I fall? Then Makoto will
just fall down with me!
Kyoko gasped as she felt her boyfriend squeeze her hand; turning to face him, she felt her heart
warmed by his warm smile and his reassuring voice as he encouraged her “It’ll be fine, Kyoko.
Don’t worry about falling down; you’ve got this, and I trust you!”
You…trust me?!
Encouraged by his trust in her, and by the barely visible, yet still radiant smile of his Mom, Kyoko
decided to take a leap of faith. Taking a deep breath, Kyoko kicked off and started to skate across
the rink, Makoto keeping pace with her as he held loosely onto her hand.
Kyoko gasped once they got halfway across, beaming as she realized I’m…doing it…I’m doing it!
Seeing her boyfriend’s grinning nod, Kyoko felt all her fears wash away as she continued to skate
with her usual Kirigiri confidence, Makoto letting go of her hand and skating off to the side as she
skated straight into Hana’s motherly embrace.
“See, dear? You’re a natural at this; all you needed was a little more practice…” Hana praised as
she shared a grateful hug with her future daughter-in-law.
“Uwah!”
“Eeek!”
Kyoko jumped out of Hana’s grasp, turning around to see Shingi and Komaru collapsed on the ice,
groaning in pain as the soreness of their respective falls racked their bodies.
Kyoko turned to see Hana smiling at her as she commented “As you can see, even the best of us
fall sometimes, but we just have to get up and try again. Come on, dear, I’ll go help my husband,
why don’t you and Makoto help Komaru?”
Feeling Makoto thread his fingers together with her, she smiled and nodded at his own smiling
face, taking the lead as she elegantly skated them both to her future sister-in-law, her confident
smile returned to her as she skid to a halt, holding out a hand with her boyfriend to the bruised and
embarrassed Komaru.
XXX
Present Day
“You’re amazing, Mommy! To have mastered ice skating after only two lessons?! Even if you
had Baa-ba and Daddy helping you, that’s still incredible!” Kiki suddenly pouted and grumbled
“Why can’t I be that quick of a study?”
Makoto and Kyoko smiled reassuringly at their daughter; they had taken her to a skating rink a
handful of times, but she hadn’t quite mastered skating without the support of the railing or her
parents’ secure hands.
Leaning down to kiss her daughter on the temple, Kyoko assured her “You’ll get there, Kiki.
Everyone learns at their own pace.”
Makoto nodded in agreement and comforted her “Your Mother’s right, Kiki. It took me a while to
get confident while ice skating, but I eventually did it; it just took longer. I know that someday,
you’ll learn how to skate, too!”
Kiki sighed, then smiled with a renewed hope as she accepted “Okay, Daddy.” Turning to her
Mother, she asked “So what did you do next, Mommy?”
“Well, after we got back from the ice rink, we had dinner and went to bed. When we woke up, we
went downstairs to have breakfast, and after we were done…”
XXX
January 3, 2015
Komaru peered out the window, beaming as she saw the familiar sight of snowflakes falling down
from the sky and coating their lawn. She ran over to her brother, who was smiling at his girlfriend
as they sipped hot cocoa together.
“Onii-chan, look! It’s snowing, it’s snowing!”
“Waah!” Makoto exclaimed as she tugged on his arm, forcing him out of his seat. “That’s great,
Komaru…but why does that necessitate yanking me?”
“Because…this is the perfect time to go play in the snow and build a snowman! I got grounded on
Christmas Day, and the day after you got sick!”
The first time was your fault with those bunny ears… Makoto deadpanned. As he felt Komaru’s
insistent tugs on his arm, Makoto objected “But…Kyoko and I…we were…”
Both siblings stopped struggling once Kyoko shook her head and assured him “It’s okay; I’ll be
fine. Go have fun with your sister.”
“You…you sure…?”
Kyoko nodded, assuring him with a smile “We’ve been joined at the hip this entire vacation; a
couple of hours apart won’t kill me.”
“If you’re sure…” Makoto turned to his sister and nodded, agreeing “Alright, Komaru; we can go
play in the snow today. Just stop tugging on my arm, okay? You’ll yank it out of its socket.”
Grinning, Komaru raced up the stairs to her room to change. Makoto sweatdropped, then chuckled
under his breath before walking up to his own room to find a set of winter clothes.
XXX
“Alright, are you two dressed warmly enough for the snow?”
Makoto and Komaru nodded in confirmation, dressed in matching snow pants, boots, jackets,
gloves, scarves, and winter hats.
Hana smiled and replied “That’s good; alright, you two have fun out there!”
“Hey, wait for me, kids!” Everyone turned to see Shingi rushing over to his children and zipping
up his coat, exclaiming “I didn’t get to play out in the snow with you guys yet either!”
Makoto and Komaru sweatdropped as Kyoko thought Now I think I get where Makoto inherited his
childlike disposition from…
Seeing their Father was too excited to take no for an answer, the Naegi siblings both sighed before
Komaru conceded “Alright, come on, Dad.”
As the three walked out of the house and closed the door, Kyoko smiled at the family moment,
continuing to sip her hot cocoa as Hana continued to wash dishes, humming absentmindedly while
she kept an eye out the window and watched her family play in the snow.
XXX
…Maybe I should have brought a book… Kyoko thought, now dressed and sitting on the couch.
It’s strange…I used to relish the quiet and solitude of my room. But now that Makoto and I aren’t
in the same room…I’m actually starting to get bored without him…
Sighing, she looked up, and nearly jumped in her seat as she saw Hana looking down at her, a
familiar wooden board in her hands as she asked “Feeling bored, dear?”
“…My apologies…I didn’t mean to worry you…”
Sitting down next to her, Hana assured her “Don’t sound so guilt-ridden, dear; it’s a Mother’s job
to worry. Now, what’s the matter?” Kyoko bit her lip in hesitation, causing Hana to search her
eyes before smiling in realization and guessing “You don’t know what to do with yourself now that
you’re no longer with Makoto, right?”
Sighing in defeat, Kyoko admitted “…It’s petty of me…but since we got here, we haven’t really
spent more than a minute apart. All the things I can think of to do…are things I want to do with
him…I…didn’t account to having time to myself.”
Hana rubbed Kyoko’s back as she assured her “Kyoko, that’s not petty; it’s normal to want to be
with your special someone during the honeymoon phase of a relationship.” Seeing Kyoko’s
hesitant expression, Hana suggested “But since he’s occupied, why don’t we have some Mother-
daughter bonding time?”
…Mother-daughter…bonding time? Curious, and not really opposed to spending time with the
woman who had already welcomed her with open arms, Kyoko asked “What did you have in
mind?”
Smiling, Hana handed her the board, Kyoko gently holding onto it as she finally saw the bags of
shogi pieces resting on top.
“I remembered back in April, Makoto asked me for the family shogi board to play shogi with you.
I assumed that meant shogi would be something you enjoyed.”
Nodding, Kyoko admitted “…I…turned him down at the time…because I was making every effort
possible to avoid making friends…but I do enjoy playing the game, so…” Kyoko smiled and
nodded “…Sure, let’s play.”
Grinning, Hana exclaimed “Excellent!” Standing up, Hana suggested “Let’s go to the dining room
table and set it up, dear!”
Smiling softly at Hana’s excited state, she followed her future Mother-in-law to the dining room so
that they could bond over shogi.
XXX
Let’s see… Kyoko thought, impressed with Hana’s skill as a shogi player. She’s managed to
replace her supply of pawns that I captured, blocking my offensive strategies. If I don’t find a way
to create an opening, she’ll promote her generals and…
“Don’t look so pensive, dear…” Kyoko looked up, her concentration interrupted as Hana smiled at
her and continued “It’s just a game; no need to treat this as though it were life or death…”
Kyoko sighed as she moved a random piece, trying her best to follow Hana’s advice as she
apologized “My apologies…it’s just…” Kyoko sighed and explained “I used to play shogi with my
Grandfather all the time…only it wasn’t really for recreational purposes, it was for my Detective
training.”
Nodding, Hana moved one of her pieces and urged “Tell me more, dear.”
“…My Grandfather’s goal was to train my ability to dissect a culprit’s psyche and learn to spot
their weaknesses. Every time I lost a game, he would lecture me on how I wasn’t paying close
enough attention to his moves and strategies, and he would urge me to pay closer attention in our
next game.”
“You need to take me more seriously as an opponent, Kyoko!”
“But I am taking you seriously, Jii-chan! You’re just too good for me to beat!”
“You need to be able to beat me, Kyoko; your life may depend on how well you can anticipate your
opponent when working a case!”
Hana nodded and replied “Kyoko, I’m sure your Grandfather meant well…but games don’t always
have to be training exercises; they can be played just for fun.”
Kyoko stared at her skeptically, looking down at the board as she asked “Are you sure? I mean…
you seem to be matching me move for move at my best; are you telling me you’re not analyzing
the board state and trying to figure out my overall strategy?”
Shaking her head, Hana smiled with amusement as she denied “Nope; I’m just trying to have a
good game with my children. Maybe it’s my intuition, or heck, maybe Makoto inherited his good
luck from me, but I just take a quick glance of the board, and if I spot a move I think looks good, I
make it. I don’t try to think two or three moves ahead, I don’t try to evaluate the risk-reward ratio,
I just try to have fun with my kids.”
You play…to have…fun? You’re…not worried about losing? The idea seemed baffling to Kyoko,
who had been trained to win as though her life depended on it, but she started to consider Hana’s
words and decided Maybe…I should give it a try…she did say this was a bonding activity…so
maybe…I should just relax and have fun… Breathing a sigh of relief, Kyoko’s posture finally
relaxed, the Ultimate Detective smiling at her future Mother-in-law as she replied “My apologies,
I’ll try to…relax and enjoy the game. So…shall we continue?”
Hana smiled in victory as she watched Kyoko move her next piece, the girl finally taking her eyes
off the board and redirecting her attention towards Hana. Her heart flooded with happiness as she,
for the first time, paid no heed to her chances of victory, but instead redirected that energy to
having fun.
XXX
Present Day
“So who won, you or Baa-ba?”
Kyoko and Hana looked at each other, smiled, then turned back to Kiki and said simultaneously
“That doesn’t matter.”
Kiki pouted, grumbling at the apparent mystery before turning to Komaru and asking “So Auntie
Komaru, did you and Jii-ji and Daddy have fun playing in the snow together?”
Makoto blushed and Shingi smiled in amusement while Komaru grinned mischievously and
explained “Oh, we had fun; we started by building a snowman and a snow fort. Your Jii-chan and
I were then making snowflakes on the ground, but your Father…”
XXX
January 3, 2015
“Onii-chan, come and make snow angels with us!”
Makoto smiled at Komaru before his eyes lingered back to the house where his girlfriend and
Mother were.
Kyoko… he thought, feeling somewhat alone without her even with his Dad and sister with him.
“Uwah!”
Makoto’s cheek shivered as he wiped away the remains of the snowball from his face, immediately
facing Komaru who smirked at him, her right glove coated with the dust of snow.
“Makoto, didn’t you hear me? I told you to come and make snow angels with us!”
Makoto smiled sheepishly as she and Shingi approached him before he apologized “Sorry…I guess
I was just…lost in thought…”
Komaru’s brow furrowed, while Shingi looked at his son in concern. Komaru leaned forward,
causing Makoto to flinch at how close she was while she seemed to inspect his eyes.
Makoto started to fidget nervously until Komaru deduced with a sly grin “…You miss having
Kyoko out here, don’t you Onii-chan?”
Blushing at how accurate her guess was, Makoto tried to deny “N…no I d…d…don’t!”
Grinning mischievously, Komaru teased “I think you’re lying…Dad, you remember how you and
Mom always punished us when we lied, right?”
Catching on, Shingi smiled and brought his hands in front of him, wiggling his fingers and making
Makoto sweat as he tried to dissuade them “Dad…don’t listen to Komaru…I’m not…Wah!”
Makoto yelped as Shingi and Komaru tackled him to the ground, the Ultimate Lucky Student
landing flat on his back as they pinned him to the ground, Komaru unzipping his jacket before
Shingi untucked his shirt to expose his bare, shivering belly.
As Komaru and Shingi’s hands inched closer and closer to the ticklish skin, Komaru taunted “Last
chance, Makoto; just admit you miss Kyoko and this can all end.”
Shaking his head in futile denial, Makoto objected “B…but I don’t! She’s only inside the house, so
why would I miss her?”
Sighing, Komaru replied “Have it your way…Dad, you wanna start?”
Nodding, Shingi lowered his hands, gloved fingertips finally making contact and spidering across
Makoto’s belly. His eyes widened for a split second before Makoto burst into uncontrollable
giggles.
“He…he…hehehehehehehahahahahahahahahaa! Daadddddyyyyy! Heheheheheheheeee…

Stahahahahahahahppppp!”
Grinning and unpinning Makoto’s legs, Shingi looked to his daughter and asked “Komaru, he
doesn’t seem to be listening; you mind giving me a hand?”
Smirking, Komaru unpinned Makoto’s arms and spidered her hands up and down Makoto’s sides,
traveling in a seemingly infinite loop from his armpits to his hips.
“Tickle tickle, Makoto…coochie coochie coo…”

Makoto’s giggles erupted into full belly laughter as he flailed his arms from side to side in a
desperate yet futile attempt to shake off his two captors.
“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA! DAAADDDDYYYYYYY…
HEHEHEHEHEHEHEHEH! THAAAT TIHIHIHIHIHICKLLLEEESSSSSS!
KOMAAAAARUUUUUUU!”
Komaru looked around Makoto’s flailing body and informed him “Hey Onii-chan, you’re finally
making snow angels with us!”
“H…HOHOHOHOHOHOOWWWWWWW CAN YOU TAAHAHAHAHLLKK ABOUT

THAAT NOWWWWW?! YOU’RE TIHIIHIHIHIHICKLLLIIIIHIHIHIHING
MEEEHEHEHEHEHEEE!”
Continuing to spider at his son’s belly, Shingi told him “You know how to make this stop, son…”
Grinning, Komaru reminded him as she kneaded his hips, making him buck in the air “Yeah, just
admit you miss Kyoko!”
Having had more than his fill of being tickled, Makoto screeched
“OHOHOHOHOKAAAAYYYYY! I AHAHAHAHADMIIIHIHHIHIT IT! I MISSSSS
KYOUHOHOHOHOKOOOO!”
A few last pokes to the belly, and it was over; Shingi and Komaru eased off of him, allowing him
to stand up and tuck his shirt back in before zipping up his jacket.
Shingi looked down at Makoto’s imprint, whistling as he remarked “Not a bad snow angel, son.”
Blushing, Makoto murmured “I…guess it is…” Turning to face his Father and sister, Makoto
asked with a blush “Just please…don’t tell Kyoko about…”
Shingi smiled and nodded, assuring him “Don’t worry; we won’t tell Kyoko you’re ticklish, or that
you missed her while you were outside…” Looking to his daughter, he asked “Right, Komaru?”
Komaru groaned at having lost such an amazing piece of blackmail and caved “Alright, I won’t tell
her.”
Nodding, Shingi suggested “Good, then let’s head inside; I’m sure your brother’s cold and could
use some of Mom’s hot cocoa.”
Nodding vigorously, Makoto followed his Father and sister inside, trying in vain to erase the
embarrassed blush from his face.
XXX
Present Day
“So that’s why I heard you laughing outside towards the end of our game…” Kyoko smiled with
amusement as she admitted “I just thought you were having fun with your Dad and sister.”
Makoto blushed, making Kiki giggle at her mental image of her Dad getting punished by tickle
torture.
Choosing to save her son from further embarrassment, Hana suggested “Alright, that’s enough
storytime for now. Isn’t it time for Kiki to go to bed?”
Nodding, Makoto shot his Mother a grateful smile before agreeing “She’s right; you three should
head to your guest rooms while Kyoko and I tuck Kiki in.”
“Aww…” Kiki and Komaru groaned before the latter hopped off the bed and faced Kiki.
“Sweet dreams, Kiki.”
“Sweet dreams, Baa-ba, Jii-ji, Auntie Komaru…”
The smiling Naegi Grandparents and their still pouting daughter left the bedroom while Makoto
and Kyoko tucked their daughter in, leaning down to kiss her cheeks as she yawned.
With one last yawn, Kiki fell into slumber, her snoring ringing in their ears as her parents tiptoed
out, closing the door behind them as they retired to their own room and snuggled to sleep.
Love Arc Chapter Twenty-Six: Christmas with the Naegis! Bonding with
Komaru and Dad!
Chapter Summary
Kyoko spends the next two days bonding with Komaru and Shingi while Makoto is
occupied. How will she connect with her future in-laws?
Present Day
It was Komaru who answered Kiki, taking over “I can answer this next part. After we went to bed
that night, we woke up the next morning and had breakfast when…”
XXX
January 4, 2015
Makoto and Kyoko nearly jumped at the momentary thud that reverberated in their ears when
Komaru placed her bowl on the table and stated “Kyoko, you and I need to have a girl’s day
together.”
You’re being way too forward about hanging out with my girlfriend, Komaru… Makoto
sweatdropped before Kyoko cleared her throat and addressed his sister.
“…Komaru, not that I have any reason to decline, but is there a specific reason you want to have
a…girls’ day…together?”
“Because…I haven’t had time to just get to know you, Kyoko. This entire vacation, you’ve either
been joined at the hip with my brother, or with us as a family. And while those family outings are
fun…there’s just too much going on for us to really sit down and get to know each other like I
promised we would!”
“…That’s true…” Kyoko conceded, noting she and her brother both have unbelievable
determination in their eyes when they set their minds to something… Sighing before giving her
future sister-in-law a small smile, she decided “I suppose that’s fine…Makoto, do you have any
objections to me spending time with your sister?”
Makoto caught Komaru subtly wiggling her fingers at him in an obvious threat, making him gulp
and hold out his hands in surrender as he replied “Sure, sure, it’s fine…you girls have fun!” Seeing
Kyoko nod and Komaru cease her silent threat, Makoto sighed and thought Not that I was planning
to deny her anyway…
Makoto’s thoughts trailed off as Hana smiled at the trio, suggesting “In that case, why don’t your
Father and I take you on a picnic at Yoyogi Park so your sister and Kyoko can have the house to
themselves.”
Nodding, Makoto agreed “That sounds great, Mom!” …It’ll be a little lonely without Kyoko there
with me, but I guess it can’t be helped…
Nodding in agreement, Shingi offered “I’ll get dressed and then pack the picnic basket.”
Smiling in agreement, Hana suggested “Perhaps we should all get dressed…”
Nodding, the five separated and went to their separate rooms, changing into proper clothes so that
they could start the new day.
XXX
Makoto and Kyoko were currently wrapped in a tender embrace at the door, Makoto stalling
having to separate from his girlfriend as much as possible. Hana and Shingi watched with amused
smiles as Komaru tapped her foot impatiently as she waited for them to leave.
“…Have fun, okay Kyoko?”
Kyoko smiled as she felt Makoto squeeze her as she whispered “I will, and so will you. Have fun
with your parents, okay?” Squeezing him before letting go and leaning back, she patted his cheek
as she encouraged “Go; I’ll still be here when you get back.”
Makoto sighed, reluctantly nodding before turning around and walking over to his parents.
Hana smiled at the girls while Shingi placed his hand comfortingly on Makoto’s shoulder, the
Naegi matriarch informing them “There’s plenty of leftovers in the fridge in case you get hungry;
Komaru knows where everything is and how to cook it, so ask her if you get hungry, Kyoko.”
Seeing Kyoko nod, Hana bid farewell “Alright, let’s get going; you have fun, girls! Come along
Makoto, let’s get into the car!”
Nodding, Makoto waved goodbye, longing still in his eyes as he glanced over his shoulder before
obediently following his parents and shutting the door behind him. With Makoto and his parents
now gone, Kyoko and Komaru looked at each other.
“So…” Kyoko fidgeted with her braid as she asked “What do you want to do?”
“Hmm…” Pondering the question, Komaru’s eyes widened in realization as she decided “Why
don’t we go talk in my room so we can get to know each other? Just give me a minute to clean up,
okay?”
…I’m not really good at talking about myself to anyone other than your brother, but… Kyoko
nodded, forcing her to say “That’s fine. Just come and get me when you’re ready.”
Nodding, Komaru energetically ran up the stairs, leaving Kyoko in the dust as she left to clean up
her room and make it presentable for her future sister-in-law.
XXX
Kyoko strolled into Komaru’s room, noting the hot pink walls and various anime-themed posters
adorning them. In between a wooden desk and Komaru’s bed stood a modestly large bookcase
stacked to the brim with varying mangas.
…She could give Hifumi a run for his money…
Komaru plopped down on the bed and patted the Sailor Moon themed blankets, inviting “Come on;
take a seat!”
Nodding, Kyoko walked over and sat down, noting “Makoto said that you liked to watch anime
together as children…I can see he wasn’t kidding.”
Komaru blushed, embarrassed as she admitted “…I guess he would have told you that, huh? I
admit…I can be a bit of an otaku; even my friends at school think I can be a bit geeky about it…but
I can’t help it! It’s just part of who I am, ya know?”
Kyoko sat there and listened, impressed by Komaru’s self-confidence as she thought …If only your
brother had your self-confidence…
Kyoko’s musings were interrupted as Komaru asked “But enough about me; tell me about you! I
know that you live with your Grandfather since your Mom died and you and your Dad have issues,
but tell me more about you! You know, favorite color, what you like to read, what video games
you enjoy…”
Kyoko sweatdropped at Komaru’s enthusiasm before clearing her throat and indulging her “Very
well…my favorite color, as you can guess from my skirt and jacket, is violet. When I’m not
working on my Detective cases, I enjoy reading a good mystery novel on my bed.”
“Ooh; what kinds? Do you go for the classics like Sherlock Holmes? Or do you go for more
modern takes like Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys?”
“I enjoy a mixture, but my personal favorite is Ellery Queen novels.” Seeing Komaru’s confused
look, Kyoko sighed and finished “I’ll bring a copy the next time I visit and we can read it
together.” Seeing Komaru’s satisfied grin, Kyoko continued “As for video games…my
Grandfather never let me have any video games; he never even let me own a cell phone for most of
my life. My experience with video games has been limited to what your brother has been kind
enough to introduce me to.”
Komaru gasped, staring at Kyoko as though she had just said that she had been denied water,
before asking “So you’ve never played video games before? Or watched anime or read a manga?”
Shaking her head, Kyoko answered “The only applicable series I know of is Detective Conan, and
that’s only because my Grandfather deemed it sufficiently educational.” Smiling wistfully, she
recalled “Every time we finished reading one of the cases, he would quiz me on who the culprit
was and how they executed their crime.”
An indignant Komaru exclaimed “That’s insane! You’re not supposed to study anime and manga;
you’re supposed to enjoy them! You’ve been totally missing out! Hang on!” Kyoko
sweatdropped as Komaru got off her bed and ran up to her bookshelf, thumbing through her manga
collection and muttering “Let’s see…Sailor Moon, too magical…Fruits Backet, too romcom…ah,
here we go!”
Komaru yanked a tankobon from her shelf and tossed it to Kyoko, the Ultimate Detective catching
it before inspecting the cover and reading “…Death…Note…?”
Plopping back down on the bed, Komaru nodded and explained excitedly “It’s about this guy who
finds this notebook that lets him kill someone by writing their name in it. He then decides to use it
to rid the world of criminals, so he’s the main character, but he’s also kind of a bad guy, and he has
to outwit the police and this Detective who are trying to catch him, but…”
Komaru was silenced by Kyoko’s gloved finger on her lip who informed her “…You’re losing me,
Komaru; why don’t we just read it together instead?”
Happy with that plan, Komaru nodded as Kyoko removed her finger and started to flip to the first
page, looking through the panels as Komaru provided commentary.
XXX
Present Day
“So you helped introduce Mommy to anime and manga, Auntie Komaru?”
Komaru beamed proudly and confirmed “That’s right, and that’s how we started on the path to
becoming true sisters!”
Everyone else sweatdropped at Komaru’s declaration, sighing before Kiki asked “So what
happened after you and Auntie Komaru had your girls’ day, Mommy?”
Kyoko smiled wistfully and explained “Well, we basically spent the entire day reading Death Note
until your Father arrived from his picnic. When he came home, he breathed this sigh of relief and
hugged me so tight I thought my lungs would burst.” Makoto blushed in embarrassment before
Kyoko continued “Anyway, after I let him have his fill and he apologized, we had dinner together
before going to bed.”
Hana then took over “The next morning, after everyone had breakfast, I took the dishes and your
Jii-chan and I went into the kitchen while your parents and Auntie Komaru sat at the table and…”
XXX
January 5, 2015
“I think you should have a Father-daughter day with Kyoko.”
“Hm?” Shingi looked at his wife, slightly surprised by the suggestion. “I’m not against the idea
honey, but I kinda thought we were getting along pretty well…”
Nodding, Hana agreed as she washed the dishes “As a family yes, but as for alone time…of course
Makoto has had plenty of alone time with her, I played shogi with her while you were playing with
Makoto and Komaru in the snow, and Komaru had that girls’ day with her yesterday. And she’s
going to go back to school with Makoto in two days, so if you two are going to bond, it has to be
soon.”
Nodding in understanding, Shingi couldn’t help but think “…This…has another purpose besides
getting to know Makoto’s girlfriend, right…?”
Hana hesitated, then, making sure to keep her voice down, admitted “I’m…also worried about
Makoto…”
Raising an eyebrow in disbelief, Shingi asked “Worried? Last I checked, Makoto was getting
along great with Kyoko; he hasn’t said or done anything inappropriate, so why should we be
worried?”
Sighing, Hana elaborated “I just…I think that all of us being under the same roof together for this
long without any classes or jobs or whatnot to deep them occupied is making Makoto a bit too…
attached to her. Remember our picnic yesterday? All he could talk about was all the places he
showed Kyoko. Plus he didn’t even want to leave in the first place. And when we got back? He
embraced her like she was going to disappear at any moment.”
Finally understanding where his wife was coming from, Shingi nodded and concluded “I see…so
you think that getting Makoto some fresh air outside and away from his girlfriend for a bit might
tone down his attachment to a healthier level?”
Nodding, Hana confirmed “Exactly; I just don’t want him to be so attached to her when they go
back to Hope’s Peak Academy. So, I’m going to take Makoto and Komaru shopping for school
supplies. While we’re gone, you can bond with Kyoko.”
Nodding, Shingi agreed “Alright…I think I have a few board games I can bring down to play with
her.”
Hana smiled and agreed “Excellent; I just convinced her to relax and enjoy herself while playing
games a couple days ago, so you two can bond over that.”
With their plan agreed on and the last dish washed, Hana turned off the faucet and dried her hands
before walking out with her husband to put her plan into action.
XXX
Present Day
“…I wasn’t that bad…was I…?” Makoto asked meekly, to which everyone except Kiki nodded in
confirmation. Makoto hung his head in shame, apologizing “Honey…I’m sorry…I didn’t mean
to…”
Kyoko stared at her husband sympathetically while Hana crawled over and embraced her son,
comforting him “Makoto…you had never been in a relationship before that point…I didn’t blame
you for feeling attached to Kyoko. I just didn’t want you to be used to being joined at the hip 24/7
when you went back to school.”
Sniffling, Makoto muttered “…Okay, Mommy…”
As she let go, Makoto found himself embraced by his wife in a gesture of forgiveness, joined in by
Kiki who hugged her parents on their sides, the Naegi Grandparents and Komaru watching with
happy smiles as the family trio enjoyed their moment.
Once they let go and got back into position, Kiki asked “So what happened next, Mommy?”
“Well, after we all got dressed, your Father and Auntie Komaru left with your Baa-chan, leaving
me and Jii-chan alone…”
XXX
January 5, 2015
As the door closed, Kyoko turned to her future Father-in-law and asked “So…what do you want to
do?”
Shingi smiled and suggested “I have an idea…have you ever heard of a board game called Clue?”
Pondering the name, Kyoko admitted “The name sounds vaguely familiar, but I can’t say I’ve
played it personally…”
Shingi nodded and replied “Then I think you’ll like it; wait here, and I’ll bring it down from the
attic.” Shingi turned around and ran up the stairs, leaving Kyoko to sweatdrop at his blazing fast
pace.
XXX
“I’m surprised you’ve never played Clue! I figured it’d be right up your alley as a Detective…”
Shingi remarked as he set up the board on the table, Kyoko sitting across from him.
Raising her eyebrow in curiosity, Kyoko asked “Why do you say that? What exactly is the purpose
of this game?”
“So, you’re one of a handful of people visiting a mansion, and overnight, the mansion’s owner
ends up murdered, so you have to find out who killed Mr. Boddy.”
“Mr. Boddy? The victim’s name is Mr. Boddy?”
Shingi grinned and admitted “The game is marketed towards kids, so the names are rather silly.
Professor Plum, Colonel Mustard, Dr. Orchid…”
Kyoko held up a hand as she told him “I think I get it…so, how do we play?”
“So first we have to choose between one of six characters to play as: Professor Plum, Ms. Scarlett,
Dr. Orchid, Mrs. Peacock, Colonel Mustard, or Mrs. Peacock. You can pick first, Kyoko.”
…They all sound silly…my Grandfather would have my head if he knew I was playing a game with
such silly character names…but if I must… Kyoko decided “I’ll go with Ms. Scarlett.”
Shingi handed her a red figurine before taking a purple one for himself and deciding “Then I’ll be
Professor Plum; I am a teacher after all, so I think he suits me.” Kyoko rolled her eyes as he
continued “So just place your token on the “Ms. Scarlett” space, and I’ll do the same for Professor
Plum.” As Shingi and Kyoko finished setting up the board, he explained “Next I have to shuffle
these three decks of cards.”
“Cards? A deduction game uses shuffled cards?”
Nodding, Shingi continued “They’re divided into three categories. First are the suspect cards,
which depict one of the characters in the game. Second are the room cards, which signify a
specific room in the mansion where Mr. Boddy could have been killed. Finally are the weapon
cards, which represent one of six possible weapons that Mr. Boddy could have been killed with.”
“…Why only six? There are as many ways to commit murder as there are people.”
Shingi sweatdropped at Kyoko’s logic and tried to explain “Remember Kyoko, this is a kids’
game; if the designers made it too complex, it couldn’t sell.”
…I suppose that makes sense…it detracts from the game’s realism though…
Kyoko watched as Shingi shuffled the respective piles, then picked one from the top of each and,
without looking at them, placed them inside a pale miniature envelope with the words “CASE
FILE CONFIDENTIAL” in big, black font on the front.
Raising her eyebrow in curiosity, Kyoko asked “You’re not even going to look at them?”
Shaking his head, Shingi explained “These three cards contain the killer’s identity, the place of the
murder, and the murder weapon. No player is allowed to see them until the end of the game.”
So…the outcome is decided by random chance?

She then watched as Shingi shuffled the remaining cards together, dealing her three before himself
and telling her “It’s okay, you can look at those; they’re important for playing the game.”
Nodding, Kyoko looked at her cards, reading Ms. Scarlett, Library, Rope.
Seeing that she was done reading her cards, Shingi explained “Alright, next here’s your checklist
so you can keep track of notes…”
Shingi handed her a blue and white disposable spreadsheet listing the characters, weapons, and
rooms on it before taking one for himself.
“So, during each of our turns, we roll these two six-sided dice and move to a room on the grid
whose distance is less than or equal to the number of squares indicated on the dice. I’ll go first to
demonstrate how to play. Normally whoever plays as Ms. Scarlett would go first, but in this case
we’re going to ignore that rule.”
…It sounds like a silly rule anyway, so it’s probably for the best that we’re ignoring it… Kyoko
reasoned as Shingi rolled his dice, watching as they landed on a six and a four respectively.
“Alright so that’s ten…I think I’ll move to the library!” Moving his purple figurine to the library,
Shingi explained “Alright, so now that I’m in a room, I can try to think about how the murder
could have occurred in this room. Let’s see…” Kyoko sweatdropped as Shingi appeared to
contemplate the matter before announcing “I think Mr. Green could have done it in the Library
with the rope!”
“…And what are you basing that assumption on? Have you investigated the bookshelves? Did
you find a rope hidden near the bookcases? Or did you find evidence of asphyxiation in the
library?”
Sweatdropping, Shingi shook his head and explained “No no, there’s no mechanism for
investigating the room, Kyoko. You just make a postulation.”
Kyoko narrowed her eyes and replied in a frustrated tone “So we’re investigating a murder, with
limited suspects, and without investigating the room, we’re just supposed to guess who the culprit
is?!”
“Ano…well…yes…”
Kyoko sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose as she muttered “I see now why Grandfather never
introduced me to this game…it has the right setting, yes, but its methodology for determining the
outcome is almost completely random…” Refocusing her attention on her future Father-in-law,
Kyoko sighed “…Fine, let’s pretend this makes sense…do these cards we’re holding come into
play at all?”
Nodding, Shingi answered “So if any of the cards in your hand are the same, you can show them to
the person making the suggestion in order to tell them that the relevant part of their postulation is
impossible. Oh, and in a game with more than two players, you can’t show any of your cards to
anyone else, not even during this phase.”
Nodding, Kyoko realized I see…so there is some strategy to this… A thought coming to her mind,
Kyoko asked “What if I can disprove more than one part of your assumption?”
Shaking his head, Shingi replied “Sorry, but the rules only allow you to disprove one aspect of an
assumption at a time.”
I see…so there’s the possibility a player could be withholding more information than they’re
letting on… “One last question; say you’re confident enough in your assumption to accuse the
culprit…what happens then?”
Nodding, Shingi answered “In that case, you begin by saying “I accuse…”, and then continue your
postulation. When you’re finished, that’s when we open the case file. If you’re correct, then you
win. But if you’re wrong, then the actual culprit wins instead.”
Finally warming up to the game, Kyoko’s expression turned from inquisitive to neutral as she
decided So this game has a high risk for making an accusation…alright, I’ll admit this is sounding
moderately entertaining… Taking the “Rope” card from her hand and briefly showing it to Shingi,
she watched as Shingi quietly took notes on his spreadsheet, Kyoko taking care to make similar
recordings on her own sheet after placing the card back in her hand.
“Alright, Kyoko…your turn…” Shingi said, handing her the dice, which she then rolled.
“Let’s see…twelve, so…I think I’ll go to the hall.” Moving her token until she was in the hall,
Kyoko looked at her sheet, reasoning It’s too early to narrow anything down, so for now it comes
down to luck… With that, Kyoko suggested “It’s possible that Colonel Mustard shot Mr. Boddy
with the revolver in the hall.”
Wordlessly, Shingi flashed her the “revolver” card, the Ultimate Detective realizing So the
revolver wasn’t the murder weapon…however it’s still possible that the hall could have been the
place of death or that the culprit could be Colonel Mustard…I can’t believe I’m actually getting
into this game…
XXX
“You killed Mr. Boddy in the hall with the wrench! And that’s the one, absolute truth! Am I
wrong, Professor Plum?”
Shingi wordlessly deposited the case file cards from the envelope onto the board, whistling as one
by one, Kyoko’s accusation was correct.
“Not bad, Kyoko; you won on your very first try! Guess now I know why they call you the
Ultimate Detective.”
Kyoko smirked before replying “Of course, if this were a real case, I’d be doing actual
investigations instead of deductive guesswork. It also occurs to me that there was no way you
could win. Since you were Professor Plum, you’d have to accuse yourself, which meant you would
have lost even if you did figure it out.”
Shingi chuckled sheepishly as he admitted “…I guess that’s true…so did you have fun, Kyoko?”
Nodding with a smile on her face, Kyoko confirmed “I still can’t believe it, but yes…this game
does have its charms.”
Nodding, Shingi added “And even though I lost, I still ahd fun teaching this to you.”
Nodding, Kyoko remembered “Makoto said you were a teacher…it was because you liked to make
kids smile, right?”
Shingi nodded proudly as he confirmed “Yep; it’s one of my greatest joys in life. I’d always been
good at babysitting my neighbor’s kids, and after my wife gave birth to Makoto and he smiled at us
for the first time, I just knew I wanted to become a teacher. Whether it’s teaching kids how to
multiply, or teaching you and my own children how to play a board game, the smile on someone’s
face when something just clicks is something I always look forward to.”
…Perhaps I should have my own Father hire you…
“Tadaima!” Kyoko turned to see Makoto rushing up to her, wrapping his arms around her in a
much briefer hug than yesterday, greeting “Hey, Kyoko!”
Kyoko looked behind him to see Hana and Komaru walking behind them, carrying several bags of
notebooks, pencils, and calculators in their hands while the Naegi matriarch greeted “Did you and
Dad have fun together?”
Nodding, Kyoko smiled softly as she explained “I was taught how to play Clue…”
“REALLY? CLUE!!” Makoto stared down at the table, beaming with excitement as he exclaimed
“I love Clue! Can I play too?”
“Oh, me too! Me too!” Komaru interrupted.
Shingi chuckled and assured them “Alright, alright, we can all play after dinner, alright?”
Makoto and Komaru instantly sat down at the table hands folded politely as they waited for their
food.
Kyoko giggled as Hana smiled and assured them “Alright, I’ll get dinner ready soon. Kyoko,
would you mind giving me a hand in the kitchen?”
Nodding, Kyoko stood up, taking a brief moment to kiss Makoto on the cheek, making him blush
before she wordlessly followed Hana into the kitchen.
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, Daddy! You and Auntie Komaru really loved that board game!” Cocking her head in
confusion, Kiki asked “Wait, then why haven’t I played it yet if we all love it so much?”
Makoto and Kyoko ruffled their daughter’s hair and Makoto informed her “It’s for ages 8 and up.
Don’t worry, once you’re old enough, we’ll teach you how to play properly.”
“YAY!”
Kyoko smiled and reminded her “And it’ll go by much quicker if you get to bed on time, young
lady.”
Nodding, Kiki wiggled under the blankets, making everyone else smile in amusement as they got
up and off the bed. Makoto and Kyoko brought the blanket up to her chin, tucking her in before
kissing her good night.
“Good night, Kiki. Sleep tight.”
Kiki yawned “…don’t let the bed bugs bite…” giving the two parents brief flashbacks to
Monokuma’s prerecorded message before banishing it from their minds.
Once Kiki’s snores reached their ears, they quietly nudged the others out of the room, Kyoko
closing the door behind them as they retired to their own rooms.
Love Arc Chapter Twenty-Seven: Christmas with the Naegis! Kyoko's
Farewell Party!
Chapter Summary
It's the final day of their winter vacation and the Naegis decide to throw Kyoko a
farewell party to thank her for staying with them. What will they do to celebrate the
occasion?
Chapter Notes
Alright, so here's the final chapter of the Christmas With the Naegis Mini-Arc! Further
posting of Gaidenverse fics will have to be delayed, because my PC has malfunctioned
and I can't get at the files until the local repair shop fixes the issue. Please read and
review, and enjoy!
Present Day
"So what happened next, Mommy?"
"Well, after we went to bed that night, we woke up the next morning, which was going to be our
last full day at your Father's house before we had to go back to Hope's Peak Academy. But I failed
to notice…"
XXX
January 6, 2015
"SURPRISE!"
"What…?"
"Huh?"
Makoto and Kyoko gaped in shock, any drowsiness completely wiped away by the shock running
through their minds as confetti fell from the ceiling. Hana, Shingi, and Komaru stood, smiling as
they stood under a colored banner reading "THANKS FOR STAYING WITH US, KYOKO!"
"What is this…?"
Hana smiled and explained "We know that this is your last full day with us, so we wanted to throw
you a party to show you how much we appreciated you being here and becoming part of our little
family."
"You…" Kyoko gasped, before turning to her boyfriend suspiciously and asking "Was this your
idea?"
Pointing at himself with an incredulous expression, Makoto replied "I wish I could take credit for
this, but I'm just as surprised as you are. I was barely able to keep your birthday party at Hope's
Peak a surprise from you. You really think I could manage this when we're living in the same
house?"
…That does makes sense, I suppose…
Shingi spoke next, redirecting Kyoko's attention to his smiling face as he continued "So after you
and Makoto went to bed, the three of us stayed up all night to get everything set up for today."
Kyoko gasped again, holding her palms over her mouth in genuine shock as she thought with
disbelief You…stayed up all night…to throw me…a party?!
Kyoko was brought out of her thoughts as Komaru yawned, Kyoko finally noticing the bags under
her eyes as her future sister-in-law groaned "Alright, now that the surprise is over, I'm gonna go
take a nap in my bed…wake me up when it's lunch time and the party gets started, okay?"
They watched as Komaru yawned again and slowly disappeared up the stairs. Hana and Shingi
stared at their daughter with sympathy while Kyoko bit her lip in guilt.
Kyoko uttered "You…shouldn't have…sacrificed your sleep…for me…"
Hana smiled reassuringly as she walked up to Kyoko, placing her hands comfortingly on Kyoko's
shoulders as she told her "Kyoko, it's no trouble at all; when you become a Mom, you kin dof get
used to functioning on limited sleep, so I actually don't feel tired."
Looking to her future Father-in-law, Kyoko watched as Shingi nodded and agreed "And I
sometimes have to pull all-nighters grading my students' homework assignments, so I'm kind of
used to it too."
Looking to her boyfriend, Kyoko saw Makoto's smile and nod, the boy telling her "Don't be so
surprised, Kyoko; this is kind of what parents do; they do whatever they can to make their kids feel
happy and valued. Don't question it; just enjoy it!"
Kyoko's eyes began to water, tears of joy streaming uncontrollably from her eyes as she began to
cry "…Mom…Dad…" before stepping forward and embracing Makoto's parents in a group hug,
the smiling parents returning her longing embrace.
"Hey, don't forget about me!" Makoto laughed as he stepped up and joined in the festivity,
wrapping his arms around Kyoko and Hana, making Kyoko smile and close her eyes at the warm,
bubbly feelings bursting from her heart.
*Growl*
The rumbling in Kyoko's belly interrupted the mood, making her let go and step out of the family
embrace. Upon a second growl from her tummy, Kyoko blushed in embarrassment, making Hana
and Shingi smile as Makoto laid his hand on her shoulder sympathetically.
"I suppose it is time for breakfast…" Hana suggested, smiling at Kyoko as she asked "So, what do
you want for breakfast? This is your special day, so you can have anything you want, as much as
you want. Come on, don't be shy, dear."
Upon seeing an approving nod from her boyfriend, Kyoko tossed caution out the window and
asked "Well…I'd love more of those chocolate chip pancakes you cooked. With syrup and
whipped cream? And some eggs and bacon if you still have some?"
Nodding, Hana replied "Coming right up, dear! You and Makoto just sit tight at the dinner table.
Shingi, mind giving me a hand in the kitchen?"
Shingi nodded, following his wife as Makoto and Kyoko sat down at the table, his belly now
rumbling with hers in sync as their tummies begged to be fed as they both blushed with
embarrassment.
XXX
Makoto let out a small belch, holding his hand over his mouth as he blushed, the boy and his
girlfriend giggling. All four of their plates were officially licked clean, Makoto and Kyoko's bellies
letting out a low, appreciative growl at finally being fed.
Setting down his newspaper, Shingi asked "So, Kyoko, what do you want to do today? It's your
party after all, so you should be the one to decide what we do together."
All eyes now on her, Kyoko barely refrained from squirming in her seat as she pondered
nervously It's up to me…? Well…it should be something I haven't experienced yet. I know I've
already watched movies with Makoto…but not new ones… An idea popping into her head, Kyoko
hesitantly suggested "Ano…I've…never actually been to a movie theater before…so…"
Hana nodded and agreed "Sure, we can go see a movie together. How about we go after lunch,
once Komaru wakes up, and we can decide on a movie in the interim."
Shingi volunteered "I'll go get my laptop so we can browse what's playing" before getting up and
racing up the stairs, making everyone else sweatdrop.
They weren't kept waiting for long, as Shingi raced back into the dining room with an open laptop
in his hands, nearly slamming it down as he took a seat next to Kyoko.
"Alright, so let's see…here are the names of the movies that are playing at our local theater…
Kyoko, you see anything that catches your eye?"
Kyoko scanned down the list, reviewing the names and brief plot blurbs until one at last caught her
eye.
"What about…Expelled From Paradise?"
Looking at the movie description she was referencing, Shingi smiled and remarked "Ah, I can see
why you would pick that one…it does have a sort of Detective-esque vibe to it…I'm kind of
surprised it's still playing in theaters; it came out like six weeks ago." Shingi smiled at Makoto and
remarked "Maybe that's your good luck at work, son."
Makoto smiled, joyful that his luck was actually working in his and Kyoko's favor as he agreed "I
guess so…"
Nodding, Hana interrupted "In that case, we'll make plans to go to the two o'clock showing after
lunch. Then we can go have an early dinner at a nearby restaurant. Does that sound good, Kyoko?"
Nodding in agreement, Kyoko turned to her boyfriend and suggested "We've got some time to kill
in the meantime. Why don't we get dressed and then play some Pokemon together? We probably
won't have as much free time once we go back to Hope's Peak Academy, so we should probably
get one last session in while we still can."
Makoto nodded, grinning as he agreed "That sounds like a great idea, Kyoko!"
Kyoko smiled, getting up as she replied "I'll meet you in your room then."
Makoto then got up and followed his girlfriend upstairs, leaving his parents alone in the dining
room.
XXX
The five of them filed into the theater room, Makoto carrying a large bucket of popcorn for him
and Kyoko to share, while Komaru carried one for her to share with her parents.
Kyoko smirked as they sat down, remarking "You and your sister really like your popcorn, don't
you?"
"Hey!" Makoto defended "It's one of the best parts of the movie experience; there's nothing quite
like fresh, warm, buttery popcorn during a movie. Stores don't really sell it like this, so it's well
worth the price!"
Seeing him offer her some, Kyoko sighed and took a few kernels, polling them in her mouth and
letting her taste buds soak up the butter before chewing the kernels and letting them slide down her
throat.
"Hmm…I see what you mean…" The Naegis smiled as Makoto and Komaru's parents looked
around the mostly deserted theater.
"It looks like we lucked out." Shingi remarked "We basically have the whole theater to ourselves."
Komaru nodded and lamented "Too bad we have to sit through all the commercials."
"Commercials?" Kyoko wondered "I thought commercials were primarily for TV shows."
Makoto shook his head and explained "Before a movie starts, they run a bunch of previews for
upcoming movies."
Nodding, Kyoko mused "I see…I suppose that makes sense from a marketing perspective…"
Suddenly, the screen lit up and Komaru hushed "Hush, the movie's about to start!"
Kyoko ceased her musings, grabbing some more popcorn as she and Makoto leaned their heads
against each other, getting comfortable as they waited for the previews to pass so the movie could
start.
XXX
"THAT WAS AWESOME!" Makoto and Komaru exclaimed simultaneously as they left the movie
theater, Kyoko smiling as she walked on Makoto's other side, listening to the Naegi siblings
continue to gush about the movie's action scenes.
Hana smiled as she and Shingi walked behind them, the Naegi matriarch asking "So did you all
have fun watching the movie?"
Both her children nodded "Yep!" before Makoto turned to his girlfriend.
"So Kyoko, how'd you enjoy the movie?"
"Well, I'll admit the action scenes don't resonate with me as much as you and Komaru, and I'm not
sure I found the pseudo-3D art style that aesthetically pleasing most of the time…" Kyoko had to
hold back a giggle at Makoto and Komaru's incredulous stares before she finished "That being
said…I enjoyed the mystery and the character growth of the protagonist in the first two-thirds of
the movie. And I'll admit…I identified with Angela a bit…"
Makoto smiled understandingly at his girlfriend, having noted the parallels between the movie
protagonist and his own girlfriend.
"I also thought it conveyed the moral of not letting technological advantages replace our real world
lives in a cohesive way." Though if Chihiro's Alter Ego program advances more than it already
has, that kind of a future might not be too far off…
"So…" Makoto pressed "Did you enjoy the movie overall? Or did you like watching it in the
theater as opposed to just on a regular TV?"
Nodding, Kyoko admitted "It was a mixed bag, but yes, overall I did enjoy it. And I'll admit
watching something in a theater has a certain appeal that modern televisions simply can't
replicate." Looking at her butter-stained gloves, Kyoko grimaced and remarked "Though I'll
probably have to wash the butter off of my gloves when we get home."
"Before that though…" Hana interjected "We did promise that we would go out for an early dinner
after the movie. Is there anything in particular you'd like to eat, Kyoko?"
Pondering the question for a moment, Kyoko flashed back to their double date with Sayaka and
Leon and decided "Well…how about an American restaurant? You know, hamburgers, hot dogs,
the like?"
Nodding with his wife, Shingi replied "That sounds like a good idea, Kyoko; I know of a good
American restaurant nearby that will do."
Makoto and Komaru looked to each other, grinning as they exclaimed "YES!", making Kyoko
giggle as she and the Naegis made their way back to the car so that they could head out for lunch.
XXX
Present Day
"That movie sounds so awesome!" Kiki gushed "When can I see it?"
Kyoko ruffled Kiki's hair and told her with a smile "Not for another few years at least. It may be
rated G, but there's still content in it that you're simply not ready for."
"Awww…" Turning to her Father, she pleaded "Daddy…"
Shaking his head, he scolded "You heard your Mom, Kiki; asking me isn't gonna change her
decision."
Kiki pouted, grumbling "So not fair…"
Komaru looked at her niece sympathetically, knowing exactly how she felt as the younger sibling.
Once she had gotten over it, Kiki asked "…So what happened next, Mommy?"
"Well, after we had an early dinner, we went back home and played a few games of Clue.
Afterwards, I was about to go take a shower upstairs, when your Baa-chan called us all to the
dinner table. After we all sat down, your Grandparents went into the kitchen, and came out with…"
XXX
January 6, 2015
"What…?" Kyoko gasped as she saw Hana place a large, chocolate mousse cake in the center of
the table, Shingi carrying a stack of plates and silverware in one hand and multiple tubs of ice
cream in the other. "You…baked me a cake?"
Nodding, Hana smiled "Why did you think we had to stay up all night? The decorations were part
of it, but baking the cake was what took the longest."
Her eyes widened in disbelief, Kyoko muttered "Thank you…you've been so kind to me…kinder
than I had any right to ask of you…"
Smiling with a motherly warmth at her future daughter-in-law, Hana answered "Of course we were
kind to you, dear. That's what parents do for their children, and I already told you that we would
treat you as if you were our own."
"Besides…" Shingi grinned as he asked rhetorically "What's a party without a cake?"
Kyoko beamed wider than she ever had before, unable to maintain even a hint of her stoic mask as
she let herself enjoy this one last gift from the Naegis.
Taking the large knife in hand, Hana started cutting the cake while she asked Kyoko "So what kind
of ice cream would you like, dear? We have strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate."
"Oh, ano…strawberry, please."
"Vanilla for me!" Makoto piped up.
"I'll have chocolate!" Komaru ordered.
Hana giggled and assured them "Alright, alright, everyone. There's plenty for everyone in case you
want seconds. Shingi, you mind scooping out the ice cream?"
Shingi nodded and scooped a glob of strawberry ice cream onto Kyoko's plate before handing it
and a spoon to Kyoko, who accepted it gratefully and waited patiently for everyone else to receive
their own dessert.
At last cutting her own cake and receiving her own ice cream, Hana raised her spoon and toasted
"To Kyoko, for making our lives more interesting by staying with us!"
"TO KYOKO!" Everyone else agreed, leaving said Detective touched.
Minna…
Kyoko let the happy tears fall, raising her own spoon as she replied "Itadakimasu!"
XXX
Kyoko sighed "I'm stuffed…", patting her stuffed belly as she swallowed down the last of her ice
cream.
Makoto and Komaru nodded; to everyone's surprise, Kyoko had decided to ask for seconds once
everyone finished eating, and it wasn't long before Makoto and Komaru joined in. As a result, not
only was all of the cake now gone, but every tub of ice cream was practically licked clean.
All three of their bellies were now stuffed and bloated, but Kyoko surprised everyone by nudging
out her boyfriend his sister for the biggest belly, her shirt having ridden up to expose her belly
button while Makoto and Komaru's midriffs were just barely peeking out from their shirts.
Kyoko stood up and told Makoto "I'm going to go take a shower and then I'll meet you in your
room." Turning to her future in-laws, she bowed with a twinge of discomfort from her full tummy
and thanked "Thank you for everything…" before turning around and leisurely making her way
upstairs to the guest room.
XXX
"Hard to believe this is our last night sleeping in the same bed together…" Makoto voiced,
struggling to snuggle with his girlfriend under the blankets as their still bloated bellies made
embracing each other difficult. "It's…gonna be a change."
Kyoko smiled and reached down for the protrusion on his pajamas, rubbing his belly as she
assured him "It's not like I'm gonna be moving to a different building; my room is just down the
hall."
Makoto moaned in pleasure, tentatively reaching down to stroke the protrusion in Kyoko's
nightgown to make her hum in pleasure as he admitted "I know…and I know I shouldn't
complain…it's just…I…came to like our…current arrangement."
Smiling, Kyoko mused "Then perhaps I should thank that nightmare I got Christmas Eve."
Makoto suddenly looked at her with a serious expression as he told her "Don't even joke about that;
I know what it's like to have night terrors and I wouldn't wish them on my worst enemy."
Kyoko's eyes softened as she sighed, rubbing his belly with both hands as she relented "You're
right, I'm sorry. I was just…noting the silver lining of our…arrangement as you put it."
Makoto nodded, the look in his eyes letting her know that all was forgiven. Moving his hands to
cradle her cheeks, Makoto felt her reciprocate his gesture as they pulled each other's faces closer
until their lips met in a gentle kiss, the two closing their eyes and enjoying the moment. Their lips
parted, letting their tongues intertwine with each other and taste the chocolate residue still clinging
to their teeth and gums. Eventually they let go, opening their eyes and staring at each other
lovingly as they stroked each other's cheeks with their thumbs.
"I love you, Kyoko…"
"I love you too, Makoto…sweet dreams…" Kyoko sighed as they rested their heads on each other's
shoulders.
As they drifted off and closed their eyes, they slid their hands down to grasp each other's hips,
pulling them together as snugly as they could, letting themselves enjoy one last night in bed
together as they drifted off into dreamland.
XXX
Present Day
"Aww…that was so cute!" Kiki gushed as she imagined her two stuffed teenage parents doing their
best to snuggle for one last night before the magic ended.
Hana, Shingi, and Komaru smiled warmly as well, silently agreeing with the young girl.
Eventually, Makoto and Kyoko got off the bed, the Headmaster of Hope's Peak Academy
announcing "Alright, I think that's enough story time for now." Turning to his family, he asked
"Mom, Dad, Komaru, you want to be the ones to tuck Kiki in tonight? It is your last night with us
for story time after all…"
The three nodded, Makoto and Kyoko smiling in reply as they quickly kissed Kiki good night, then
filed out of the bedroom to go to their own room.
As Hana and Shingi brought the blanket up to Kiki's chin and Komaru ran her hand through Kiki's
hair, Kiki asked "…Do you guys really have to go tomorrow? It's been so much fun having you
guys here for story time!"
Having just finished tucking her in, Hana and Shingi walked over, smiling as Shingi confirmed
"Sorry, kiddo, but your Father asked us to come and help with the story that we were able to see.
Next in the story is your parents going back to Hope's Peak, so we can't really help to tell a story
that we didn't experience."
Hana kissed her cheek and assured her "There there, Kiki…it's not really goodbye. We'll still see
you before you know it. And besides, now you can have private story time with Mommy and
Daddy."
Komaru nodded, pointing out "Plus your bed must have been getting crowded, what with all six of
us sitting on it every night."
"…Maybe a little…" Kiki admitted, before continuing "But I liked sharing it with you!"
Hana grinned and kissed Kiki's nose, thanking "And we appreciate that, Kiki. You're such a
considerate little girl…but all good things must come to an end eventually."
"…Okay…" Kiki reluctantly conceded, allowing her Grandparents and Aunt to lean in and
repeatedly pepper her with kisses.
"Good night, Kiki; we love you! Sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite…"
*Yawn* "…Good night, Baa-ba. Good night, Jii-ji. Good night, Auntie Komaru…"
With one last yawn, the young girl finally closed her eyes and fell asleep. Smiling warmly, the
three Naegis planted three final light kisses on her cheeks and forehead before withdrawing from
the room, Hana sneaking one last smiling glance at the dreaming Kiki before quietly closing the
door behind her.
Love Arc Chapter Twenty-Eight: Back at Hope’s Peak Academy! Class 78th
Reunites!
Chapter Summary
Makoto and Kyoko finally return to Hope's Peak and play in the snow with their
classmates on their first day back.
Chapter Notes
Alright, I apologize for the hiatus everyone, but I just finished getting through my
Gaidenverse fic request backlog, so now we’ll be going back to HIMYM! With that in
mind, please read and comment below, and enjoy!
Present Day
“So what happened the next morning?”
Makoto began “Well, after we got dressed and had breakfast for the last time, we waited outside
for your Grandpa Jin to pick us up…”
XXX
January 7, 2015
“It’s been a pleasure having you stay with us, Kyoko.” Shingi told his future daughter-in-law as
they stood on the Naegis’ front step.
Komaru nodded, holding out her hand and urging “Don’t be a stranger, okay?”
Kyoko smiled softly, shaking hands with her future sister-in-law as they watched Hana smother
Makoto with kisses on his cheeks.
“Have fun back at Hope’s Peak, dear. I’m gonna miss you when you’re gone.”
Makoto blushed furiously and groaned “Mooooommmmmmm! You’re embarrassing me in front

of Kyoko!”
Makoto’s blush only reddened when he heard his sister and girlfriend giggle at his embarrassed
state. The boy sighed in relief when his Mother finally relented, the boy furiously wiping the
saliva off his cheeks with his hoodie sleeve as Hana approached Kyoko, wrapping her arms around
her future daughter-in-law and bringing her into a hug.
“We’re going to miss you too, dear.”
Her cheeks turning pink, Kyoko closed her eyes and admitted “…the feeling is mutual.”
Hana smiled as they separated, Kyoko opening her eyes as Hana fished for a scrap of paper and a
pen from her purse. After scribbling on it, she handed the scrap to Kyoko, who curiously accepted
it.
“You really are like a daughter to me, Kyoko. So, if you ever feel like you need a Mother to talk
to…don’t hesitate to give me a call, dear…”
“Mom…”
*Vroom*
Everyone turned to see Jin Kirigiri’s car pulling up into the driveway, the Headmaster stepping out
after turning off the ignition.
He walked up to the group and smiled, looking at Hana and thanking “Thank you for taking care of
my daughter during her vacation, Mrs. Naegi.”
Hana smiled and bowed, assuring him “It was no trouble at all, Headmaster; your daughter was a
joy to have with us.”
Jin beamed and replied “I’m glad to hear that, and please, Jin will be fine.”
Hana and Shingi nodded in acceptance before Jin fished around his pocket before pulling out a
business card and handing it to Hana.
“I truly am grateful for everything you and your son have done for my daughter, so if you ever
need anything, feel free to give my office a call and I’ll do my best to make it happen.”
Makoto blushed at the praise while Hana and Shingi nodded, the Naegi Matriarch pocketing the
business card as Jin turned to Makoto and Kyoko asking “Alright, you two ready to head back to
Hope’s Peak Academy?”
The two nodded before Makoto quickly turned to hug his family, uttering “Bye Mom, Bye Dad,
Bye Komaru. I love you.”
“We love you too, Makoto.”
Having said his goodbyes, Makoto and Kyoko dragged their luggage as they followed Jin to his
car, the Headmaster helping to load their suitcases into his trunk before closing it. They then got
in, Kyoko helping Makoto inside before he closed the door. Once they were buckled, Jin turned
on the ignition and drove out of the driveway, Makoto’s family waving goodbye as they
disappeared from sight.
XXX
Jin hummed absentmindedly as he drove, Makoto’s nervousness at a much healthier level than
when the Headmaster drove them to the Naegi house as he sat next to Kyoko.
“So, Kyoko…” Jin began, waiting for her to acknowledge him before continuing “Did you have
fun during your vacation with Makoto and his family?”
Nodding, Kyoko replied “Yes…I did…did Grandfather ask any more about my case?”
Shaking his head, Jin replied “No, he’s still waiting for you to call him and inform him about your
case. Speaking of which…” Jin grinned as he reached for a manilla folder on the passenger seat,
holding it in front of Kyoko as he revealed “While you were gone, I took the liberty of drafting this
case file for you. The information is fake of course, but the Chief agreed to play along with it if
your Grandfather ever called. I’d suggest that you review it before calling so you can familiarize
yourself with its contents.”
A shocked expression on her face, Kyoko gingerly took it in her hands, staring at it as she was
forced to acknowledge further proof that her Father was trying to be a Father to her.
“Th…thank you…Father…” Makoto smiled at the added step towards his girlfriend’s
reconciliation with her Father, before she shook the thoughts away and asked “Makoto…since this
isn’t a real case, would you like to look at it with me on our way back?”
Ecstatic at the opportunity to learn more intimately what his girlfriend did for a living, he nodded
energetically and exclaimed “O…of course! I’d love to learn how your job works, Kyoko!”
Kyoko smiled and opened the folder, pointing to the first page and explaining “Here’s the case
summary, which gives me the most important details about the case.”
Makoto nodded and noted “So it contains information about the crime and the victim, right? Then,
what’s that page for?”
“Oh, that’s…”
As Kyoko explained what the page was for and Makoto listened intently to her explanations, Jin
smiled warmly at the interaction occurring behind him. The smile of Kyoko’s enjoyment reflected
in his rear-view mirror, Jin’s heart warmed as he refocused his attention on the road.
Makoto Naegi…thank you for making my daughter smile…
XXX
“Hey, Kyoko!”
“Yo, Dude!”
Makoto and Kyoko had just put their luggage in their rooms when they turned to see Sayaka and
Leon running over to them, cheerful smiles on their faces as they approached the Ultimate Lucky
Student and Detective in the dorms.
“Hey Sayaka, Leon!” As Makoto and Leon shook hands and Kyoko and Sayaka nodded at each
other in greeting, Makoto asked “How were things at Sayaka’s house?”
Sayaka beamed and exclaimed “It was great! My dad managed to take off all vacation and we got
to celebrate together as a family! It was just…” Sayaka sighed and finished “…magical!”
Leon grimaced and complained “Easy for you to say…you weren’t the one constantly being eyed
like some thief out to steal you away in the middle of the night by your Dad!”
Sayaka rolled her eyes and defended “That’s just because Dad’s trying to make up for not being
there all the time by trying to judge my suitor’s character.”
“So he treats me like a criminal?! I bet Kyoko never had to put up with that from Makoto’s
parents!”
No…we didn’t… Makoto and Kyoko thought, recalling the sleeping arrangements that Hana had
miraculously permitted during her stay.
“Lighten up, Leon…” Sayaka chided as she playfully tugged his ear. “You survived, and Dad
trusts you now, so everything’s good!”
Sighing, Leon acquiesced “I guess…” Shaking his head to dislodge his ear from Sayaka’s grasp,
he moved on “Anyway, Sayaka and I had this idea for our first day back.” Intrigued, Makoto and
Kyoko listened as Leon explained “We were thinking of gathering everyone out in the courtyard to
have one last snow day before classes start. We were just about to go ask everyone. Well, except
Junko and Mukuro; they haven’t arrived yet. So, you guys game?”
Makoto and Kyoko looked at each other, then nodded before Kyoko answered “That sounds
amenable.”
Sayaka grinned and exclaimed “Awesome! Alright, we’re gonna go ring everyone’s doorbells.
See you guys outside!”
As the two walked further into the dorms, Makoto and Kyoko faced each other, Makoto suggesting
“Alright…guess we’ll go change into winter clothes then.”
Kyoko nodded then told him sternly “And make sure you wear a scarf this time…” before turning
around and walking to her door.
Makoto sweatdropped as she opened the door to her dorm and slipped inside. Makoto sighed with
exasperation before walking to his dorm room and stepping inside. Once he closed the door, he
began digging through his luggage in search of his winter clothes.
XXX
“Hey, guys!”
Makoto beamed as he saw Chihiro, Mondo, Taka, Hifumi, Celeste, Sakura, Hina, Hiro, Byakuya,
and Toko gathered in the courtyard. Chihiro, Mondo, Taka, Hifumi, Hina, and Hiro greeted their
Class Representative energetically. Sakura and Celeste gave small smiles, while Byakuya and
Toko merely nodded in greeting.
As Kyoko, Sayaka, and Leon stood next to him, Makoto remarked “Guess we’re all back together
again! The 78th Class of Hope’s Peak Academy…”
“Yoo-hoo! Aren’t you forgetting someone?!”
Everyone except Makoto and Kyoko groaned as none other than Junko Enoshima, flanked by her
sister Mukuro, walked up with a rock star-esque grin.
“That’s right, everybody! Junko Enoshima is back!”
Byakuya scowled and muttered “Tch…would it have been too much to ask for her to just drop out
and never come back?”
Everyone except Makoto glared at the Ultimate Fashionista, the Ultimate Lucky Student waving
awkwardly at her until a glare from everybody else, including his girlfriend, caused him to lower
his hand.
Junko walked up to her classmates before clasping her hands together and bowing her head in a rare
show of humility, surprising the entire class as she began to apologize.
“So um…I’ve had a while to think about what I did after summer vacation…and…” *sniff* “I feel
so awful; looking back on how I nearly killed you guys with my pranks…it fills me with such
despair!” Junko looked up, a completely depressed expression on her face as tears fell from her
face, the Ultimate Fashionista moaning “I understand if you hate me…I hate me after what I did to
you. But…I just want to start fresh…to be your classmate again. So…bygones?”
“Tch…do you really think we’re going to fall for such obvious crocodile tears?”
“Byakuya!” Makoto admonished, horrified at the Ultimate Affluent Progeny’s callous attitude
towards their classmate.
“Ma…Master’s right though…” Toko stammered “She could easily be…betray us again! We
should…tie her up and ga…gag her…!”
Mukuro’s hand instantly went to her dagger, prepared to defend her sister should her classmates
agree to Toko’s suggestion.
The gesture was unnecessary, as Hina objected “Hey, I don’t exactly trust her either Toko, but that
seems a bit harsh!”
The rest of the class looked split; some like Celeste and Sakura, although not wanting to go as far
as physically restraining Junko, looked skeptic of her claims of remorse. Others, like Chihiro and
Sayaka, seemed willing, albeit reluctantly, to give Junko the benefit of the doubt.
Seeing the unease of his classmates, Makoto decided to take a gamble and urged “Guys…I know
Junko did some really bad things before, and I’m not condoning them.” Flashing back to the
moment when he thought Kyoko was going to die, as well as when she came to him for comfort
after her nightmares, Makoto grit his teeth as he admitted “Believe me…I’m still furious at what
she did…”
“Makoto…” Kyoko muttered, concerned for her boyfriend.
“But even though I’m still mad as hell…she looks remorseful…that was the whole point of
suspending her, wasn’t it? So she could realize that what she did was wrong? It seems to have
worked! So I…I’m going to believe in Junko…because I want to believe in all my friends!”
Makoto’s speech had the effect it desired; everyone’s unease morphed into something that wasn’t
exactly trust…but something akin to lenience and mercy.
Only Byakuya and Toko were unconvinced, the Ultimate Affluent Progeny scoffing “Tch…do
whatever you all want. But know this, Enoshima…” Togami glared at her as he proclaimed “In
the name of my family, I’ll be keeping an eye on you!”
“Y…yeah…so watch it, you bi…bimbo…”
Before Mukuro could unsheathe her dagger in a threat, Junko’s depressed expression morphed into
one that just screamed creepy cuteness, the Ultimate Fashionista exclaiming “Ookee dokee! Don’t
worry, everyone; I won’t break your trust EVER AGAIN! And to celebrate, let’s have another
class photo to celebrate our reunion as a class!” Taking out a camera, she offered “Look! I even
brought my own camera this time!”
Makoto smiled and agreed “I’m game; what about you guys?”
Everyone eventually agreed, the group staring at Byakuya expectantly until he finally caved “…I
suppose there’s no danger of a photo. Now, who should…” Eventually his eyes settled on the
Ultimate Writing Prodigy; he pointed his finger at the surprised girl and ordered “Toko; I’ve just
decided that you will be the one to take the photo of us.”
Toko gasped “M…me…? Master…wants me…to photograph…HIM?!” Drooling as she entered

yet another exaggerated fantasy, Toko hugged herself as she agreed energetically “It would be an
honor…to capture a photograph of Master!”
Snatching the camera from the approaching Junko, Byakuya handed it to Toko and ordered “Just
acquaint yourself with the settings, then take one that you think is good. Hopefully your skill for
establishing literary settings will transfer into a proficient sense of good photography.”
“Y…yes…Master…”
As Toko fiddled with the settings, the others went and did their own thing, staying in view so that
Toko could take a photo when she figured out the camera’s controls.
“Hey Kyoko!” Makoto urged “Let’s build another snowman together!”
Kyoko shook her head, smiling in amusement as she declined “I think I’ll just watch you try to
build one.”
Makoto pouted, then turned to Byakuya and asked “Hey Byakuya! You ever built a snowman
before?”
Byakuya scoffed “As if I would ever lower myself to such a plebian activity…however it would be
entertaining to direct you in making a sculpture of my perfection.”
“In that case, why not have a snowman making competition?”
“Great idea, Sayaka! Sakura, wanna build one with us?”
Sakura nodded and agreed “It would be an interesting test to see how my strength can be utilized to
create rather than fight…”
“Hmph…very well, but don’t think I’ll let you win just because you’re commoners. Makoto, build
the body and roll it by my feet.”
Sweatdropping, Makoto nonetheless obeyed, packing the nearby snow into a large ball and rolling
it by Byakuya’s feet.
“Hmm…not bad…for you. Now, create a smaller one and roll it next to the larger one.”
While Makoto worked on creating and rolling another snowball, he heard Leon engage Taka,
Mondo, Hiro, and Hifumi in a snowball fight, the four complaining about how unfair it was due to
Leon’s Ultimate Baseball Star talents.
Kyoko looked around, smiling slightly at the playful scene that was playing out before her eyes.
*Snap*
XXX
Everyone huddled around Toko, making her flinch as they all looked over her shoulder at the
picture she took.
Byakuya nodded approvingly and concluded “It’s serviceable. Not bad, Toko.”
“Master…liked…my photography…?!”
Before she could drool in ecstasy, Junko scowled, snatching the camera back from Toko and
showing everyone “You call this serviceable?! It’s my fucking camera, and my face still gets
obscured in the shot!”
She was correct; Junko’s face was obscured by a pile of snow that had fallen from a nearby tree
branch. Rather than agree with her however, Byakuya smirked at Junko’s misfortune.
“I stand corrected; this photo is an artistic masterpiece. Toko, you did a good job.”
“Master…thinks I did a good job…that I …created a masterpiece?!”
This time Toko did drool, everyone else sweatdropping as she embraced her perverted fantasies.
Shrugging it off as another day in the life of Class 78th, they went back to playing in the snow,
Kyoko deciding to join Makoto in making a snowman after all. Makoto smiled, seeing it reflected
in her own expression before they focused with determination on following Byakuya’s instructions.
XXX
*Yawn*
Makoto and Kyoko were sitting on Makoto’s bed in their pajamas, having finished dinner and
showered some time ago.
She lightly elbowed him and asked with a knowing smile “Tired?”
“A little…though mostly I’m dreading the next few Class Representative meetings I’ll have to go
to. Chiaki and I are planning this year’s winter festival. Those meetings would drag on anyway,
but because Junko ruined the Fall Festival, there’s a lot of pressure to make the Winter Festival
really amazing.”
“Then you should get to sleep sooner rather than later so you can function during your meetings.”
Kyoko realized “…You know…it just occurred to me that this will be our first school festival as a
couple…”
Makoto smiled, taking her hand and promising “Then I’ll make sure it’s extra special, just for
you.”
Kyoko blushed before standing up and urging him “Then you’ll really need to go to sleep early.”
As she turned to leave, she frowned at seeing Makoto’s forlorn expression and asked “What is it?
What’s wrong, Makoto…”
Blushing in embarrassment, Makoto admitted “It’s silly, but…I’m still trying to get used to…you
know…”
Grimacing in empathy as she realized what he was getting at, she sat back down and cradled his
face in her palms, drawing him into a brief, soft kiss. As they separated, she smiled lovingly at him
and stroked his cheeks with her thumbs.
“It’ll be fine…I’m right next door…” Unable to resist the opportunity to tease, Kyoko finished
“Besides, if you’re good, maybe you’ll get to sleep in my bed for your birthday…”
Makoto chuckled and remarked “…Don’t tease me like that…”

“Then get to bed already, sleepyhead.”
Makoto giggled as she ruffled his hair before standing up and walking towards the door. Before
closing it behind her, she looked over her shoulder and smiled at him.
“Sweet dreams, Makoto. I love you.”
Nodding, Makoto smiled and returned “I love you too, Kyoko…” before she closed the door
behind him. “…I should probably get to bed early…” Makoto reasoned as he went to turn off the
lights, walking back to the bed once the room was dark and crawling under the covers, curling up
as he let himself fall asleep. “Mmm…Kyoko…” he moaned as he started snoozing, the Ultimate
Detective influencing his happy dreams.
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, that was really nice of Junko to apologize for what she did!”
If only you knew how wrong I was back then… Makoto thought, though he and Kyoko kept those
thoughts to themselves, unwilling to spoil Kiki’s good mood so early into the story.
“So, what happened at the festival, Daddy?”
Makoto chuckled before ruffling his daughter’s hair, assuring her “Tomorrow, Kiki.”
Kiki pouted, but relented, wiggling under the covers as her parents got up and tucked her in. Once
the sheets were up against her chin, they kissed her good night, watching as she fell into slumber
before quietly retiring to their own room.
Love Arc Chapter Twenty-Nine: Naegiri’s Winter Festival! Makoto’s
Birthday Approaching!
Chapter Summary
After enjoying their first festival together as a couple, Kyoko struggles to come up
with idea for what to give Makoto for his birthday. Will she be hit with a sudden burst
of inspiration?
Chapter Notes
This chapter is partially the result of an ask sent by NotFanFicNet. Also, as a warning,
a small scene towards the end dives a little into M-rated territory, so you have been
warned. With that in mind, please read and review, and enjoy!
Present Day
“So what happened during the Winter Festival, Daddy?”
“Well, it wasn’t for a couple more weeks. In the meantime, I still had a lot of meetings to go to in
order to get the festival up and running, and with the both of us having to attend class again, not to
mention your Mother picking up her Detective work, we didn’t really have time to go on many
dates during that time.”
Kiki pouted, leaving Kyoko to smile and ruffle her daughter’s hair as she explained “Maintaining a
relationship can be hard, Kiki. Luckily, since we were joined at the hip during all of winter
vacation, the time apart was actually kind of a blessing. It allowed us to get back into a routine
without smothering each other.”
Nodding, Makoto continued “Anyways, once the festival was ready, everyone gathered in the
courtyard and…”
XXX
January 21, 2015
“You get better at this with each speech you make…” Kyoko commented as Makoto separated
from Chiaki.
Makoto gave an embarrassed chuckle while scratching his cheek nervously and replied “I guess…
practice makes perfect…?”
Kyoko nodded and agreed “There’s some truth in that…although…” Kyoko bit her lip, hesitating
before continuing “It appears your speech wasn’t universally admired…”
Makoto nodded, looking around at the Reserve Course Students who had segregated themselves
from the Main Couse Students as much as Hope’s Peak forced them to during most of the year.
“Ano…is it just me…or do the Reserve Course Students seem…rather tense?”
Shaking her head, Kyoko confirmed “You’re not wrong; relations between the Main and Reserve
Course Students have gradually frayed. I suspect the forced discrimination policy enforced by the
Steering Committee is to blame. Don’t let yourself feel guilty, Makoto; these matters go beyond
your and Chiaki’s capabilities as Class Representatives.”
Reluctantly nodding, Makoto conceded “…I guess…”
Her eyes softening at Makoto’s sense of misplaced guilt, Kyoko threaded their fingers together in
an effort to distract him and suggested “Anyways, enough about that. I’m looking forward to our
first school festival together as a couple.”
Instantly cheered up, Makoto grinned and vowed “You got it! I’m gonna make sure you have fun
today!”
“UWAH! Makoto!” Kyoko yelped as he practically dragged her along, her surprised expression
giving way to a small smile as she took comfort in the fact that Makoto was sufficiently cheered
up.
XXX
“These sculptures really are impressive…” Kyoko commented in between bites of her mochi.
The two had started with a leisurely walk around the courtyard, gazing at the large ice sculptures
that Makoto and Chiaki had carved in preparation for the festival. There were several of Japanese
ice yokai, along with several of Santa Claus, his various reindeer, and Mrs. Claus. At Chiaki’s
request, there was even one of Mario wearing a santa hat with a giant bag slung over his shoulder.
“Yeah, well Chiaki’s the artist between the two of us; I just followed her directions.” As Kyoko
nodded, Makoto’s eyes sparkled as he pointed out “Hey, there’s the snow slide! And it looks like
there’s no line! Whadda ya say we go sledding, Kyoko?”
Flashing back to their time at the water park, Kyoko smiled and agreed “Why not, it looks like
fun.”
XXX
“WAHOO!” Makoto cheered as their sled went down the artificial slide, his arms and legs
wrapped around Kyoko’s torso as the momentum caused their hair to whip in the wind.
Eventually they came to a stop, Makoto letting go and standing up as he exclaimed “Wasn’t that
fun, Kyoko?”
Rubbing her ear, Kyoko gave a pained smile as she got up, agreeing “Yes…though perhaps my
eardrums could have done without you screaming at point blank range.”
Blushing in embarrassment, Makoto apologized “Oh, s…sorry…I just had so much fun, I couldn’t
help it. If we…” Makoto hesitated before continuing “If we go again…I can try to keep myself
from screaming.”
Kyoko giggled before she told him “Why don’t we go grab an early dinner? I think one of the
stands is serving curry and hot cocoa.”
Grinning from ear to ear, Makoto told her “You had me at curry…let’s go!”
Kyoko sweatdropped as he started racing towards the food stands, then giggled as she hurried to
keep up with him, calling out “Makoto! Wait for me!”
XXX
After having eaten and gone back on the sledding attraction countless times, the sun had set,
leaving the countless lanterns that were strewn across the courtyard to illuminate the night sky.
With most everyone else having gone back inside, Makoto and Kyoko had the courtyard
essentially to themselves as they leisurely walked around, the ice statues seeming to glitter like
their eyes as they gave each other blushing smiles.
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
Makoto nodded in agreement and replied “Yeah, this reminds me so much of the winter festivals I
went to every year as a kid.” Seeing Kyoko’s curious gaze, Makoto explained “See, my birthday
tends to fall right in the middle of the different winter festivals held in Japan, so at some point
during that week, Mom and Dad would take me and Komaru to a random winter festival to
celebrate.” Makoto smiled warmly as he confessed “Those days…are some of my fondest
memories, Kyoko…”
As Makoto seemed to stare at the lanterns in a nostalgic daze, Kyoko quickly dug out her
handbook and sifted through the apps until she pulled up Makoto’s student profile, reading quietly
“February 5…”
“Hmm…did you say something, Kyoko?”
Quickly putting her handbook away before he could see, she shook her head and denied “It’s
nothing…” Before he could try to pry further, Kyoko grabbed his hands and urged “Come on; let’s
dance in the moonlight together.”
Beaming, Makoto vigorously nodded, letting Kyoko lead him into a waltz before she pressed her
lips against his in a soft, romantic kiss. Once they separated, Makoto leaned his head against her
shoulder, nuzzling his nose against her jacket. Kyoko smiled lovingly, moving her hand from his
back to his head. Slowing to a sway, she stroked his hair, making him purr in happiness as the
lanterns and the moon shone.
Makoto…thank you for today…I promise to make your birthday one you’ll remember, just like you
did for me. But…how do I do that…?
XXX
Present Day
“Aww…that was so cute!” Kiki gushed. “Not only did you guys have fun at the festival, but you
also started planning out Daddy’s birthday party!”
Shaking her head, Kyoko revealed “It…wasn’t exactly a party, Kiki. You see…I had a hard time
trying to come up with the perfect way to celebrate your Father’s birthday. Days passed and I was
still stumped, so I decided to…”
XXX
February 1, 2015
*Ring Ring*
“Moshi Moshi, Naegi Residence.”
“Ano…Mrs. Naegi…it’s Kyoko…”
A smile crossed her face as Hana told Kyoko “Kyoko, dear, I told you, you can call me Mom.”
“A…Apologies…I just…since we’re back at Hope’s Peak, I thought…”
Hana giggled and assured her “It’s fine, dear. Now, what can I help you with?”
Taking a deep breath, Kyoko explained “Ano…Makoto’s birthday is going to be in a few days,
so…”
“Oh, yes, Makoto’s birthday. Eighteen is such a huge milestone; my baby boy is now a grown
man! Shingi and I sent a care package this morning, so it should be there within a couple of
days…” Her eyes widened in realization before she asked “Kyoko…did you want to talk about
Makoto’s birthday?”
Nodding, Kyoko explained “Y…yes…it’s just…when my birthday came around, Makoto did
everything he could to make sure I was happy. He filled the kitchen with chocolate, made sure I
had a cake, and threw a small party with all of our classmates.” Kyoko smiled wistfully as she
admitted “I was so happy back then, and I…I want to make sure I make him just as happy…”
Kyoko sighed and admitted “…But I don’t know the first thing about throwing a party; I don’t
have Makoto’s innate social skills. So I…I need your advice…on what I should do to make
Makoto happy for his birthday!”
Hana smiled on the other end and told her “Kyoko…you don’t need my advice. Makoto doesn’t
need you to throw him a big party. We threw him and Komaru birthday parties as kids because
kids love parties when they’re little. But you’re both grown adults now, and you two are each
other’s best friends. Any suggestion I give you will just end up being another present from his
Mom. If you really want to make him remember his birthday as one he spent with you, dear, you
have to decide what to give him on your own.”
Kyoko bit her lip, self-doubt flooding her soul as she asked “…What if it’s not good enough?
Makoto deserves perfection, Mom…”
“…Kyoko…Makoto has never asked perfection of anybody, and you shouldn’t expect yourself to
be perfect either. If you really want my advice, here it is: just think of something that you and
Makoto haven’t often done together. That way, it will be a real treat for his birthday. What that is,
I’ll leave that up to you; you’re a smart young woman Kyoko. I have no doubt that you’ll be able
to do something for my son in a way that demonstrates just how much you value his birth.”
Something we don’t often do together? But what could that be? He’s always the one showing me
new experiences, not the other way around… “…Okay…I’ll think about it…”
Hana smiled and assured her “Don’t stress on it too much, dear. I have faith in you, Kyoko.”
Kyoko smiled and thanked “…Thanks, Mom.”
“Anytime, dear. I have to go cook dinner for Shingi and Komaru, but don’t hesitate to call us
anytime.”
Nodding, Kyoko replied “I appreciate that. Good night, Mom…”

“Good night, dear.”
Kyoko sighed as she hung up, deciding that a shower was in order if she was going to clear her
head enough to come to a decision. Her course of action decided, she grabbed her nightgown and a
pair of panties and went to her shower room. After placing the pajamas on the sink and stripping
down, she turned on the shower and waited for it to warm up. Once the water was sufficiently hot,
she stepped inside and let the water soak her hair and flow down her back, allowing herself to
marginally relax as she applied soap and shampoo to her hair.
Once she was completely clean, she turned off the water and toweled off, making sure her body
was totally dry before putting on her panties and nightgown. Her shower unable to relax her
enough to think on the dilemma at hand, she decided to sleep on it. Shutting off the lights, she
crawled under the covers and snuggled under the blankets.
Makoto…how can I make your birthday…one to remember…?
XXX
Present Day
“So what did you do, Mommy? What did you decide to do to celebrate Daddy’s birthday?”
Kyoko smiled softly before answering “Tomorrow, Kiki. Mommy and Daddy have to get up early
tomorrow for a meeting, so we all have to be up early so you can be awake when Baa-chan and Jii-
chan come by to babysit.”
“…Okay…” Kiki groaned before wiggling under the blankets, feeling her parents tuck her in and
kiss her good night, only leaving once her snores echoed across the room.
XXX
Makoto’s snores echoed throughout their bedroom, Kyoko on the verge of sleep as she recalled the
source of inspiration that finally gave her the idea she needed to celebrate Makoto’s birthday.
XXX
February 1, 2015
*Gasp*
Kyoko shivered as a pleasurable sensation traveled from her leg to her core. Looking down from
her desk, her eyes widened as she saw a familiar brown-haired head leaning against her leg, its lips
pressed against her ankle.
“Ma…Makoto…?”
Makoto raised his head, revealing lust burning in his pupils, his usually pure smile tainted with
sensual desire as his chest and belly were exposed due to the boy not wearing his shirt or hoodie.
“Makoto…what are you…oooohhhhhhh…” Kyoko moaned as he continued to kiss up her calves

until he reached her knees. What…what’s going on?! Makoto’s never…initiated anything remotely
sexual before!
Before she could process Makoto’s new dominance, the Ultimate Lucky Student pushed her chair
out from the desk as he stood up, his petit presence suddenly seeming seductive to the shocked
Detective.
“Hey! Makoto!” Kyoko yelped as he hooked his arms underneath her knees and arms, lifting her
out of the chair as he carried her bridal style to the bed. As she was dropped on the plush blankets
and Makoto crawled over to her, staring hungrily at his girlfriend, Kyoko demanded “Makoto,
what’s going on? Why are you…what are you doing?!”
Makoto ignored her as he reached for her skirt, his hands palming her waist and buttocks until he
finally found the zipper. Pulling it down, he threw the garment aside, Kyoko blushing as her black
panties were exposed. Still speechless, Kyoko quivered as Makoto licked his lips hungrily before
kissing up the inside of her thighs, making her panties dampen with the girl’s arousal.
“Ma…Makoto…” She moaned, before gasping as Makoto kissed the fabric over her panties,
sending the girl into aroused shock. “Makoto…”
Following her instincts, she reached down and pulled the dampened fabric aside, revealing her
most sacred of sanctuaries just before Makoto dived in and began to eat her out.
“MAKOTO!!!”
XXX
“MAKOTO!!!” Kyoko gasped as she sat upright in bed, looking around for her boyfriend. Alas,
he was nowhere to be found. “Makoto…?”
She looked down below her, seeing her nightgown hiked up to her belly, one hand still pulling
aside the underwear while her other fingers rested over her entrance. Gasping, she slowly removed
her hands, obscuring her entrance once more before smoothing out her nightgown.
“A dream…a wet dream…” Kyoko realized, blushing as she realized that she had just dreamed of
a sexual encounter with Makoto. “Wait…” She realized “A sexual encounter…with Makoto…
yes…we haven’t done that since the bath in November…that’s perfect! It’s settled, for Makoto’s
birthday, I’m going to treat him to a romantic date, and I’ll offer to have sex with him again…only
this time…he’ll get to dominate instead of me!”
Love Arc Chapter Thirty: Happy Birthday, Makoto!
Chapter Summary
With the day having finally arrived, Kyoko wakes Makoto up to wish him a happy
birthday. What does the Ultimate Detective ahve planned to celebrate her boyfriend's
birthday? And what about their other classmates? Do they have their own surprise
planned as well?
Present Day
“So what did you do for Daddy’s birthday, Mommy?”
Smiling wistfully, Kyoko answered “Well, I got up early and got dressed before walking over to
your Father’s room and…”
XXX
February 5, 2015
*Knock Knock*
Makoto yawned, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes as he sat up.
“Who…who’s there…” Makoto mumbled, getting out of bed and walking sleepily over to the
door, yawning again as he opened the door.
*Smooch*
Makoto was wide awake now, the sleep banished from his mind as he found himself ensnared in a
soft kiss. Familiar violet eyes stared into his own green irises as soft, gloved hands cradled his
cheeks.
Ky…Kyoko…
Kyoko then pulled away, still cradling his cheeks as she stared at him lovingly, breathing “Happy
Birthday Makoto…”
Makoto gasped, joyful tears streaming down his cheeks as he smiled in awe, asking “You…
remembered…?”
Kyoko giggled “Of course I remembered, silly.” Looking over his state of dress, she urged him
“Now, go get dressed. I’ll wait for you here and we’ll head to breakfast. I’ve got a surprise for
you after class!”
“Sur…surprise…?” Makoto wondered as she closed the door on him. “What could she…ah, who
cares? I know I’ll love whatever she came up with today!”
Suddenly giddy, Makoto started stripping out of his pajamas in a hurry as he eagerly searched for
his school uniform.
XXX
…That was fast; he must be excited…Kyoko mused as Makoto opened the door, a beaming smile
on his face as excitement shone in his eyes. “You look happy today…so, shall we go?”
Makoto nodded, weaving his fingers with her own as they made the walk over to the dining hall.
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, Daddy! You must have been really excited to see what Mommy had planned for your
birthday! Too bad you had class though…”
Makoto smiled sheepishly and remarked “Funny story…you see, we had just gotten into the
Dining Hall, when…”
XXX
February 5, 2015
“HAPPY BIRTHDAY!”
“What the…?”
Makoto and Kyoko blinked, completely caught off guard as balloons were tied to the various chairs
in the Hall. A multicolored banner reading “HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAKOTO” hung from the far
wall. In the various chairs sat Sayaka, Mukuro, Leon, Chihiro, Mondo, Taka, Celeste, Sakura,
Hina, Byakuya, Toko, and Hiro.
“You guys…”
Sayaka giggled, explaining “We knew your birthday was coming, so we wanted to do something to
celebrate our friend and Class Representative!”
Junko then took the lead, announcing “So, with my help, we threw together a birthday bash to
remember!” Putting a crown on her head, Junko continued in her “ruler” persona “You should be
grateful we have permitted you get to attend a party organized by me!”
“Yeah!” Hina exclaimed excitedly “We even bought you presents, Makoto!”
Byakuya interrupted “Excuse me? I was the one to buy all the gifts; you all just pestered me until I
agreed to buy them.”
“Tomato, tomato!” Hina retorted.
Mondo grinned and told him “It was tough to convince Bro, but we convinced Kizakura to cancel
class for today.”
Taka’s fists tightened as he forced “Sometimes…even education…must be put aside…in the

interest…of celebrating…one’s birth…isn’t that right, Professor?”
Mondo patted Taka on the back in comfort while Makoto and Kyoko’s attention turned to the
center table, which had a small stack of wrapped boxes for him.
“You guys…” Makoto closed his eyes and smiled, uttering “…Thank you…I’ve never had such
awesome friends before…”
As Makoto separated from Kyoko to thank everyone individually, Kyoko walked over to Sayaka
and Leon and asked “…Why wasn’t I made aware of this little plan?”, slightly miffed that she was
left out of a planned birthday party for her boyfriend.
Sayaka grinned sheepishly and admitted “We…kind of figured you had your own birthday plans
for Makoto, so we wanted to get our idea out of the way so you could have plenty of time to
celebrate privately.”
…That…does make sense… Kyoko admitted to herself, waiting for Makoto to return to her side.
Once he did though…
“Hey Hey!”
“Sorry we’re late to the party, kids!”
“It’s good to see the lengths my students will go to support one another.”
“Oh, look at you all! You’ve all grown from rotten little oranges into close knit friends!”
Makoto and Kyoko turned to the entryway, their eyes widening at seeing Chiaki Nanami holding a
chocolate birthday cake with lit candles, flanked by Koichi Kizakura, Headmaster Jin Kirigiri, and
Chisa Yukizome.
“Nanami-senpai? Kizakura-sensei? Yukizome-sensei? Headmaster Kirigiri?”
Koichi grinned and confirmed “Hey, I’m never one to turn down a good party!”
Chisa grinned proudly and revealed “When Chiaki here revealed that it was your birthday today,
my whole class wanted to join in! But, we thought having two classes crammed into the Dining
Hall might be a little much…”
Chiaki nodded and explained “So as a compromise, they sent me as a Class Representative. Sonia
even sent a cake made from Novoselic chocolate.”
Jin, carrying a single wrapped box in his hands, wordlessly smiled at his daughter’s boyfriend, the
appreciation in his eyes telling him everything he needed to know.
Leon clapped his hands together and urged “Alright, let’s get this party started!”
Chisa squealed and volunteered “I’ll get the plates and silverware!”
Makoto smiled appreciatively at what everyone had done for him, only to be approached by the
Headmaster as the man smiled and told him “Happy Birthday, Makoto Naegi.”
“Headmaster…thank you…” Makoto breathed, smiling as Jin handed him a present while Kyoko
smiled appreciatively at her Father’s gesture.
“Alright, everybody!” Chisa cheered as she came back with a stack of plates and silverware. “It’s
time for singing, cake, and presents!”
Makoto turned to his girlfriend and asked “You gonna be okay with this? I know you didn’t want
us singing at your birthday, so…”
…Even on your special day, you still put others before yourself… Kyoko nodded with a reassuring
smile as she told him “I think I can stomach it for 30 seconds.”
Makoto nodded in appreciation as he and everyone gathered around the table where Chisa had
placed the cake and plates, squeezing Kyoko’s hand as he thought Kyoko…everyone…you’re all
the greatest birthday present I could ever ask for!
XXX
“…I take it you enjoyed your birthday party?” Kyoko smiled at the content Makoto, who was
carrying a bag filled with his presents back to his room.
“Yeah, my parents used to throw me and Komaru birthday parties like that, so it was a nice
throwback to my childhood. Thanks for surprising me with that, Kyoko.”
Kyoko shook her head “I’m afraid our classmates never asked me to help out with that little party; I
was just as surprised as you were.”
A look of surprise on his face, Makoto replied “Really? Well…at least let me say thanks for going
along with the singing.” Blushing, Makoto told her “You really have a beautiful voice, Kyoko.”
After Chisa finished the countdown, Kyoko surprisingly joined in, singing shyly to the tune. The
only ones to not join in were Byakuya and Toko, the former of which deemed it beneath him while
Toko followed his lead.
“Th…thank you…and don’t worry about it…it was your birthday, so I figured I should at least go
along with it for your sake…”
Nodding, Makoto asked “So…if that wasn’t the treat you mentioned…then what is it?”
Kyoko smirked and told him cryptically “You’ll see; just go put your gift bag in your room and
change into some more casual attire, alright?” Stopping to open her door, Kyoko told him “I’ll see
you in a minute, Makoto” before closing the door behind her, leaving Makoto to sigh and open the
door, the birthday boy eager to see what his girlfriend truly had planned for his birthday.
XXX
Present Day
“That was really sweet of your classmates to throw you a surprise party, Daddy! Though I still
can’t believe they didn’t tell Mommy!”
Makoto chuckled and answered “Well, the two of us were pretty joined at the hip, so I don’t
imagine there was much of a way to tell her without me suspecting something.”
Kiki nodded, accepting his answer before turning to her Mother and asking “So what did you two
do together, Mommy?”
Smiling, Kyoko answered “After your Father got changed into his hoodie and jeans, we met at the
entrance hall where we walked out and I took him to…”
XXX
February 5, 2015
“A Karaoke Bar?” Makoto wondered as they walked into the same Karaoke Bar that he and
Komaru had gone to the day that he ran into Kyoko, Sayaka, Hina, and Sakura during their girls’
day last term.
Nodding, Kyoko confirmed as they took their seats “I remembered you said before we got together
that you liked it when I sang…so I…” Kyoko blushed shyly as she continued “…I thought I could
treat you by singing just for you.”
“Ky…Kyoko…” Makoto cried joyfully as he breathed “Thank you…I love hearing you sing!”
Kyoko smiled before signaling over the nearby waiter, telling him as he approached “I’d like to do
a song for my boyfriend over here.”
“Very well, right this way, Miss…”
Kyoko nodded and nervously got up, reassured by Makoto’s encouraging smile as she walked up
more confidently to the stage where a microphone stood on a stand.
The waiter then announced “Tonight, this young woman is going to be doing a solo, dedicated to
her boyfriend.”
“Aww…” The crowd gushed as the waiter walked off the stage and resumed his duties, leaving
Kyoko blushing as she was once again the center of attention. And this time, Sayaka’s not here to
guide me…good thing I spent so many hours listening to her CDs as background music while I did
my homework… Kyoko thought as, after steeling her resolve by looking into Makoto’s reassuring
eyes, took a deep breath and began to sing.
“Ashita no machiawase no basho wo toku ni kimenai mama ni BAIBIAI. Ofuro ni haittetemo

sowasowa isso denwa shichaou kana DOKIDOKI tomannai.”
“Toururu yobidashi nikaime no KOORU. Yatto kikoeta kimi no koe iro. Nanka munyamunya de
“ohayo”.”
“MONOKUROOMU na koi ga futari wo tsutsunde. Ondo sa mo itooshii kurai.

MONOKUROOMU na shikai kitto watashi dake KARAFURU. Hakkiri shinai soko mo suki yo.”
“Omekashi shite junbi OK sonna toki ni jiken hassei. Okiniiri no akai TIIKAPPU nomikake no
REMONTII goto. SUKAATO ni DAIBU.”
“Gomen…Okureta watashi ni mukatte. “Otsukare sama” to atamaku shari to. Nadete kureta ne
arigato.”
“MONOKUROOMU na futari hanarete mieru kedo. Hontou ha ichiban chikai no.

MONOKUROOMU na yume ga kimi to issho nara niji iro. Hakkari shiteru sonna kibun.”
“MONOKUROOMU na sekai de MONOKUROOMU na hanashi wo shite. SEPIA iro no kioku

ayafuyana mama de. MONOKUROOMU na keshiki ni azayakana iro nagarete. Afuredashite
mukau yo kimi ni.”
“MONOKUROOMU na futari hanarete mieru kedo. Hontou wa chiban chikai no.

MONOKUROOMU na yume ga kimi to issho nara niji iro. Hakkari shiteru sonna kibun.”
“MONOKUROOMU na mirai iie FURUKARAA. Futari nara KIRAKIRA ni nareru.

MONOKUROOMU na kyori de tokeatte ikeba KARAFURU. Hakkiri shinai soko mo suki yo.
Hakkiri shiteru kotae itte.”
Kyoko’s voice came to a halt now that the song was over, the girl now nervous as the suspense
was killing her.
Please tell me he liked it, please tell me he liked it…
*Clap*
Huh?
To Kyoko’s surprised relief, Makoto clapped, creating a domino effect where the entire bar
clapped in applause for her. Kyoko gave a blushing grin as the clapping erupted into cheers.
He liked it! He really liked it!
“Encore!” Makoto cheered, surprising Kyoko as she couldn’t believe that he wanted more.
“Encore! Encore!” The entire establishment eventually erupted in demand.
…They all…want me to sing again? Maybe… An idea coming to her, she smirked and agreed
“Alright…on one condition…” She stared straight at her boyfriend and called out “Makoto…join
me for a duet, won’t you?”
“Huh?” Makoto uttered, shellshocked that she was asking him to sing with her.
“What are you waiting for? Get up there man! Yeah, your girlfriend’s waiting for you!”
Seemingly every customer in the room proceeded to push Makoto on stage as he tried to protest
“Wait! You don’t want to hear me sing! I’m terrible at singing!”
His protests were in vain, as the crowd was unrelenting in their insistence that he sing a duet with
his girlfriend. As he got up on stage, he opened his mouth to protest, only to close it as Kyoko shot
him a reassuring smile.
“You’ll be fine, Makoto, just trust me. You trust me, right?”
His panicked expression giving way to a blushing smile, he nodded “Always…alright, Kyoko…I’ll
trust you…”
XXX
Makoto patted his stuffed belly, giving out a slight burp, causing him to blush and giggle in
embarrassment. Kyoko smiled with amusement at her boyfriend as they walked through the
dorms.
“I take it the all-you-can-eat curry buffet was worth having to sing on-stage with me?”
Makoto nodded vigorously as he exclaimed “You bet! Even if my voice totally sucked, it was fun
singing with you! And treating me to my favorite food; this is the best birthday ever!”
Blushing, Kyoko corrected “…You have a nice singing voice…and thank you…I’m glad you
enjoyed yourself…” He definitely enjoyed himself… Kyoko thought, glancing at his bloated, cute
belly as it jiggled while they walked. “I hope you’re not too tired, because I have one last surprise
for you in my room.”
“…A surprise?” Makoto asked, his interest piqued.

Kyoko opened her door before smirking over her shoulder and making a “come hither” gesture
with her hand, slipping inside. Makoto excitedly followed her inside, eager to see what surprise
she had planned for him.
XXX
Present Day
“That was so amazing, Mommy! You really planned the perfect way to celebrate Daddy’s
birthday!”
Makoto smiled wistfully as he agreed “Yeah…that was the best birthday I had…though it’s since
been dethroned…”.
Makoto and Kyoko smiled at each other, remembering the first birthday after they got married.
Kiki meanwhile urged “So what was the final surprise Mommy had for you, Daddy?”
Makoto and Kyoko blushed before Makoto denied “Sorry, pumpkin; that’s a secret to everyone but
Mommy and Daddy.”
Kiki pouted “No fair! I wanna know!”
Kyoko ruffled her daughter’s hair and agreed with her husband “Kiki, some things are meant to
stay secret; this is one of them, alright?”
“…Okay…” Kiki grumbled.
Makoto smiled and told her “It’s late anyway, and we all need to head for bed, alright kiddo?”
Kiki sighed before getting settled, feeling her parents tuck her in and kiss her good night.
“Good night, Kiki…we love you.”
*Yawn* “…Love you too…” Kiki moaned before she fell into slumber.
XXX
Makoto and Kyoko panted, coming down from their sexual high as they remembered the aftermath
of Kyoko’s final birthday surprise from all those years ago.
XXX
February 5, 2015
Makoto lay on top of Kyoko, panting into her shoulder as he started to calm down. Kyoko
meanwhile smiled, reaching to stroke his hair lovingly as she adored his naked body, the Ultimate
Detective deciding to shed her gloves for this special occasion.
“Happy Birthday, Makoto…I love you!”
Makoto nuzzled her shoulder with his nose, murmuring “I love you too, Kyoko…this truly was the
best birthday present ever!”
“Glad I didn’t disappoint…” Kyoko smirked as she complimented “Neither did you by the way…
who knew you’d be so good at dominating in sex if you put your mind to it?”
Makoto blushed, feeling his body become aroused again. The boy willed his building erection to
go away before he started to get on his knees, sliding out of her.
“I should probably…get back to my room…”
Seeing his hesitance and desire to stay, Kyoko pulled him back down against her, breathing “Stay.”
Conflicted and shocked, Makoto half-heartedly protested “But what if someone finds out? Isn’t it
risky to…”
“Stay…please. I want you to stay…it’s your birthday…” Kyoko pleaded as she rubbed his back
with her bare hands.
Caving, Makoto relaxed, embracing his girlfriend as he surrendered “Okay…I’ll stay…just…”

*yawn* “…promise me you’ll wake me up early enough so I can get back without anyone
noticing.”
Nodding, Kyoko reached down for the blankets, pulling them up to their waists as Makoto pulled
himself up to kiss her forehead, his eyes droopy as he stared into her own while she proceeded to
rub his shoulders.
“Good night, Kyoko…I love you…”
Kyoko gave him a soft kiss before returning “I love you too…good night, Makoto…happy
birthday…”
Makoto collapsed against her, his chest pressing down against her breasts as he weakly nuzzled her
nose with his own before nuzzling her forehead and wrapping his arms around her neck. Her
gentle strokes on his back lulled him to sleep before she moved her grip to his shoulders, closing
her eyes as sleep took her too.
XXX
February 6, 2015
“Makoto…Wakey wakey, Makoto…”
Makoto groaned pulling himself away from Kyoko’s body as he rubbed the sleep out of his eyes,
the boy now wide awake as he was treated to the sight of her naked breasts. Kyoko giggled at his
blushing face before easing her way out from under him.
“Let’s get dressed so you can sneak back into your room undetected.”
Makoto nodded, crawling out of bed to gather his clothes and Kyoko got dressed.
“Ano…are you…decent, Kyoko?”
Kyoko rolled her eyes as she thought You’ve seen me naked twice, Makoto; you don’t need to get
embarrassed about it now… With amusement in her voice, she confirmed “Yes, I’m dressed,
Makoto.”
Breathing a sigh of relief as he zipped up his hoodie and buttoned his jeans, Makoto turned to look
at his girlfriend appreciatively. Before she could teasingly ask him why he looked so happy, she
found her voice muffled by Makoto’s lips pressed against hers, his tongue pressing insistently
against her lips. Moaning, she granted him access, feeling his tongue lash against her own as they
cradled each other’s cheeks in their palms.
By the time he broke away, Kyoko was left panting, her eyes threatening to turn into giant pink
anime hearts from how much he made her want to swoon. A blushing Makoto coughed into his
fist before turning away and sitting back down on the bed to tie his shoes.
“I should uh…get going now. Thanks for everything, Kyoko!”
“Wait…” Kyoko called as he started to walk toward the door, making Makoto turn back in
surprise. “Let me pay you back for that…amazing kiss just now…”
“Kyoko, you don’t need to…”
Makoto’s voice trailed off as he stared in shock at what Kyoko was doing right in front of him.
Before she could second guess herself, she slid her bare hand up her thigh and under her skirt.
Makoto’s eyes seemed to bulge out of his head as, after a split second of hesitation, Kyoko’s hand
appeared back from under her skirt, clenched in a fist around a black-laced fabric.
Holy…Kyoko’s…is she…?!
Blushing, Kyoko continued to pull down the pair of panties down her legs, letting them fall to her
feet. She then expertly stepped out of them with one foot, raising her other leg so that she could
take them off with her hand. With a blushing smile, she walked over to him and grabbed his hand,
placing the underwear in his hand and closing his fingers around the fabric into a fist, obscuring her
panties from view.
What the…did she really just…
“…You should get going now, before someone sees…I’ll see you at breakfast, Makoto…”
She bid him farewell with a kiss on his cheek, making Makoto blush before he wordlessly nodded,
making his way shakily over to the door and opening it, nervously walking out into the hall before
closing it behind him with his free hand.
…Did I really just…give Makoto…my panties?
XXX
Makoto slammed the door behind him, now panting heavily in shock as he uncurled his fist,
inspecting the fabric that was just gifted to him.
What just…did Kyoko really just…give me her panties?!
Sure enough, the fabric was a black pair of soft, lace panties, a small ribbon tied at the side.
Stretchign the waistband just slightly, he saw the name “KYOKO” engraved in violet embroidery.
“No way…this really is…Kyoko’s panties…Kyoko gave me her PANTIES!” Imagining the
humiliation that would inevitably ensue if any of his friends, or god forbid, his MOTHER, found
out, he realized “I’ve gotta find some way to hide these!”
Looking around, he saw one of the empty boxes that one of his birthday presents had come in. He
quickly went over to it and ripped the cover off, quickly but neatly folding Kyoko’s panties before
placing them inside the small box and placing the cover on top.
“It’ll have to do…” Makoto decided before he realized “Wait, I’ve gotta make sure somebody
doesn’t open it and find them!” Grabbing a nearby pen from his desk he wrote on the top
“SPECIAL GIFT”, sighing “There, now I just have to put this in my closet, and nobody should find
it!”
Quickly running to his closet, he carefully placed it on the top shelf, closing his closet door before
grabbing a fresh set of clothes and heading to his bathroom, turning on the water before setting his
change of clothes down and turning on the water. He then proceeded to strip down until he was
naked again, stepping under the water and rinsing his hair.
“Ahh…” Makoto sighed in relief as he talked to himself “Kyoko’s surprise last night was
wonderful…but I really need a shower before I head to breakfast…” Makoto blushed as he
recalled the passionate night with her, closing his eyes and murmuring with a smile “Kyoko…
thank you…for making me feel special on my birthday…you’re the best girlfriend anyone could
ask for!”
Love Arc Chapter Thirty-One: A Naegiri Wedding?!
Chapter Summary
After cleaning the Boys' Bathroom on the second floor, Makoto finds himself
kidnapped by his friends and forced into a weddign ceremony with Kyoko. Will
Makoto be able to bring everyone back to their senses before he has to say "I do"?
Chapter Notes
This chapter is the result of an ask sent by NotFanFicNet. Please read and review, and
enjoy!
Present Day
“So what happened after Daddy’s birthday?”
Kyoko chose to continue, beginning “After I gave your Father his surprise, the next week or so
passed without incident. Your Father got busy after class one day, so he couldn’t make it to lunch.
So instead, I…”
XXX
February 13, 2015
“Mind if I join you?”
Sayaka, Leon, Hina, and Sakura all looked up at Kyoko, lunch tray in hand as she stood at the
empty chair in front of the circular table.
“Of course, feel free!” Sayaka smiled.
“Yeah, take a seat!” Leon agreed.
“Yeah, totally!” Hina grinned.
“Of course; we’d love your company, Kyoko.” Sakura softly smiled.
Kyoko nodded appreciatively, taking her seat and beginning to bite into her apple when Hina asked
“Ano…Kyoko…not that we don’t want you to eat with us…but don’t you and Makoto usually eat
together?”
Pausing to swallow her bite of apple, Kyoko explained “He has cleaning duty today, so he has to
clean all of the boys’ bathrooms in the school before he can come and have lunch.”
“Man…what a bummer…” Leon commented sympathetically as everyone else nodded in

agreement with the Ultimate Baseball Star.
After that the group continued to eat their lunch, finishing after a few minutes. It was then that
everyone noticed Kyoko’s unusually joyful smile, stretching from ear to ear as she closed her eyes
and sipped her coffee.
Sayaka smirked and asked “So I take it you and Makoto have been doing well?” Seeing Kyoko’s
confused expression as she opened her eyes, the Ultimate Pop Sensation elaborated “You’ve had
that beaming smile on your face since the day after Makoto’s birthday!”
“Yeah!” Hina agreed “It’s like you’re trying to be obvious about how happy you are!”
Blushing as she recalled the passionate night she and Makoto had shared on his birthday, Kyoko
closed her eyes again and smiled, admitting “…I guess I’ve just been in a really good mood
lately…”
Sayaka grinned and assured her “And you have every right to be! You’re in a romantic relationship
with a sweet boy who loves you! And it’s only gonna get better, since tomorrow’s Valentine’s
Day!”
As Leon grinned at the thought of receiving chocolates from his girlfriend, Hina pouted
“Mattaku…I wish I had a boyfriend…” She then turned to Kyoko and asked “Say, Kyoko…would
you mind if I…”
“No, you may not borrow Makoto and have him pretend to be your boyfriend for Valentine’s
Day.”
Hina pouted again and groaned, leaving Sakura to chuckle in amusement and pat her shoulder in
comfort, assuring her “Don’t worry, Hina. Someday you’ll find the boy for you.”
A teasing smile on his face, Leon encouraged “Yeah! And in the meantime, I think Byakuya’s still
single.”
Hina stuck her tongue out and rejected “Blech! No way would I date someone as stuck-up and
condescending as Togami!”
“I heard that!” Byakuya called out from across the Dining Hall, which everyone else ignored.
After the girls shared a giggle, Kyoko mentioned “Speaking of Valentine’s Day, I’m hoping to use
tonight to bake some chocolates for Makoto. His Mom helped to teach me how to bake when I
stayed at his house during Christmas, so I thought I’d put it to good use with a basic recipe she was
kind enough to send me.”
“Aww…that’s so cute!” Sayaka gushed “Can we help you make them? I might not look like it,
but I’m actually a pretty good cook!”
“Yeah!” Hina agreed “I want to help too! I might only know how to make chocolate donuts, but
making actual chocolates can’t be too much harder!”
Kyoko smiled appreciatively and replied “Thank you…but it’s not exactly a gift from me if
everyone pitched in. Though…perhaps you could stand with me and supervise, Sayaka, just so I
don’t burn down the kitchen…I’m still new at this…” ending her admission with an embarrassed
blush on her cheeks.
“Okay! Just leave it to me, Kyoko!”
Before Kyoko could reply, Leon sniffed the air and asked “Yo babe, you smell anything…off…?”
Furrowing her brow, Sayaka concentrated for a moment, then shook her head and denied “Sorry,
but I don’t smell anything. Kyoko? Sakura? Hina?”
They shook their heads in denial, leaving Sayaka to suggest “Maybe it’s just your imagination,
Leon.”
Leon shrugged in acceptance as they ignored the transparent, subtle aroma that had begun to
permeate the school.
XXX
Present Day
“Aww…that was so sweet of you!” Kiki gushed “I bet they were super tasty! You were really
happy with Daddy, weren’t you Mommy?”
Blushing as she smiled wistfully, she confirmed “I was…I guess…after your Father’s birthday…I
found myself in a bit of a second honeymoon phase…that’s probably why I thought nothing was
wrong; I was so distracted by my own happiness that my mind was elsewhere.”
Furrowing her brow, Kiki asked “What went wrong, Mommy?”
“…I’ll leave that to your Father to explain. Makoto?”
Nodding, Makoto began “So while your mother was eating lunch, I was cleaning the bathrooms. I
was just finishing up mopping the boys’ bathroom on the second floor when…”
XXX
February 13, 2015
“…There!” Makoto wiped his brow as he finished mopping up the floor. “I’ve washed the sinks,
cleaned the toilets, and mopped the floors for the bathrooms in the dorms, the first floor, and the
second floor. That’s three down, three more to go.” Makoto sighed in exhaustion as he remarked
“Boy am I tired though. I’ll just…put this mop back…and rest…for a minute.”
After placing the mop back in the storage closet, Makoto sighed, resting his hand on the tiled wall
as he leaned against it for support. Before he could rest though, he stumbled as the wall gave way,
spinning as Makoto stumbled inside with a yelp.
“Oww…” He moaned, his knees aching as he stood up, wondering “What the…did that wall
just…Whoa!” Makoto’s eyes widened as he stood up, taking in the dull, gray room with a single
desk in the middle and a packed bookshelf on the far side as he wondered “What the…a secret
room? Kyoko would probably have a field day with a discovery like this…”
Curious, Makoto made his way to the bookshelf, walking over and picking out a random book.
Makoto coughed as a cloud of dust jumped out at him, tickling his throat.
“Man, how long has it been since someone’s been in here? The bookshelf is totally dusty!” Once
he stopped coughing, Makoto turned the book to the front cover and read “Hope’s Peak Class 77th
Student Registry…” Makoto’s eyes widened as he realized “Wait a second…this is a storage room
for student profiles of past classes!” Unable to resist, he opened the cover and recognized “Hey!
That’s Chiaki! Date of Birth…Height…Weight…Chest Size?!”
Deciding that he was now reading details that he had no right to know, Makoto slammed the book
shut and placed it back on the bookshelf, his action jostling little clouds of dust into the air.
“Man, this place really needs a good dusting…maybe there’s a feather duster in here; I was put on
cleaning duty after all…”
He made his way over to the desk and opened the drawer, coughing as another cloud of dust
jumped out at him and got into his lungs.
“Man, even the desk is dusty!” Once he finished coughing, he sifted through the drawer and
mumbled “Pens, no. USB cables, no. Ah, here we are, feather duster!” Pulling it out triumphantly
like he had just gotten the Master Sword, he decided “Alright, let’s start with this desk…thankfully
there’s just it and the bookshelf…though it couldn’t hurt to give the walls a little dusting too, to get
rid of the cobwebs…”
XXX
Makoto yelped as he was pulled out the door of the bathroom by his wrist.
“L…Leon? What are you…”
“Dude, we’ve been looking all over for you! We gotta go or you’re gonna be late for your special
day!”
Even more confused, Makoto asked “What do you mean “my special day”? My birthday was over
a week ago!”
Leon pulled him over to a more spacious part of the hallway. Finally reorienting himself, he
looked around to see Byakuya, Hiro, Chihiro, Mondo, Taka, and Hifumi standing in a semi-circle.
The Ultimate Clairvoyant shook his head and corrected “Nah, man! This is even worse than
missing your birthday!”
“Quite, Mr. Naegi! It would indeed be Game Over for you if you were to miss this ceremony!”
“What ceremony? And why are you all wearing tuxedos?” Makoto asked as he took in the sight of
all his guy friends wearing tuxedos. Byakuya I get; his regular outfit isn’t that far off from a tux,
but everyone else?
“The question is, why aren’t you wearing one, Professor?” Taka pointed at him as he nearly
screeched “That hoodie may indeed be stylish, but it’s completely unacceptable for this
environment!”
“What environment? What’s going on?!”
Taka continued as though he didn’t even hear Makoto’s interruption “Take off that incredibly
stylish hoodie this instant!”
Mondo nodded “For once, I agree with Bro. Even I know that it’s bad manners to wear something
so casual to the most important day of your life.”
“Luckily for you commoners, I have a spare tuxedo in my room that’s in Makoto’s size. Ishimaru,
Owada, carry him and follow me so we can trade out Makoto’s distasteful wardrobe.”
“YAY!” Chihiro cheered as Mondo and Taka each grabbed Makoto by the underarm, lifting him
up into the air as Makoto kicked helplessly, being carried by Mondo and Taka as they followed
Byakuya, Leon, Chihiro, Hifumi, and Hiro forming an entourage behind them as they made their
way to the dorms.
“HEY, LET ME GO!!!”
XXX
“Okay, you guys got me into a tux…now can you please tell me where we’re going and why?”
Leon looked to him as he continued to drag Makoto by the wrist up the stairs, explaining “We’re
going to the music hall! It’s the best place in the school for your wedding!”
Makoto’s eyes bulged out of their sockets as he stammered “W…WE…WEDDING?!”
Byakuya sighed and told him “Open those ears of yours, you simpleton. We’re going to the music
hall so you can get married, hence the tuxedo.”
“M…M…MA…MARRIED?! BUT THERE’S GOTTA BE SOME KIND OF MISTAKE! I’M

BARELY OLD ENOUGH TO GET MARRIED! I’M NOT EVEN ENGAGED YET! AND WE
DON’T EVEN HAVE SOMEONE TO LEGALLY OFFICIATE…”
Leon flashed him an easygoing grin as he assured him “Dude, relax! Kizakura-sensei called in an
old Hope’s Peak Graduate, the Ultimate Priest, to officiate.”
Makoto gaped as he exclaimed “Our TEACHER’S in on this?”
Byakuya nodded “Quite, now let’s go, unless you want to keep Kirigiri waiting at the altar.”
What the…Kyoko’s in on this too? Something must be wrong, she’s not the type of girl who’d jump
into marriage after just three months of dating! Sex was one thing, and I love her, but isn’t this
moving a little fast?!
XXX
As Makoto and the others entered the music hall, Makoto spotted Sayaka in a formal white dress
playing the piano on the stage, an American cathedral tune playing in the background. Standing
next to her was a young man dressed in a formal black suit and white dress shirt.
Guess that must be the Ultimate Priest Leon was mentioning…
Makoto looked around, seeing the rest of his female classmates except for Kyoko, and even his
teacher sitting in the rows of chairs.
KIZAKURA-SENSEI?! Is everybody but ME in on this? Makoto wondered as Koichi raised his

flask to him in a toast before drinking from it.
As he was walked down the aisle, he spotted a strangely relaxed Juzo Sakakura. Makoto sent him
a pleading stare, only to become disheartened as the Security Guard merely grinned in amusement,
making it clear that he was having too much fun watching to save Makoto from his fate. Seeing
that there was no way out of this matrimonial nightmare for him, Makoto gulped in anxiety as he
was led onstage.
*Boom*
Makoto jumped as the doors swung open, revealing a beautiful, lavender-haired woman whose
face was obscured by a white veil, wearing a traditional white American wedding dress. Standing
by her side was the Headmaster, Jin Kirigiri, who was looking at the young woman fondly as he
linked elbows with her, walking her down the aisle. It wasn’t until they arrived next to him and the
young woman unlinked her elbow before circling around in front of him that he saw the soft violet
eyes and the blushing smile beneath the veil.
Ky…Kyou…KYOKO?!?!?!
Makoto looked to the Headmaster, who only smiled at them with a strange mixture of love and
pride before walking over to take his seat next to Koichi.
Okay, the surprise wedding was strange enough, but Kyoko letting her Dad walk her down the
aisle? There’s no way she’d be comfortable enough yet to let him do that! Their relationship
hasn’t mended enough yet! Something’s seriously wrong here!
The Ultimate Priest coughed, letting Sayaka know to stop playing. After the Ultimate Pop
Sensation hurried back to her seat with Leon, the Ultimate Priest began to recite his lines.
“Kyoko!” Makoto hissed under his breath. “Don’t you think there’s something seriously wrong
here?”
Kyoko giggled and replied “What’s wrong? We’re getting married, sweetie!”
S…SWEETIE?! His face cherry red at the cutesy pet name, making Kyoko stare at him and giggle.
“You want to marry me too, right sweetie?” Kyoko cooed.
How do I even respond to that?! Clearing his throat, Makoto forced himself to continue
“Kyoko…honey…” I can’t believe I’m actually calling her that… “Don’t you think this is
moving a little fast? We’re still in high school, and we’ve only been dating for three months!”
“We’re old enough to get married, and I can’t imagine loving anyone else like I do you…”
Makoto couldn’t help the *thump thump* in his ribcage as he processed Kyoko’s expression of
love.
Shaking his urge to just go along with it from his mind, he pressed “Kyoko! Something’s seriously
wrong here! Even if all of our friends planned this, I doubt your Dad would want you to get
married before you even finished High School! And your Grandfather! We haven’t even told him
we’re dating yet! If he finds out we got married…”
“My Dad’s only wish is to make me happy and fulfill my dreams. And the dream that would make
me the happiest that I’ve wanted for so long…is to spend the rest of my life with you, as Mrs.
Kyoko Naegi!”
“K…Kyoko…”
“And as for my Grandfather…” Makoto’s eyes widened as as she leaned close, a teasing smile on
her face as she finished “…Fuck what he thinks. He’s made my life a living hell and I won’t let his
Kirigiri traditions keep us apart, my little Koto!”
K…KOTO?!
If Makoto had anything else to say, it was interrupted as the Ultimate Priest declared “It’s now time
for the bride and groom to recite their vows. Miss Kirigiri…”
Nodding, Kyoko looked at Makoto with a bashful, loving smile as she began “Makoto Naegi…we
entered this school as classmates, and ever since you saved my life, you have become my closest
confidant. Then, although I didn’t realize it at the time, I began to fall in love with you.”
Makoto felt his heart rate spike as she continued “Over the past three months, you’ve made me feel
like I was worthy of being loved, you gave me a family again when you invited me to stay with
you for Christmas, and even though our courtship has only been three months, it’s long enough to
know that I don’t ever want to be without you. I vow to be a kind, understanding, and loving wife
to you, Makoto Naegi!”
“K…Kyoko…” Makoto uttered, truly touched by her vows, the genuine emotion behind them
making him temporarily forget that something was seriously wrong here.
He was then brought back to reality as the Ultimate Priest turned to him and asked “Mr. Naegi…”
Makoto froze up, panicking What do I say? What do I do? I wasn’t planning on getting married
today! Hell, I never even gave marriage a thought!
Seeing how panicked he was, Kyoko took pity and turned to the Ultimate Priest with a smile on her
face and suggested “…Why don’t we skip that for now and we can finish the vows later in
private?”
Nodding, the Ultimate Priest moved on “Kyoko Kirigiri, do you take Makoto Naegi to be your
lawfully wedded husband, in sickness and in health, ‘till death do you part?”
Kyoko shed a single tear of joy as her lip quivered, clutching the bouquet in her hands tighter in her
grasp as she cried “…I do…”
Makoto gasped in shock and awe as his eyes became watery, the madly in love part of him touched
by Kyoko’s promise before the Ultimate Priest turned to him and asked “Makoto Naegi, do you
take Kyoko Kirigiri to be your lawfully wedded wife, in sickness and in health, ‘till death do you
part?”
“I…I…” Makoto panicked, struck with indecision as he panicked What do I say?! Am I really
gonna agree…to get married?! I mean…I love Kyoko…but are we really ready to tie the knot?
She looked…SO happy…but is that really how she feels about it?
As Makoto continued to stammer, Kyoko frowned and asked “Makoto? What’s wrong, sweetie?
You want to marry me, right?”
*Boom* *Hiss*
Everyone coughed as some kind of grayish gas flooded the room, everyone inhaling it as whatever
had covered the music hall started to settle, dissipating as the coughing in the room started to quiet
down.
Once he stopped coughing and Kyoko became visible again, Makoto asked “Ano…Kyoko…are
you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine Makoto…” Finally getting a good look at him, she cocked her head in confusion,
asking “Makoto…why are you wearing a tuxedo?” Looking out to the crowd of students who were
now scratching their heads in confusion, she asked “For that matter, why are all the males in our
class along with the Headmaster and our teacher wearing tuxes?”
So I was right, she wasn’t in her right mind… Makoto tried to reply “Ano…it’s a funny story
actually…”
Her brow furrowing in confusion she looked down at her own body, causing her eyes to widen as
she felt the wedding dress hugging her curves as she screeched “WHAT THE HELL AM I
WEARING?!”
“Ano…Miss Kirigiri…are you and Mr. Naegi ready to continue with your wedding vows?” The
Ultimate Priest asked, causing Kyoko to freeze in place.
WEDDING?! I was about…to MARRY MAKOTO?!
Seeing her panicked state, Makoto tried to calm her down “Wait, Kyoko…I can explain!”
Actually…I really can’t… he thought, though he kept that to himself as he saw her panicked eyes
start to water.
As he laid his hand on her shoulder in a gesture of comfort, the Ultimate Detective felt herself
overcome with emotion; she slapped his hand away and screeched “LEAVE ME ALONE!” before
dashing out of the music hall, leaving him at the altar.
“Kyoko! Wait, come back! Let’s talk about this…” Makoto cried in vain, as her fleeting
footsteps were getting fainter and fainter, leaving everyone else confused as they were trying to
process what the hell happened.
“Hey, Hey.” Everyone turned to see Chiaki Nanami standing inside the entrance, a slightly
concerned expression on her face.
Chisa then walked in behind her and asked “Is everyone okay?”
Finally having gotten a hold of his bearings, Jin walked up to them and replied “I think we’re all a
little woozy, but I think we’ll be okay. Any chance either of you know what happened to us?”
Chiaki nodded and explained “I was taking inventory today and I saw that a vial had gone missing
from Seiko Kimura’s former laboratory. So I asked Yukizome-sensei for help, and she was able to
pull up the inventory list and she told me that it was for a hypnosis potion that would make its
victims want to plan out a wedding.”
That’s…oddly specific… Makoto deadpanned before Chisa took over.
“So we were hypnotized into trying to throw a wedding for Makoto and Kyoko?” Hina asked.
“Holy matrimony is unacceptable in a school environment!” Taka roared.
Mondo nodded in agreement and commented “I bet it was fucking Junko who did it.”
Ignoring Junko’s glare, Taka mused “Hmm…she did pull those pranks that almost killed half of
us. It wouldn’t be out of the question if she planned this as some kind of elaborate prank.”
Junko placed her hands on her hips and finally complained “Oh come on! I was hypnotized too,
you know! Just because I pulled those pranks on you guys last fall, that automatically makes me a
prime suspect every time someone pulls some shit?”
“YES!” was the nearly unanimous reply of everyone one of her classmates; only Mukuro, Makoto,
and Chihiro held their tongues.
Trying to get back on track to the discussion at hand, Jin interrupted “We’ll investigate who the
culprit was and determine fact from rumor.” Turning back to Chiaki and Chisa, the Headmaster
asked “Would you please continue?”
Nodding, Chisa explained “Luckily, we were able to locate the antidote and Chiaki here was able
to find you guys.”
Nodding, Chiaki explained “Once I heard there was going to be a wedding at the music hall, my
experiences playing Detective games allowed me to deduce that its participants were the ones
afflicted by the potion.”
They must have been hypnotized when I stumbled into the secret room in the 2nd floor boys’
bathroom while I was cleaning…
“Once we found you, I was able to spread the antidote gas into the music hall and cure your
hypnosis. You guys should all be back to normal…I think…”
Now’s not really a good time for your catchphrase, Chiaki… Makoto sweatdropped.
“Well, actually…” Everyone looked at Juzo as he revealed “I wasn’t anywhere near that gas. I
just heard there was a wedding going on and I was bored, so I decided to come and watch.”
Glaring, Jin asked sternly “Sakakura, don’t you have patrols to do?”
“Yeah, yeah, I’m going…” Juzo mumbled as he walked out, everyone sweatdropping.
Jin sighed, then smiled appreciatively at Chiaki and Chisa and thanked “Well, thank you for
bringing us back to our senses, you two.” Looking around at his students, he decided “I think we
should all head back to our rooms; we’ve all probably had enough excitement for one day.”
Turning to the Ultimate Priest, he announced “Shinko Shinsei, your services are no longer
required.”
With that, everyone started to file out, Makoto noticing a slightly jealous look on Chisa’s face as
she left with Chiaki. Too emotionally exhausted to contemplate on the reason for it though, he
forced himself to walk out with everyone, until he found himself stopped by Koichi, the teacher’s
wry smile somehow comforting.
“Hey, kid. Don’t worry about Kyoko, alright? She probably just needs some time to herself. You
look like you could use some time to collect your thoughts too.”
Makoto nodded before realizing “But I still have to…”
Jin smiled sympathetically at Makoto and told him “If it’s about the rest of your assigned cleaning,
I think it can wait. I’ll just have one of our staff take over. You go and relax in your room,
alright?”
“Yes, sir.” A few stray tears falling from his face, Makoto apologized “I’m sorry I made your
daughter so upset, sir…” before silently storming back to his room, leaving the Headmaster behind
with a concerned look on his face.
XXX
Present Day
“But why, Mommy? Why did you just leave Daddy at the altar like that?”
Kyoko sighed, wrapping her arms around Kiki and holding her close as she explained “Kiki…
although I was coming a long way with your Father’s help…I still wasn’t the best at dealing with
my emotions. And after I was back in my right state of mind and realized I was about to marry
your Father…I felt so many conflicting emotions that I panicked and ran off.”
She turned to glance at Makoto, tears in her eyes before continuing “But if there’s one thing I’ll
never forgive myself for, it’s acting like a child and running away from your Father. I hurt his
feelings, Kiki, and that’s a stain on my conscience I have to live with…and unfortunately it’s not
the only one…”
“Kyoko…” Makoto leaned over to embrace his wife and daughter, cooing “Honey…we were all
confused and upset that day…and yes, I might have been upset in the moment…but it’s all water
under the bridge for now, okay Honey?”
Sniffling, Kyoko wiped her eyes and replied “…Thanks, Sweetie. Kiki, you know Mommy loves
Daddy, right? You know that Mommy wouldn’t do that now, right?”
Nodding, Kiki confirmed “Of course, Mommy! I won’t get angry for mistakes you made in the
past!” Feeling Kyoko squeeze them both tightly, Kiki asked “So…can we continue with the
story?”
As Kyoko released them both, Makoto looked to the clock and shook his head, denying “It’s past
your bedtime, pumpkin. We’ll tell you the rest of this part of our story tomorrow, okay?”
Kiki crossed her arms over her chest and pouted “…Stupid cliffhangers…”
After twin kisses from her parents, Kiki’s pout dissolved into a small smile, the young girl letting
her arms fall to her sides as she wiggled under the blankets. As her parents tucked her in and bid
her good night, she felt sleep overtake her, her eyes falling shut as she snored, her mind resting in
preparation for the second half of this particular chapter in her parent’s lives.
Love Arc Chapter Thirty-Two: A Heart-to-Heart!
Chapter Summary
As Makoto wallows in despair, thinking that he's lost his relationship with Kyoko after
the wedding incident, she shows up at his door and asks to talk with him. Is their
relationship doomed, or can he salvage it from the ashes?
Present Day
“So what happened next Daddy? Mommy? Did you guys end up talking about the wedding?”
Nodding, Makoto began “Yes, but it wasn’t exactly easy for either of us. You see…we had both
gone to our rooms to try to calm down. But in my case, I was anything but calm. Being left at the
altar like that allowed my insecurities about your Mother’s love to fester until…”
XXX
February 13, 2015
Makoto sobbed into his pillow, not even bothering to change out of his tuxedo before succumbing
to the guilt and sorrow that had festered in his heart.
“…Kyoko hates me! She didn’t even want to look at me when she snapped out of it! Dammit, I
should have tried harder to get away and stop that sham wedding! Instead, I just made her feel
embarrassed…she’ll never want to go out with me ever again, let alone…” *sob*
*Ding Dong*
“Huh?” Makoto got up from his prone position and looked over to the door, frowning as he
wondered “Who could possibly be looking for me right now? I just wanna be left alone
anyway…”
*Ding Dong*
Makoto sighed and wiped his tears on his wrist, mumbling “Let’s just get this over with, whoever
it is…”
He slowly walked over to his door, opening it until his eyes widened at the sight of who was on the
other side. Though her veil had been removed, Kyoko Kirigiri stood in front of him, still dressed
in her white wedding dress.
Her hardened eyes softened at the traces of sadness in his expression before she asked “Makoto…
may I come in?”
…Here it comes; she’s come by to break things off between us…well, it was nice while it lasted.
Might as well bite the bullet now…
Makoto meekly nodded, opening the door and allowing Kyoko to hike up her dress and walk
inside. She proceeded to sit on his bed and pat the spot next to her, silently asking him to sit beside
her. Taking a deep breath, Makoto obeyed, sitting next to her and gripping his thighs with his
hands anxiously. Taking pity on him and swallowing her own unease, Kyoko placed a hand on his
back, nearly making Makoto jump in place as he tried to process the fact that Kyoko was still being
gentle with him.
“Makoto…would you mind explaining to me what happened while I wasn’t in my normal state of
mind? I apologize for running off on you like I did, and it was wrong of me to slap your hand
away like that, but I was…” Kyoko blushed as she finished “…embarrassed at the turn of events
that I had no recollection of.”
Makoto hesitated, only to relax slightly as she threaded their fingers together, feeling her bare skin
on his own as she had discarded her gloves in a show of good faith. Feeling slightly assured that
things were going to turn out okay, Makoto nodded and took a deep breath before telling Kyoko
everything.
XXX
“I see…so we inhaled a gas that hypnotized us into throwing a wedding for the two of us, which
you were unaffected by because you stumbled into a secret room while you were cleaning the
boys’ bathroom on the second floor…” Kyoko remarked “That must have been the odor Leon
smelled when we were having lunch in the Dining Hall…”
Seeing his curious stare, she assured him it wasn’t important and continued.
“Once you got out, you were forcibly dragged to the music hall where my Father walked me down
the aisle and we proceeded with the wedding ceremony before Chiaki cured us with Seiko
Kimura’s antidote…am I wrong?”
“N…no…that’s the gist of it…”
Kyoko closed her eyes and chuckled, opening her eyes as she smiled in amusement and fidgeted
with a layer of her wedding dress.
“You know…I never thought I’d be getting married so young…even if the wedding was a sham…
and I never thought I’d find someone I’d want to marry.”
Huh? Is she saying…
Kyoko turned to look at him, threading their fingers together as she explained “I’m starting to
remember the things I said when I was still under hypnosis. And although some of the things I
said were exaggerated…” Kyoko’s cheeks tinged red with shame as she recalled cursing her
Grandfather before continuing “…none of them were untrue…”
Gasping, Makoto couldn’t help but ask “So then…you really wanted to…”
Kyoko smiled bashfully and elaborated “While I still can’t say if I’m ready to get married…I can
say that if I ever did get married…I can’t imagine anyone else I’d be married to than you,
Makoto.”
“Kyoko…” Overcome with joy at her confession, he let go of her hands only to tackle her in a hug,
making her gasp in shock before she smiled lovingly, returning his embrace as she rubbed her hand
up and down his back, the two enjoying the romantic moment together.
Once they released each other, Kyoko looked down at her dress and remarked “Though if we ever
do get married…I’m never wearing a dress so frilly ever again.”
Makoto chuckled “Yeah…I figured the traditional American white wedding dress might not be
your style…”
Kyoko smiled at him, placing a hand on his chest before teasing “Although…you looked rather
handsome in your tuxedo if I don’t say so myself.” Makoto blushed and gave a bashful smile,
making Kyoko giggle before asking “Now that you know my feelings on the subject…it’s time to
hear yours. I know things were rushed and you never got a chance to process it before the
ceremony…but Makoto…what are your feelings on getting married?”
Makoto froze, paling as he stammered “M…Mine?”
Nodding, Kyoko urged soothingly “Tell me how you feel, Makoto…”
Taking a deep breath, Makoto searched his soul and answered “I…never put any thought into
getting married. For years, I thought I’d never get a girlfriend…even during the three months
we’ve dated, marriage wasn’t anywhere on my radar. Part of me…still thinks that this entire
relationship is one amazing dream my mind has concocted, and I’m scared to wake up and find out
it was just a big dream!”
“Makoto…” Kyoko uttered, realizing that for all the progress he had made with his insecurities,
Makoto still had a long way to go.
“So I put all my efforts into being a good boyfriend to you, so that it wouldn’t be some dream!”
“You have been a good boyfriend…” Kyoko interrupted soothingly “You’ve been the best
boyfriend anyone could ask for, Makoto.”
Makoto smiled at her before nodding and continuing “Once I was confronted with the possibility of
marrying you…I froze; I didn’t know what to do. Part of me wanted to run away and try to process
what the hell was going on. But another part of me…the part that would do anything to make you
happy…saw how joyful you were under the potion’s influence…when you were about to marry
me.”
I was joyful… Kyoko admitted to herself, recalling how much she smiled and cried tears of joy
during her sham wedding.
“That part of me…even though I wasn’t ready to do it for me…was screaming at me to say yes and
marry you…because it would have made you happy…”
“Makoto…” Kyoko beamed, confessing “I don’t think either of us are ready right now to get
married…but just the thought that you would do so to make me happy…makes me happier than I
could ever put into words…”
“Kyoko…”
Kyoko smiled and offered “Let’s…not worry about marriage right now…let’s just focus on being
the best boyfriend and girlfriend we can be to each other for now…deal?”
Makoto nodded “Yeah, deal…” He raised his right pinky in front of her and offered “…pinky
swear?”
Kyoko couldn’t help but giggle at the childish gesture her now adult boyfriend was offering, the
girl nodding as she wrapped her own pinky around his own and agreeing “…Pinky swear.”
They held the gesture for a minute, neither one wanting to separate, until finally they broke it off
simultaneously. It was then that Kyoko noticed the residue of tears on his cheeks. Frowning, she
reached up to cradle his face in her palms, using her thumbs to wipe the remains of his tears away.
“You were…crying?”
Blushing, Makoto answered “…It’s silly of me…but I thought you were mad at me after the
wedding incident…and I kinda thought…you were gonna…break up with me…”
Kyoko’s frown intensified as she leaned forward and pressed her lips to his own in a soft,
reassuring kiss, stroking his cheeks with her thumbs in a gesture of comfort. Makoto surrendered,
allowing her love to wipe away his shame and guilt from earlier.
As she broke away, Kyoko apologized “…I’m sorry…I let my emotions get the better of me…I
yelled at you…I hit you…I ran away from you…and I made you cry…You deserve better from
your girlfriend than that, Makoto. I swear I’ll make it up to you…”
“Kyoko…” Makoto pleaded “You don’t have to do that; it wasn’t your fault, and I overreacted!”
Shaking her head, Kyoko insisted “I still allowed you to think I was breaking up with you…so I’ll
make it up to you tomorrow…” Kyoko smiled at him as she explained “Tomorrow’s Valentine’s
Day, and I still have to make your chocolates for the special day. I promise, I’ll make you an
extra-large batch tonight to give you tomorrow.”
“Kyoko! You don’t have to…”
Kyoko held a finger to his lips as she assured him “I want to, Makoto. I want to make it up to you,
alright?” Seeing he wasn’t going to dissuade her, he nodded, allowing her to get up off his bed as
she decided “In that case, I’ll leave you alone; I’m sure you’re exhausted from today, so I’d
recommend turning in early.”
Nodding, Makoto smiled at his girlfriend and told her “Alright, I’ll crawl into bed soon…good
night Kyoko…I love you.”
Smiling lovingly at him as she walked over and opened the door, she called back “I love you too!”
before quietly closing the door behind her and leaving Makoto alone with his thoughts.
XXX
Kyoko hummed as she mixed the batter, now dressed in her nightgown as she prepared her
Valentine’s Day present for Makoto. Sayaka stood behind her, supervising as previously agreed to
before the wedding episode.
“I’m kinda surprised you still wanted to do this…” Sayaka interjected “After almost getting
married, I wouldn’t have blamed you if you thought you needed some time to yourself.”
Kyoko smiled as she admitted “…It was…embarrassing…but Makoto and I talked things out. And
this is kind of a Valentine’s Day tradition; as his girlfriend, it would be immature of me to not
follow through just because I was embarrassed. And it’s not like he planned the whole thing, so
there’s no reason for me to be upset with him about it.”
Sayaka smiled and commented “You’re really mature about this, Kyoko…more than I honestly
am.” Sayaka giggled and admitted “Sometimes when Leon and I have a fight, I won’t talk to him
for several days to make him think about what he’s done, even when I’m the one at fault.”
“…Guess we all deal with these things differently…”
Sayaka nodded, the conversation coming to an end as she continued to watch Kyoko make her two
batches of chocolate for her boyfriend.
Makoto…I’m sorry I ran off like that and made you think I was breaking up with you. I can’t take
back what I said and what I did…but hopefully these chocolates will be a good start of a proper
apology…
XXX
Present Day
“Wait, WHY didn’t you guys just go through with the wedding?! You two were PERFECT for
each other!”
Makoto shook his head, amused before he told his daughter “Kiki…we were very much in love
with each other, that much is true. But…we still weren’t ready to get married. We were still in
school, we hadn’t even moved out together, we had only been dating for three months, and we
were barely old enough to get married anyway.”
Kyoko nodded in agreement and revealed “Kiki, you’ll understand more when you’re older…but
marriage is a commitment. Even for couples who love each other as much as your Father and I do,
it takes a lot of hard work and compromises, and it’s not always pretty.”
“It’s not?”
Shaking her head, Kyoko answered “Not all marriages last, Kiki; in fact, a lot of them fail because
the people who entered them realized too late that they didn’t love each other like they thought
they did. We didn’t want that to happen to us, and three months of dating just wasn’t enough time
to come to a good judgment on the matter. No matter how much we loved each other, we just
weren’t ready.”
Kiki slowly nodded “…Okay…I think I understand…”
Kyoko smiled and ruffled Kiki’s hair, replying “That’s my girl. Alright, time for bed, kiddo.”
“…Okay…” Kiki mumbled as her parents began to tuck her in.
After kissing her cheeks, Makoto and Kyoko cooed “Good night, Kiki. We love you.”
As their daughter fell into slumber, Makoto and Kyoko smiled at each other. Once her snores
reverberated in the room, Makoto and Kyoko quietly tiptoed outside, Makoto closing the door
behind him as they went to retire to their own room.
XXX
Makoto and Kyoko sat on their bed, looking on Makoto’s phone of the various pictures Mahiru
took at their wedding.
“We had to wait a little while…but I’d say the wait was worth one of the happiest days of my life.”
Makoto commented as he admired the current photo of the two dancing at their wedding reception.
Kyoko nodded, agreeing “We weren’t ready back then…but after we got officially engaged, I was
ready to face the world with you. And now look at us…we’re living in my Grandfather’s old
mansion, with a beautiful little girl who loves us as much as we love her.”
Makoto plugged his phone back into the charger at their bed side before snuggling against his wife,
laying his hand against her as it trailed from her neck down to the center of her belly, letting it rest
against her womb as he finished “And hopefully, we’ll have more wonderful children just like
Kiki.”
Kyoko giggled, slapping his hand away as she teased back “That will depend entirely on your
luck!”
Makoto laughed as he decided “…Maybe another night, we can try again. For now though…”
Makoto yawned and decided “Let’s go to sleep; I’m too tired for anything else.”
Kyoko nodded, resting her head against his chest and cooing “Good night, Makoto…I love you…”
Placing a kiss against her head, Makoto returned “I love you too…” before both of them were
dragged into slumber, their dreams filled with the fond memories of their actual wedding as they
danced together in bliss.
Love Arc Chapter Thirty-Three: Chiaki’s Cry for Help?
Chapter Summary
On her way to a date with Makoto, Kyoko runs into Chiaki who pleads with her to
investigate Hajime Hinata's disappearance. Will Kyoko take on the case?
Chapter Notes
This chapter is the result of an ask sent by NotanFicNet. Please read and review, and
enjoy!
Present Day
“So what happened once Valentine’s Day hit? Did you give those chocolates to Daddy?”
Makoto grinned, nodding as he answered for her “She did, and they were some of the best tasting
chocolates I ever had!” Kyoko blushed at the compliment before Makoto continued “After dinner,
instead of going on a romantic date, since the memory of our almost wedding was still fresh in our
minds, we…”
XXX
February 14, 2015
“AND THE WINNER IS…SAMUS!”
Kyoko smirked as Makoto groaned, both of them dressed in their pajamas as they sat in front of
Makoto’s TV.
“Man…” Makoto whined as he threw his controller on the floor “You’re just too good with
Samus! I really should just have her banned from our games.”
Kyoko grinned and teased “If you’re upset about losing, then I’d suggest improving your
proficiency with the character you already play as so I don’t win by five-to-one margins.”
“Yeah yeah…” Makoto grumbled as he reached into the bag of chocolates Kyoko gave him,
popping one into his mouth as he mumbled “I need a pick-me-up…”
Kyoko frowned as she warned him “I’m glad you like your chocolates so much, but maybe you
should slow down. You’ve already eaten half the beg. If you keep eating, you’ll get a bellyache.”
Makoto waved her off “You’re worrying too much, I’m not gonna feel…” Makoto suddenly
clutched his stuffed stomach as he groaned “…sick…”
Kyoko sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose, muttering “…I told you so…” Standing up
and helping him to his feet, she urged “Come on, let’s get you to bed.”
As she forced him to lie on his back, Makoto blushed as he asked uncertainly “Ano…are you sure
having a slumber party is a good idea? What if the others find out? Taka would have our
heads…”
Makoto imagined Taka yelling “It is a problem! A boy and a girl spending the night together?
It’s…it’s…UNWHOLESOME!”
Kyoko rolled her eyes and assured him “He’s not going to find out; I’ll be going back to my room
before anyone else wakes up, and what he doesn’t know won’t hurt him. Now, take off your
shirt.”
Makoto blushed as he started flashing back to their passionate evening on his birthday, the boy
stammering “Wait…are we…so soon…”
Kyoko sighed and scolded “Get your head out of the gutter, Makoto. I’m just going to soothe your
aching tummy. Now, shirt off.”
Still blushing slightly, Makoto nodded, pulling his T-shirt off his head and lying backwards as he
threw it on the floor. Kyoko removed a single glove before laying to the side of him on the bed,
reaching down until her pointer finger was tracing circles around his belly, making Makoto moan
in relaxed pleasure.
“Ohh…Kyoko…that feels so goooddddd…”
Smiling at his content expression, Kyoko continued to rub his tummy, relieving him of his self-
inflicted aches as he relaxed against her touch.
*Snore*
Suddenly pausing, Kyoko looked up to see Makoto’s eyes closed, his smile still plastered on his
face as he snored.
…He fell asleep…
Sighing, she smiled softly as she got up and went around the room, turning off the lights and the
TV before getting back onto the bed, grabbing the blankets with one hand and throwing them over
their bodies. She then took off her remaining glove, letting it fall to the floor before snuggling up
to him, wrapping her right arm around his back and resting her head against his chest so she could
hear his heartbeat, her left hand dropping to trace lazy patterns against his belly.
“…Happy Valentine’s Day, Makoto…I love you…”
Makoto’s arms reflexively wrapped themselves around Kyoko’s frame, holding her close as he
sniffed her hair in his sleep. The boy mumbled sleepily before trailing off, sleep capturing the
Detective not long afterwards as she was wrapped in her Luckster’s warm and comforting embrace,
the *thump thump* of his heart serving as a lullaby to hasten her dreams.
XXX
Present Day
“Aww…” Kiki gushed “You guys FINALLY slept next to each other!”
Shaking his head, Makoto corrected her “Actually…it was just because it was Valentine’s Day and
your Mother proposed a slumber party. We wouldn’t sleep together regularly for some time.”
Kiki pouted and blew a raspberry, making Kyoko giggle before Kiki shrugged in consolation “Oh
well, at least you got a belly rub from her, Daddy.”
Makoto blushed as Kiki and Kyoko giggled before the Naegi Patriarch coughed into his fist and
interrupted “Let’s move on…Kyoko, I believe you know the next part?”
Her giggles trailing off, Kyoko nodded and recalled “Let’s see…it was a few days later and I was
on my way to meet your Father for a date. I was walking through the courtyard when…”
XXX
February 18, 2015
Kyoko walked through the courtyard, the target of the glares of many Reserve Course students.
Putting on her stoic mask, she ignored them all and continued walking, though deep down she was
worried, not for herself, but for Makoto, whose dorm she was going to in order to play Pokémon on
one of their dates.
Relations between the Main and Reserve Course students seem to have gotten more and more
volatile despite Nanami-senpai and Makoto’s efforts…it might be wise for me to tell him not to go
out into the open without a partner…
*Beep Beep*
“Hm?”
Kyoko turned, seeing the Ultimate Gamer sitting on a bench in front of the water fountain, playing
her Game Boy Advance as though she was completely unaware of the intense stares from the
Reserve Course students.
Maybe she isn’t aware, with all her attention on that game of hers…
“Good afternoon, Kirigiri-chan.”
…I stand corrected… Kyoko coughed into her fist and returned “Good afternoon, Nanami-
senpai.” Looking around at the still glaring Reserve Course students, Kyoko advised “Perhaps it
might not be wise to stay here by yourself. The Reserve…”
“The Reserve Course students? I’m not frightened, and I won’t be alone. Hajime should be
coming.”
“Hinata-kun? Did he finally return to…?”
Chiaki shook her head and replied “Not yet…but this could be the day that he finally shows up to
play again…I think…”
…She’s persistent, I’ll give her that… Kyoko sighed and, against her better judgment, replied “…
If you say so…I’m going to go meet my boyfriend for a date. Goodbye…”
*Click*
“Wait…” Kyoko turned to face Chiaki, who had just turned her Game Boy off, surprising Kyoko
as Chiaki patted the seat next to her and told her “I need to talk to you…come, sit…”
…She’s almost always buried in one of her video games…to have turned it off now…she must be
extremely serious right now…
Nodding, Kyoko took her seat and asked “…What can I help you with, Nanami-senpai?”
Biting her lip, Chiaki hesitated before answering “…I’d like to purchase your services, Kirigiri-
chan.”
“My…services?” Kyoko wondered what she was talking about, thinking The only service I can
provide is as a Detective…wait…is she…
Chiaki nodded and confirmed “There’s something I’d like you to investigate on my behalf. I’m
okay at Detective games, but this is too important for me to try and tackle by myself. I need a
professional Detective.”
Now intrigued, Kyoko nodded “I’m listening…what is it you need me to investigate?”
“…It’s Hajime…” Seeing Kyoko’s surprised expression, Chiaki admitted while gripping her
Game Boy tighter “…It’s been a year today since I last saw him. My Intelligence and Wisdom
stats aren’t in the negative; I know deep down that he’s not coming back, but I’ve been telling
myself that he would if I just kept waiting for him…because it’s all I can do…”
Feeling a twinge of sympathy for Chiaki, Kyoko pressed “I see…but if you know he’s not coming
back, then why do you need me to investigate him?”
“…Because he never told me that he was leaving. One day we were playing games together by
this very fountain, the next day he was just gone. He never texted me, never called me, he never
once gave any indication he was leaving or made any effort to say goodbye!”
Kyoko’s brow furrowed, concerned by Hajime’s abrupt disappearance.
Still…I’ve dealt with a number of cases revolving around deadbeat boyfriends…it’s possible that
he might have just gotten cold feet. Or perhaps he couldn’t afford the tuition any longer and was
too embarrassed to tell her… Looking to Chiaki, Kyoko asked “You said Hinata-kun was a
Reserve Course student, am I wrong?” Seeing Chiaki shake her head in confirmation, Kyoko
suggested “Is it possible that Hinata-kun couldn’t afford the exorbitant tuition fees and simply
dropped out? He might have been too embarrassed to tell you and decided dropping off the map
was a better alternative…”
“HE WOULDN’T!” Kyoko jumped in her seat as tears streamed down Chiaki’s face, the Ultimate
Gamer hanging her head and sobbing as she cried “Hajime wouldn’t do that! He was my first real
friend at this school, and we shared everything together! He wouldn’t just leave without telling
me! I just know…something terrible must have happened to him! I don’t have any proof, but I just
know it!”
“Nanami-senpai…” Kyoko was struck speechless as the normally calm girl was now openly
sobbing and refuting any suggestion that Hajime had simply left Hope’s Peak Academy of his own
accord.
“He…he always talked about how much he admired the Main Course…he never would have left
this school, even if he was a Reserve Course student. I think…I think someone must have preyed
on his desire to belong in the Main Course…to have a talent. But I need evidence so I can find
him!” Latching onto Kyoko’s lapels, she begged “PLEASE, Kirigiri-chan, investigate Hinata-
kun’s disappearance! I’ll pay you whatever you want, just please…help me find him!”
As Chiaki continued to sob, Kyoko began to empathize with the girl, realizing If it was Makoto
who was missing…I’d turn this entire school upside down to find him. How can I call myself a
Detective if I won’t help find the truth? Even if there’s a chance that he did drop out, it’s my duty
as a Detective to uncover the one, absolute truth! Besides, if Makoto were here, he’d be begging
me to help find him too…
Kyoko took Chiaki’s hands in her own, causing the Ultimate Gamer’s sobs to fade as she looked
helplessly into the Ultimate Detective’s violet orbs.
“I’ll help, senpai, free of charge. Now, can you tell me as much as you can about Hinata-kun?”
Chiaki beamed, nodding gratefully as she thanked “ARIGATO, KIRIGIRI-CHAN! Let’s see…he
has spiky brown hair with an ahoge, he’s 5 foot, eight inches…”
XXX
*Knock Knock*
“Come in!” a cheery voice rang from the other side before Kyoko slid the door open and walked
inside taking in the sight of Chisa Yukizome grading papers before she looked up with surprise at
the Ultimate Detective. “Oh, Kyoko! What can I do for you?” Chisa asked as Kyoko slid the door
closed and walked up to her desk.
“Yukizome-sensei, I’m working on a case, and I thought you could provide me with some insight
to aid in my investigation.”
Slightly confused, Chisa nodded “Well, I don’t know how much help I’ll be, but I’d be happy to
answer whatever I can. Now, what is it you need information on?”
Nodding, Kyoko stated plainly “I’m investigating the whereabouts of Hajime Hinata.”
Chisa went rigid for a split second, a fact that was not unnoticed by Kyoko’s trained Detective
eyes, before she relaxed again and asked “If you don’t mind me asking? Why are you
investigating Hajime?”
“…Nanami-senpai came to me today and told me that she hadn’t heard from him since before my
class enrolled here. She said she had a feeling that something terrible had happened to him and that
she needed my help to determine what happened to him. She also told me that you had spoken
with him a handful of times, so I determined that I should speak with you to get your perspective
on the matter.”
Chisa smiled sadly before she answered “Well, I wasn’t his teacher, but I did talk to him a handful
of times. I can’t say I really knew him that well, but I can say that he obviously suffered from self-
confidence issues because he didn’t possess a “Talent”.”
I see…he’s not that different from Makoto… Kyoko reflected, remembering all the times she had to
cheer her boyfriend up after he beat himself up over being average.
“The last time I saw him was after the death of another Reserve Course student, Natsumi
Kuzuryu…”
Kyoko’s eyes widened as she breathed “Kuzuryu? Any relation to…”
Chisa nodded solemnly as she confirmed “Yes, she was my student Fuyuhiko’s little sister. The
Steering Committee ordered us to keep quiet about the incident to protect the school’s reputation.
Not long after the incident, Hajime sought answers and tried to talk to one of my students on the
Main Course grounds, and in an effort to keep him from trespassing and snooping around, Hope’s
Peak Security roughed him up.”
Kyoko pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration as she vowed I’ll have to have a word with the
Headmaster about Hope’s Peak’s Security’s policy on violence on students…
“I intervened towards the end of it, and offered to help him up, but he just slapped my hand away,
bitter, and ran off. That was the last time I ever saw him…soon after I found out that Hajime had
been expelled.”
“Expelled?” If he was expelled, that would explain why he left without warning…but something
doesn’t add up. Nanami-senpai never described him as a troublemaker, and Yukizome-sensei’s
description doesn’t fit that narrative either… “Do you know what the reason for expulsion was?”
Chisa shook her head and denied “I’m sorry…it wasn’t even listed on his official student records.”
Kyoko’s brow furrowed as she thought That’s suspicious…I’ve worked on a number of cases
involving student expulsions, and the reasons were mandated to be printed on their student
records. If Hajime’s reason for expulsion wasn’t listed on his student records…then it’s unlikely
that he was expelled at all. There must be something more going on, and given that his
disappearance was precluded by the Steering Committee covering up Natsumi’s death, it stands to
reason that they had a hand in Hajime’s disappearance too…
Chisa smiled sadly and apologized “Sorry I couldn’t be of more help…even though he wasn’t my
student, I still wanted to help him…”
Shaking her head, Kyoko revealed “Actually, your testimony has been of great assistance,
Yukizome-sensei.”
Frowning in concern, Chisa nodded and replied “If you say so…just be careful on this investigation
of yours, alright?”
Nodding, Kyoko replied “Thank you, but I’ll be okay. If you’ll excuse me, I have a date with my
boyfriend that I need to get to.”
Chisa beamed and shooed her out of her classroom, cheering “Then by all means, go! Have a good
time with your special someone!”
Kyoko sweatdropped as the door slammed behind her before she sighed and made her way back to
the dorms.
I just hope I won’t be late…even though Makoto would understand…
XXX
Present Day
“Wait…Chiaki asked you to find Hajime? Is that the same Hajime that sometimes comes to our
house?”
Makoto nodded and confirmed “The very same, though neither of us had actually met him at the
time. We wouldn’t meet in person for several more years.”
Nodding in comprehension, Kiki asked “So what happened after you asked Yukizome-sensei?
Were you late for your date with Daddy?”
Makoto smiled and told her “Tomorrow, Kiki…it’s late.”
“Aww…stupid cliffhangers…” Kiki grumbled before complying and wiggling under the blankets.
Makoto and Kyoko proceeded to tuck her in, drawing the blankets up to her chin and kissing her
cheeks.
“Good night, Kiki…we love you…”
“…Love you too…” she yawned cutely, before falling asleep.
Her parents smiled before quietly tiptoeing out of the room, Kyoko closing the door behind them
as they retired to their own room.
Love Arc Chapter Thirty-Four: Stonewalled by Juzo Sakakura?
Chapter Summary
After some words of encouragement from Makoto, Kyoko begins her investigation by
looking into the Steering Committee, only to be stonewalled by Juzo Sakakura. Will
Kyoko be able to continue her investigation?
Present Day
“So what happened, Daddy? Was Mommy late for her date?”
Nodding, Makoto replied “Just a little bit, but I wasn’t kept waiting too long…it’s what some
people call being fashionably late. She apologized profusely for being tardy, but I assured her that
it was alright.”
Makoto grinned at Kyoko’s embarrassed blush, reveling in the rare opportunity to get his wife
flustered, especially with all the times she managed to pull one over on him over the years.
“In any event, we got to playing Pokémon and having a battle together. But for some reason, her
heart just wasn’t in it. I knew something was wrong, so I…”
XXX
February 18, 2015
Kyoko frowned as her Pikachu fainted, giving the win to Makoto. Makoto frowned as well,
sighing as he closed his 3DS, the sound making Kyoko look up from her own 3DS.
“Ano…Kyoko…is something wrong? It’s just…usually you can give me a good run for my
money when we battle…but this time you couldn’t even make one of my Pokémon faint…is
something on your mind?”
Kyoko sighed before closing her 3DS, sidling next to a confused Makoto on his bed as she
admitted “You’re right, my mind’s been elsewhere…I’m sorry, you deserve my undivided attention
when we’re on our dates…”
Makoto shook his head, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her close, the Ultimate
Detective leaning into his touch as he assured her “You don’t need to apologize…just…you wanna
talk about it? It might help if you do…”
Kyoko paused before revealing “I’m…working on a case…”
“A case?”
Kyoko nodded and elaborated “Chiaki Nanami asked me to help find out what happened to her
friend Hajime Hinata…he’s been missing since before we enrolled.”
Makoto nodded, recalling “Yeah, she mentioned him during the Spring Festival, before we got
together…”
“I did some preliminary investigation before I came here…it’s why I was a little late to our date
tonight…again my apologies…” Makoto squeezed her in assurance before Kyoko continued
“Official records say he was expelled, but there’s no reason listed on his student records. I think…
there’s something more going on…and whatever the truth is…I don’t think it’ll give Chiaki the
hope that she’s looking for…”
An awkward silence passed, making Kyoko’s worries fester, until she gasped as Makoto wrapped
his arms around her waist and pulled her into his lap, smiling reassuringly at her.
Makoto moved one of his hands to rub her back as he assured her “I know you can do it. I know
you’ll be able to find Hinata-senpai, and that you’ll be able to reunite him with Chiaki. I know I
don’t have any evidence to back it up…but I have hope…and I have faith in your skills, Kyoko…
you’ve never let me down, and I know when you put your mind to it, you won’t let her down
either.”
“Makoto…” Kyoko beamed, her confidence reinvigorated as she whispered “…Thank you…”
Smiling lovingly at his girlfriend, Makoto cradled her cheeks in his hands as he gently pulled her
down for a soft kiss. Both of them closing their eyes, Kyoko wrapped her arms around his neck to
pull herself deeper into his kiss, letting his affectionate gestures wash away her fear and despair at
the likely outcome of this case.
XXX
Present Day
“Daddy’s always great at cheering people up!”
Kyoko smiled and nodded, agreeing “He is…he has a knack for brightening our moods no matter
what…” …It’s not an exaggeration to say we never would have survived Junko’s Killing Game
without him…
Makoto blushed, stammering “You’re…you’re exaggerating…and you’ve cheered me up plenty of

times in the past, honey!”
“…Maybe so, but you’ve done it more times than I have.”
“No, you have!”
“No, you have!”
“No you!”
“No you!”
“No you!”
“No you!”
Seeing this was going nowhere, Kiki interjected “As cute as this is to watch, can we get on with the
story? I wanna hear all about Mommy’s investigation!”
Blushing, they both nodded and settled down, Kyoko answering “Very well…I had spent the next
ten days keeping my ears open for any gossip or rumors that I could use to find any additional
leads. Eventually, I decided that I needed to get answers straight from the Steering Committee. So
I made my way to the administrative building where their office was. I was about to open the door
when…”
February 28, 2015
“AGH!”
Kyoko was thrown to the floor, the roots of her hair crying out in pain as she soothed her scalp.
Looking up, she saw the olive haired Juzo Sakakura glaring down at her. A few stray lavender
strands of hair fluttered to the floor in front of him, identifying him as the one who had yanked her
away from the Steering Committee’s office by her hair.
“How did you get in here, kid? This entire building is off-limits to students.”
Standing up and dusting off her skirt, she returned his glare and informed him “I’m in the middle of
an investigation. Now, get out of my way, Sakakura.”
“An investigation? Oh, right, I remember now…you’re Kyoko Kirigiri, the Ultimate Detective.
You may be the Headmaster’s little girl, but you still have no right to snoop around whatever
buildings you like. Maybe I should keep a couple of guards posted near the locker rooms so you
can’t peep on the boys…”
Kyoko’s glare hardened, her frustration morphing into fury. There were two things that grated on
her nerves more than anything; being treated with kid gloves by her peers because of her age and
sex, and being accused of being granted special favors because of her Father’s position.
I am NOT a little girl, and I got in this school on my own merits, with nobody’s help but my own!
Not my Grandfather, and certainly not my Father! She grit her teeth as she demanded “I won’t ask
again, Sakakura; get out of my way so I can continue my investigation!”
Juzo scoffed “Determined, combative, AND nosy…I swear…you’re just like that Hinata kid last
year…” Juzo froze as he realized what he just said, Kyoko’s eyes widening in realization as he
cursed “Ah, shit…”
Sakakura, he knows Hajime…could he be the Security who roughed him up? Her new lead now
obvious, Kyoko demanded “Alright Sakakura, tell me everything you know about Hajime Hinata.
NOW!”
A growl rumbled in Juzo’s throat, adding to the ex-Ultimate Boxer’s intimidating physique.
Kyoko soon found herself lifted up by her throat, Juzo’s hand threatening to choke her as she
kicked her legs uselessly.
“Who do you think you are, you little bitch? You think you can order me around? If you’re not
careful, you just might end up wherever…”
“JUZO!”
“Sakakura…”
Juzo and Kyoko turned their heads to see Chisa Yukizome and Headmaster Kirigiri several feet
away from them. Chisa had her hands on her hips as she glared at her former classmate in an
expression of disapproval. For his part, Jin surprisingly kept his neutral, professional demeanor,
but Kyoko could see signs of paternal rage swirling in his calm eyes.
“We’ve talked about this, Juzo! You can’t get rough with students again! The Headmaster
specifically put in place a rule forbidding violence against students after the incidents with Hajime
and Makoto!”
Makoto?
Before she could ponder the matter further, Juzo argued “But I found her snooping around, then she
demanded to be let into an unauthorized room!”
Despite the tight grip around her throat, Kyoko managed to squeeze out “I’m conducting an
investigation…”
“Shut it, you little…”
*Cough Cough* Juzo was silenced as Jin rebutted “As Headmaster, I’ll determine the nature of
this investigation and see if it warrants the search of this building. In the meantime, Sakakura…”
Jin glared, dropping all pretenses of calm as he demanded “Put. Kyoko. Kirigiri. Down.”
A tense moment passed before Juzo sighed “Fine…” before unceremoniously dropping her on the
floor, Kyoko slightly gasping for breath before she blushed, embarrassed by the fact that she had to
be rescued by her Father.
Chisa ran up to her, fretting over her as she helped her to stand. Once Kyoko was back on her feet,
Jin turned his attention to the two women.
“Kyoko…come with me to my office and we’ll discuss your investigation in full. Chisa, I expect
you can handle Juzo’s reeducation about the use of force on students?”
Chisa grinned as she cheered “It’ll be my pleasure!” making Juzo gulp in fear as she snuck him the
evil eye. “Come along, Juzo; we have a lot of work to do!”
“OW, OWW! Okay, I get it! Can you just let go of my ear? OW!!!” Juzo whined as Chisa
dragged him out of view by the ear, making the two Kirigiris sweatdrop.
Jin sighed and urged “Come on, Kyoko; let’s head to my office and we can discuss this
investigation of yours.”
Kyoko reluctantly nodded, following her Father as she snuck a glance at the Steering Committee
room, just out of reach for the time being.
XXX
“Are you okay, Kyoko?” The Headmaster asked, the angry and stern Jin replaced with the now
concerned, fatherly Jin that Kyoko had been missing for years.
Not yet ready to let her guard down completely, Kyoko took the water he offered her and replied
“Other than my aching roots and the imprints around my neck, fine.”
Jin’s eyes softened in guilt as he apologized “…I apologize for what Sakakura did to you…I have
him as Head of Security because he’s good at his job, but I’ll agree he can get overzealous at
times…hopefully Chisa will be able to get the lesson through his skull this time…”
Let’s hope so, or your anti-violence policy will just be some meaningless chicken scratch…
“Now…” Jin redirected “What’s this investigation you were working on? Why were you trying to
access the Steering Committee’s office?”
“…Chiaki Nanami asked me to investigate the disappearance of a Reserve Course student by the
name of Hajime Hinata.” Jin’s eyes widened as Kyoko continued “She told me that he had
disappeared not long after the death of another Reserve Course student named Natsumi Kuzuryu.
She also said that Yukizome-sensei had spoken to Hinata-kun a handful of times, so I questioned
her and she told me that the Steering Committee covered up her death. Is that true?”
Jin reluctantly nodded, the disapproving expression on his face cluing her in that he had nothing to
do with the decision and his disapproval of the Steering Committee’s coverup.
…At least your heart is in the right place… Kyoko took solace as she continued “She also told me
that Hinata-kun had been expelled after being roughed up by Hope’s Peak Security for trespassing
on the Main Course Grounds, not long after Natsumi’s death, but that there was no official reason
listed for his expulsion on his student records, something that is mandated in every other school by
the Ministry of Education.”
Nodding in understanding, Jin replied “I see…so the timing of the two incidents combined with the
lack of an explanation for Hajime’s expulsion led you to investigate the Steering Committee, and
that’s when Juzo apprehended you, am I wrong?”
Shaking her head, Kyoko asked “Then you know what I’m going to ask now, right?”
Jin smiled apologetically and replied “Unfortunately, I don’t have any more information to give
you on Hajime Hinata’s whereabouts.”
Gaping, Kyoko rebutted “B…but…you’re the Headmaster! Surely you would know of the reason
for Hinata-kun’s expulsion. Or if the Steering Committee covered it up or…”
“…Do you remember when you exposed Junko Enoshima’s antics that nearly killed you last
term?”
…How could I not? That near-death experience was one of the few things that could terrify me,
give me nightmares…and drove me right into Makoto’s arms…
Seeing her nod, Jin explained “Then you surely remember why I couldn’t just expel her. It was
because the Steering Committee favored her, and if I had expelled her, then they would have fired
me and rescinded her expulsion…and there would have been nobody in the Administration to
protect you or the other students.”
“…So basically, you’re…”
“…a figurehead, yes…” Jin admitted shamefully. “I have to pick and choose what battles I can
wage, and I have won a few…Makoto’s enrollment being one of them.”
Kyoko’s eyes widened as she repeated “Makoto’s…enrollment?”
Smiling, Jin revealed “As you know, Makoto is enrolled in the Main Course as the Ultimate Lucky
Student. When we were scouting your class, the Steering Committee wanted to abolish the
Ultimate Lucky Student lottery. They believed that Luck was a waste to research. I however
pushed back, pointing out the effects of Nagito Komaeda’s luck, and they relented.” As Kyoko
was processing this information, Jin continued “Also, Makoto Naegi wasn’t originally going to be
Class 78th’s Ultimate Lucky Student.”
“He…he wasn’t?”
Shaking his head, Jin explained “It was originally going to be an average high school girl. But,
during Makoto’s original run-in with Jutaro Akafuku, the acceptance letter that was mailed to her
was being transported on the same mail bike that Jutaro stole and crashed, causing the letter to go
up in flames.”
That was when he was apprehended, and I was called to the station to interrogate him… Kyoko
realized.
“Once word reached us that the original letter had gone up in flames, the Steering Committee
originally wanted to just resend the letter. But I refused, believing that if the Ultimate Lucky
Student was unlucky enough to have their acceptance letter go up in flames, then they didn’t
deserve to be the Ultimate Lucky Student. And although they were less than pleased, the Steering
Committee allowed us to redo the drawing…”
“…Which is when Makoto’s name was picked, right?”
Nodding, Jin continued “I had no idea when we did that drawing that I’d be welcoming your future
boyfriend into your class…but I swiftly sent out his acceptance letter and it arrived at his house the
same day.”
And if he hadn’t, Makoto and I never would have met…and I very well might be dead…Kyoko
realized, remembering with fondness how Makoto had carried her to safety in spite of how she had
treated him their first week of class.
“…Regarding the Hinata case…” Kyoko’s interest was immediately piqued as she listened
intently to her Father’s words. “I can promise to keep Juzo Sakakura and Hope’s Peak Security off
your tail. Beyond that though…I’m afraid it’s out of my hands…the Steering Committee keeps
many secrets, even from me.”
Kyoko sighed and admitted “…In the end I suppose that’s all that can be expected of you…”
leaving her other thoughts unsaid. Useless…useless as a Father, useless as a Kirigiri Detective…
and now useless as a Headmaster…
As though he read her mind, Jin sighed apologetically and finished “…One last thing. It’s just my
gut instinct, but I have a feeling that Hajime’s disappearance and the tense relations with the
Reserve Course are connected…and I don’t think either of these cases are going to have a happy
ending…I promise to stay out of your way…just be careful, Kyoko. I believe in your skills as a
Kirigiri Detective…but at the end of the day…you’re still my daughter…and I don’t want you
getting hurt.”
Too little too late for that, Headmaster… Kyoko thought as she glanced down at her gloves,
recalling the injury that scarred her for life. She nodded and replied “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Standing up, she excused herself “Now if you’ll excuse me, Headmaster, I have an investigation to
continue. Goodbye…” before turning around and walking away, leaving Jin Kirigiri alone with his
thoughts.
XXX
Present Day
“Wait…” Makoto exclaimed “So I wasn’t supposed to be the Ultimate Lucky Student?”
Smiling wryly, Kyoko confirmed “It would appear not…yet your luck gave you the opportunity to
be a part of our class, proving that you deserved the title of Ultimate Lucky Student.” Kyoko
snuggled up against her husband and told him “For the record, I’m glad you were accepted…if you
hadn’t been, then we never would have met or fell in love, we never would have gotten married,
and Kiki never would have been born!” And we would all be dead right now…
“Kyoko…” Makoto breathed, staring lovingly at his wife.
Kiki let them have their romantic moment before interrupting “So what did you find out about the
Steering Committee? And did you ever find Hajime? You must have if he visits us every once in
a while.”
Kyoko told her daughter “Tomorrow, Kiki…it’s getting late.”
Kiki grumbled but snuggled under the blankets nonetheless. After her parents tucked her in and
kissed her good night, she fell into slumber, her snoring echoing throughout the room as her
parents smiled at her sleeping form.
Love Arc Chapter Thirty-Five: Ground Zero for The Tragedy of Hope’s Peak
Academy!
Chapter Summary
With the Student Council murdered and the Reserve Course rioting against Hope's
Peak, the 78th Class is left tense and scared. How dangerous will things become at
ground zero for the Tragedy of Hope's Peak Academy?
Chapter Notes
This chapter is partially the result of an ask sent by NotFanFicNet. Please read and
review, and enjoy!
Present Day
“So how did your investigation into the Steering Committee go, Mommy? Did you find any
information on Hajime?”
“Well…we found out what happened to Hajime, but not because of my investigation. You’re a
little too young to hear the full details, but an unknown source leaked to the entire student body
that the Steering Committee preyed on Hajime’s desire for talent and convinced him to let them
overwrite his personality with that of one who had assimilated every talent that Hope’s Peak
Academy had researched.”
Kiki gasped “That’s…too cruel! They erased his identity? There’s no talent that could be worth
removing who you are!”
Makoto nodded and continued “And they used the tuition of the Reserve Course students to do it.
Relations with the Reserve Course were already tense with Hope’s Peak’s discrimination policy,
but knowing that their parents’ hard-earned money was being used to fund an extremely unethical
science experiment was the straw that broke the camel’s back.”
A confused, yet worried expression on her face, Kiki asked “…What do you mean, Daddy?”
“With the knowledge that they were being taken advantage of, and having spent months and
months being treated as inferior, they began to protest. At first, the Steering Committee tried to
ignore it, calling it a Parade. Eventually though…it turned into a riot…”
“A…riot?”
Makoto nodded, explaining “It’s basically a protest that turns violent…the Reserve Course students
were willing to hurt any Main Course students they could find to make their point.” Kiki gasped,
leaving Makoto to nod solemnly as he continued “It was a really scary time for us, Kiki. We were
all really scared when this was happening…”
XXX
March 7, 2015
*BANG* *BOOM*
Makoto jumped in his chair at the noise outside, the Hope’s Peak grounds sounding like a
warzone. Mondo, Sakura, and Mukuro bravely stood outside the entrance to the Main Course
building, beating back any rioters who dared to try and invade the Class 78th dormitories. Mondo
had even decided to suspend his “no hitting women” rule given that said female students weren’t
exactly holding back.
“My Mom’s gonna kill me for this later, but at least we’ll all be alive for now. No fuckin’ way am I
letting these shits try and kill my friends!”
That left Makoto, Sayaka, Leon, Chihiro, Taka, Hifumi, Celeste, Byakuya, Hina, Hiro, Toko, and
Kyoko sitting at the dining table. Like the Reserve Course, they too had recently learned about the
Steering Committee’s unethical experimentation and exploitation of Hajime Hinata. With the
grounds no longer safe to traverse, Headmaster Kirigiri had suspended classes, and encouraged all
students to only leave their dorms when necessary. This of course brought Kyoko’s investigation
to a premature end, and her focus quickly shifted to keeping some sense of calm among her
classmates.
And protecting him… Kyoko thought, her vision shifting towards her boyfriend, the Ultimate
Lucky Student barely keeping it together as he clenched his interwoven hands together, his eyes
nervously darting around. I can’t blame him for being scared…this has escalated from threatening
glares to violent riots in less than a week…I can’t blame any of them for being scared…
Kyoko looked around from her seat next to her boyfriend. Some, like Chihiro and Hiro, were
visibly more terrified than Makoto. Most of the others, like Hina, Taka, and Leon were outwardly
nervous, just like Makoto. Only Byakuya and Celeste were expressively neutral, though Kyoko
knew from having worn an iron mask of stoicism that they were as scared as everyone else.
Sighing, she laid her hand on Makoto’s shoulder, causing him to jump in his seat before turning to
look at her with his panicked expression.
Kyoko pushed away her own fear in order to give a reassuring smile as she assured him “Calm
down. I know you’re scared…” She addressed the remaining classmates in the Dining Hall as she
continued “I know we’re all scared of what’s going on, but now more than ever, we need to remain
calm.”
Makoto smiled, leaning against her shoulder to let her know he was okay, while Taka stood up
with a frustrated expression and exclaimed “R…Right…she’s right! Sometimes, even if you’re
nervous or afraid, you just have to step forward!” Shameful tears welled up in his eyes as he
chided himself “To forget such a simple fact…I can’t forgive myself. I’m so ashamed!” Everyone
sweatdropped as Taka begged “Please, someone hit me! I can’t forgive myself! Someone hit me!
Punish me!”
“Jesus, Bro. If you have time to yell about it, you have time to DO something about it.”
“Mondo! YAY! You’re back!” Chihiro squealed as he ran over to hug the slightly bruised
Ultimate Biker Gang Leader.
“Whoa, Chihiro! What’s with all the worry? We’re fine, see?”
True to his word, Mondo was flanked by Sakura and Mukuro, who similarly to Mondo had a
handful of bruises from their efforts to defend the Main Course Building, but otherwise were no
worse for wear.
Sakura nodded and assured them “The Parade has dispersed for tonight; we should be safe for
tonight at least.”
Mukuro nodded in agreement, raising “Still, we should have some kind of surveillance system in
case they try to break through again so we can be prepared.”
Chihiro volunteered “Ano…I can ask Soda-senpai to help me construct some security cameras.
Then I can program them to wire the feeds into the Data Center.”
Sayaka’s eyes lit up as she realized “Then we could take turns keeping an eye in the Data Center in
case the Reserve Course tries to bust in again!”
“She’s right!” Hina agreed. “We can even have a few set up in the hallways in case some try to
sneak in and launch a sneak attack!”
“Hmm…” Byakuya mused “Not bad for a bunch of commoners.”
“Indeed…” agreed Celeste “The added security would cut down on our stress levels and allow us
to relax.”
“So…” Chihiro asked hesitantly “…are we all in agreement?”
“You bet! You’re the best, dude!” Leon gave a thumbs up.
“Hell yeah!” Mondo followed suit as the others all nodded their heads in agreement.
“I know that Junko would say yes if she were back from her photo shoot…” Mukuro added.
Makoto nodded and replied “It sure is lucky that Junko was away right before the Student Council
was murdered and the Parade got out of hand.”
Kyoko nodded, musing …Almost too lucky…still, maybe I’m overthinking things… “It is fortunate
that she’s away at the moment…but how is she going to get back safely with things as they are?”
“I already called Junko to let her know. Once she calls again, I’ll formulate a plan to retrieve and
escort her back to the dorms.”
“…Would you like some assistance when the time comes?” Everyone looked at Kyoko in shock,
surprised that she had made such an offer; the Ultimate Detective explained “The bruises on your
body indicate that you can hold your own, but there’s no indication of how dangerous the grounds
will be, and there’s strength in numbers.” Besides… Kyoko thought, glancing back to Makoto …
you helped me save Makoto’s life last year; so I should at least offer to return the favor.
Mukuro shook her head and denied “Thank you, Kirigiri, but I’ll be okay. I’m not called the
Ultimate Soldier for nothing; I can handle whatever the Reserve Course can throw at me.”
Kyoko nodded, suggesting “In that case, perhaps we should all turn in early. A good night’s rest
should allow us to act more calmly in the morning.”
With everyone nodding in agreement, they quietly filed out, heading back to their own rooms.
XXX
“If you need me…you call, alright?” Kyoko pleaded as she hugged Makoto in his room, afraid to
let go with how things had gone so downhill.
Makoto leaned out of her grip as he assured her “Kyoko, I’m gonna be fine. I’ll even lock my door
this time, okay?”
Kyoko bit her lip, then hesitantly nodded, turning around and walking towards the door, her hand
hovering over the doorknob.
“Stay safe…I love you, Makoto…”
“I love you too, Kyoko…you stay safe too…”
…Even now, he’s worried about me… Kyoko smiled before opening the door, slipping outside
and shutting it behind her.
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, that was a smart plan Mukuro came up with!” Kiki smiled as she continued “Now you
guys could all get a good night’s sleep!”
If only you knew the trap we had walked into… Makoto and Kyoko thought, lamenting how those
cameras designed to secure their safety had been expanded and subverted by Junko for her own
sadistic schemes.
“Mommy? Daddy?” Kiki frowned as she asked “Are you okay?”
Shaking their heads, they smiled as Makoto assured her “We’re okay, Kiki. Let’s continue with the
story.” Seeing Kiki reluctantly nod, Makoto continued “A couple more weeks had passed and your
Mother continued to investigate the Steering Committee. I meanwhile tried to go about my days as
normally as I could so as not to worry your Mother.”
“…I was always worrying about you, sweetie…” Kyoko admitted.
Makoto smiled appreciatively before continuing “Anyway, I found a handbook belonging to one of
my senpai, Yasuke Matsuda the Ultimate Neurologist. I went to find him so I could return it to him
and ran into this girl I had never met before named Ryoko Otonashi. Just as she was finally
starting to trust me, we were ambushed by a student named Misshiki Madarai, who threatened to
kill me if Ryoko didn’t give him the information that he needed.”
Kiki gasped before climbing into her Father’s lap hugging him close as he returned the hug,
stroking his daughter’s hair.
“It’s okay, Kiki. Daddy’s here…Daddy’s here…” Once she composed herself and climbed out of
his lap, Makoto continued “Thankfully, in the nick of time, Mukuro arrived and knocked out
Misshiki, saving us before helping me back to the dorms…”
XXX
March 22, 2015
“Ow…” Makoto groaned as he leaned against Mukuro, the Ultimate Soldier helping him walk as
they reached Kyoko’s dorm.
“Thanks again for saving me back there, Mukuro…”
Mukuro blushed before assuring him “Don’t mention it…come on, I’ll drop you off with
Kirigiri…”
*Ding Dong*
The door immediately opened, Kyoko’s eyes widening in shock and worry as she took in Makoto’s
battered state.
“Makoto!” She went and eased him out of Mukuro’s grip, holding him in a gentle grip as she
inspected his condition, fussing “Are you okay? What happened? You’re covered in bruises!”
Mukuro sweatdropped as Makoto tried to assure her “Kyoko, I’m fine, really! I…”
“Makoto, you are NOT fine! Madarai-kun would have killed you had I not intervened!”
“Killed…?” Kyoko’s heart grew cold as she took in Mukuro’s words, her gaze shifting to the
Ultimate Soldier as she thanked “…Thank you, Mukuro. You have my sincerest gratitude…”
“…Don’t worry about it, Makoto’s life is important to me too…” An awkward silence permeated
the hallway, Mukuro’s unspoken feelings clear to both Kyoko and Makoto before Mukuro finished
“Well…I’ll leave you to care for him, Kirigiri.”
As Mukuro walked out of sight, Kyoko turned her attention back to the injured Makoto, urging as
she gently led him inside “Come on; you can tell me all about what happened while I get some ice
from my freezer to treat your bruises.”
XXX
“Ow…” Makoto hissed as Kyoko pressed the ice pack against the imprint of Madarai’s hand on
his neck, the two of them sitting on her bed as Makoto told her about the encounter with Madarai
and Ryoko.
“Hush, it’ll feel better soon…” Kyoko ordered before remarking “Madarai certainly didn’t hold
back, did he? If his grip had been any tighter, you would have suffered severe asphyxiation and
cranial trauma.”
Thanks for reminding me… Makoto deadpanned as he sighed and blocked out the pain of his
bruises, focusing on Kyoko’s touch through the cold ice, eventually able to relax.
As Makoto looked to her gratefully, she voiced “I’m grateful that Mukuro saved you and all…but
this is exactly why I told you not to travel alone…maybe I should put my investigation into the
Steering Committee on hold, make sure…”
“No.” Makoto shook his head, ignoring his aches as he told her “No…I can’t ask you to do that. I
promise, I won’t travel outside of the dorms and Dining Hall by myself anymore…I’ll ask Mondo
or Sakura or somebody else to travel with me if I need to go anywhere else…but you can’t
abandon your investigation for my sake…now more than ever, we need your Detective skills,
Kyoko. Your investigation into the Steering Committee may be the only chance we have of
bringing Hope’s Peak back to normal. PLEASE, Kyoko…don’t lose hope now!”
Kyoko stared intently into his eyes, nodding at the determined expression swirling within them as
she agreed “…Okay…I’ll keep investigating…AFTER we get dinner together…I imagine you’re
hungry, and some food may help heal your injuries.”
Makoto smiled, nodding as Kyoko helped him up, the two leaving Kyoko’s bedroom with Kyoko
gripping his hand like a lifeline to keep him safe.
XXX
Present Day
“You were willing to drop a case to protect Daddy, Mommy?”
Kyoko nodded seriously as she admitted “…I was…” She looked to her husband, the two of them
sharing loving smiles as she told her daughter “Some things are worth more than any case…”
The two briefly nuzzled noses before Kiki interrupted with a cough. The two blushed as they
broke apart before Kyoko coughed into her fist to recompose herself.
“Anyways, I continued my investigation thanks to your Father’s pleading. After some more
investigating, I managed to dig up some secrets on one of the Steering Committee members that he
would rather have preferred not come to light, and threatened to expose them to the media if he
didn’t meet up with me and allow me to interrogate him.”
“But Daddy, didn’t you say that blackmailing people is wrong?”
Makoto bit his lip in hesitation before answering “In general yes, blackmail is wrong. But we were
desperate, and sometimes these underhanded tactics do have their uses.”
Kyoko nodded “Indeed…understand Kiki that these kinds of approaches are my last resorts; I
wouldn’t have done it if I didn’t think I had to.” Not really convinced, Kiki nonetheless nodded,
allowing Kyoko to continue “I met up with him in an empty courtyard, but before I could
interrogate him, he was crushed by desks that fell from the sky. I myself barely escaped the attack,
and his body was taken before I could retrieve it.”
Gasping, Kiki exclaimed “That must have been so scary, Mommy!”
Nodding, Kyoko mused “That’s what your Father said that day too…I had just come back from
reporting the incident to my Father, and after a tense exchange with him, I visited your Father in
his room and told him the same thing I told the Headmaster…”
XXX
March 28, 2015
“WHAT?! Crushed by desks? Kami, Kyoko, that must have been really scary!”
Kyoko sighed and assured him “Makoto, I’m fine, really. I’ve survived worse, trust me. This all
part of the job sometimes…”
All part of the job…
Kyoko noticed Makoto’s pensive expression, casing her to cradle his cheeks and angle his head so
that he was facing her as she asked “What’s wrong, Makoto?”
*Sigh* “…I know you can take care of yourself, really. It’s just…hearing what happened…it
made me flash back to…to when you almost died in that factory…”
Kyoko frowned, understanding where he was coming from as the metal press flashed in her mind
again, the same metal press that had threatened her sleep last year.
“Makoto…”
Kyoko was caught by surprise when Makoto embraced her and buried his head against her neck,
shedding tears as he told her “…I meant what I said before…I won’t ask you to stop
investigating…I know this is important and I know that we need you to get out of this…but I’ll still
be worried about you. I’m still gonna be scared when you’re put in danger and I’ll still be upset
that you have to put your life on the line…but I’ll understand that the world needs your talent and I
wouldn’t dream of trying to stop you…”
“Makoto…” Kyoko wrapped her arms around him, reaching up to stroke his hair as she assured
him “I won’t die…I’m going to solve this mystery…I promise you that. Have faith in me…show
me that boundless optimism that’s just one of the many reasons I fell in love with you…”
*Sniff* “…Okay…I’ll try…and I DO believe in you…I’m just scared…”
Kyoko clutched him tighter as she admitted to herself …I’m scared too…I’m scared that something
will happen to me…I’m scared that something will happen to you…but I have to stay strong…for
our class…but most of all…so that you can continue to have hope…
XXX
Present Day
“That…was a really scary time, huh?”
Makoto and Kyoko solemnly nodded, no words needing to be said for Kiki to understand how
grave things were back then.
Makoto looked up at the clock, deciding “It’s time for bed, Kiki…we’ll tell you more
tomorrow…”
Kiki nodded and got settled under the blankets without complaint. For once, Kiki was tucked in
without a single word being said, her parents’ good night kisses being the only communication
between the three as she closed her eyes and fell asleep. Not even smiling, the two wordlessly left
Kiki’s room and closed the door behind them.
XXX
“Honey…” Makoto soothed as Kyoko snuggled against his chest, the Headmaster stroking her
back in comfort.
“…Tomorrow’s story time isn’t going to be pretty, Makoto…we both know what happened…my
biggest mistake up to that point…”
“Shh…” Makoto soothed “I promise, it’ll be okay…We’ll explain exactly what happened, and
we’ll tell Kiki that we came back stronger than ever. Okay, honey?”
Kyoko nodded, clutching her husband tighter as he grabbed the blankets with one hand and drew
them over their bodies, leaning down to kiss his wife’s forehead. They fell into an uneasy sleep,
secretly dreading the next part of their story they had to tell.
Love Arc Chapter Thirty-Six: Makoto and Kyoko Break Up?!
Chapter Summary
After being forced off her investigation by her Father, Kyoko goes to Makoto to vent,
but yells at him after her anger gets out of control and says something she doesn't
mean. Crying and thinking she wants to break up with him, Makoto runs back to his
room and shuts himself inside. Will the now broken couple be able to patch things up?
Chapter Notes
below, and enjoy!
Present Day
“So…” Kiki began, for once hesitant as she asked “…what happened next, Mommy?”
“…I continued my investigation into the Steering Committee, which was made harder after they all
died. A little more than a week after my conversation with your Father, the Headmaster, my
Father, called me into his office and told me…”
XXX
April 7, 2015
“WHAT THE HELL DO YOU MEAN I’M OFF THE CASE?!”
Kyoko glared at her Father, furious at his demand that she end her investigation into the Steering
Committee and the Tragedy of Hope’s Peak Academy. For his part, Jin maintained his
professional expression, even as his own daughter focused their family’s genetic glare on him.
“This case is getting too dangerous. I already had my reservations when your meeting with the
Steering Committee member went awry, but I let you continue because I had faith in your
capabilities. But after your run-in with the Madarai brothers, I cannot just stand by and watch any
longer. As the Headmaster of Hope’s Peak Academy, I am responsible for your safety. Given how
you very well could have died were it not for Mukuro Ikusaba’s intervention, I have no choice but
to order you to cease your investigation and stay in the dormitories with your classmates until
things return to normal.”
Kyoko could barely refrain from shaking in fury, aghast that her own Father, the one who scouted
her to attend Hope’s Peak because of her Detective skills, was asking her to go to her room and
twiddle her thumbs while the “grown-ups” handled this mess.
Unwilling to give up, and simultaneously swallowing every ounce of her pride as a Kirigiri
Detective, she pleaded with the man “Please…Father…you asked me to attend this school as the
Ultimate Detective. You wrote on my acceptance letter that you were proud of me! If that’s true,
then why don’t you believe in my talent anymore?”
Jin bit his lip in guilt as his daughter continued to plead with him.
“You know my talent is of use here; that’s why you asked me at first to help investigate the
Tragedy. You say you’re proud of me? Then let me use my talent to help put an end to this, and
make you proud of me! Please, Father!”
Jin sighed, admitting “I am proud of you, Kyoko…both as your Headmaster…but also as your
Father. And as your Father, my first priority is keeping you alive. I wasn’t there to protect you
before…but I’m not going to make that mistake again. I hate saying no to you, my baby girl…”
“…Stop it…”
Jin trailed off, frowning as Kyoko grit her teeth, angry tears streaming down her face, the Ultimate
Detective not even trying to hold them back, wanting him to see just how much he was hurting her.
“Just stop it…don’t call me your baby girl…you have no right to call me that when you walk out
on me…both in the past…and right now. You know, I was starting to entertain the notion of
mending the bridges between us, to start being a family again…but you haven’t been a Father to
me…just a big coward. Instead of trying to encourage me and my talent like…like Makoto’s
Father would…you’re just trying to keep me locked up, unable to use my abilities…I WISH THE
NAEGIS WERE MY PARENTS INSTEAD OF YOU!”
“Kyoko…wait…”
“I HATE YOU!” Kyoko cried as she stormed out, her hair whipping behind her as she slammed
the door behind her.
Jin sighed, holding his head with one hand while grabbing a picture frame in the other, looking
with teary eyes at the family photo of him and his wife with a five-year-old Kyoko.
“Hibiki…I did the right thing, right…? I just…I don’t know anymore…Maybe I am a coward…”
XXX
Present Day
“You blew up at your Daddy? But why, Mommy? He was just trying to protect you! That’s what
parents are supposed to do!”
Even Makoto didn’t speak up immediately, struck speechless by the revelation that Kyoko had
invoked his parents in what was essentially a temper tantrum.
Kyoko bit her lip, nodding in defeat as she admitted “I was hurt…and angry…so I lashed out,
saying things I didn’t mean…but Kiki…that still didn’t give me the right to use your Father’s
parents in an argument.” Looking to her husband, she told him emotionally “Makoto…I am SO
sorry…I should have refrained from using your parents in my fight with my Father…can you ever
forgive me…?”
Makoto sighed before giving his wife a small smile and assuring her “Honey…that was years ago,
even if I am hearing about it for the first time. Bygones are bygones, alright?”
Kyoko blushed, smiling as Makoto kissed her cheek before her expression turned solemn once
more as she revealed “Unfortunately, that wasn’t the extent of my anger that day. You see…after I
stormed out of my Father’s office, I asked your Father to come to my room, hoping that he would
be able to help me calm down. But instead…”
XXX
April 7, 2015
Makoto frowned as he watched Kyoko pace back and forth, frustration obvious in her eyes as he sat
on her bed, waiting for her to talk.
“I can’t believe the nerve of him! Talking down to me like I’m some child…as if he has any right
to be a parent after not even giving a damn about me for ten years!”
Makoto stood up and took her hands in his own weaving their fingers together before squeezing her
hands and assuring her “He’s just trying to be the parent he should have been for all those years.
Parents protect their kids, Kyoko; that doesn’t change regardless of how old they are.”
“But I can still help, Makoto! You said yourself, we need my talent to solve this! Why can’t that
man see the truth? Why can’t he trust in my talent? Like you trust in my talent?”
Makoto smiled sadly as he squeezed her hands again and assured her “I do believe in your talent,
Kyoko…but I also said how much it terrified me that you were out there risking your life. And it’s
different as your boyfriend; I’m not responsible for your safety, even if I want to keep you safe.
Your Dad had to make a choice, and he chose you! You’re more important to him than any
mystery, that’s why he told you to not investigate anymore.”
Kyoko sighed in frustration, the girl throwing her hands up in the air and out of his grasp, turning
her back to him as she seethed “Yeah, he chose me…me over dozens and dozens of students who
have died. And he’s potentially dooming even more to die by not making use of my talent.”
His fingers twitching with the desire to hold her in his arms and comfort her, Makoto refrained as
he tried to assure her “You did the best you could…you’ve been investigating ever since Chiaki
came to you for help. You’re the best Detective I know, Kyoko…and you did the best you
could…”
Kyoko shook her head as she let loose “You don’t know that. I could have done better. I could
have discovered the culprits and stopped the Tragedy before it began. I COULD HAVE SOLVED
THE MYSTERY IF I HADN’T BEEN DISTRACTED BY DATING YOU!”
*Gasp*
Kyoko went silent, her words just now registering in her mind as she thought Oh no…did I…
actually SAY that?!
She turned to face Makoto, gasping as she saw tears streaming down his face, the boy whimpering
as he looked totally heartbroken.
“Makoto…” She tried to backtrack “I didn’t mean it, I swear! I just…I lost my temper and…”
“…I’m sorry…”
Kyoko trailed off, her own heart breaking as she saw Makoto sobbing openly as he cried “…I’m
sorry…for wasting your time…I…I won’t get in your way anymore…I promise…”
“MAKOTO!” Kyoko cried out, reaching out in vain as he ran out of her room, slamming the door
behind him.
Kyoko sighed, turning to her bed and shakily walking forward, collapsing on the mattress and
curling up into a ball, her tears of sorrow finally flowing down her face as she cried for the
relationship she had inadvertently discarded.
“Way to go, Kiri…you just tossed aside the only boy who really cared about you…the only boy to
love you for you…the boy who helped you to feel again and helped you to make friends…the only
boy who gave you a family again and you threw him away…Some girlfriend I turned out to be…”
XXX
Present Day
“You…” Kiki sniffled as tears streamed down her face, crying “…broke up with Daddy? Why?
Why would you do that?!”
Tears of guilt streamed down Kyoko’s face as one of the most shameful acts she had perpetrated in
her life was laid bare before her daughter.
“Kiki…if I could take it back, I would do so in a heartbeat. As soon as I realized what I said, I
wanted to slap myself, turn back time, anything to make up for what I did to your Father…” …And
not for the final time, either…
Makoto sighed, deciding to intervene before things got out of hand by soothing “Kiki…your
Mother knew she was in the wrong, and we made up eventually, so please, don’t hold it against
her, okay?”
Kiki nodded “…Okay Daddy…” Wiping the tears off her face with her wrist, she turned to Kyoko
and apologized “I’m sorry, Mommy…”
“Kiki…” Kyoko wrapped her arms around her daughter, pulling her into her lap as they shed their
final tears together, Makoto smiling softly at the sight. After they separated, Kiki climbed off
Kyoko’s lap and into her spot between her parents, assuring her “I’m okay now, Mommy.”
Turning to her Father, she asked “What happened next, Daddy?”
“Well, I can’t speak for your Mother, but I was so upset and depressed that I locked myself in my
room, refusing to come out. Word spread quickly about our breakup, and eventually Sayaka, Leon,
and Mondo came by to…”
XXX
April 8, 2015
*Ding Dong*
“Makoto, open up, please? We brought you breakfast; you must be hungry!”
“No!” Makoto’s sobbing voice could be heard through the door as he wailed “I don’t wanna eat
anything! I can’t even feel anything now that Kyoko’s dumped me!”
“Come on, man, I know Kyoko was a cute girl, but there are other fish in the sea!”
“Yeah, dude!” Mondo agreed with Leon “I’ve been on a ten-game losing streak! You can easily
find another girl who will love you even more than Kyoko did.”
“OW!” Leon and Mondo yelped as Sayaka slapped them upside the head.
“Leon, Mondo, you’re not helping! Nobody wants to have their ex’s significance diminished right
after a breakup.” Sighing, she tried again “Makoto, please just talk to us, okay? We can help you
get through this…”
“NO! LEAVE ME ALONE!”
“Makoto…” Sayaka began, before Leon laid his hand on her shoulder and shook his head.
“Look, babe, I get you mean well, but maybe you might not be the best person to try and cheer him
up about a breakup.”
Her expression turning indignant, Sayaka demanded “And just what do you mean by that,
Kuwata?”
Holding his hands up in surrender he exclaimed “Whoa, chill out babe! All I meant was that you
kind of already broke his heart once, so he might not be that receptive if the message of comfort
comes from you.”
“Oh…right…” Sayaka deflated, kicking herself once more for having broken Makoto’s heart last
year as Leon rubbed her back in comfort.
“Fuck…” Mondo cursed “So what do we do now? I mean, we can’t just leave him here, crying
and shit. I mean…we need his optimism now more than ever. I mean…with everything going
downhill, he’s the glue holding us together…”
“Then leave him be…”
Everyone turned to see Mukuro walking towards them, a neutral expression on her face as Mondo
greeted “Oh, hey Mukuro…you here to cheer up Makoto too?”
“…I just finished my shift in the Data Center and came to find you so you could switch off with
me. More to the point…if you really want to see Makoto happy again, then it’s best if you give
him some space. Take it from me, sometimes being crowded by your comrades does more harm
than good, and some time in solitude can be much more beneficial.”
Sayaka bit her lip before nodding “Okay, Mukuro…I’ll go put this in the fridge in the kitchen in
case Makoto still wants it. Come on, Leon.”
As Leon followed his girlfriend out of sight, Mondo rubbed the back of his head and decided “I’ll
head up to the Data Center then for my shift. See ya…”
As he walked away, Mukoro walked up to the door and told Makoto “If you ever want to talk
about it…just remember you have friends who care about you and want to help you…”
Makoto sniffled and called back “…Thanks Mukuro…I just want to be alone right now if that’s
okay.”
Mukuro nodded “Of course; take as much time as you need. I’ll see you later, Makoto…”
XXX
Present Day
“That was really nice of Mukuro to help you get some alone time…but what about you, Mommy?
Why didn’t you try and make up with Daddy?”
“…Truthfully, I was…embarrassed and ashamed of myself. I didn’t feel like I could face your
Father yet. So, like your Father, I just stayed in my room most of the day, only leaving to grab
meals to bring back to my room. Around the same time that Sayaka, Leon, and Mondo tried to
cheer up your Father, Sakura and your Auntie Hina tried to cheer me up and tracked me down on
my way to the Dining Hall…”
XXX
April 8, 2015
“Kyoko!”
“There you are! We’ve been really worried about you, Kyoko!”
Kyoko saw Sakura and Hina approaching her, worried expressions on their faces, causing Kyoko
to curse Of all the luck…can’t I be left to wallow alone?! “…Sakura…Hina…my apologies, I
didn’t mean to make you worry…OOF!”
Hina collided into a hug, embracing the sorrowful Detective as she rambled “Are you okay?! We
heard that you and Makoto broke up! He didn’t hurt you, did he? I had no idea he could be so
dirty! I swear, he’s the President of Dirtlandia for…”
“Hina.” Hina trailed off, silenced as Kyoko untangled herself from Hina’s forced hug and told
them “While I appreciate your anger on my behalf…Makoto’s not to blame for this mess.”
Hina’s angry expression deflated, the Ultimate Swimming Pro asking “Then…what did happen?”
Sighing, Sakura intervened “If you’re not ready to talk about it, then you don’t have to. But if you
want to talk about it, we’ll be happy to help you sort out your feelings.”
Kyoko looked to Sakura, who’s serious expression told her that she would indeed leave her alone if
asked. Then she turned to Hina, whose determined, pumped expression told her that in spite of
Sakura’s objections, she had no intention of abandoning Kyoko in her time of distress.
Sighing, the Ultimate Detective guessed with the softest of smiles “…You’re not going to let this
go until I agree, are you Hina?”
Hina grinned and agreed “Nope! If my friends are feeling down, I need to help them get back on
their feet so they can keep striving for their gold metals! Besides, you finally cracked a smile!”
Shaking her head in amusement, Kyoko caved “Alright, but I need to grab my breakfast, then we
can head to my room. I’d rather this conversation remain private.”
“No problem! I’ll go grab some donuts while we’re there. There’s nothing like having some nice,
chewy donuts when you’re down! Firs the sweetness floods your mouth, then the soft dough
cushions you…”
Kyoko and Sakura sweatdropped as Hina walked towards the Dining Hall ahead of them, both
sighing before Sakura apologized “Apologies for Hina’s antics…she means well, and her energetic
disposition does wonders for helping you feel reenergized.”
…I suppose that’s true… Kyoko nodded, allowing the smallest of smiles to show as she urged
“Let’s go…the sooner we get my breakfast, the sooner we can head to my room and get this over
with.”
XXX
“I see…” Sakura mused “So you were angry at your Father and when you went to Makoto in the
hopes that he would help you feel better, you ended up taking your anger out on him.”
Kyoko nodded, nibbling on the donut in her hand as she finished “Then when I said that I would
have solved the mystery if I wasn’t dating him, he thought I was breaking up with him and ran
off.”
Sakura rubbed Kyoko’s back in comfort before Hina spotted a picture frame laying face-down
against Kyoko’s desk, exclaiming “Hey, what’s this?” The other two girls looked towards Hina as
she walked back over to them and sat next to Kyoko, cooing “Aww, this is such a cute photo,
Kyoko!”
Kyoko froze as she caught the glimpse of the family picture Hana had sent her after she and
Makoto went back to Hope’s Peak, before she bit her lip and hesitantly explained “…That’s from
when Makoto and I spent Christmas together with his family.”
Kyoko smiled wistfully, recalling how loved she felt as she bonded with Hana, Shingi, and
Komaru, as well as the nights she snuggled with Makoto, taking solace in the warmth his loving
embrace offered.
…Now I’ll never experience a love like that ever again…
Sakura smiled as she looked at the photo, remarking “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you so happy as
you are in that photo.”
“Sakura’s right!” Hine exclaimed. “But…why was it face-down on your desk? This is too cute
and adorable to keep hidden!”
Kyoko bit her lip and explained “…You’re right; I remember when we got back, I’d look at that
photo every night before I went to bed…but…ever since our breakup…looking at it just reminds
me of how badly I screwed up…I can’t bear to even look at it…”
Frowning, Hina wondered “But…you said that you didn’t mean to break up with him, right?
Wouldn’t telling him you’re sorry fix the problem?”
Kyoko sighed and placed her donut on her lap, replying “…An apology is the very least he
deserves, regardless of whether it repairs our relationship. Even so…I’m just…so embarrassed by
my conduct…that I can’t bring myself to look him in the eye…I acted exactly like the spoiled child
I accused my Father of believing I was…how can I face him now?!”
Sakura smiled sadly and rubbed Kyoko’s back, replying soothingly “That’s completely
understandable…I remember when my courtship with Kenshiro was in its infancy…there were
times when my insecurities would take root and I would lash out at him. But after I faced my
immaturity and apologized, he would always open his arms and welcome me back. Given how
happy Makoto looks in that photo…” Kyoko smiled as they all admired the loving expressions in
that memory before Sakura concluded “I think that Makoto would be equally as forgiving if you
chose to apologize to him.”
Could he? Would he forgive me? I know he forgave Junko…but even he must have his limits,
right? Kyoko sighed and concluded “I…I need to think…”
Sakura nodded and accepted “That’s understandable…spend some time to yourself, take a few
deep breaths, try those meditation exercises I taught you during our training sessions. Whatever it
takes for you to come to a secure decision.” Standing up, Sakura urged “Come on, Hina; let’s
leave Kyoko to her thoughts.”
Pouting, Hina complained “But we haven’t cheered her up yet! I can’t just leave my friend…”
“Hina.” Sakura urged more forcefully “Sometimes some alone time is better than being crowded.
Let’s give her some space so she can think.”
“Okay…” Hina stood up and told her “Good luck, okay Kyoko? I’ll leave the donuts here so you
can enjoy them.”
Kyoko smiled and nodded “Thank you, Hina.”
Sakura and Hina nodded before heading out the door. Upon hearing the door close, Kyoko sighed
and laid back on her bed, holding up the family photo to admire once more.
“Can I really do it? Can I really face Makoto again? And will he accept my apology? Will he
ever open his arms to me again?” Kyoko sighed as she placed the photo face-down on her dresser,
curling up into a ball as she murmured “I just feel so lost without you, Makoto…”
XXX
Present Day
“Auntie Hina was right, Mommy! Daddy will always forgive you if you say you’re sorry! Heck,
even if you’re not sorry, he’ll still forgive you!”
Makoto smiled sheepishly while Kyoko smiled softly as she replied “…In hindsight yes, it was
foolish of me to think that he wouldn’t welcome me back. But at the time…I was really scared and
insecure, and as your Father can attest, sometimes fear and insecurity wan overrule all rational
judgment.”
“So does that mean you didn’t apologize right away?”
Shaking her head, Kyoko confirmed “Not yet, Kiki; I still needed to calm down and think.”
Makoto nodded “Even if she was, I was still sobbing in my room and was in no mood to discuss
anything.”
“So…when did you two make up?”
Looking at the clock, Makoto told her “Tomorrow, Kiki; it’s late.”
Kiki sighed, but nodded, wiggling under the blankets as her parents tucked her in before kissing her
good night.
“Good night, Kiki.” Kyoko kissed her daughter’s cheek and cooed “Sweet dreams.”
“…You too, Mommy, Daddy…” Kiki yawned before her eyes drooped shut, her snores
reverberating in the room.
Makoto wrapped one arm around his uneasy wife, silently urging her to relax as he led her out of
Kiki’s room and to the kitchen, hoping that a nice cup of herbal tea would help to banish his wife’s
guilt from her memory.
Love Arc Chapter Thirty-Seven: Junko Enoshima to the Rescue?!
Chapter Summary
Two days after their breakup, Makoto and Kyoko both receive messages from the
other asking to meet up and talk. Eager for an opportunity to patch things up and
apologize, they both meet int he Dining Hall. But did those messages really come from
them?
Chapter Notes
below, and enjoy!
Present Day
“So how did you and Mommy get back together, Daddy?”
“Well, by the next day, we had both calmed down, though we were still too terrified to make the
first move and try to mend our relationship. Then, while we were trying to figure out what to do
about our current situation, we each received an e-mail on our e-Handbooks…”
XXX
April 9, 2015
“Dear Makoto,
I need to apologize for how I acted the other day; it was immature of me. I’d like to meet you in
the Dining Hall so we can talk. Would it be acceptable if you headed there as soon as possible? I
prefer not to be kept waiting, so I’d appreciate it if you headed there first and I’ll meet you there as
soon as I can. I appreciate your cooperation.
Love,
Kyoko Kirigiri.”
Makoto sat up, staring incredulously at his e-Handbook as he wondered “She wants to talk? She
wants to apologize?” Leaping off his bed, the slightest bit of optimistic spirit returned to his eyes
as he realized “I can’t waste this chance! I’ll head over there, grab a snack for myself while I wait,
and maybe even make Kyoko a coffee! Even if I can’t win her heart again…at least I can salvage
our friendship!”
XXX
“Dear Kyoko,
I’m so, SO sorry about what I said the other day! I should have taken your feelings more
seriously! I know I haven’t been the best boyfriend lately, but I’d really like to make it up to you.
If it’s okay with you, could you meet me in the Dining Hall in fifteen minutes so we can talk over a
cup of Civet Coffee? I’ll understand if you don’t want to be anywhere near me anymore, but I’d
love nothing more than a second chance if you can find it within yourself to forgive me and talk
things out together.
Love, Makoto Naegi.”
Kyoko smiled tearfully as she remarked “How like you Makoto to bear all the responsibility and
blame by yourself.” She got off her bed and looked at herself in the mirror, noting “My hair looks
like a mess…okay! Fifteen minutes is enough time to take a shower before meeting Makoto. Then
I can apologize to him for how much I hurt him and beg him to take me back…even if I don’t
deserve it…”
XXX
Makoto paced back and forth, two cups of coffee in his hands as he waited nervously for Kyoko in
the Dining Hall.
Come on…where is she, where is she…oh no, what if she changed her mind? Should I…no, I have
to trust Kyoko! She’ll come any minute now, I just have to…
“Makoto.”
Makoto held in a gasp as he turned his head to see a relieved Kyoko setting foot in the dining hall.
Showing a relieved, beaming smile of his own, Makoto walked in her direction, the two of them
meeting halfway.
The two shuffled awkwardly before Makoto handed her the coffee in his left hand and offered “I
thought maybe you’d like a Civet Coffee while we talked.”
Accepting it gratefully, Kyoko gestured for him to follow him to their usual table for two. Makoto
nodded, following her and sitting down across from Kyoko.
Keeping his hands clutched together, Makoto thanked “Thank you so much for meeting me here,
Kyoko!”
Relaxing into an easygoing smile, Kyoko returned “The feeling is mutual; I’m happy that we could
meet like this.”
Bowing his head, Makoto continued “Me too! I really need to apologize for not taking your
feelings as seriously as I should have, so thank you for suggesting our meeting today…”
“Wait, what?!” Unsure of what he had just heard, Makoto looked up to see Kyoko’s shocked
expression as she asked “What do you mean, I suggested this meeting?”
Makoto felt himself start to grow incredibly anxious, dreading her answer as he asked “You
mean…ou didn’t…suggest this meeting?”
“N…no…I came because I got an e-mail from you saying that you wanted to talk over coffee about
what happened.”
“That…that can’t be…” Makoto stammered “I got an e-mail from you saying you wanted to talk in
the Dining Hall. You even made clear that you wanted me to head there first so you wouldn’t be
kept waiting.”
“…Makoto, may I see the e-mail you’re referencing? I’ll show you mine as well…”
Nodding in agreement, the two confused teenagers exchanged e-Handbooks, quickly skimming the
contents of the e-mails.
“Well, it’s certainly an impressive forgery…” Kyoko noted as she thought The author not only
correctly guessed my inner feelings, but managed to mimic my speech patterns… “…But I don’t
remember ending this e-mail to you.”
Makoto nodded “S…same…I wish I had been brave enough to send this…but I was too chicken to
do it…”
Frowning at Makoto’s self-depreciation, Kyoko wondered “Then who…”
“IT WAS ME! JUNKO FUCKING ENOSHIMA!”
“Junko?!” Makoto and Kyoko exclaimed as the Ultimate Fashionista, currently rocking her punk
persona.
“You sent us these e-mails?”
Reaching into her pocket to put on a pair of glasses, Junko spoke with a much more professional
tone as she revealed “Correct, Miss Kirigiri. I simply persuaded Mr. Fujisaki to create two
temporary, fake e-mail addresses and use spoofing techniques to mimic your addresses. I then sent
e-mails to the both of you, mimicking your respective personalities to make them authentic.”
Uneasy that he had been manipulated into meeting Kyoko under false pretenses, Makoto stood up,
pulling the hood of his hoodie over his head in an effort to make himself disappear before saying
“If Kyoko didn’t want me to be here…then I don’t want to upset her more than I already have. I’ll
head back to my room.”
Kyoko bit her lip, secretly not wanting him to run away again, but her desire for him to stay took a
back seat to her reservations about being deceived about Makoto’s initiative.
Standing up, she concurred “I agree…if Makoto had no initial desire to see me today, then I refuse
to waste his time any longer. I’m leaving too…”
“I did not dismiss the two of you, now sit back down!” Junko told them, forcing them back into
their seats with a soft push of her hands before continuing, still in her professional persona. “I may
have deceived you both into coming here, but none of the things I wrote in your respective e-mails
were untrue. Mr. Naegi, you’ve been wanting to apologize for hurting Miss Kirigiri’s feelings,
correct? And Miss Kirigiri, it’s your desire to apologize for saying something you didn’t mean, am
I wrong?”
Makoto nodded and Kyoko shook her head, both blushing at having their private feelings being
laid bare by Junko of all people.
Changing personalities once more, Junko replaced her glasses with a crown and proclaimed “Not to
worry, peasants! Your benevolent ruler will assist you in rekindling your romance! No need to
thank me, I always ensure my subjects are well cared for.” Reverting back to her rock star
persona, Junko exclaimed “Besides, in case you haven’t noticed, Hope’s Peak has kinda gone to
shit! The Reserve Course fucked it up so much, we can’t even go outside! Well, if ya wanna get
technical, I suppose the Steering Committee fucked it up, but tomato, tomato, am I right? Anyway,
you guys can’t get hung up over one fuckin’ argument when there’s shit like that goin’ on and lots
of students will never have the chance to experience what you guys have!”
…Maybe I haven’t had my priorities straight for a while… Kyoko admitted to herself.
…When she puts it like that, I do feel kinda silly for panicking and hiding in my room instead of
talking things out with Kyoko… Makoto concluded, an embarrassed smile forming on his lips.
“…Besides…” Junko continued, her personality now devoid of any happiness or hope whatsoever
as she fiddled with her hair “You have no idea how happy your relationship makes our class.
When you guys were dating, you two were so disgustingly happy, you would light up whatever
room you were in and cheer up everybody in it. Even Toko looked like she was actually having a
good time, even if it was only because if gave her ideas for fantasies about her and rich boy.”
Blushing, Makoto and Kyoko both wondered Did we…did we really affect everyone that much…?
“And now look at what happened. Once you two broke up, everyone started feeling as down in the
dumps as the two of you. Your lovey-dovey relationship was the only solace we all had during this
Tragedy. Now that you broke up…we have nothing to distract us from our despair. We need you
two to bring us even just a spark of hope.”
She’s right… Makoto realized I’m already terrified by what’s happened…by what’s still
happening outside…Kyoko was the only one to keep me grounded. What was I thinking running
away like I did?
…I don’t like to admit it…but she’s right… Kyoko admitted I might have been able to keep calm,
but that’s only because I had Makoto’s safety to focus on. When we broke up, I felt so lost and
unsure of myself that I couldn’t keep any of the others calm. If we’re not able to think rationally
and stay composed…we could end up dead…
Makoto and Kyoko’s hands drifted on the table until their fingers intertwined, smiling softly at
each other as their eyes shone, both of them silently saying through their eyes I’m so sorry…wold
you please take me back?
Reverting to her normal personality, Junko walked around them and pushed both of their chairs
until the couple were face-to-face with each other, the toes of their shoes touching as they were
once again caught off guard by Junko’s antics.
“Now that that’s out of the way, it’s time for you two to make up and get back together. I mean,
seriously! I’m gone for a little while for a photo shoot, then when I come back I find out that not
only has the Reserve Course taken up torches and pitchforks and turned Hope’s Peak Academy into
a battlefield, but now our resident couple broke up over one little fight? COME ON, GUYS!
JUST KISS ALREADY SO YOU CAN BE A COUPLE AGAIN AND MAKE US ALL HAPPY!”
K..Kiss…in FRONT OF YOU?! Makoto and Kyoko exclaimed in their thoughts, making Junko
grin as she read their thoughts.
“Yep, you two have to kiss. Right here, right now. And no wimping out with kissing the cheek or
the nose or any of that other cutesy shit. I’m not letting you two leave until I see you two totally
smooching on the lips, WITH TONGUE!”
Makoto and Kyoko blushed, not exactly eager to give Junko the kind of show that she was
describing.
We’d be hesitant to kiss in front of anybody, let alone the kind of passionate kiss that you’re
describing!
Pulling a rope out of her jacket, Junko threated “And if you don’t kiss, I’ll just tie you two together
in your chairs until you do!” Her eyes suddenly turning overly cutesy, Junko pleaded “So, kiss?
Pretty please?”
Makoto and Kyoko gulped, Kyoko making the first move as she reached to cradle his cheeks in her
hands, reasoning …Might as well get this over with…
His cheeks heating up from the intimate contact he had sorely needed, Makoto returned the gesture,
cradling her face in his hands as they pulled each other closer, their breath tickling each other’s
skin as they paused in a moment of hesitation.
…I’m scared… Makoto thought, his green eyes staring into Kyoko’s own violet ones.
Don’t be scared…I’m here this time… Kyoko silently encouraged, giving Makoto the courage to
close his eyes as he finally closed the distance.
Upon feeling his lips upon her own, Kyoko closed her eyes, feeling their tongues shyly poke into
each other’s mouths as they tangled and embraced and danced and stroked each other in a loving,
reassuring gesture. When at last they broke apart, blushing furiously as they smiled lovingly as
each other, Junko clapped, her hands now empty as she had reverted back to her normal
personality.
“Well done, you two! No need to thank me, repairing relationships is just one of my many talents.
Alright, you’re free to go talk and shit in your rooms or whatever. I’m off to go spread the good
news to our class. Later!”
Makoto and Kyoko watched as Junko walked away, sweatdropping before they both sighed and
turned to smile at each other, the repaired couple feeling more at peace than they had in a long
time.
Makoto stood up first, offering his hand as he invited “Would you like to come to my room with
me? I still would like to apologize properly for what happened…”
Kyoko returned his smile, accepting his hand before he pulled her up and Kyoko nodded
“Likewise…I too have some things I need to say. So, shall we go?”
Nodding with a soft smile, the two joined hands as they walked out of the Dining Room and
headed to Makoto’s bedroom.
XXX
“Junko really has changed, hasn’t she?” Makoto mused as they sat on Makoto’s bed, holding
hands as they blushed, their shoes and boots sitting by the door. “She’s gone from being an
insufferable prankster who didn’t know when to stop, to a girl who cares enough about her friends
to step in and help them in her own way.”
Kyoko nodded “…Then I suppose you were right; her suspension turned out to be the attitude
adjustment she needed.” Still, her intuition was almost too perfect…
Kyoko’s thoughts were interrupted as Makoto let go of her hands and drew her into a hug, the two
laying their heads on each other’s shoulders as they rubbed each other’s backs in apology, Makoto
starting “I’m really sorry…I didn’t consider your feelings when you came to me for help. I should
have tried to…”
Kyoko shook her head, her lavender locks tickling his cheek as she denied “Makoto, you did
nothing wrong. I acted like a spoiled child, both in front of my Father, and in front of you. You
were just trying to show me how much he was trying to protect me…and I responded by lashing
out and blaming you for my own shortcomings. But I swear…”
Tears streamed down Kyoko’s cheeks as she told him “I swear Makoto…I didn’t mean it. I never
wanted to break up with you, and these past couple of days without you have been torture. I was
just too embarrassed, too ashamed…to terrified to try and talk things out before.”
“…You’re not alone, Kyoko. I let my emotions rule me too. I ran away because I felt so
distraught and I didn’t want to talk to anyone about it, and I never should have run away from you.
I love you, Kyoko.”
*Sniff* “I love you too, Makoto…and I swear I’ll never hurt you like that ever again!” Lifting her
head off his shoulder and moving her hands to grasp his head and pull it in front of her, she smiled
lovingly as she cooed “Let me make it up to you…”
“Kyoko…” Makoto frowned as he tried to assure her “You don’t have to…MMPH!”
Makoto closed his eyes and moaned as he relaxed into Kyoko’s loving kiss, his arms wrapping
around her waist as her now bare hands shifted from cradling his cheeks to wrapping around his
neck. He immediately began to reciprocate her kiss, their tongues more confidently entering each
other’s mouths to dance with each other in a sensual dance of hove.
Makoto…
Kyoko…
I love you…
XXX
Present Day
“YAY!” Kiki cheered “You guys got back together, thanks to Junko!”
If only her motives were as pure as we thought back then… Makoto and Kyoko thought.
Rather than clue her into their thoughts, Makoto nodded and agreed “Yeah, your Mother and I hit a
rough spot, and for a couple of days it seemed like we were drowning in despair, but we came out
of it stronger than ever, didn’t we honey?”
Kyoko blushed, agreeing “Indeed we did, sweetie” before the loving parent nuzzled noses,
giggling all the while. Kiki stuck her tongue out, making a sound of disgust before the two split
apart.
Kyoko ruffled her daughter’s hair and answered “Tomorrow, Kiki…it’s getting late.”
“Aww…” Kiki groaned before wiggling under the blankets, watching as her parents tucked her in
“Good night Kiki, we love you.”

“Love you too, Mommy. Love you too, Daddy.”
As Kiki closed her eyes and began to snore, Makoto and Kyoko smiled lovingly at their snoozing
daughter, then to each other. Nuzzling noses one last time, they then turned to walk out of her
room, taking one last look over their shoulders together at her peaceful form before closing the
door and returning to their room.
XXX
Makoto and Kyoko embraced in their bed, Makoto musing “That particular memory is fond to me,
in spite of the circumstances. I’m glad Kiki got the chance to hear it.”
Kyoko agreed “Indeed; it was the calm before the storm.”
Makoto smiled lovingly at her as he rubbed her back, replying “At least we weathered it together.
And not just the two of us, but all of our class.”
Kyoko replied by leaning forward to kiss her husband, which he eagerly returned. They then
proceeded to pepper each other’s faces with soft kisses as their hands began to roam, trying to
memorize every curve and muscle of each other’s bodies, just like their past selves from all those
years ago.
XXX
April 9, 2015
Makoto panted, coming down from his sexual high as his girlfriend slumped against him, her head
nuzzling against his chest as her lavender locks fanned out above him, her breasts pressing against
his upper belly.
Finally calm, Makoto reached to caress her head, Kyoko humming contentedly in response to his
touch as he mused “…Not that I don’t enjoy this…but maybe we might want to come up with a
better way to make up after a fight besides having sex.”
Kyoko traced patterns on his belly with her right hand as her muffled voice advised tiredly “…
Don’t jinx us, okay? Let’s just…enjoy the moment for now.” Glancing up at him, she asked “…
So…am I forgiven?”
Makoto smiled at her shy expression, reaching down to take her free hand in his own and planting
a soft kiss on her knuckles, making her blush as he assured her “…Yeah…apology accepted.”
*Click*
Kyoko’s giddy giggles were interrupted as the sound of the doorknob turning registered in their
minds, Makoto freezing as Kyoko drew the blankets to their waists in a panic, clutching his waist
with her hands to hide them from view.
“Makoto, Junko told us you and Kyoko got back together. Is she with…EEK!”
“Sayaka, babe what’s wrong? Did you find…WHOA!”
Sayaka held her palms over her eyes to obscure the sight from her eyes, while Leon gaped in
disbelief. Laying on Makoto’s bed was Kyoko, currently on top of Makoto. Only their heads and
torsos were visible, but the two were obviously naked, seeing as all of their clothes and underwear
were strewn across the floor.
“You…you guys…you really…” Sayaka stuttered, her palms hiding her blushing cheeks as she
realized what they were doing.
Leon couldn’t help the teasing smile on his face as he told the embarrassed, blushing couple
“Congrats on a spectacular makeup. We’ll uh…let you guys get decent…and wait outside until
you’re ready.”
Leon led his girlfriend outside and closed the door, leaving Makoto and Kyoko to sweatdrop.
After a minute had passed, Kyoko looked down to glare at her boyfriend, leading him to smile
sheepishly.
“You forgot to lock the door?!”
“Hehe…sorry…guess…my mind was elsewhere…?”
Kyoko sighed and admitted “…I suppose I can’t really blame you…I was more concerned with
apologizing to you than anything else…and re-consummating our relationship was honestly a spur
of the moment kind of thing…well, the cat’s out of the bag at any rate.” She then slid off of him,
Makoto’s eyes following her naked form as she searched for her clothes and told him “Come on,
let’s get dressed and see what Sayaka and Leon needed us for.”
Nodding as Kyoko put on her gloves, Makoto threw the blankets off of him and started searching
for his clothes, locating and sliding on his boxers as Kyoko did the same with her panties.
XXX
“…Well…that’s one way to make up…” a still blushing Sayaka commented as Makoto and
Kyoko’s cheeks tinged pink, recalling how the couple had walked in on the aftermath of their
lovemaking session.
Leon laughed, clapping his girlfriend on the back as he commented “Man babe, it’s not every day
that you’re struck speechless! Usually you’re the one teasing us!” Suddenly growing serious,
Leon moved on “As much as I’d love to continue teasing you about your makeup, I’m afraid things
have gotten serious.”
Seeing Makoto and Kyoko’s worried expressions, a now composed Sayaka explained “Yeah; just
as Junko was telling us that you two had gotten back together, the Headmaster came by and told us
all to gather in the Dining Hall. Apparently he has a really important announcement to make. He
wouldn’t say what, only that he would answer when all sixteen of us were gathered together.”
His brow furrowed in concern, Makoto looked to his girlfriend and asked “Any idea what he might
mean by that, Kyoko?”
Shaking her head, Kyoko answered “For once, I’m as in the dark as you are. Our only option is to
meet with the others and see what he has to say.” Offering Makoto her hand, she asked “So, shall
we go?”
Nodding, Makoto accepted Kyoko’s offer, threading their fingers together as Leon and Sayaka
copied their gesture. The four of them then began the short walk to the Dining Hall, the four of
them glancing to their respective significant others as they make a silent vow.
Whatever happens, we’ll face it together!

Love Arc Chapter Thirty-Eight: Class 78th’s Ultimatum!
Chapter Summary
As Class 78th gathers in the Dining Hall, Headmaster Kirigiri announced that the 77th
Class and Chisa Yukizome have died and that the outside world is no longer safe. He
then gives the surviving students an ultimatum: agree to live inside the school until the
Tragedy ends, or risk going outside to be reunited with their loved ones. What will
they decide?
Chapter Notes
Alright, here’s the final chapter of Love Arc! I apologize that this arc ended up being
so long, so thanks for sticking around! Please read and review, and enjoy!
Present Day
“So what happened after you guys made up, Mommy?”
“After we made up, Sayaka and Leon came to get us, and told us that your Grandpa Jin had an
announcement for our class and told us to gather in the Dining Hall. We had just arrived when…”
XXX
April 9, 2015
The four Ultimates walked into the room, looking in surprise as they saw their remaining
classmates sitting in a row of chairs, the tables they used to be at pushed haphazardly against the
wall closest to the entrance. The two couples then sat in the four remaining chairs, Makoto and
Kyoko sitting next to each other on the far left, while Sayaka and Leon sat adjacent on the far
right. Kyoko took in the sight of her Father, who to her surprise wore a pensive and reluctant
expression on his face.
…I take it he hasn’t gathered us to tell us that the riots are over and we can start preparing for our
exams…
Clearing his throat, Jin began “Thank you all for coming…I’m glad that you all are here
unharmed.”
What? He thought we could have been hurt?!
Most of the class seemed to share Makoto’s sentiment, their eyes fearful at how the Headmaster
had opened his speech.
“Unfortunately, I have nothing but dire news to share with all of you.” Taking a deep breath, Jin
told them somberly “Last night, one of the Main Course buildings exploded, killing Chisa
Yukizome and most of the 77th Class. Only Chiaki Nanami wasn’t present during the explosion,
and she has recently gone missing, so we have to assume that she is among the deceased as well.”
A collective gasp filled the room, eyes widened as they took in the news, Makoto thinking in
disbelief Dead? Everybody’s…dead…?!
A small squeeze around his hand brought him back. Looking next to him, he saw Kyoko holding
onto his hand, assurance and fear waging war in her eyes.
She’s scared too…and yet…she’s still trying to keep me calm…then…I should be calm for her
too…
His goal now clear, Makoto took a deep breath, smiling appreciatively at his girlfriend before
Byakuya interrupted “If our upperclassmen are in fact dead, then perhaps you and your staff should
focus on escorting us off the ground so we can be out of danger.”
As several others voiced rare agreement with Byakuya, Jin shook his head and told them “I’m
afraid that is…no longer practical.”
No longer practical…? Kyoko wondered as she raised an eyebrow in confusion.
“I’m afraid…the riots are no longer contained to Hope’s Peak Academy…we don’t yet know how,
but similar riots are now taking place all across Japan. I fear that they may eventually encompass
the entire world before this Tragedy is over.”
All over Japan? The entire WORLD?! was the collective thought of the entire class, leaving even
Kyoko shocked in her seat.
“As of right now, the sixteen of you are all that remains of the student body of Hope’s Peak
Academy. As Headmaster, it is my duty to ensure your survival to the best of my ability.”
Considering how you’ve failed at everything else of importance, I fear for our lives… Kyoko
deadpanned.
“Therefore, I am here to present you with an ultimatum. Option one is, as Byakuya said, I can
mobilize what’s left of Hope’s Peak Security to attempt to escort you back to your families.”
And if things are as bad in the outside world as you claim they are, then not only would safely
escorting us be almost impossible, but even if we did make it back to our families, our chance of
survival would be just as bad… Kyoko realized.
“Option two, is for all of you to be sealed inside this building. We will barricade the doors and
windows so that you will be safe from attacks, and we will turn Hope’s Peak Academy into a
shelter. As a result, you will be isolated from the outside world in a communal life until the
Tragedy has come to an end and the world returns to normal…whenever that might be.”
Makoto’s eyes widened as he realized So…there’s a chance that if we accept, we could be stuck
here for the REST OF OUR LIVES?! How can we even make such a choice?!
Jin sighed, finishing “And that’s all of what I have to say. I realize that this is extremely sudden…
no, that would be an understatement. Regardless, I know you all need time to digest this and think
things through as a class.”
Walking past them until he reached the entrance of the Dining Hall, Jin told them “I’ll give you
until tomorrow morning to decide, at which point you will be called to my office to inform me of
your decision. Those of you who choose to stay, I will make sure to protect with my life. Those of
you who choose to leave, I will do my best to have you escorted to safety. Remember, once you
choose…there’s no turning back.”
His footsteps creating earthquakes in their ears, they watched as the Headmaster disappeared,
leaving the sixteen students alone to decide their fate.
“Okay…WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?!” Junko broke the silence as she screeched “LIVE
HERE FOR THE REST OF OUR LIVES?! THERE’S NO WAY WE CAN AGREE TO THAT!”
“Y…yeah…” Sayaka shook as she agreed with Junko “I mean…if I stay here for the rest of my
life…I’ll never get to perform onstage again…my dream…my dream…I CAN’T AFFORD TO BE
STUCK IN HERE!”
“Babe, babe, it’s okay, it’s okay…” Leon soothed as he brought her into a hug, the Ultimate
Baseball Star stroking her back as he whispered words of comfort into her ear while she clutched
onto his shirt for dear life. Once Sayaka stopped shaking in his grip, Leon looked to his other
classmates and asked “So…we know how Junko and Sayaka feel about this…what about the rest
of you?”
Sighing, Mondo spoke up next “I…get how Sayaka feels…I mean…I gotta go find my boys and
make sure they’re safe…I’d be a coward if I didn’t at least try…”
Taka shook his head and disagreed “I understand your feelings, Bro, but at least if we stay here,
then we get to keep our natural lifespans. And at least we’ll be a school, where we’ll be able to
continue our educational crusade.”
Everyone sweatdropped at Taka’s outlook, Mondo facepalming before glaring at Taka and
reminding him with annoyance obvious in his tone “Bro, in case you forgot, we haven’t had classes
since the riots fuckin’ started! This ain’t a school anymore, it’s just an empty building! There’s
nothing left here for us; we should just pack up our bags and find an actual shelter.”
“Hey!” Taka retorted “At least here, we’ll have the Headmaster’s protection! And this may not be
a functioning school anymore, but we still have a library and textbooks, so we can reinforce what
we’ve already learned, just like Professor Makoto taught me!”
…Maybe not the best time to bring that up, Taka… Makoto deadpanned as everyone else glared at
him, reminded of the conversation the two of them had when Koichi first cancelled class and Taka
was beside himself.
As the others relented, Celeste cleared her throat as she brought up “As for my opinion, I’m
inclined to stay here where it’s safe, and I have plenty of Royal Milk Tea and food to sustain me.”
Besides, it would be impossible to secure a castle now, given the state of world affairs…
Hifumi grinned and volunteered “If you choose to stay, then I shall stay as well, Miss Ludenberg!”
“The rest of you plebians can do whatever you want, I have the best security forces on my payroll,
so I will have no trouble surviving in the world outside.”
Sakura shook her head and warned him “Be careful about that confidence of yours, Byakuya. I
may be the Ultimate Martial Artist, but even I don’t think I could fend off every single rioter in the
outside world.”
Mukuro nodded “You should heed her words, Byakuya. Take it from someone with experience,
you don’t want to experience the horrors of a battlefield firsthand. If Junko wants to leave, then
I’ll accompany her, but I would advise against it for the rest of you.”
Hina nodded in agreement, suggesting “Maybe Sakura and Mukuro are right; we should stay here.
After all, we have exercise equipment, a pool, and a lifetime supply of donuts! What more could
we really need.”
“G…glad you have your priorities straight, you dumb walrus!”
“Who are you calling a walrus, Toko?!”
As the rest of the class started to fiercely debate their positions, Kyoko sighed and stood up,
leaving Makoto to chase after her as she walked towards the entrance.
“Hey, Kyoko! Where are you going?!”
“I’m going to get some more answers from our Headmaster…” …and to give him a piece of my
mind… She looked at Makoto with a serious stare in her eyes and told him “It would be best if you
stayed here for now; safety in numbers after all.” Seeing his worried stare, Kyoko assured him
“Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.”
“Kyoko…” Makoto uttered with worry as she walked out of the Dining Hall and out of view, her
eyes flaring with determination as she set her sights on the Headmaster.
XXX
*SLAM*
Jin jumped in his seat as the door to his office was thrown open, his vision focusing on his clearly
irate daughter, who glared at him as she walked through and approached his desk.
Recomposing himself, Jin folded his hands and asked “Kyoko, is there something I can help you
with?”
“Don’t feign ignorance to me, Headmaster. You know exactly why I’m here.”
Sighing, Jin concluded “…You’re here to get more answers on the Hope’s Peak sheltering plan…
and to berate me for springing it on your class like this…am I wrong?”
Glaring as she folded her arms across her chest, Kyoko nearly snarled “You made a selfish
decision without consulting anyone else…least of all the ones you would be isolating…as usual…”
“Kyoko…” Jin tried to reply, only for Kyoko to slam her hands on his desk and glare at him.
“What exactly is the point of isolating us inside this school for the rest of our lives? Hope’ Peak is
filled with enough dark secrets to make your claim of preserving our lives and livelihoods just a
little suspect. If that was your only goal, you would have consulted us earlier and offered to save
our families too. Do you have any idea what you asked of us? To give up our dreams of the future
forever? To give up possibly seeing our families ever again?”
Guilt started to cross the Headmaster’s face as he silently agreed that he had failed his students.
But Kyoko wasn’t done, as she continued “My classmates deserved better than that. MAKOTO
deserved better than that!” Scoffing, she finished “I thought that maybe I might have overreacted a
bit when I was here last time. But now, I see that I was right from the start. I can’t imagine a
worse father.”
A moment passed, the guilt growing stronger and stronger within the elder Kirigiri before he hung
his head and admitted “…You’re right…I am the worst Father…and apparently, an awful
Headmaster too…I should have acted sooner…I shouldn’t have taken you off the case so soon…at
the very least, I should have consulted your class about the possibility sooner….and done what I
could to save your families…all of you…and especially Makoto…deserved better…”
“…If your words are sincere…if you truly feel remorse for your failures…then tell me everything
about this sheltering plan. What is the true purpose behind it?”
Jin sighed and began “Okay…I’ll tell you…The point is to keep our student prodigies safe, to keep
them as our hope for the future.”
“Hope for the future?”
Jin nodded, elaborating “Only their genius can overcome disaster, and only their hope can
overcome despair.”
Not many of us are feeling hopeful about the future right now…Kyoko thought to herself, reflecting
on the despair that was felt by all of her classmates in the aftermath of her Father’s announcement.
“For the future of our country, our world, it’s not an exaggeration to call this our final hope. We
must isolate our superior youth from the corrupted world, to serve as the foundation for a new era.”
“You expect us to rebuild civilization by ourselves once the Tragedy has ended?!” Kyoko asked,
aghast at the pressure that was being placed on their shoulders. I’m not sure how some of our
classmates, Makoto especially, will be able to handle that burden…
Jin nodded apologetically as he finished “This is the only hope we have. I hope that you’ll be
willing to go along with this plan…”
Kyoko scoffed “Willing to go along with this plan…like we even have a choice?! If we go
outside, we’ll be signing our own death certificates.” Turning around, she told him “I’ll tell my
classmates that this is our only option, and that we should agree to it for our own safety…but know
that I take no pleasure from doing so…we deserved better!”
“…I’m sorry…” were the last words she heard from her Father before she walked out, storming
back to the Dining Hall where her classmates waited.
XXX
“So that’s why the Headmaster asked us to agree to this plan?”
Kyoko nodded at her boyfriend and explained “That’s right; the students of Hope’s Peak Academy
have been seen as beacons of hope for the world to look up to, and we are no exception. In order
for society to rebuild, the last symbols of hope must survive. That is the philosophy behind the
Headmaster’s proposal to isolate us from the Tragedy in the outside world.”
Byakuya nodded, commenting “That makes sense. After all…” Byakuya smirked as he finished
“…the world will need the perfection of the Togami Corporation if modern industry is to resume.”
Everyone rolled their eyes at Byakuya before Taka stood up and declared “Although Byakuya’s
motivations are egotistical at best, I agree. When the Tragedy ends, the world will be in need of
hard-working minds who value education in order to rebuild society!”
Everyone else sweatdropped before Kyoko chimed in “…I have my own disagreements with the
Headmaster…but this is our only realistic chance for survival. In our own best interests, we have
no practical choice but to agree to live an isolated, communal life for as long as the Tragedy
endures.” Looking to her boyfriend, she asked “What do you think, Makoto?”
Nodding, Makoto agreed “I’m with you, Kyoko. The Headmaster entrusted us with the world’s
hope. We have to do this…we need to agree to the Headmaster’s plan. This is all for hope, and we
can rebuild the world when we get out…together!”
Kyoko smiled, pleasantly surprised at how well Makoto had handled the pressure, as well as his
authoritative speech, musing I was wrong…Makoto’s a natural born leader. I could see him
running this school one day…once the world becomes safe to live in again… Turning to their
classmates, Kyoko asked “What about the rest of you? Are you in on this?”
Sayaka and Leon looked to each other, nodding before smiling as Sayaka agreed “Leon told me
that he’d support whatever choice I made, so I need to support him by prioritizing his safety over
my dream. And besides…even if my dream is over…even if I’ll never be able to perform with my
idol group on stage again…I know I’ll be able to endure it…as long as I have all of you to bear it.
Then…when the world goes back to normal…we can all carve a new dream…together!”
Chihiro nodded, deciding “I wouldn’t last a day out in the world the way it is now…I’m too
weak…so…if I stay…I can continue to cultivate my programming talents, and create programs that
can help to rebuild society. So…I’m gonna do my best!”
Mondo smiled and agreed “I uh…I’ve been thinking…about my brother Daiya…he’s dead. But…I
think he’d tell me to save my own ass and bide my time until I could rebuild the Crazy Diamonds.
So…although I’ve got some reservations about leaving my boys to fend for themselves…I’m
gonna stay. Both to honor Daiya…and to make sure you all stay alive.”
Taka teared up as he nodded “Well said, Bro! I already said before my view on this, but beyond
that…we need to show the world that we can stay united and support each other! That’s the best
way to show hope to the world! So, I agree to stay here and bide my time by reinforcing my
studies!”
Celeste smiled as she repeated “The walls of Hope’s Peak Academy are the safest bet to ensure my
life, and all our needs are taken care of while we’re here. So, I will agree to stay here as well.”
A determined fire shone in Hifumi’s eyes as he vowed “In that case, I shall stay and continue to
serve you to the best of my abilities, Miss Ludenberg!”
Celeste smiled appreciatively while everyone else rolled their eyes at Hifumi’s dedication.
Sakura nodded solemnly as she agreed “In order to become the Strongest Human Alive, I must stay
alive. For that reason…as well as for the many wonderful friends I’ve made over the past year…”
almost everyone else smiled in appreciation as she finished “I will agree to stay here until the
world goes back to normal.”
Hina clenched her fists as she cheered “Sakura’s right; we have to stick together as a class. I’ve
made so many good friends here, so I’ll stay so that I can support them! And besides, when we do
get out, we can shoot for the gold medal together as a class!”
Everyone felt invigorated by Hina’s enthusiasm before Makoto turned to the Ultimate Affluent
Progeny and asked “Byakuya…?”
Byakuya sighed and admitted “As much as I hate to admit it, my best chance to rebuild the Togami
Corporation is to secure myself in here with you plebians. Besides…” Byakuya blushed as he
admitted “As far as commoners go…I can think of worse company than the lot of you…”
Everyone else smiled, encouraged by Byakuya’s backhanded compliment before Toko agreed
“Wherever Ma…Master goes…I g…go…”
Hiro went next, deciding “My crystal ball isn’t telling me anything about whether I’ll survive out
there…so since I can’t count on the spirits…staying here seems to be the best option to keep my
life.”
Everyone else facepalmed at Hiro’s reliance on his fortunes before Makoto turned to Junko an
dMukuro and asked “Junko, Mukuro, what about you?”
Seeing everyone look expectantly at her, Junko sighed and caved “Fine…since everyone else is in
agreement…we’ll stay too.” Letting her depressed personality take hold, Junko moaned
“Besides…with how useless Muku is…we probably wouldn’t survive out there…”
Junko, we’ve really got to address how you treat Mukuro during our communal life here… Makoto
thought before asking one more time “Then…we’re all in agreement? We’re really staying
together as a class, for the rest of our lives if need be?” Seeing everyone nod without hesitation,
Makoto announced “Then, it’s decided. Tomorrow we’ll head up to the Headmaster’s office and
tell him of our agreement after breakfast.”
Kyoko nodded and suggested “In the meantime, we should turn in early, try to get as much sleep as
possible.”
With that, the class dissipated, everyone going back to their rooms as they mentally prepared
themselves for the biggest decision of their lives.
XXX
“…You know, you sounded really inspiring back there…”
Makoto and Kyoko had made it back to their dorms and Makoto was about to open the door to his
room when Kyoko’s voice stopped him.
“You…you think so…?”
Kyoko smiled, nodding as she told him “You’re a natural-born leader, Makoto.”
Makoto chuckled, smiling bashfully as he waved off “Y…you’re exaggerating…I told you, I’m
average, my optimism is the only thing I have going for me…”
Makoto trailed off as Kyoko took his hands in her own and told him “I told you before, you’re
special, Makoto. And your optimism is exactly what we needed right now. When everyone was
unsure about what to do, you reminded them that they were the world’s hope, and you gave them
hope for a future when the Tragedy passes. You and you alone got everyone to agree to this plan;
if that doesn’t make you a good leader, then I don’t know what does…” Kyoko smiled wistfully as
she mused “Is it any wonder why we elected you Class Representative in a landslide?”
Makoto blushed, touched by Kyoko’s encouragement as they squeezed each other’s hands,
enjoying the comfort and reassurance they were giving each other.
Reluctantly, Makoto let go of her hands and told her “Well…I should go and get some sleep for
tomorrow…”
“…do you need me to stay with you tonight? You did tell me you were nightmare prone, and
given the news we just received, I wouldn’t blame you if you needed…”
Smiling gratefully at Kyoko, he assured her “Thank you Kyoko…I’m so happy you’re thinking of
me like that…but I think I’ll be okay. If I need anything, I’ll come knock on your door, but I think
I’ll be okay for tonight.”
“…If you say so…” Kyoko complied with unease in her voice before leaning down and planting a
soft kiss on Makoto’s lips. Before he could even think of returning it, she pulled away before
telling him “Good night, Makoto. I love you.”
Smiling widely, Makoto nodded “I love you too, Kyoko.”
“Sweet dreams…” were the last words she said to him before slipping into her own dorm, leaving
Makoto to sigh and finally enter his own room.
XXX
Present Day
“So…you guys really decided to stay in Hope’s Peak Academy for the rest of your lives?”
Nodding, Makoto told her “It was a really scary time, pumpkin. We were scared for our lives, so
we made the decision to ensure that we survived.” Little did we know that we’d be sending ten of
us to our deaths…
Kiki smiled and replied “But it must have worked, otherwise you wouldn’t be Headmaster, right?
You guys got out and rebuilt the world!”
Kyoko nodded, agreeing “There’s truth to that statement, I suppose…”
“Anyway, let’s move on to something much more important…” Kiki’s face grew indignant as she
demanded “WHY didn’t you agree to let Mommy sleep with you, Daddy?! She wanted to keep
your bad dreams away, and you two loved each other, so you should have let her!”
Makoto chuckled sheepishly as he admitted “…I guess…I was trying to be strong for her…like she
had been for me…”
“Makoto…” Kyoko smiled lovingly at her husband before turning to Kiki and telling her “In any
case, it would still be a little bit before we would sleep together regularly, Kiki.”
Kiki pouted, then relaxed before asking “So you guys went to talk to Grandpa Jin the next day,
right?”
Makoto nodded “Yes, but we’ll save that for tomorrow; it’s late, Kiki.”
Kiki grumbled before complying, wiggling under the blankets before her parents tucked her in and
kissed her good night. As her snores reverberated in her bedroom, Makoto led his wife out of
Kiki’s room and to her own room, where they would do what Makoto’s past self didn’t have the
courage to do; snuggle with the woman he loved.
Interlude Four: Love Provides Solace Even in the Depths of Despair!
Chapter Summary
Having given their consent to the Hope's Peak Sheltering Plan, Class 78th goes to be
interviewed by Jin to officially give their consent when Jin asks Makoto and Kyoko to
stay behind. What does she have to say to his daughter and her boyfriend?
Meanwhile, in the future recalling this painful part of her past causes Kyoko to dig up
her long-held insecurities about Kiki's opinion of her. Will Makoto be able to cheer
her up?
Chapter Notes
Alright, here’s the Fourth Interlude before we reach the final arc of HIMYM, Despair
Arc! I’m going to take a little bit of time to write a couple of other projects and prepare
a few chapters of Despair Arc so I can post regularly. I promise, Despair Arc will be
MUCH shorter than Love Arc. With that out of the way, please read and comment
below, and enjoy!
Present Day
“So what happened when you went to tell Grandpa Jin of your decision, Mommy?”
“Your Father and I woke up bright and early the next morning. Thankfully, my fears of your
Father having nightmares were unfounded this time. We made our way to the Dining Hall and ate
breakfast together with everybody. Once we were done, we made our way to the Headmaster’s
office, your Father leading our group as our Class Representative and…”
XXX
April 10, 2015
*Knock Knock*
The 78th Class stepped back as the door opened in response to Makoto’s knock, revealing
Headmaster Kirigiri as he stepped outside.
“Ah, Makoto, everyone, I trust you’re here to tell me of your decision?”
Nodding, Makoto bowed and told him “Headmaster Kirigiri, as Class Representative of Class 78 th,
I am here to inform you that we have all agreed unanimously to participate in the Hope’s Peak
Sheltering Plan.”
Jin smiled apologetically as he nodded “I’m glad to hear that. Now there’s just one thing left to
take care of.”
Huh? The entire class stared in confusion as they tried to figure out what the Headmaster was
referring to.
Jin explained “For official archiving purposes, I’ll need to keep evidence that you all agreed to this
proposal. So, I’ll be asking each of you individually if you agree to this plan, and I’ll be recording
it on video. Think of it like a job interview of sorts if it makes you feel better.”
Except instead of getting paid, we’re agreeing to be trapped here for the rest of our lives… the
entire class deadpanned.
Eventually Kyoko sighed and relented “…Let’s just get this over with…if you want hard evidence
that we agreed to your plan, then we’ll give it.”
Jin nodded and replied “Excellent. In that case, Sayaka Maizono, would you come inside first?”
Nodding with unease in her expression, Sayaka timidly followed Jin inside, the door closing
temporarily as the Ultimate Pop Sensation began her interview.
XXX
Present Day
“Wait, so Grandpa Jin recorded your agreements?” Kiki grinned as she gushed “That’s so cool!
It’s like a home video! Do you guys still have it?”
Makoto shook his head and told her “Sorry Kiki, but the CD it was on was damaged a couple years
later…” Thanks a lot, Junko… Shaking the thought from his head, Makoto smiled at Kiki’s
grumbling, pouting expression before he continued “Anyway, it was only a minute or so after
Sayaka finished her interview that…”
XXX
April 10, 2015
Sayaka walked out with the Headmaster, letting a sigh of relief as her interview was over.
Everyone’s gaze turned to the Headmaster while Sayaka rejoined her boyfriend and Jin nodded
“Thank you Sayaka. Would you mind sticking around until all the interviews are done? Then I’ll
dismiss you as a group.” Seeing everyone nod, Jin replied “Thank you. Now then…Makoto
Naegi, would you like to come next?”
Gulping with nervousness, Makoto nodded, separating from Kyoko as he followed the Headmaster
inside, closing the door behind him as Sayaka had during her interview.
“Please, Makoto…have a seat…” Jin offered as he started to fiddle with the camera’s buttons
behind his desk.
“Y…yes, sir…” Makoto nodded as he timidly made his way to the chair across from Jin’s, sitting
up straight as he tried to treat this interview like the serious matter it was.
Jin chuckled as he assured him “You can relax, Makoto; no need to be so uptight.”
Makoto nodded, taking a deep breath and, although still sitting up straight, relaxed his muscles and
let his serious expression be slightly more at ease. Satisfied, Jin pressed the “PLAY” button on the
camera and sat down.
“Okay then, are you ready to begin?” With a nod from Makoto, Jin proceeded “So, Makoto.
Before we begin, I should let you know that I’ll be recording our conversation.”
“Yes…” Makoto answered seriously.
With a slightly joking smile, Jin continued “I’m a little slow, you know. I never really got the hang
of taking notes while having a conversation.” Makoto couldn’t help the slight smile as the
Headmaster tried to ease his tension with humor, nodding as Jin continued “So, this video is meant
to serve as a kind of contract substitute. It’s not that I don’t trust you guys. It’s more like…
insurance. So please don’t worry too much.”
I understand, sir… Makoto thought, nodding his acceptance of Jin’s explanation.
Sighing, Jin’s expression turned serious as he asked “Now, shall we get straight to the point?
Makoto…There’s a chance you may have to spend the rest of your life here in the school. Can you
accept that?”
A tense moment of silence passed until Makoto steeled his resolve, thoughts of his girlfriend and
classmates giving him the courage to accept “Yes…”
An apologetic smile forming on his lips, Jin told him “I’m sorry I’m putting you through all this.”
Kyoko’s right…this is my fault…
Shaking his head, Makoto responded “Well, I mean…we don’t have much of a choice, do we?”
“But I promise that as long as you’re in this school, I will do everything I can to protect you. As
the Headmaster of Hope’s Peak Academy, that’s the very least I can do for you.” As Headmaster…
and as Kyoko’s Father…
The interview now complete, Jin stood up and hit the “STOP” button on the camera, giving his
permission for Makoto to stand up from his seat.
“Thank you, Makoto…shall we rejoin the others outside?”
Makoto nodded, walking to the door with the Headmaster in tow, opening the door to rejoin his
girlfriend.
XXX
Present Day
“Did it go like that for you too, Mommy?”
Kyoko nodded and replied “Yes, but I didn’t go immediately after your Father. Before I went, your
Uncle Byakuya, Aunt Toko, and Auntie Hina conducted their interviews. Then, your Grandpa Jin
called me in and I followed him inside, closing the door behind me and…”
XXX
April 10, 2015
“Please, Kyoko…have a seat…” Jin offered as he started to fiddle with the camera’s buttons
behind his desk.
Kyoko wordlessly nodded and strode over to the chair, sitting down with the stoic mask she had
worn when she first enrolled in Hope’s Peak Academy. Understanding that this was his daughter’s
way of coping with the situation, Jin pressed the “PLAY” button on the camera and sat down.
“Okay then, are you ready to begin?” With a nod from Makoto, Jin proceeded “So, Kyoko.
Before we begin, I should let you know that I’ll be recording our conversation.”
Unlike her boyfriend, Kyoko stayed silent, waiting for him to get to the real reason for the
interview.
Trying to get even the slightest smile out of her, Jin continued with a slightly joking smile “I’m a
little slow, you know. I never really got the hang of taking notes while having a conversation.”
Kyoko stayed completely still, unappreciative of her Father’s attempt to lighten the mood.
Sweatdropping in disappointment that his little joke had failed, Jin sighed before he gave the
standard public service announcement that he had given with the last six students.
“So, this video is meant to serve as a kind of contract substitute. It’s not that I don’t trust my own
daughter. It’s more like…insurance. So please don’t worry too much.”
Another period of silence passed, though even though her stoic mask remained in place, Kyoko was
silently tapping her foot in annoyance, thinking Just get to the point already…
Sighing, Jin’s expression turned serious as he asked “Now, shall we get straight to the point?
Kyoko…There’s a chance you may have to spend the rest of your life here in the school. Can you
accept that?”
Makoto’s face flashed through her mind as she told him “Yes…” If I don’t, then not only will I
die, but I won’t be there to protect Makoto…
An apologetic smile forming on his lips, Jin told her “I’m sorry I’m putting you through all this.”
My own daughter deserved better than this…I really have failed as her Father!
“It’s fine…” Kyoko dismissed, not wanting to hear his rehearsed apology after their last two
arguments.
“But I promise that as long as you’re in this school, I will do everything I can to protect you. As
the Headmaster of Hope’s Peak Academy, that’s the very least I can do for you.” After abandoning
you after your Mother died, and failing to stop the Tragedy that’s forcing us to take this drastic
step…I owe you so much more…as your Father…
The interview now complete, Jin stood up and hit the “STOP” button on the camera, Kyoko rising
in sync.
“Thank you, Kyoko…shall we rejoin the others outside?”
Kyoko nodded, walking to the door with her Father in tow, opening the door to rejoin her
boyfriend.
XXX
Mukuro exited the Headmaster’s office, the last of the students to give her consent to the Hope’s
Peak Sheltering Plan.
Closing the door behind him, Jin addressed the 78 th Class as Mukuro rejoined Junko “Thank you
all for making this difficult decision. I know I’ve told you all individually, but as Headmaster, I
promise that as long as you’re in this school, I will do everything I can to protect you all.”
Seeing everyone nod in acceptance, Jin told them “For now, spend your day however you like.
Tomorrow we’ll work on barricading the school after breakfast. Lastly, if any of you need me, I’ll
be in my regular office from 9-5 every day. Outside of those hours, I have a small residence set up
on the second floor of the dorms. Just knock and I’ll answer, and I’ll try to help you with anything
you need. Do you have any questions for today?”
The class shook their heads, leaving Jin to nod in acceptance.
“In that case, class dismissed.” As the 78 th Class started to file out, Jin called “Ano…Makoto,
Kyoko, could you two stay for a minute? There’s something I need to discuss with the two of you
in private.”
In private? The loving couple wondered, stumped as to what the Headmaster could possibly want
with them.
Nevertheless, Makoto nodded, trusting that what the Headmaster had to say to him was important.
Kyoko sighed but followed her boyfriend, secretly intrigued as to what her Father had to say to the
both of them.
XXX
“Ano…what did you want to talk to us about, Headmaster?” Makoto asked once Kyoko had
closed the door behind them.
Nodding, Jin answered “I actually had news for the both of you, so I figured it would be easier to
tell it to both of you. First, Kyoko…” Jin sighed once Kyoko nodded in acknowledgment and he
told her somberly “Ever since the Tragedy expanded to the outside world, I’ve been keeping tabs
on your grandparents.” Seeing Kyoko’s eyes flash in surprise, Jin told her “Fuhito last I knew has
found shelter and is holding out in his old Detective Agency, but…” Jin bit his lip before admitting
“Grandma and Grandpa Uzuchi…didn’t make it…they’re gone, Kyoko…”
Grandma…Grandpa…they’re dead…the last links to my Mom are now gone…just like she is…
Although Kyoko’s stoic mask didn’t break, her fists clenched in anguish and a single tear trickled
down her right cheek.
Kyoko… Makoto thought, his heart going out to his girlfriend who just lost more of her family.
Makoto wrapped his right arm around her waist, pulling her close in a subtle gesture of comfort.
Kyoko didn’t fight it, leaning her head against his shoulder as she took solace in Makoto’s loving
warmth, not caring that her Father could see it. Eventually, they separated, Kyoko wiping the tear
from her face with her finger as they redirected their attention towards Jin.
“Now, Makoto…” Makoto gulped as Jin smiled and asked “Do you remember when I drove the
two of you back to Hope’s Peak and I gave your parents my business card?”
Makoto and Kyoko nodded, with Kyoko chiming in “You also promised them any favor they
asked for, correct?”
Jin nodded, replying “Excellent memory, Kyoko…yes, well your parents finally called in their
favor, Makoto.” Seeing Makoto and Kyoko’s shocked gazes, Jin nodded “Well, to be honest, they
called in two favors. One was that I would do everything in my power to protect you, Makoto.”
Mom and Dad…used their favor…to protect me?!

Kyoko nodded, not surprised by the Naegis’ request given how close she was with Makoto.
“And the second?”
Jin smiled in response to Kyoko’s question as he answered “Funny you should ask, Kyoko. The
Naegis’ second request was to talk to the two of you.”
What the…Mom and Dad…
Wanted to talk to the both of us?! Kyoko finished Makoto’s thought as Jin circled around to his
computer and started navigating his desktop.
Makoto began to walk over to where Jin was standing before he stopped, turning back to see
Kyoko hadn’t moved an inch, a pensive and guilt-ridden expression on her face.
“Kyoko…” Makoto made sure to keep his voice low so that Jin wouldn’t notice their
conversation. “What’s wrong?”
Kyoko bit her lip, clenching her fists and looking at her boots as she told him “…Why would they
want to see me, Makoto? I broke your heart, and even though we’re back together again…why
would your parents and sister forgive and welcome a girl who hurt their son like that?!”
His eyes widening in realization, Makoto hurriedly took her hands in his own, making Kyoko gasp
and look up at Makoto as he threaded their fingers together, his eyes shining with warmth and
reassurance.
“Kyoko…” Makoto squeezed her hands as he assured her “I never told them about our breakup,
and I’m not going to tell them. That incident will stay between us, I promise. And even if I did tell
them, I know my family would welcome you back. Mom would say that everyone makes
mistakes, Dad would pat your shoulder and help you try to learn from what happened. And
Komaru…okay, Komaru might be a little miffed, but give her a day and she’ll be back to normal.
You’re part of my family, Kyoko, and they know it too! That’s why they wanted to talk to the
both of us!”
“Ma…Makoto…” Kyoko uttered, her heart flooded with Makoto’s hope, washing away every
ounce of her despair. Kyoko at last smiled, squeezing his hands back as she nodded “…Okay…
let’s go talk to your family…”
Makoto nodded, letting go of one of her hands as they walked together until they were next to Jin,
who pressed a button and called out “Hello? Mr. and Mrs. Naegi? Are you coming in?”
Makoto and Kyoko’s eyes widened as Hana, Shingi, and Komaru appeared on the desktop monitor,
Hana calling “We’re coming in, Headmaster Kirigiri.”
Shingi spoke next, asking “Are Makoto and Kyoko there?”
Jin nodded, gesturing for Makoto and Kyoko to stand in front of the monitor as Jin took a step
back. Taking a deep breath and squeezing Kyoko’s hand to hide just how panicked he was,
Makoto led his girlfriend to the monitor and greeted his family with as much cheer as he could
muster.
“Hi Mom, Hi Dad, Hi Komaru.”
“Makoto! Kyoko!” Hana gushed with worry “Thank Kami you’re both safe!”
Shingi spoke next, asking “How bad is it over there, son? The Headmaster told us a little, but how
are you holding up?”
Makoto’s expression turned somber as he explained “…It’s bad out here, Dad. We can’t go
outside, and my classmates and I are the only surviving students at Hope’s Peak. But we’ve all
agreed to stay inside the dormitory building and barricade the door and windows until the Tragedy
ends, so we should be safe until this passes.” Makoto smiled at seeing his parents and sister sigh in
relief before he asked hesitant “So…how bad is it out there?”
Shingi bit his lip in a rare expression of seriousness before answering “…It’s no better here, I’m
afraid. There seem to be riots everywhere in the streets, and…I’m sorry son, but Grandma and
Grandpa didn’t make it…”
“Grandma…Grandpa…” Makoto breathed, the shock of losing his Grandparents making Makoto’s
eyes well up with tears.
The tears started to recede as Makoto felt Kyoko’s hand rub up and down his back in a silent
gesture of comfort. Makoto looked to her appreciatively before rubbing his eyes on his wrist and
nodding in assurance that he was okay. Reluctantly, she removed her hand from his back, laying it
on top of their threaded hands before Hana spoke up.
“We’re gonna barricade the doors and windows, and we’ll take shelter in the basement in case
anyone tries to break in.” Makoto nodded silently, agreeing with his Mother’s caution before the
Naegi Matriarch turned her attention to her future daughter-in-law and addressed “Kyoko, dear…”
Kyoko gulped as she addressed “Yes, Mrs. Na…Mom…?”
Hana smiled shakily as she replied “Dear, I know that we only knew you for a couple of weeks, but
I just want you to know that I couldn’t have picked a better girl to be with my son.”
“Mom…” Kyoko stammered, touched by the compliment.
Tears streamed down Hana’s face as she struggled to keep her composure, the Naegi Matriarch
crying “I have just one thing to ask of you, Kyoko…”
“Anything…” Kyoko breathed, determined to pay back the family that had shown her kindness and
love for the first time in a decade.
“…We don’t know how things will turn out…but…if anything happens to us…I want you to
promise me to take care of my baby boy!”
Makoto repressed a groan of embarrassment, not wanting his potentially last memory of his family
to be one of annoyance and embarrassment as Kyoko nodded solemnly “Of course, nothing will
happen to Makoto as long as I’m alive.”
Shingi smiled, embracing his crying wife as he replied “Thank you, Kyoko…” Looking at both
Makoto and Kyoko, he told them “I’m very proud of you, both of you! I know you’ll live a long
and happy life together, whether it’s with us or not.”
Makoto and Kyoko smiled, nodding in gratitude as Hana recomposed herself, wiping her eeys on
her sleeve.
*Sniffle*
Makoto and Kyoko’s smiles were wiped off their faces as everyone turned their attention to the
sniffling Komaru.
“Komaru? What’s wrong?” Makoto asked, only to be greeted by more sniffles from his sister.
“It’s just…you heard what Mom and Dad said…it’s really dangerous out there, and there’s no
guarantee that we’re safe in here. Grandma and Grandpa weren’t even safe! We’re all gonna die!
We’re gonna die, and I’ll never be able to see your graduation, your wedding, your kids…I won’t
be able to see ANY OF IT!”
Restraining the blush that threatened to paint his cheeks pink, Makoto soothed “Hey, Komaru,
imoto…it’s gonna be okay! I promise, you’re not gonna die. None of you are gonna die! I don’t
know how, but I just know we’re all gonna survive this! But in order for that to happen, you have
to be strong for Mom and Dad and support them while I’m here at Hope’s Peak. Can you do that,
Komaru? Can you be strong for Mom and Dad, and for your Onii-chan?”
Komaru sniffled one last time, before looking up at her brother with a hopeful, tearful smile as she
nodded “Okay…if you two can be strong for us, then I can be strong for you. Alright, I’ll believe
you, Onii-chan. And Kyoko?” Kyoko nodded at her future sister-in-law before Komaru answered
“When you and Onii-chan get married, I want to be one of your bridesmaids.”
Surprisingly, Makoto and Kyoko didn’t blush, Kyoko instead smiling and nodding “It’s a deal,
Komaru. I’ll look forward to having you as my bridesmaid.”
Komaru grinned cheekily before Shingi interrupted “Alright…we should go barricade the house…
stay safe you two…and thank you, Headmaster…for everything.”
Hana nodded with a smile “Hopefully the next time we meet, we’ll be planning our children’s
wedding.”
Jin smiled and at last admitted “I’d like that, Mr. and Mrs. Naegi. Alright, Makoto, Kyoko, we
should say our goodbyes.”
Makoto went first, saying with tears in his eyes “Bye Mom, Bye Dad, Bye Komaru. I love you!”
After an elbow from Makoto, Kyoko sighed and smiled, nodding “…I love you too…”
Hana beamed, returning “And we all love you too dear!”
Nodding, Shingi finished “Makoto, Komaru, take care of yourselves.”
Giving one last wave, Hana, Shingi, and Komaru called out “Goodbye Makoto! Goodbye,
Kyoko!”
“Goodbye Mom! Goodbye Dad! Goodbye Komaru!” Makoto and Kyoko waved back along with
Jin as the connection closed, leaving the three of them alone in the Headmaster’s office.
XXX
Present Day
“You…you really thought…you wouldn’t see Jii-Ji or Baa-ba or Auntie Komaru ever again?”
Makoto hugged his crying daughter, pulling her into his lap as he told her “Like I said, it was a
scary time, Kiki, and none of us knew for sure if we were gonna make it out alive. Your Mother
and I had the safety of Hope’s Peak to count on, but my old house was no castle. We just had to
hope that we would make it out in one piece.”
Nodding in acceptance, Kiki murmured “…Okay, Daddy…” as Makoto wiped the tears off of her
face. As she scooted back to her original spot, Kiki turned to her Mother and asked “And you
protected Daddy like you promised, right Mommy?”
Kyoko bit her lip, the events of Mukuro’s Class Trial flashing through her mind before Makoto
covered for her, nodding “That’s right, Kiki; Mommy did her very best to protect Daddy.” That
particular story you’re not ready to hear yet… “Anyways, it’s late, pumpkin, so it’s bedtime.”
Kiki nodded, wiggling under the blankets as her parents got off the bed. Makoto and Kyoko then
proceeded to tuck Kiki in, Kyoko drawing the sheets up to Kiki’s chin as her Father kissed her
cheek.
*Yawn* “Love you too…” Kiki yawned one last time before falling asleep.
As he listened to his daughter’s snores, Makoto took Kyoko’s hand and led his wife to their room,
frowning at the pensive expression on her face.
XXX
“…She’ll find out one day, you know…”
Makoto sat next to his wife on their bed, frowning in concern as he asked “What do you mean,
honey?”
“…I broke my promise…I didn’t protect you, Makoto. I threw you under the bus to further my
own agenda. I…” *sniff* “…I sacrificed you to further my own needs!”
Makoto looked at his crying wife as he realized “Kyoko…is what happened during Mukuro’s
murder trial still weighing down on your soul?”
“…It’ll always weigh down on my soul, Makoto. I abandoned you, I almost killed you. Junko
may have orchestrated it, but that doesn’t cleanse my sins…nothing will…not even me sacrificing
my life for yours is enough to purify my soul. And when Kiki finds out what I did…she’ll HATE
ME, Makoto!”
Makoto rubbed his wife’s back in comfort, cooing in her ear “Kyoko, Kiki will NEVER hate you!
She loves…”
“You don’t know that!” Kyoko sobbed into her palms as she cried “Right now she just sees us as
her loving Mommy and Daddy. But once she matures and finds out what happened during the
Killing Game…she’ll only see me as the wicked witch who condemned the boy she loved to
death!”
As Kyoko sobbed, Makoto frowned, wanting to console her, but recognizing that pretty words
weren’t going to cut it this time.
Alright then, if my words of hope won’t melt the cold of your despair, then I’ll flood you with the
warmth of hope through my actions!
With that in mind, Makoto tackled his wife to the bed, making her yelp and shocking her out of her
sobs. Before she could open her mouth, Makoto slammed his lips against her own, forcing her
mouth open and lashing her tongue and gums with his own tongue.
As he broke for air, Kyoko gasped “Makoto…what are you…”
“…I’m gonna…show you…just how warm you make me feel. Then maybe…you’ll forget this
garbage about Kiki hating you…”
“Makoto…MMPH!”
Kyoko moaned, closing her eyes as her husband’s hands continued to run up and down her body,
the former Detective closing her eyes as she surrendered to every spark of warmth that Makoto’s
touch made her feel.
XXX
Makoto snored, his breaths muffled against Kyoko’s breasts as he lay atop her naked body. For her
part, Kyoko smiled, her eyes barely open a crack as she reflected on the warmth Makoto had
spread to every inch of her body, feeling his last load of sperm settle in her womb.
Makoto…thank you…thank you for helping me to believe in myself again… Kyoko thought as she
closed her eyes, surrendering to slumber as her arms gripped her husband tighter against him,
savoring the feel of his own nude body against her own as the passion of their lovemaking
pervaded her dreams.
Despair Arc Chapter One: Sealing the School!
Chapter Summary
Having agreed to the Hope's Peak Sheltering Plan, Class 78th begins to seal the school
for their protection.
Chapter Notes
Alright, here’s the first chapter in the final arc of HIMYM, Despair Arc! This arc will
cover Class 78th’s year of isolation in Hope’s Peak Academy up until the memory
wipe prior to Trigger Happy Havoc. Please read and comment below, and enjoy!
Present Day
“So you guys sealed the school the next day, right Daddy?”
Makoto nodded and answered “That’s right, Kiki. Right after breakfast, we went to work one floor
at a time on putting up iron plates on all of the school’s windows. Thing is…I wasn’t very strong,
so…”
XXX
April 11, 2015
“Urrgghhh!” Makoto grunted as he tried to secure the nut against the iron plate. Unfortunately,
the metallic hardware refused to budge, Makoto unable to make it budge with his wrench as he
groaned “Come on, move already!”
Makoto gasped in surprise as he saw a familiar pair of gloved hands wrap around his own and hold
the wrench with him. He turned and smiled to see his girlfriend smiling down at him.
“Here, we’ll do it together, alright?”
Makoto nodded eagerly, a determined fire in his eyes as Kyoko instructed “On three. One, Two,
Three!”
Completing their task felt almost too easy as with Kyoko doing most of the heavy lifting, the nut
easily fastened against the plate, locking in place as the two dropped the wrench on the floor,
Makoto wiping the sweat off his brow as he sunk to the floor, leaning against the wall as his
girlfriend joined him.
“Phew…I had hoped I could at least be helpful with a wrench…”
Kyoko frowned as she laid her hand on his shoulder comfortingly and assured him “You just
haven’t built up the upper body strength to do this regularly, Makoto. Some people just aren’t
suited to manual labor; that doesn’t mean you’re not helpful.”
“Yeah; don’t beat yourself up, Makoto!”
Makoto and Kyoko looked up to see Sayaka and Leon walking up to them, a wrench in Leon’s
hand as Sayaka looked as sweaty as Makoto.
“Oh, hey Sayaka, hey Leon. Thanks for trying to cheer me up, but I’m sure you guys myst have
gotten tons of plates secured by now.”
To his surprise, Sayaka shook her head and denied “actually, I’m no good with this manual labor
stuff either. Leon’s been the one doing all the work, with all the muscle he’s built up pitching
baseballs and swinging bats.”
Makoto frowned and asked “Didn’t you say you’d built up some muscle moving around on stage
during your concerts?”
“That’s mostly my legs! I can kick a good soccer ball, but the most I’ve had to do with my arms is
hold the microphone to my lips while I dance and sing. So I’m just as bad at this as you are.”
Makoto at last smiled, strangely comforted as he replied “Thanks, Sayaka.”
Kyoko nodded at seeing his self-confidence restored before Sayaka offered “Hey, I’ve got an idea.
Why don’t you and I take a walk around the halls, you know, patrol and see what else needs to be
done on this floor?”
Makoto looked hesitantly to Kyoko before confessing “Is that going to be alright with you? I don’t
want to leave you to do this all alone…” Even if you were the one putting in all the work…
Kyoko smiled reassuringly at him and told him “I’ll be fine. You go and have fun walking with
Sayaka and I’ll handle the rest of the plates with the others.”
Makoto nodded “Okay…” before dusting off his jeans and agreeing “Alright, let’s go, Sayaka.”
Smiling, the two friends walked off, leaving their respective lovers to stand back up and get back to
work on the iron plates.
XXX
“Ano…I’m glad you and Kyoko got back together…” Sayaka told Makoto as they walked,
blushing as she recalled walking in on him and Kyoko in bed together.
Makoto blushed in return and replied “Th…thanks…ano, sorry you guys had to walk in on us like
that…I really should remember to lock my door more often.”
Sayaka shook her head and denied “No, I should have knocked…it’s just…after you wouldn’t
leave your room or talk to any of us…we kinda…thought you wouldn’t come out if we
knocked…”
Makoto nodded, his eyes drooping as he admitted “Y…yeah…I was so upset about my
misunderstanding with Kyoko…that I didn’t want to talk to anyone at that point…I’m sorry for
worrying you guys.”
Shaking her head, Sayaka assured him “Don’t be, Makoto; we all get upset sometimes. Kami
knows I’ve blown up at Leon a handful of times and needed to cool off, so I can’t blame you for
wanting some time to yourself. We just…didn’t want you to starve was all. You hadn’t come out
in at least a couple days, so we brought you something from the Dining Hall so you wouldn’t go
hungry.”
Makoto teared up, touched by how much she still cared for him in their own way; he wiped his
watery eyes on his sleeve before he told her “I don’t know what I did…to deserve friends as good
as you guys…WHOA!”
*Thud*
*CLANG!*
His sneaker caught on a stray slip of paper, Makoto slipped, falling on hisback and hitting his head
on the floor.
Gasping, Sayaka immediately kneeled next to him and asked “Are you alright?!”, completely
oblivious to the metal wrench that had just flown past them and lodged itself in the opposite wall.
“Oww…” Makoto groaned as he got into a sitting position, nursing his aching head.
“What’s going on?!”
Makoto and Sayaka turned to see Junko and Mukuro walking up towards them, Makoto giving a
pained smile as he greeted “Oh, hey Junko. I’m okay. Just a little of a klutz maybe.”
“Yeah well, no argument here.” Junko teased before she closed her eyes and continued “Whatever,
I’m just glad you’re not hurt, especially at a time like this.”
As Junko finished talking, Sayaka grabbed his hand and helped him up, the boy dusting off his
jeans again as he waved off “ahh, don’t worry about me…I’m kinda used to it. Well, see you later
Junko, Mukuro. Come on, Sayaka, let’s continue patrolling the halls.”
Hurrying up after him, Sayaka asked worriedly “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Totally.”
Sayaka bit her lip as she cautioned “Be careful. If anything happens, treatment’s not that easy to
come by.”
Makoto chuckled and assured her “I told you I’m fine! Don’t worry, I’m sure we’ll only need to
hold out for a bit.”
“Hope so…” Sayaka replied, her smile widening just a little bit more in the face of his optimism.
XXX
Present Day
“You sure can be a klutz sometimes, huh Daddy?” Kiki giggled as they recalled all the times that
Makoto had seemed to slip on apparently nothing at the most random of times.
Makoto blushed, chucking “I’m just glad you didn’t inherit my clumsiness, Kiki. You take after
your Mother when it comes to your sense of grace.”
Kyoko blushed at the compliment, smiling as her heart warmed at hearing Makoto’s indirect
compliment.
Turning her attention to her Mother, Kiki asked “So what were you doing when Daddy slipped,
Mommy?”
“Well, with your Father off on his walk with Sayaka, I had paired up with your Auntie Hina and
was about to grab the next nut for the iron plate we were working on when…”
XXX
April 11, 2015
“WHOA!”
“Huh?” Kyoko immediately dropped the nut in her hand, standing up straight as she asked “What
was that?”
“Hmm…” Hina contemplated “It sounded like Makoto. You think he might have fallen or
something?”
That “or something” made Kyoko’s heart grow cold, her mind creating numerous scenarios of
Makoto being seriously injured or…
No, we should all be safe in here. Still, even if it’s just to calm my nerves, I need to see with my
own eyes… Her mind made up, Kyoko said “Hina, you keep working on the iron plate. I’m going
to check on Makoto and Sayaka.”
“Oh…you sure? I know you guys love each other and all, but maybe he just slipped on
something.”
Nodding, Kyoko acquiesced “That may be, but I…I need to see with my own eyes to make sure
he’s alright.”
Nodding understandingly, Hina relented “Okay, just don’t…wear yourself out too much…” as
Kyoko disappeared, a cloud of dust in her wake as she rushed to find her boyfriend.
Hina sighed, sweatdropping as she went to pick up the nut from their bag while Kyoko ran after her
boyfriend.
XXX
“Kyoko!” Makoto called out in surprise as she skid to a halt in front of them, panting as her lungs
refilled after exhausting their oxygen supply to boost her legs in her attempt to catch up with them.
Once she was breathing normally, Kyoko asked frantically “Are you alright? I heard you yelling,
so I came rushing in case something was wrong.”
Makoto blushed as Sayaka smiled in amusement and informed her “We’re fine. Makoto just
slipped on a stray paper and fell on his back. He hit his head, but he says he’s…fine…”
Sayaka trailed off as Kyoko immediately ran up to her boyfriend, cradling his head in her hands as
she inspected him with the thoroughness of a Kirigiri Detective, asking “Are you okay? You don’t
seem to be bleeding, but…”
Sighing with just the slightest hint of annoyance in his voice, Makoto whined “Geez, Kyoko,
sometimes you can be worse than my Mom with how you fuss over me. I’m fine, really!”
Kyoko bit her lip before reluctantly nodding “…If you say so…”
Sayaka coughed into her fist, making both of them turn to her with slight blushes on their cheeks as
she told them “I’ll…get back to helping the others with the iron plates. You guys can continue
your patrol in privacy. See ya…”
The couple watched as Sayaka disappeared out of view before sighing, Makoto turning to smile
softly at his girlfriend before suggesting “Sayaka and I were going this way when you ran into us…
come on!”
Nodding Kyoko walked alongside her boyfriend at a more relaxed pace, somewhat enjoying the
solace that the empty halls provided them. She hesitated, fiddling with her braid before she
reluctantly voiced her thoughts.
“…Are you sure you’re alright? I…I know I can be a bit fussy sometimes, but it’s only because I
love you and I hate seeing you hurt. Especially since we can’t just send you to a hospital with the
world the way it is and we don’t even have Mikan anymore and…”
Kyoko trailed off, feeling Makoto circle around and hug her, nuzzling his head against her shoulder
as he squeezed her tightly, letting her know that he was okay. Sighing, Kyoko returned the
embrace, squeezing him just as tightly.
“…I’m sorry…I know I’m acting irrational…”
“Don’t be…I know I can get annoyed when you coddle me, but I do appreciate it on some level…it
reminds me that I actually do feel loved, and to me there’s no greater feeling than that, Kyoko.”
“Makoto…”
Kyoko closed her eyes and smiled, reaching up to caress his fuzzy hair, not out of an attempt to
inspect him for injuries, but just to feel him against her.
I love you…I don’t ever want to spend another day without you, Makoto…
Makoto reluctantly separated from her, giving a reassuring smile as she released him and he told
her “In any case, I’m fine, Kyoko. I just bumped my head a little, but it doesn’t even hurt
anymore.”
Nodding, Kyoko replied “If you say so…”
Makoto threaded their hands and suggested “Come on, let’s go rejoin the others; I think I’ve
slacked off long enough.”
Nodding, Kyoko squeezed his hand and continued to walk alongside him, stealing glances at her
optimistic boyfriend as her mind began to wander.
I know he said I shouldn’t worry, but there’s so many ways he could get hurt out there, and there
may come a time when I can’t protect him. No, I need to be able to protect him. I need to rest easy
knowing that I’ll always be there to protect him. So…perhaps it’s time I…
XXX
Present Day
“You guys really loved each other way back then, didn’t you?”
Makoto and Kyoko shared blushing smiles, nodding “We really did.”
Makoto continued “Especially after our temporary breakup, we didn’t want to be without the
other. It’s not an exaggeration to say we viewed each other as our soulmates, Kiki.”
“Makoto…” Kyoko began to tear up, touched by the revelation that he truly loved her as much as
she loved him.
Makoto noticed his wife’s tears and reached over, wiping her tears with his thumbs, making her
relax into his touch and close her eyes in comfort. Kiki smiled at the loving gesture between her
parents and waited patiently until they finished with a brief peck on the lips.
Kyoko ruffled her daughter’s hair and promised “Tomorrow, Kiki. We have to make sure to get up
bright and early for a meeting tomorrow.”
“Aww…” Kiki groaned before wiggling under the blankets, Makoto and Kyoko drawing them up
to her chin before leaing down to kiss both of her cheeks.
“Love you too…” Kiki yawned before her eyes finally closed.
Smiling, Makoto and Kyoko tiptoed out of her room, Kyoko closing the door behind them before
they went to make some relaxing green tea in the kitchen before bed.
Despair Arc Chapter Two: Makoto Gets a Roommate?!
Chapter Summary
Fearful for Makoto's safety, Kyoko swallows her pride and apologizes to her Father so
she can sak a favor of him. What request will she make to help protect Makoto?
Present Day
“So, what did you decide to do, Mommy? What did you do to ensure you would keep Daddy
safe?”
Nodding, Kyoko answered “Well, I slept on it when we went to bed that evening, and when I woke
up the next morning, I made up my mind as your Father and I had breakfast together. So I
swallowed my pride once more and…”
XXX
April 12, 2015
*Knock Knock*
“It’s open.”
Jin looked up, surprise on his face as he saw his daughter enter his office, closing the door gently
behind her.
“Ah, Kyoko, what can I do for you?”
Kyoko bit her lip, making Jin frown in concern before Kyoko asked hesitantly “Can we…can we
talk?”
Confused as to why she wanted to speak to him, but secretly happy that he was getting another
chance to reconnect with his estranged daughter, Jin smiled reassuringly and told her “Of course,
Kyoko. Pull up a chair, please.”
Kyoko nodded, dragging one of the spare chairs around his desk as he rotated his own so that when
she at last sat down, they were facing each other.
“Now, what do you want to talk to me about, Kyoko?”
Kyoko bit her lip before swallowing her pride and admitting “I’ve come to…apologize…for
lashing out at you during my last two times in this office.” His eyebrows raised in surprise, Jin
listened intently as Kyoko explained “I was…frustrated with you for your decisions as
Headmaster…and I took my anger out on you. I let my emotions control me, and I should have
acted like an adult instead of lashing out like a little girl.”
“Kyoko…”
“Don’t get excited. I’m still upset with you for taking me off that case, and I’m still angry at you
for springing this sheltering plan on us with only a day to consider and not giving most of us an
opportunity to say goodbye to our loved ones. But…I went too far before, so…I’m sorry…”
“Kyoko…” Jin smiled and told her reassuringly “Your anger wasn’t entirely unwarranted. I made
a lot of mistakes, mistakes I wish I could go back and fix, but I can’t. All I can do is my best to
protect you and the other students.”
Kyoko nodded, content that she was at least able to apologize and that if nothing else, they had
come to an understanding.
“Now…what is it you want me to do?” Seeing Kyoko’s surprised expression, Jin smiled and told
her “Don’t look so surprised, Kyoko. I may have had no interest in the craft, but I was trained as a
Kirigiri Detective. I’m more than capable of picking up on someone’s hidden intentions. So…
what is it you want me to do?”
Biting her lip again, Kyoko told him “…I’m worried…about Makoto Naegi’s safety.” Seeing Jin’s
surprised expression, Kyoko elaborated “The other day, he slipped and hit his head. He’s fine, but
it reminded me that the world we live in is extremely dangerous, and I want…no, I need to be able
to protect him at all times. You told me just now that your goal was to protect the students of
Hope’s Peak Academy, including Makoto. I want to ensure his safety, but to do so I…need your…
permission.”
Jin smiled knowingly and nodded, remarking “Makoto really means the world to you, doesn’t he?
You would do anything for him, wouldn’t you, Kyoko?”
Kyoko stayed silent, unwilling to confess her feelings in front of her Father, but the blush on her
cheeks gave her away. Jin merely smiled and nodded, accepting his daughter’s feelings towards
his future son-in-law.
“Alright, just tell me what you need from me and it’s yours, Kyoko. What do you need my
permission to do?”
XXX
Present Day
“So what was it, Mommy? What did you need Grandpa Jin’s permission for in order to protect
Daddy?”
Makoto glanced at his wife, who nodded and let him take over, the young Father saying “So
regarding your Mother’s request, I found out the next day while I was relaxing in my room. I was
just playing Super Mario Sunshine when…”
XXX
April 13, 2015
“Come on, you stupid watermelon, go that way. No, stay away you Cataquack! No! No, no, no
NOOO!!! Now I have to go back up the hill and get another big watermelon!” Makoto sighed and
lamented “Might as well take a break…” hitting the “START” button on his controller as he stood
up.
*Ding Dong*
“Huh?” Makoto looked over to his door, his brow furrowing in confusion as he wondered “Who’s
looking for me? Might as well answer it and find out?” He walked over and opened the door, his
eyes widening in surprise as he greeted “Oh, Headmaster Kirigiri! What can I do for you?”
Jin smiled apologetically and replied “Sorry for the surprise visit, Makoto, but I just came to help
move some things into your room.” Seeing Makoto’s befuddled expression, Jin elaborated “One
of the other students requested a change in rooming arrangements, so you’ll be getting a
roommate.”
“R…Roommate?!” Makoto exclaimed, befuddled at this turn of events. I wonder who wants to
room with me. I can’t image it would be Byakuya, nor Mondo. I can’t say Taka would be
interested. Maybe Chihiro? No, he feels safest with Mondo and Taka. Maybe Leon? We’re both
in committed relationships, so maybe he wants to room with a guy to be able to talk to someone
about his relationship with Sayaka privately…
Makoto’s thoughts trailed off as Jin stepped aside, revealing an unusually shy Kyoko Kirigiri, her
suitcase in hand as she looked to her astonished boyfriend and told him “I hope it’s okay…I made a
request with the Headmaster to move in with you.”
Kyoko…wants to move in…WITH ME…?! Is this a dream?! Shaking the thoughts from his head,
Makoto forced a nervous smile and nodded “Of course; you’re always welcome in my room!
Come in, make yourself at home!”
Kyoko wheeled her suitcase as she began to walk in, a grateful smile on her face as she pecked his
cheek, whispering “Thank you…” before dragging her suitcase over next to the closet.
As Makoto continued to recover from the shock, Jin coughed into his fist, getting both their
attentions before continuing “So since two of you are going to be rooming together, we need to
move in a second dresser so that Kyoko can fit her clothes, though the closet should be large
enough to hang all your shirts. We also need to swap out your bed for a larger one to accommodate
the both of you. Lastly, I’ll need to swap the nameplate on your door to reflect your change of
residence.”
Makoto nodded and volunteered “O…of course, Headmaster. I’ll help out with moving the dresser
and the bed!”
Jin nodded appreciatively and replied “That’s very kind of you, Makoto. In that case, why don’t
we start by moving Kyoko’s dresser into your room? We can worry about the bed afterwards.”
As Jin turned and exited the room, Makoto gave Kyoko a still confused glance before shrugging
and following her to help move her dresser next to his own.
XXX
“And…there!” Jin wiped his brow as Makoto began to reapply the sheets and blankets, praising
“Good work to the both of you! I’ll get your new nameplate in a couple of days. For now, I’ll
leave the two of you to get settled. Have a good evening!”
As the door closed, Makoto went to sit down on his…their new bed, patting the space next to him
in a silent request for her to sit next to him. Kyoko nodded, walking over and sitting next to him
on the mattress, a moment of silence passing before Makoto asked the question that had been on
his mind since she had become his new roommate.
“Ano…Kyoko…don’t think I’m ungrateful or anything…but why did you want to move in with
me? I know we shared a bed for a couple weeks when we were at my house, but we haven’t even
been dating for half a year. It just seems…I don’t know, like we’re rushing things a little?”
Kyoko fiddled with her braid as she replied “I apologize for putting you in this position Makoto…
but I…I want to make sure I can protect you…”
His brow furrowing, Makoto asked “What do you mean, Kyoko? We’re safe in here, remember?
That’s why we agreed to stay in the school…”
“We don’t know that!” Makoto flinched at Kyoko’s strangely emotional outburst as she continued
“We don’t know for sure, Makoto. What if something happens to you and I’m not there? What if
that fall you took was down a flight of stairs and you got a concussion? What if those riots manage
to cut through the iron plates and door and flood the school? Maybe I’m being irrational here, but
I…I don’t want to chance losing you, Makoto!”
“Kyoko…”
“So…if I at least could see with my own eyes that I was waking up next to you every morning…
it’d do a lot to give me some peace of mind. I know that this is happening really fast, but…
please…”
“Kyoko…” Makoto cradled her cheeks in his hands and angled her face so she was looking up at
him. Makoto smiled before leaning in to peck her lips for a split second, stroking her cheeks with
his thumbs.
“If it gives you peace of mind, then of course we can share a room together. I love you, Kyoko,
and I’ll do whatever it takes to make you happy.”
“Ma…Makoto…” Kyoko stuttered before smiling at him, making Makoto happy that he was able
to calm his girlfriend’s worries.
At last releasing her face, Makoto got up and offered “alright, why don’t we grab a quick dinner at
the Dining Hall before we finish putting your stuff away?”
Smiling, Kyoko nodded, threading her fingers with his as she stood up and agreed “That sounds
wonderful. Come on, let’s go.”
The two then walked hand-in-hand to the Dining Hall, ecstatic that they had taken a big new step
in their relationship.
XXX
Makoto awkwardly slipped under the covers as Kyoko finished brushing her hair. She placed the
hairbrush on the table next to her and smiled reassuringly at her nervous boyfriend.
“Hey, there’s no need to be so nervous; it’ll be just like when we slept together at your house.” As
she slipped under the covers, Kyoko smirked and commented “Besides, weren’t you the most
reluctant to sleep in separate rooms again when we came back in January?”
Makoto chuckled bashfully as he replied “Yeah, but that was still just sleeping in the same bed, not
exactly living together. It’s…a little nerve wracking.”
Kyoko smiled at him before removing her gloves, placing them on the small table next to the bed.
Turning off the lamp, she rested her scarred palm on his cheek, making him blush.
“Let’s just take this one step at a time, alright? Besides, it’s late, and we’re both tired. Let’s…
worry about the other stuff in the morning.”
Nodding, Makoto yawned cutely, feeling his hesitance retreat as he extended his arms to her.
Giggling, she accepted the unspoken invitation, snuggling into his arms and wrapping her own
around his back. Makoto nuzzled his nose against her breasts as he felt her rub his back, practically
purring in pleasure.
“Good night, Kyoko…I love you…”
Kyoko smiled, kissing the top of his fuzzy head as she yawned “I love you too Makoto…sweet
dreams…”
With that, the two fell into slumber, smiling in bliss as they ended the day not just as lovers, but as
roommates too.
XXX
Present Day
“Aww, you guys finally moved in together!” Kiki gushed “I waited SO LONG for you two to
finally sleep together regularly!”
Makoto and Kyoko smiled nostalgically at the memory as Makoto confirmed “Yes, we did, and it
was a dream come true for both of us. Although…not everybody was as ecstatic as we were…”
Kiki cocked her head in confusion and asked “But why, Daddy? You two were so in love with
each other, and after having to stay in the school for the rest of your lives, you guys deserved to
sleep together!”
Makoto chuckled as he answered “While I don’t deny that, not everyone in our class had the same
point of view, Kiki. You see, after we woke up…”
XXX
April 14, 2015
*Yawn*
Kyoko stretched her arms above her head, her eyes fluttering open as she awoke with a feeling of
being completely refreshed and peaceful. A single glance to the boy sleeping next to her gave her
all the explanation she needed.
That’s right, I asked to move in with him…
Kyoko listened to his quiet snores, smiling as she admired how cute he looked while sleeping.
I never thought I’d have anybody I‘d want to sleep with, but in Makoto I found more than I ever
thought I’d want. Makoto Naegi… Kyoko smiled lovingly as she caressed his cheek with her hand
before lying back down to embrace him, cooing in a whisper “I love you…I promise to stay by
your side forever and ever…”
Her words broke the slumbering magic keeping Makoto asleep. His eyes fluttered open, the boy
yawning cutely as he threw his arms up too.
“G…good morning, Kyoko…”

Kyoko smiled and leaned in to peck his lips in a good morning kiss, cooing “Good morning,
Makoto.”
Makoto tried to sit up on the bed, Kyoko reluctantly releasing him as he rubbed the sleep out of his
eyes.
Now more alert, Makoto realized with a blush “So we…we’re really living together now, huh?”
Kyoko nodded “We are, we’ve taken a new step in our relationship. And I’ve never felt more
refreshed than I am this morning, knowing you’re safe by my side.”
Makoto smiled, the awkwardness gone from his mind as he nodded “I’m glad; as long as you’re
happy, then that’s what matters.”
Kyoko blushed, beaming at how considerate Makoto was of her feelings, before her eyes glanced
to the nearby clock.
“We should…probably get dressed and head for breakfast. Mind if I go change first?”
Makoto nodded, watching Kyoko slide out of bed and walk over to her dresser, picking out a new
pair of gloves, a pair of panties, a skirt, a pair of socks, and a T-shirt. She then walked over to the
closet and opened the door, picking out one of the Y-shirts and jackets before closing it.
“I’ll be out in a bit. See you later, Makoto.”
Makoto nodded, watching as she disappeared into the bathroom, the door locking behind her as he
sighed “Might as well get dressed out here while she’s in the bathroom…”
XXX
“MAKOTO! KYOKO! THERE’S SOMETHING WE MUST DISCUSS!”
Makoto and Kyoko looked up, confused as an angry Kiyotaka Ishimaru stormed over to the table
that they were eating at. Apparently his announcement had attracted the attention of everyone else,
as their small table was now the target of so many curious stares, as well as Taka’s furious glare.
Makoto sweated nervously, while Kyoko sighed and asked “Is there something we can help you
with, Taka?”
“You bet there is! I shamefully woke up late and, on my way to the Dining Hall, witnessed you
and Makoto exiting his room together. How do you explain this?!”
“Oh, ano…you see…”
Kyoko sighed and revealed “If you must know, I moved in with Makoto and we slept in the same
bed together. Is that a problem?”
“Wh…wha…”
Makoto blushed at her blunt explanation, thinking Kyoko, did you have to say it so plainly?
Pale as a sheet, Taka shook as he retorted “It is a problem! A boy and a girl spending the night
together? It’s…it’s…unwholesome! Surely the Headmaster wouldn’t agree to such a stain upon
Hope’s Peak Academy!”
“It’s not a stain!” Sayaka interrupted “I think it’s kind of cute!”

Leon agreed “Yeah, lighten up, man! Leave them be!”
“B..but they haven’t even graduated from High School yet!”
Mondo sighed in exasperation and told Taka “Bro, this ain’t a school anymore; it’s a shelter.
They’re both adults now, so let ‘em do whatever the fuck they want.”
“B…Bro…” Taka gasped, shocked that the man he considered his sworn Brother was taking their
side.
Taka would gain no sympathy from the rest of his classmates, as they all voiced statements of
either support for Makoto and Kyoko or outright indifference.
Shocked that he was so outvoted by his class, Taka stammered “B…but…surely…the

Headmaster…”
Kyoko finally revealed “The Headmaster consented to the room change; he helped move my
belongings into Makoto’s room himself.”
“Wha…but…but…nothing makes sense anymore!!!” Taka shouted, before collapsing on the floor,
having fainted at having his world being flipped upside down.
Everyone else sweatdropped at the extreme reaction before Mondo sighed and walked over,
assuring them “I’ll bring him back to his room until he wakes up. I’ll make sure he understands
not to harass you guys about sleeping together.”
Makoto and Kyoko nodded in gratitude, watching as everyone else went back to their breakfasts
and side conversations while Mondo carried Taka out of the cafeteria. Sighing, the loving couple
awkwardly went back to their breakfasts, trying to put the Ultimate Moral Compass’s tirade out of
their minds.
XXX
Present Day
“Taka was so upset that he fainted?!”
Makoto nodded and explained “Try to understand Kiki, some people have very strong opinions
about how people should act and behave. For Taka, the thought of two people of the opposite
gender sharing a bed before they graduated from High School was scandalous to him, so when the
news that the Headmaster had signed off on it reached his ears…he couldn’t take it.”
Kyoko nodded “Eventually he came around though, at least tolerating it if not outright approving
of it.”
Nodding in understanding, Kiki insisted “I still think he’s wrong though. If two people love each
other, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to snuggle! It’s just a way of showing affection and
love!”
Makoto and Kyoko smiled at their daughter’s childish innocence, Kyoko telling her “Alright, in
that case what do you say you start snuggling your pillow? It’s bedtime young lady!”
“Aww…” Kiki moaned before obeying her Mother’s command, snuggling her pillow as her
parents tucked her in.
As Kiki’s eyes closed and she started snoring, Makoto and Kyoko smiled, quietly tiptoeing out of
her room and closing the door behind her, leaving the girl to her slumber.
Despair Arc Chapter Three: The Problems with Living Together!
Chapter Summary
Makoto and Kyoko struggle to adapt to sharing a living space, and after an argument
about each other's bad habits, Kyoko storms off. Will the two of them be able to patch
things up?
Present Day
“Alright, you ready to continue the story, Kiki”
Kiki nodded, replying “Yeah! I can’t wait to hear more about how happy you were, even stuck in
the school like that!”
Makoto and Kyoko rolled their eyes at their daughter’s enthusiasm before Kyoko replied “I hate to
disappoint you, Kiki, but it wasn’t all smiles between us. Believe it or not, we did hit the
occasional rough patch.”
“Y…you did? But I thought you guys got that out of the way after your breakup!”
Shaking his head, Makoto answered “It wasn’t anything like that, but it’s one thing to love
someone. It’s another to actually live with them. Your Mother and I found out the hard way just
what that meant. You see after a few days of officially living with each other, we had yet to adapt
our lifestyles to share a living space with another person. As a result, some of our behaviors
started to annoy the other, and things finally came to a head when…”
XXX
April 20, 2015
“MAKOTO!”
Said Ultimate Lucky Student ran into the bathroom, starting to panic as he heard his girlfriend’s
annoyed voice.
“Kyoko what’s…oh…” Makoto trailed off as he saw his girlfriend glaring at him disapprovingly,
holding up a familiar pair of boxers for him to see.
“Yeah…oh.”
Makoto blushed as he apologized “I thought I picked those up last night…Kyoko, I’m sorry; I must
have forgot…”
“Just like the last two times you forgot.” Makoto winced, reminded of his bad habit of not putting
his laundry in his hamper the instant he got out of the shower as Kyoko pinched the bridge of her
nose and continued “I’m trying to be patient, but I do not particularly enjoy stepping on your
underwear when I’m planning to shower.”
Holding his hands up in surrender, Makoto appeased her “Alright, alright, I promise I won’t leave
the bathroom until I make sure there’s no more of my laundry on the floor.”
Kyoko nodded “See to it that you don’t. I’ll put this in your hamper this one time, but no more
after that!” Makoto nodded, leading Kyoko to sigh and mutter as they left the bathroom and
walked around their shared bed “Now, where did you put that hamper anyway…AY!”
“Kyoko!” Makoto kneeled down to help his girlfriend who had tripped on the floor, asking as he
tried to grip her shoulders “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine!” Kyoko hissed as she slapped his hands away, disentangling her feet from the tangle of
wires that she had stepped in. “But I’ve told you before, you need to make sure you put your
controllers back in the entertainment center when we’re done playing for the night. This is exactly
why!” Pointing to herself, she groaned “Makoto, you’re not just living by yourself anymore; we’re
living together as a couple. You’ve got to be more considerate about your living quarters!”
I am considerate! Swallowing that thought, Makoto swallowed and relented “…Okay…I’ll make
sure the Gamecube stuff is put away before bed.”
Kyoko nodded, the air tense as she replied “Okay. Now, I’m going to go take a shower, then you
can take one before we go to breakfast.”
Kyoko turned around, walking back into the bathroom and closing the door behind her, locking it
for good measure. Makoto sighed, walking over to her side of the bed and sitting down on the
mattress, holding his head in his hands in frustration.
…This is gonna be harder than I thought…
XXX
Makoto walked out of the shower, his dirty clothes in hand as he made sure to dump them into his
hamper, Kyoko nodding approvingly as he did so.
“Better. Now, shall we go?”
Nodding, Makoto walked over to his closet and replied “One minute, let me just…WHOA!”
Makoto fall face-first on the floor, books scattered around him as he got on his hands and knees.
“Makoto! Now look what you’ve done! You scattered my organized stack of Detective novels!”
Suddenly feeling annoyed that his girlfriend seemed to care more that her book organization was
messed up than the fact that he tripped on them, Makoto groaned as he stood up.
“Well if you hadn’t just left them on the floor, I wouldn’t have tripped on them!”
Makoto wasn’t normally one to visibly show annoyance over something so petty, but after Kyoko
got on his case so fiercely about his own quirks, the normally passive boy felt that turnabout was
fair play.
Not one to back down, Kyoko hissed “I put the stack next to my side of the bed so that I couldn’t
lose track of what book I’m reading when we’re getting ready for bed.”
“That doesn’t mean you should leave them where I can trip on them! Kyoko, this isn’t just your
room anymore! It’s our room! If I have to be considerate about my quirks, then you need to be
considerate about yours!”
In her mind, Kyoko acknowledged the truth of Makoto’s argument, knowing that it was only fair to
expect her to make sacrifices for him if she was expecting him to make sacrifices for her.
However, the rational side of her mind was overruled by her emotional heart, which caused her to
become red with fury at having the proverbial shoe be on the other foot.
Taking a deep breath, she barely managed to restrain the temptation to yell at him, turning around
and walking over to their door without another word. Makoto’s irritated expression turned to one
of panic as he saw her turn the doorknob and open the door.
“Wait! Kyoko, where are you going?!”
“TO GET SOME SPACE!” Kyoko yelled back, unable to restrain her angry tone as she stomped
outside, her boots creating earthquakes in his ears before slamming the door shut.
“…Great…” Makoto sighed, collapsing on his back and lying on the mattress.
He dug out his e-Handbook and looked through his saved Photos, opening the family photo that
was taken on Christmas Day. Makoto‘s lips drooped in longing as he took in his and Kyoko’s
blushing, loving smiles. His vision flickered to his parents, seeing for the first time how Hana and
Shingi had stared lovingly at their son and future daughter-in-law that night.
“Mom…Dad…what do I do…?” Makoto murmured, desperate for their guidance at a time when
he couldn’t get it.
XXX
Present Day
“You blew up at Daddy again?! Just for that?!”
Kyoko’s eyes lowered in shame at the memory as she admitted “I’m not proud of it, and if I could
take it back, I would.”
Deciding to step in, Makoto reminded his daughter “Kiki, remember that we were still getting used
to actually living together. Your Mother and I loved each other very much, but love isn’t easy; it
takes real effort to keep. Sometimes that means we argue and squabble over little things. They’re
bumps in the road, but if you truly value each other, eventually you’ll be able to move past them.”
Kiki slowly nodded before asking “So how did you move past this bump?”
Kyoko took over “It wasn’t easy; I didn’t want to admit I was at fault. That was a…trait I picked
up from my Grandfather…” Kyoko briefly flashed back to the last time they saw Fuhito alive, and
recalled how he had disowned them rather than accept Makoto as her husband, before she
continued “So I spent the rest of the day being anywhere other than our room.”
“What did you do all that time?” Kiki asked.
“I read books in the library for a chunk of it. I also just walked around the school, testing the metal
plates to see if they were still secure. Basically I did anything to keep my mind off of the current
problem. A little bit after lunch time, your Father messaged me to ask where I was, but I was still
annoyed at him, so I never messaged back. It wasn’t until bedtime that I finally returned. And
when I walked into the room…”
XXX
April 20, 2015
“What the…” Kyoko breathed, looking around the room that she had stormed out of.
Her Detective novels that had been knocked over were now organize din a perfect pillar, exactly
where she had put them and in the exact same order that she had left them. The Gamecube and
controllers were put away neatly into the cubbies of the entertainment center. In fact, there wasn’t
even a speck of dust she could trace on the now clean floor. Even the bed had been made, not a
wrinkle in the sheets and not a single corner out of place.
“You…cleaned up the entire room by yourself…?” She asked as she caught sight of Makoto, the
boy now in his pajamas as he sat on the foot of the bed, weakly kicking his legs to keep away his
boredom.
Without even turning his head to look at her, Makoto shrugged “…I had a lot of time on my hands
since my girlfriend was gone all day…”
Kyoko’s eyes widened as Makoto finally got off the bed and turned around to face her. His
normally bright eyes looked just a shade duller, the dark circles under his eyes proof of his changed
emotional state.
“Do you have any idea how worried I was, Kyoko?! You just stormed out without even an attempt
to reconcile.”
Sighing, Kyoko retorted, albeit weaker than before “I told you, I needed some space, Makoto…”
“If you needed space, fine, but did that really mean not having lunch or dinner together? Or not
even replying to my message from hours ago asking if you were okay? What if something had
happened to you?!”
Sighing, Kyoko reminded him “Makoto, this school is secure, and I can take care of myself, you
know that.”
“Oh, so it’s perfectly fine for you to fuss over me, but when I fuss over you, I’m overreacting?!”
Her glare hardening, Kyoko retorted “Well if you had just made sure your belongings were picked
up before, I wouldn’t have needed space to cool off and you would have had no reason to worry!”
“Kami, Kyoko, you are so stubborn sometimes! Can’t you admit for once in your life that maybe
you might be partially at fault here?”
“My fault? You’re the one who…”
“What going on here?”
Makoto and Kyoko went silent, turning to see Headmaster Kirigiri standing in the open doorway,
dressed in plain purple pajamas with a concerned expression on his face.
“…Headmaster…” Kyoko acknowledged.
“…Headmaster Kirigiri…what are you doing here?”
Jin smiled softly and walked inside, explaining “I was just stepping outside of my private residence
for a moment and I saw Kyoko walking down the hallway. I got a little concerned, so I decided to
follow and see if anything was wrong. I’m surprised you didn’t sense me Kyoko; your mind must
have been restless if you didn’t detect me.”
Kyoko blushed in embarrassment, struck silent at the revelation that her Detective skills had been
thrown so out of whack by her mood. Jin shook his head in amusement and circled around to
Makoto’s side of the bed, patting the two spots adjacent to him.
“Come on, sit. It’s not often I see you two arguing with each other, and maybe I can help you two
resolve whatever the problem is if you tell me what it is.”
Allured by the opportunity to have a father figure help settle their dispute, Makoto turned to Kyoko
and admitted “…Perhaps having a mediator could help us to move on…”
…But does it have to be my Father?! Not really seeing any other option, and honestly fed up with
being angry at Makoto, Kyoko sighed “…Let’s just get this over with…”
Jin smiled as Makoto sat on his left, while Kyoko sat on his right.
“Now, what happened?”
Makoto blushed, embarrassed by the memory as he recalled “Well…”
XXX
“I see…” Jin nodded in understanding “So basically, after you two struggled to adapt to living
together, you two got into an argument and Kyoko stormed off, am I wrong?”
Makoto and Kyoko blushed, embarrassed by the recent memory as they realized …When you put it
that way, it does sound kind of silly.
Jin gave an amused chuckle before explaining “Alright, listen you two…believe it or not this is
perfectly normal. Lots of couples have difficulty adapting to living together at first; I was certainly
no exception to the rule.”
Makoto looked up at his future Father-in-law curiously as he exclaimed “You and Kyoko’s Mom
had issues?”
Nodding, Jin replied nostalgically “Oh yes, after the Uzuchi family took me in and Hibiki and I
started dating, we had very similar difficulties adapting when we first moved in together.” Jin
blushed as he continued “I’ll…keep the details to myself, but it was difficult at first. Luckily
because we were still living with her parents at the time, they were able to guide us and help us
move past our initial stumbling blocks.”
“And…what advice did they give you?”
Jin smiled at his now curious daughter and answered “They taught us to compromise, to meet
halfway and to help each other to adapt. They also taught us that we should temper our
expectations, that change was gradual and that we shouldn’t try to rush it.”
This caused Kyoko to think, pondering …Was I too harsh with him?
“Now, as this advice applies to the two of you…” Jin turned to the Ultimate Lucky Student and
urged “Makoto…I know from experience that it can be frustrating to have your girlfriend on your
case about your bad habits. But if she ever nags you like that, don’t try and return fire at the first
sign of hypocrisy. Kyoko’s the type of woman that doesn’t like being told directly that she’s
wrong.”
“So then…what should I do?”
Jin smiled at Makoto and answered “In these cases, it’s important to take a deep breath and try to
make suggestions about how she can adapt without direct criticism. It helps to move you both
forward while reminding her that you can be an adult in these situations.”
…An adult…right…something I haven’t been recently… Kyoko admitted to herself, reflecting on

how she blew up at her Father and broke up with Makoto prior to being sealed inside the school.
“And Kyoko…” Said Ultimate Detective looked up at her Father as he continued “I know that
some of Makoto’s habits can be irritating, but they stem from having lived in his own room for
years. It’s going to take time to adapt to sharing his bedroom with a second person, and maybe
he’d appreciate it if you helped him at first. For example, maybe you two could commit to putting
away the Gamecube together every night. And if you see he forgot his clothes in the bathroom,
maybe gently remind him instead of picking it up yourself so that he eventually grows into the
habit of doing it on his own.”
Makoto nodded “…I’d be okay with that. I don’t want to have you be cleaning up after me, but I
just need some practice is all.”
Seeing Kyoko nod in understanding, Jin continued “As for your habit of placing your stack of
books next to your bedside for easy reach…would it be reasonable for you to keep a reading
checklist on your e-Handbook’s Excel app so you can keep track of where you are? Or if you
really need those books physically next to you, maybe putting the stack on the little table next to
the bed would work so that Makoto doesn’t risk tripping on them?”
Embarrassed at how she had completely missed those possibilities in her anger, Kyoko nodded “…
I could do that, I suppose.”
Jin dusted off his hands and replied “See? Compromise, teamwork, and tempering expectations
help to weather these kinds of storms.” Standing up, the Headmaster finished “Well, if that’s
everything, then I’ll be off to bed myself. Have a pleasant evening you two.”
Makoto and Kyoko watched as the Headmaster walked out, having finished his job as the wise
parent that they needed.
XXX
“Wait, Father…”
“Hm?”
Jin turned around, seeing a hesitant Kyoko in front of him biting her lip as she mulled over her
words.
At last she swallowed her pride and forced out “…Thank you…for…helping to resolve our
dispute…I…”
Jin smiled and interrupted “I was happy to help out, Kyoko.” Waling up to her and resting his
hand on her shoulder he spoke with a warm, yet serious tone “I know I wasn’t there to help you
navigate these things when you were little…but I want you to know that I’m willing to help you
now if you’re willing to ask for it.”
Kyoko bit her lip before removing his hand from her shoulder and telling him “…I’ll…consider
your offer…”
Jin nodded “And in the end, that’s all I can ask of you…well, good night, Kyoko.”
…Good night, Father… Kyoko thought as she watched her Father disappear down the hall.
“…Ano…is everything okay?”
Kyoko smiled after hearing Makoto’s concerned voice behind her and replied “I’m fine, Makoto.”
Looking over her shoulder to look at him, she offered “Come on, what do you say we take a bath in
the sauna together? No sex; I don’t have access to my birth control medication anymore, so we
can’t chance a surprise pregnancy. But I’d like to have a warm bath with you…if you’re
willing…”
Makoto’s cheeks heated up at the prospect of being naked in the sauna with Kyoko again, but
ultimately temptation won out; the boy smiled and nodded “Sure, a bath before bed sounds nice…”
XXX
Makoto and Kyoko gave a relaxed sigh, Kyoko neck-deep in the water so as to not tempt Makoto
with her naked breasts. Makoto for his part sat waist-deep against the wall of the tub, an arm
wrapped around Kyoko’s back as she laid her head against his soft chest, the *thump thump* of his
beating heart comforting her as she wrapped her arms around his neck.
“I…I’m sorry…” Kyoko apologized “I yelled at you when I should have tried to work with you.”
Shaking his head, Makoto assured her “It’s not like you were wrong really…I do have some bad
habits I need to break, and I should have been more understanding when I tripped over your
books.”
“…Still, I should have calmed down and tried to talk to you instead of lecture you. I thought that if
I walked away, I could prevent it from getting out of hand, but it backfired on me.”
Makoto smiled reassuringly, rubbing Kyoko’s back with one hand while cradling her head with the
other. He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss on top of her head, making the remorseful Detective
blush.
“Let’s just…agree to help each other, alright? We both have some growing up to do, so why don’t
we do it together?”
Kyoko hummed, nuzzling his chest as she murmured “…Sounds good to me…I love you,
Makoto…that won’t ever change.”
Makoto’s arms lowered as he lifted her into his lap, felling her now technically exposed breasts
press against his chest as their foreheads touched, smiling softly as he murmured “I love you too,
Kyoko…”
XXX
Present Day
“Aww…that was really nice of Grandpa Jin to help you patch things up!” Kiki asked excitedly
“Does that mean you and Grandpa Jin patched things up too, Mommy?”
Kyoko hesitated before answering “…I’d say that…we were back to the point in our relationship
that we were at before he took me off of that case. Talking with him as his daughter still felt
awkward and unnatural to me, but it wasn’t entirely unpleasant. It would still take time before I
completely forgave him for the past, but we did make progress, and I was grateful for helping us.”
“Well, at least there was progress made…” Kiki looked to Makoto and asked “So what happened
next, Daddy?”
Makoto smiled and ruffled his daughter’s hair, promising “Tomorrow Kiki; it’s just about your
bedtime.”
“…Okay…” Kiki relented before wiggling under the sheets, her parents draping the blankets over
her body before pressing a kiss to her cheeks.
“Good night, Kiki…sweet dreams.”
“Sweet dreams…” Kiki yawned before falling asleep, quickly being taken to her dreams.
Makoto and Kyoko smiled at their sleeping daughter before turning around and walking hand-in-
hand out of their daughter’s room, Makoto closing the door behind them as they walked into their
own room.
Despair Arc Chapter Four: Our Loved Ones on the Outside!
Chapter Summary
With Class 78th on edge from being isolated within the school, Junko suggests they
talk about their loved ones on the outside to let off some steam.
Present Day
“Well, a few days later, we were all starting to go a little stir crazy. Your Mother and I were able to
keep calm because we managed to get our frustrations out during our little argument. But everyone
else, well…”
XXX
April 25, 2015
Makoto could feel the tension in the Dining Hall as he sat with his girlfriend, the two sipping
herbal teas while they watched their classmates. Everyone was starting to get cabin fever and they
all knew it. It was only a matter of time before somebody voiced what everybody else was feeling.
That person turned out to be Mondo, who was tapping his foot against the floor when Celeste
placed her cup of tea on the table and turned to him, asking “Mondo, would you please cease that
incessant foot tapping? It’s like a fly buzzing in my ear.”
In a rare show of criticism for Mondo, Taka looked up from his textbook and agreed “I hate to say
it Bro, but Celeste is right. I can barely concentrate on reinforcing my education with that noise
you’re making.”
Mondo sighed and, with great effort, stopped tapping his foot, rubbing the back of his neck and
muttering “Sorry…I’m just going a little stir crazy. I haven’t been able to ride my hog in two
weeks!”
“Please spare us your whining, plebian.” Byakuya retorted “We’re all making sacrifices to ensure
our survival. The last thing we need is to hear you complaining about how you can’t ride that
piece of trash across the city.”
“Fuck you!” Mondo swore.
“I don’t approve of Byakuya’s tone or insults…” Sakura began “…but he does raise a point. The
locker rooms limit the ways I can train, so I’ve been feeling restless also.”
“Me too!” Hina agreed “I love swimming in the pool, don’t get me wrong. But I need to
swimunder the blue sky too!”
“At least you have a pool!” Leon snapped. “Even Sayaka has the stage in the music room to sing
and dance. I don’t even have a baseball field I can use to throw a ball around!”
“I may have a stage, and I may have my idol costume, but I still don’t have any other girls I can do
a routine with!” Sayaka retorted.
Nodding in agreement, Chihiro confessed “Normally I’d be able to connect online and talk with my
programming friends on the internet, but with things as bad as they are, nobody’s online
anymore…”
“I understand how you feel, Chihiro!” Taka exclaimed “I like to study as much as everybody else,
but even I sometimes feel like getting up and stretching my legs once in a while! Staying
completely still for hours on end can cause your mind to become sluggish!”
…Pretty sure you love studying more than anyone…Everyone else deadpanned.
Celeste sighed and commented “Getting my Royal Milk Tea every day is certainly a luxury, but I
do so miss my trips to the underground gambling circuits…” Celeste giggled as she recalled “Oh
how I miss the looks on their faces when I cleaned out their life savings…”
Everyone else save for Hifumi sweatdropped before the Ultimate Fanfic Creator agreed “Indeed,
Miss Ludenberg! I too miss the days where I would crush those ignorant peons with all my might
at free-for-alls!”
“…Hifumi?”
“…Yes, Miss Ludenberg?”
“Nobody wants to hear about your lame hobby, so kindly do us all a favor and stop talking about
it.”
“B…but I…yes, Miss Ludenberg…” Hifumi sighed, depressed as he went to sit at an adjacent
table.
Before Hiro or Toko could add to the discussion, if one could call it a discussion, Junko interrupted
“Look, we’re all a little on edge ‘cuz we’re stuck in here while our families and friends are stuck
on the outside, right?”
Everyone reluctantly nodded; Makoto had been given the opportunity to say goodbye to his own
family, but nobody other than Kyoko knew that and none of the others had been given a similar
opportunity.
“Thought so…” Junko suggested “Look, I’ve got an idea to help settle our nerves. Why don’t we
all sit around this table here and talk a little bit about our loved ones on the outside? It might make
it a bit more bearable if we just got it off our chests.”
Makoto nodded “…I’d be okay with that; we’ve been in here for a couple of weeks already; who
knows how much longer we’ll have to hold out. Maybe if we share our burdens with each other,
it’ll make our stay just a little bit easier…”
Kyoko nodded “…As long as we don’t have to give out too much information, it seems like an
acceptable solution…” Besides, if today is any indication, we could use a bonding exercise, if only
to settle our nerves…
After everyone reluctantly agreed and moved to sit at the main table in the center of the Dining
Hall, Junko grinned and took her seat next to Mukuro.
“Great! Let’s start with Sayaka and go in a circle, okay?”

Nodding, Sayaka began “Well…I’m really worried about the other members of my idol group.
We’re all really great friends, but I’m really close to two girls named Ayaka Haneyama and Satomi
Aoba. They’re like the sisters I never had, and I really want to see them and perform on stage with
them again.”
Leon rubbed Sayaka’s back in comfort, making her smile in gratitude before the Ultimate Baseball
Star admitted “I’m…a little worried about my cousin. Her name’s Kanon Nakajima. She manages
my baseball team, but she’s totally crazy, guys! She’s totally in love with me, even though I’ve
rejected her like 3000 times already!”
THREE THOUSAND?! Everyone couldn’t help but gape in shock at the sheet number of times
Leon had to reject his own cousin’s affections.
“…Yeah, but even so…she’s like a little sister to me, so if anything happened to her, I’d feel
responsible, even though I can’t do anything about it from here. It just really bites, you know?”
This time it was Sayaka’s turn to rub Leon’s back in comfort, smiling reassuringly at him and
making him relax before Chihiro went next.
“Well…I’m worried about my Dad; his name’s Taichi. He taught me everything I know about
being a programmer, and he’s a great Father. But he’s not exactly strong…if he gets caught up in
those riots, I don’t see how he’d make it out alive…” Chihiro teared up, apologizing as he started
to cry “I’m sorry…I’m not the only one who’s loved ones are in danger…”
“Hey, don’t worry about it, little dude!” Chihiro stopped crying and looked up at Mondo’s warm
smile as he reassured the Ultimate Programmer “Just because we’re worried about our families
doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to worry about yours! That’s what this whole bonding shit is for,
right? So we can let off a little steam?”
“Mondo…” Chihiro beamed, wiping his eyes on his sleeve as he replied “Thank you…”
“D…don’t mention it. As for me…well, of course I’m worried about all the Crazy Diamonds…
but in particular I’m worried for my right hand man. His name’s Takemichi Yukimaru…”
That name caught Makoto and Kyoko’s attention; the Ultimate Lucky Student asked “Wasn’t he
with you when you rescued me and Kyoko form some of your recruits after our date?”
Mondo nodded “That’s right, and he’s stubborn and proud, with a head as hard as metal. Out of all
my boys, Takemichi is the one I trust to lead the Crazy Diamonds the most. I just hope he learns a
little flexibility, or he could get killed out there.”
“Not to worry Bro! He learned from the best Biker Gang Leader I know, so I have no doubt he’ll
be fine!”
Mondo smiled at Taka wrapping his arm around the Ultimate Moral Compass and laughed
“Thanks Bro! You’re the best!”
Laughing along with him, Taka then grew serious as Mondo put his arm back at his side, the
Ultimate Moral Compass explaining “I’m worried about my Father; his name’s Takaaki. He’s a
Police Officer, and he instilled in me a strong sense of order and justice. I wouldn’t be the person I
am without him…”
Now I understand why Taka’s so serious all the time about studying… Makoto thought as he
looked towards his once strict friend.
“…But he’s…not exactly fit. All the long hours at the station to support us and help stave off debt
collectors have left him worn. He’s not the Law Enforcer he used to be, and especially with all
these riots going on, I fear for his safety…”
Mondo patted Taka’s shoulder and assured him “Don’t worry, Bro. The moment we can
communicate with the outside world, I’ll have Takemichi guard over your old man and make sure
nothing happens to him.”
Taka smiled softly and replied “Thanks Bro…though you might want to have someone outside of
the Crazy Diamonds deliver the message. My Dad isn’t the most sympathetic man, especially
around those he sees as troublemakers.”
Rubbing his neck, Mondo nodded “Alright…I’ll make sure the messenger is squeaky clean…”
With that little conversation, Hifumi went next, explaining “Well…I’m worried for my sister
Fujiko. She’s my fanfic partner, and she helps me to run my booth at conventions.”
Makoto, Kyoko, Leon, Chihiro, Hina, And Sayaka nodded, recalling her presence when they went
to Comic Market last Christmas.
“But her Wisdom stat isn’t very low, so it doesn’t take a very high Persuasion skill to manipulate
her, especially if her HP is critical. So with how dangerous the outside world has become, I don’t
know if surviving this is a quest she can complete on her own.”
For once, everyone stared sympathetically at Hifumi, Makoto especially since he could relate with
Komaru’s life on the line.
After a brief silence passed, Celeste explained “As for me…I am fretting over my dear cat.”
YOUR CAT?!
Nodding as if she had heard their thoughts, Celeste smiled and elaborated wistfully “Yes, my dear
Grand Bois Cheri Ludenberg. Oh, I do so hope my parents are able to feed him his favorite gyoza
dish in my stead. I don’t know what I’d do if anything happened to my dear Cheri!”
YOU VALUE YOUR CAT MORE THAN YOUR PARENTS?!
As Celeste let out one last nostalgic giggle, Sakura spoke next, revealing “I’m worried about my
boyfriend, Kenshiro. He’s the only person in the world who I’ve never been able to defeat in
combat.”
Someone’s more powerful than YOU?! Everyone except for Makoto, Kyoko, and Hina thought, as
they were privy to Sakura’s more private romantic side.
“…But he’s fighting an illness. They said he only had six months to live. But six months have
come and gone and he’s still fighting…I visited him once, before the Tragedy. He’d lost so much
weight. He looked like an entirely different person. He may be able to defeat this illness, but his
physical state has been so weakened, that I don’t think he could survive being caught off guard by
rioters. And if that happens…then not only will I never be able to start a family with him one
day…but I’ll never be able to take the title of Strongest Human Alive fairly…and that would be
unacceptable to me!”
“Sakura…” Hina smiled and assured her “Hey, cheer up, okay? If he’s strong enough to beat you
AND this illness, then he’s not gonna get killed by a few rioters! You’ll see, and when thing sget
better, we’ll all go with you to visit him, you know, for moral support. I’ll even bring a box of my
best donuts to help him recover his strength!”
Sakura chucked “Thank you, Hina. I’m sure he’ll love them.”
Hina nodded before her expression changed to a worried frown and she confessed “I’m…worried
about my little brother; his name’s Yuta. We both like to do tons of sports together, but his
specialty is track. He always calls me a spaz, but I still love him and I don’t know what I’d do if
anything happened to him.”
Sakura laid her hand on Hina’s shoulder, not saying a word but instead smiling softly at her friend,
letting her know that she was there if she needed her. Hina smiled, nodding to assure her that she
was fine. Sakura dropped her hand, allowing Byakuya to begin.
“Well, I don’t have any family whom I’m particularly worried for…”
Considering his family’s history, I’m not surprised… Makoto deadpanned, recalling Byakuya’s tale
about the terrible competition he and his siblings were forced to go through.
“…But if I must name someone…I’d say that I’d rather not lose the employ of my butler. His
name is Aloysius Pennyworth, and he was the closest thing I had to a friend growing up. It would
be a…shame if he got killed in the Tragedy…but I trust that the Togami Family will be able to
protect him, so I’m not worried.”
Everyone rolled their eyes at Byakuya’s cockiness, though they kept silent, none of them wanting
to argue with him about his and his family’s fallibilities.
The only exception was Toko, who stammered “I’m wo…worried, Ma…Master! Because if he
di…dies…then I’ll never get to kn…know the man who help to raise my darling Ma…Master after
we get ma…married…”
“Cease such prattle at once; I cannot tolerate your fantasies on a normal day, let alone while we’re
stuck in here with you.”
“Y…yes, Ma…Master…” Toko agreed, clamming up.
“Ano…Byakuya…” Makoto told Byakuya hesitantly “…We kind of need her to be able to talk.
It’s her turn next in this bonding exercise…”
Byakuya sighed and relented “Very well, but don’t blame me if you regret it later…Toko, bore us
with your prattle about who you’re missing on the outside.”
Nodding, Toko stammered “”Well, I’m wo…worried for Kameko…she’s my pet…sti…

stinkbug…”
WHO KEEPS A STINKBUG AS A PET?!
“D…don’t look at me li…like that!” Toko pointed accusingly at her classmates before defending
“She’s a spe…special stinkbug! She’s the only one who un…understands my fe…feelings!”
…Considering what I know about Toko’s childhood and romantic life, I’m not surprised she
counted an insect as a friend… Makoto and Kyoko thought, recalling their respective
conversations with Toko.
“But she’s we…weak…sure she can sense da…danger…but that won’t stop ri…rioters from ste…
stepping on her! If I lose my first real fr…friend…I don’t know what I’d do!”
Byakuya sighed and remarked “I told you you’d regret hearing it…we never should have wasted
time hearing her little sob story…”
“Hey! Don’t be mean!” Hiro defended “If she thinks that stinkbug is her friend, well then, more
power to her! It’s nice to have friends at all, don’t you think?”
Hiro… Almost everyone thought, surprised as how passionately he had come to Toko’s defense.
Byakuya sighed and replied “Alright then, commoner; I suppose the person you’re the most
worried about is one of your friends, since you care about friendship so much.”
Hiro grinned and nodded “Oh yeah, she’s my best friend in the world! She’s…my Mom!”
YOUR MOM IS YOUR BEST FRIEND?!
I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised…Hiro did say he didn’t have a single friend when he tried ot get
me to donate my organs… Makoto sighed to himself as Hiro continued.
“Her name’s Hiroko. And unlike all of you…” Hiro glared for a moment before relaxing into a
smile and continuing “She says I’m successful, sharp, handsome, and kind! She tells me I’d be
perfect…if I weren’t clumsy with money, or if I didn’t have problems with school or women…but
she says she finds my flaws cute!”
As Hiro laughed, everyone sat there, baffled as they wondered how anyone could think those
things about Hiro, even if they were his Mom.
Well, I guess that just goes to show how strong parental love can be sometimes… Kyoko thought,
reflecting on her own strained relationship with her own Father as well as Makoto’s loving
relationship with his parents. Could I actually have that kind of relationship with my Father now?
Before she could ponder further, Hiro finished “Yeah, my Mom’s awesome! I just hope her
instincts from her delinquent days help her to survive this!”
With Hiro’s speech ending, Kyoko nodded and explained “I’m worried about my Grandfather
Fuhito. He raised me after my Mother died, and taught me everything I know as a Detective. He’s
perfectly capable of looking out for himself, but he’s not as athletic as he used to be, so if he’s not
careful harm could befall him.”
Makoto reached over and threaded his fingers with her own, squeezing her hand. He might have
had negative opinions about Fuhito and his parenting style, but he was important to Kyoko, and
Makoto wanted to let Kyoko know that he was there for her.
Kyoko smiled and squeezed back. In truth, Makoto’s family was just as important to her now as
her Grandfather, but she felt it would have been out of place for her to publicly mention her
boyfriend’s family as the most important people in her life, so Fuhito seemed like a safer option.
Clearing his throat, Makoto answered “For me…I’m worried about my little sister Komaru, as well
as my parents. Their names are Hana and Shingi. They raised me, and they’re the best parents
anyone could ask for. I don’t know what I’d do if anything happened to them.” Kyoko squeezed
his hand in comfort, making him smile gratefully at his girlfriend before he turned to the last two
students and asked “What about you Mukuro? Junko?”
Mukuro nodded and answered “I have a group of acquaintances that I keep in touch with from my
days in Fenrir. We’ve all survived worse though, so I’m sure they’ll be fine.”
Junko nodded and finished “I mean…the only one I care for is Muku here, and she’s on the inside,
so I guess I don’t really have anyone I can talk about. Sorry…but how’d you all enjoy this little
bonding exercise?”
Makoto nodded, smiling as he replied “I think this really helped to get our frustrations off our
chest. Thanks Junko; I think we can rest a little easier tonight.”
Junko grinned, replying cheerfully “That’s what I’m here for. Alright, whadda ya say we grab
some food? I’m starving!”
“HERE HERE!”
XXX
“I miss them too…”
“Huh?”
Makoto looked at his girlfriend in surprise as the slipped under the covers together.
“Your parents and Komaru…I miss them too. Don’t look so surprised; they opened their arms to
me and gave me the feeling of being part of a loving family again, so of course I’d worry about
them too. And also I…wanted to make sure you knew that you’re not alone. If their safety ever
worries you, you can talk to me about it.”
Makoto smiled as she touched his cheek with her bare hand, leaning into her touch as he
reciprocated the gesture and told her “Thank you, Kyoko. The same goes for you too. I know I
have some…disagreements with your Grandfather…but he’s still your family, and if he’s one of
the most important people in your life, then he’s one of the most important people in my life too.
So I don’t mind worrying about him with you, if it makes it easier.”
Kyoko smiled in amusement as she murmured “…Selfless…” Kyoko wrapped her arms around
his neck and pulled him closer, feeling his arms wrap around her waist and squeeze her tightly as
she continued “…You’re so selfless…but that’s one of the things that made me fall in love with
you…I love you, Makoto Naegi…”
Makoto smiled, the leaned forward and pressed his lips against Kyoko’s in a soft, loving kiss.
They closed their eyes, enjoying the romantic moment and feeling their worries for their respective
families diminish as they took solace in the fact that they had each other.
As they separated, Makoto returned “I love you too, Kyoko Kirigiri…sweet dreams!”
As Makoto snuggled against her, Kyoko tightened her hug, one hand reaching down to rub his
back as she cooed “Sweet dreams…”
With that, they fell into slumber, entering what they hoped would be happy dreams of their life
after the Tragedy.
Little did Makoto know that his dreams would be anything but happy.
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, that was nice of Junko, to help you guys with your anxiety like that!”
If only you knew, Kiki… Makoto and Kyoko grimaced to themselves as they reflected on how they
had essentially giftwrapped to her their loved ones for her to rip away from them.
Looking to the clock, Makoto announced “Alright pumpkin, it’s time for bed.”
“Aww…” Kiki moaned, but obeyed regardless, wiggling under the blankets as her parents draped
the blankets over her shoulders and kissed her goodnight.
As she fell into slumber, her parents quietly snuck out, closing the door behind them as they retired
to their own room.
XXX
“Are you sure you want to relive the next part of the story?” Kyoko asked worriedly as she
clutched her husband tighter. “I remember how hard that was for you, and I’m sure Kiki wouldn’t
blame you if you decided you wanted to avoid that particular memory.”
Makoto smiled, stroking his wife’s cheek as he assured her “I’m fine, Kyoko. It’s just a distant
memory to me, and it’s important enough that I want Kiki to know how you and your Dad helped
me to overcome it. Besides, I’m not as nightmare prone as I was before we had Kiki, so I’ll be
fine, okay?”
Nodding hesitantly, Kyoko acquiesced “…Okay…”
Makoto leaned forward and kissed the tip of her nose before nuzzling her cheek and cooing “Good
night, Kyoko. I love you.”
“Good night Makoto…I love you too…” She returned lovingly before joining her husband in
slumber, praying that he wouldn’t have nightmares the next time they went to sleep.
Despair Arc Chapter Five: Makoto’s Breakdown!
Chapter Summary
Reminded of how worried he is about his parents' and Komaru's safety after
yesterday's bonding exercise, Makoto suffers a horrific night terror. Will Kyoko be
able to calm him down on her own? Or will she need help?
Present Day
“So what happened after you went to sleep, Daddy?”
Makoto grimaced and reluctantly told his daughter “Unfortunately Kiki, I didn’t sleep well that
night. Ironically, talking about how worried I was about your Baa-chan and Jii-chan and Auntie
Komaru worsened my emotional state that night, especially given the fact that I was always
nightmare-prone.”
Kiki frowned and asked “You had a night terror, Daddy? Even with Mommy holding you?”
Makoto nodded and explained “Yes Kiki, you see later that night I dreamt that…”
XXX
April 26, 2015
“Mom, Dad, Komaru, I’m home!” Makoto called out as he turned the doorknob, only for his eyes
to widen in shock as the door to his house literally off the hinges. “Wh…what the hell…” Makoto
breathed as he saw the interior of his childhood home.
Windows were smashed open, all the furniture was completely destroyed, walls were slashed,
family pictures were in tatters. In short, the Naegi home looked like a warzone, and his family was
nowhere to be found.
Makoto’s heart grew cold, the boy starting to shiver as he yelled in a panic “MOM! DAD!
KOMARU! WHERE ARE YOU?!”
Unfortunately, all Makoto heard was the echo of his own voice, but still the boy refused to believe
that his family was dead.
He ran all over the house, repeating to himself I have to find them! I HAVE TO FIND THEM! I
WILL FIND THEM!
Makoto searched every room in the house; the kitchen, the dining room, the bedrooms, even the
bathrooms for any sign of them. He even searched the attic and the basement for good measure.
In every room, the architecture was in immense disrepair, mirroring the destruction in the living
room, but still Makoto’s family was nowhere to be found.
Hugging himself as he shakily made his way back to the living room, Makoto’s cried tears of
despair as he whimpered “Where are they? What happened? They can’t be dead…can they?”
As Makoto sank to his knees, a high pitched, cheerful voice began taunting him “Makoto Naegi,
accepted into Hope’s Peak Academy. And his family, who supported such a lucky boy…But it
seems like…something’s happened to this family’s well-being! Oh boy, this is bad! What could
have possibly happened to this family’s well-being!? Find out the answer after graduation!”
After graduation?! What the hell does that even mean?! And where’s my family?!
As brutal images of Hana and Shingi’s pale corpses hanging from nooses in the shadows and
Komaru’s bloodied body assaulted his mind, Makoto screamed in fear and terror.
“EEEEEYAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!”
XXX
Kyoko gasped as she shot up in bed, awoken by Makoto’s terrified screams as she looked around
frantically for her boyfriend.
“Makoto?”
“Wh…what is this?” Makoto whimpered, the sound breaking her heart.
“Makoto?”
“What happened to everyone!?”
“Makoto, what do you mean? What happened to whom?”
She pressed her hand against his cheek, turning his face towards her so she could see it. The sight
unnerved her; still hyperventilating, Makoto’s eyes darted constantly, his entire expression
radiating terror and trauma.
“Makoto…are you okay…”
Makoto didn’t even let her finish; he pushed her away and after a shout of “GOD DAMMIT!”
leaped off the bed and ran out of the room.
“MAKOTO!” Kyoko cried out, trying to get him to come back to bed and talk to her, but all she
could hear was the progressively faint earthquakes in her ears that his desperate running created.
“Dammit…” Kyoko muttered before she quickly slipped on her gloves and ran after him, praying
to whatever god would listen that her terrified boyfriend wouldn’t do anything stupid in his current
state.
XXX
It wasn’t until she had chased him into the Main Hall that she finally caught up with him,
wheezing “How did he run…so fast?!”
Once she caught her breath, she looked ahead to see him on his knees, wailing as he clawed at the
recently installed circular iron door in a useless attempt to pry it open and escape. Even more
unnerved by his sudden behavior and starting to panic at the idea of what must be going on in his
head to make him act like this, she ran up and kneeled behind him, wrapping her arms around his
waist. She locked her fingers around his belly and tried to pull him away from the door.
“Makoto! What are you doing? Let go of the door!”
Makoto stubbornly clung to the edges of the door that his fingernails could latch onto, crying out “I
HAVE TO GET OUT OF HERE!”
As she continued to try to dislodge him from the door, Kyoko told him “Makoto, there’s no way
out of here! We’re all stuck here until it’s safe to go outside!”
She finally managed to tug one of his arms from the door, only for Makoto to bang his fist against
the surface over and over again as he shook his head and yelled “I HAVE TO GET OUT, RIGHT
NOW! I NEED TO MAKE SURE EVERYONE’S SAFE!”
“Make sure who’s safe?”
With one final tug, she finally managed to get him away from the door. Without giving him a
chance to lunge for the door again, she turned him around in her grasp so that his tearstained face
was looking at her own, getting a firsthand look at the terror and worry in his gentle green eyes.
“My…my…my…my…”
Makoto couldn’t finish his blubbering answer. With a piercing cry that would leave Kyoko’s ears
sore in the morning, he dived into her chest, wrapping his arms around her like a vice as he sobbed
against her nightgown.
“Makoto…” Completely heartbroken at Makoto’s emotionally wrecked state, she decided her first
priority was calming him down, and that answers could wait until he was able to speak coherently.
She shifted her legs to sit cross-legged and pulled him into her lap, rocking him back and forth as
she whispered soothing words in his ear to calm him down.
“Shh…it’s okay, it’s okay. I’m right here, Makoto. You don’t need to be afraid. Shh, Shh, I’m
here, it’s okay…”
As she reached up to stroke his hair, Kyoko placed light, soothing kisses atop his head, not really
knowing what she was doing but desperate to try anything to bring her beloved Makoto back to
reality. Kyoko grew encouraged as Makoto’s sobs grew fainter and fainter, his body starting to
relax in her warm, protective embrace.
“Shh…it’s okay, Makoto. I’m here, I’m here…don’t be afraid…don’t be afraid…”
At last with one final whimper, Makoto collapsed against her chest, passing out from emotional
overload. Kyoko sighed in relief, glad that Makoto’s breakdown was over.
Is it though? I still don’t know what he saw in his night terror. When he wakes up, I’ll need to get
answers of course, but he also needs someone to comfort him. I can’t do that by myself; I’m no
good at being a source of comfort. I’ve always gone to Makoto for comfort, not the other way
around! He needs a parent he can turn to, but who could possibly…
“ I’m willing to help you now if you’re willing to ask for it…”
Kyoko’s eyes widened as she realized what she needed to do. Looking down at Makoto’s
unconscious form, she sighed and awkwardly shifted her arms so that her left hand secured his
knees and her right hand secured the back of his neck. She stood up, turned around and briefly
froze upon seeing the rest of the class, drowsy yet disturbed at seeing their Class Representative’s
ragdoll form cradled in her arms, his tearstained face clueing them into what had transpired.
“…Not a word…go back to bed…” Kyoko ordered as she walked past the stunned class and up the
stairs to the second floor of the dorms, cradling Makoto protectively as she set out on her mission.
Time to see if you meant it when you said you’d help me, Father…because I need it now more than
ever!
XXX
Kyoko kicked the door to the Headmaster’s Residence with her foot, unable to knock with her
hands since they were currently cradling Makoto against her body. Luckily, she saw the lights turn
on from the crack under the door, and the shuffling sound that was getting louder and louder clued
her in that her Father wasn’t asleep.
At last, the door opened to reveal an exhausted Jin Kirigiri, his purple hair sticking up in every
direction and a look of drowsiness in his eyes as he mumbled “It’s two in the morning, can this wait
until…”
Jin trailed off, now visibly awake as he took in the hardened, yet pleading stare of his daughter’s
eyes. Following her gaze, his eyes widened as he took in the sight of her boyfriend in her arms, the
boy clearly not at peace as proven by the tear tracks on his cheeks.
Understanding that this could not wait, Jin nodded and urged “This way, put him on the couch
over there.”
Without another word, Kyoko walked in and gently placed his legs on the tan sofa. Sliding her
arm out from under his legs, she awkwardly maneuvered her body on the sofa until she could sit
down, resting his head on her lap as she stroked his hair, staring worriedly at her boyfriend.
Jin took a seat next to his daughter and asked quietly “So, what happened to him? Is he…”
Kyoko felt like crying as she recalled “…I think he had a night terror. He woke up screaming and
ran off. When I found him, he was clawing and banging on the door at the Entrance Hall, trying to
get outside. He started crying and wailing about how he needed to get out of here and make sure
somebody was safe.”
Jin frowned, clearly disturbed by Makoto’s strange behavior.
“I tried asking for more details, but he quickly lost any sense of composure and quickly clung to
me and sobbed against me. I tried my best to calm him down, but eventually he passed out, I’m
guessing from emotional overload.”
“I see…that certainly sounds like a night terror…you were too young to remember, but your
Mother and I had to help you through a night terror phase when you were really young.”
“I see…” The thought comforted Kyoko as she explained “That’s actually why I came to you.
Eventually when Makoto wakes up, he needs someone to comfort him so that this episode doesn’t
happen again. But…Grandfather never thought of being warm and comforting as a valuable
skillset, so I don’t know how to provide the comfort he needs. Most of the time, it’s been the other
way around.”
Jin smiled reassuringly at his daughter as he tried to counter “Even so, you shouldn’t sell yourself
too short, Kyoko. Even just listening to him and urging him to talk about his feelings once he
calms down would probably help him a lot.”
Kyoko allowed a small smile to cross her lips before she became serious again and replied
“Maybe, but I don’t want to leave his mental state to chance. I think he needs a parent to reassure
him right now, and since…”
Jin nodded, agreeing “Well your Mother was honestly the better parent between the two of us, and
I’m no psychologist, but I’ll do what I can to make him feel better. I promise, Kyoko.”
Kyoko barely had time to nod gratefully before Makoto groaned, his eyes fluttering open as he
tried to sit up.
Kyoko quickly supported his back as she helped him to sit up on the sofa, urging “Easy, easy, you
gave us quite a scare, Makoto.”
“…K…Kyoko…” Makoto shook his head to force his vision into focus as he looked around the
room, his brow furrowed as he took the sight of Jin in his pajamas, staring with concern at Makoto.
“He…Headmaster…? Where…where am I?”
Kyoko answered “We’re in the Headmaster’s Private Residence. You had a bad dream and ran
off. After I found you, you passed out and I brought you here.”
Makoto’s eyes widened as the memory of his night terror and subsequent escape attempt came
rushing back, the boy blushing in embarrassment as he apologized “S…sorry…I didn’t mean to
worry you like that.”
Wrapping her arm around his waist, Kyoko assured him “Don’t worry about it. Just…would you
please tell us about your dream? It might help to prevent a reoccurrence.”
Makoto looked down at his feet, ashamed at how he had acted as he hesitated “A…are you sure?
You already carried me here and let me rest on the Headmaster’s couch…I don’t wanna be a
burden to you both any more than I already have.”
…Now I see why you asked for my help, Kyoko…
Sighing, Jin got up and walked around to Makoto’s other side, sitting down on the sofa and placing
his hand on Makoto’s shoulder.
“Makoto, you can talk to us about this. I know that technically I’m still your Headmaster, and I’m
no psychologist, but I do have some experience with being a Father, so if you need a parent to talk
to about these things, I’m willing to try my best to fill that role. And I know Kyoko is willing to
provide whatever support she can offer you as your girlfriend, even if that support is just listening
and holding your hand.”
Kyoko nodded, reaching to thread her fingers with his own and squeeze his hand, urging “Talk to
us, Makoto…please…”
“Kyoko…Headmaster…” Makoto sighed in resignation, letting a small smile cross his lips,
making the two Kirigiris smile before his face settled into a neutral expression and he acquiesced
“Okay, I’ll tell you…”
He took a deep breath and, after swallowing the lump in his throat, began to speak.
“I was…coming back home from school. I went to open the door, but it completely fell off. And
when I stepped inside, my house was completely destroyed. I searched everywhere, but I couldn’t
find them. When I returned to the living room, I heard this weird voice taunting me and saying that
I had to wait until graduation to find out what happened to my family…whatever that meant…”
Nodding, Kyoko mused “I see…so that’s who you were talking about when you screamed that you
had to make sure they were safe.”
Nodding, Makoto confirmed “Y…yeah…I don’t know what the voice meant by graduation, but all
I could think about was how I needed to get out of this school…” Makoto sighed, looking to Jin
and apologized “I’m sorry, Headmaster. I promised that I could accept staying here for the rest of
my life, and I almost broke my promise…”
Shaking his head, Jin consoled “Don’t be sorry, Makoto. You had just woken up from a bad
dream; anybody would act irrationally after something that terrifying. The important thing is that
you’re awake and back to your senses.”
As Makoto nodded in understanding, Jin continued “Furthermore…I want you to understand that
Hope’s Peak Academy is currently a shelter, not a prison. I have no intention of keeping you and
your classmates locked up in here any longer than necessary to protect you. As soon as it’s safe to
go outside again, I promise to let you all leave and help you to search for your families. It’s the
least I can do for you.”
Makoto smiled, cheered up by his future Father-in-law as he nodded “Thank you, Headmaster.
That means a lot to me.”
Jin smiled “It’s my pleasure, Makoto. Just remember, if you have any more nightmares, it’s okay
to lean on Kyoko. It’s okay to lean on your friends. And if necessary, you can come to me for
parental support.” Seeing Makoto nod in acceptance, Jin urged “Alright, I think we could all use a
good night’s sleep after tonight.”
Nodding, Makoto and Kyoko both stood up, Kyoko turning to face the Headmaster and thanking
him “Thank you…Father…your help was…appreciated.”
Jin nodded “It was my pleasure, Kyoko. Alright, off to bed with you two.”
Makoto and Kyoko both smiled and bowed respectfully before turning around, Kyoko resting a
cautious hand of support on Makoto’s back as they left the Headmaster’s Residence, their fear and
sorrow replaced by a sense of calm and peace as they left to head to bed.
XXX
Makoto blushed as Kyoko took great care in tucking him in before sliding under the sheets on her
side. Makoto wrapped his arms around her back and snuggled into her nightgown before Kyoko
returned the gesture, pressing a kiss against the top of his head.
“…Thanks for taking care of me like this Kyoko…and I’m sorry I worried you like that.”
Kyoko clutched him tighter against her frame as she whispered “Shh…don’t worry about that
anymore…I forgive you. Just go to sleep, okay?”
Makoto nodded, yawning as he continued to nuzzle Kyoko with his nose, mumbling “Good night,
Kyoko…I love you…”
Yawning as well, Kyoko mumbled “Good night, Makoto. I love you too…” before they both
closed their eyes and fell into slumber, finally sharing pleasant dreams together like they wanted
the first time.
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, that sounds super scary, Daddy! And I thought my dream about Aunt Jill was bad…I can’t
imagine what it would have been like if I had a bad dream about you or Mommy!”
Makoto wrapped his arm around Kiki protectively as he replied solemnly “Hopefully you never
will…but if you ever do, know that it’s only a dream, and we’ll always be here for you, no matter
what!”
Looking to her parents, Kiki smiled and nodded “Okay Daddy, okay Mommy.”
Makoto ruffled Kiki’s hair and finally chuckled “That’s my girl. Alright, time for us all to go to
bed…”
“You can sleep here, Daddy!”
Makoto smiled in amusement as he asked “Oh? Are you afraid you’ll have a bad dream,
pumpkin?”
Shaking her head, she denied “No, Daddy! But you might! You and Mommy said that you’re
nightmare-prone, and since this was a dream you had in the past, remembering it might cause you
to have it again. So I wanna be there to snuggle you and make sure the bad dream stays away!”
“Kiki…” Makoto’s eyes watered as he drew Kiki in for a hug, mumbling “…my brave little
girl…” Looking to his proud wife, Makoto asked “Well Kyoko? Do you have any objections to
the three of us sleeping together tonight?”
Shaking her head, Kyoko replied “Not at all; if Kiki wants to help keep your nightmares away, then
I see no reason why we should deny her.”
Nodding, Makoto turned back to his daughter and accepted “Alright, pumpkin. We can snuggle
together for tonight.”
“YAY!”
Giggling at their daughter’s cheers, Makoto and Kyoko awkwardly shifted places under the
blankets until Makoto was in the center, with Kiki on his left and Kyoko on his right. Makoto’s
arms wrapped around his daughter and wife as they snuggled against his chest, filling him with a
warm, bubbly feeling in his heart.
As their arms wrapped around him, they yawned “Good night Makoto.” “Good night Daddy.”
“Sweet dreams…”
*Yawn* “…Sweet dreams, pumpkin…Sweet dreams, Kyoko…”
With that, Makoto’s eyes drooped shut, the young Father and Husband snoring as his smile
stretched from ear to ear, in peaceful bliss now that he was under the protection of his two favorite
girls that no nightmare could ever penetrate.
Despair Arc Chapter Six: Relaxing at the Sauna!
Chapter Summary
Frustrated that Makoto and Sayaka have yet to recover from their respective
breakdowns, Kyoko and Leon suggest that the four of them go to the sauna in pairs to
relax in hopes of cheering them up. Will the two distraught Ultimates finally recover?
Chapter Notes
This Chapter is part of an ask sent by NotFanFicNet. Please read and comment below,
and enjoy!
Present Day
“So what happened after your night terror, Daddy?”
“Well, even though your Mother and Grandpa Jin had helped me through the worst of it, my
family’s safety still weighed heavily on my mind. To make things worse, Sayaka had a similar
breakdown a couple days later. Leon helped her through it, but we were both still far from okay.
Your Mother invited them to eat breakfast with us at our table, hoping that the group solidarity
would improve our moods. But…”
XXX
April 30, 2015
Kyoko and Leon watched as their significant others drank their teas. Makoto and Sayaka had
shared an uneasy smile when she and Leon had sat down with them, but other than that, neither of
them had said a word to the others, obviously still shaken from their respective breakdowns.
Clutching her coffee cup tighter, Kyoko thought I can’t take this anymore! He might not have had
another nightmare, but Makoto still looks miserable! And Sayaka’s not any better from the looks
of it. And Leon looks just as frustrated as I do!
Kyoko looked over to Leon, who was scratching the back of his head with a pensive expression on
his face, obviously struggling with what to say to improve the situation.
If only we had a way to help them relax…wait, maybe… Sighing, she cleared her throat to get their
attentions and finally spoke “This needs to stop; ever since your respective breakdowns the two of
you have barely said a word. I understand you both have your reasons for being scared, but you
need to get it together or we won’t be able to weather this storm.”
Makoto and Sayaka looked down at their hands in guilt, while Leon asked “I agree with you
Kyoko; I’m tired of seeing this gloomy look on Babe’s face instead of her pure smile…but how do
you propose we cheer them up?”
Nodding, Kyoko suggested “We still have the sauna in the dorms. Why don’t we take a relaxing
hot bath?” Seeing the three pairs of widened eyes staring at her in shock of her suggestion, Kyoko
backpedaled “Let me rephrase that. I’m not suggesting we all take a mixed bath together. But why
don’t we go in pairs? Leon, you can take Makoto after breakfast, while I can take Sayaka after
dinner so that the water has a chance to reheat.”
Leon nodded in understanding and smiled, replying “I’m down with that. Makoto, Sayaka, what
about you? You really look like you could use an opportunity to relax, and this looks like the best
opportunity.”
After a moment of hesitation, they both nodded, allowing just the smallest of smiles to cross their
faces, lifting Kyoko and Leon’s spirits in the process.
“That’s the spirit!” Leon laughed, clapping Makoto on the back before wrapping an arm around
Sayaka, his grin and Kyoko’s reassuring smile making them look forward to their relaxing day in
the sauna.
XXX
“Ahh…” Makoto sighed in relief as he felt the warm water envelop his body, letting his limbs go
limp as he felt the heat melt his anxieties and worries away.
Leon grinned as he cheered “That’s better, dude! You have no idea what a relief it is to see you
smiling again!” Leon frowned as he recalled “You really had us worried with that breakdown of
yours…”
Makoto blushed, asking hesitantly “You…saw that?”
Nodding, Leon revealed “Your screaming and crying woke us all up. We all ran to see what was
wrong, but when we got there we say you clinging to Kyoko while she rocked you. It was…really
scary, dude!”
Makoto gulped and apologized “S…sorry…I didn’t mean to…”
Leon waved it off, a small smile on his face as he assured his friend “Ah, water under the bridge,
dude, don’t worry about it! Besides, we’re here to relax and forget about stuff like that.”
Makoto nodded, asking as he felt himself relax in the water’s warm embrace again “So…what
should we talk about, then?”
“Hmm…” Leon hummed, deep in contemplation for a second before his eyes opened realization.
Grinning at Makoto, the Ultimate Baseball Star suggested “I’ve got an idea; why don’t we talk
about how we got together with our girlfriends! Those have gotta be happy memories, right?”
Makoto blushed, recalling exactly how he had gotten together with Kyoko in the very sauna that he
and Leon were now bathing in.
Deciding he could give a cliffnotes version, Makoto agreed “O…okay, I guess…”
“Cool! Why don’t we start with you, dude? I know we often teased a lot about you two getting
together, but I’m curious, when did you start crushing on her? And how did you guys get
together?”
“…Well, I don’t know if I can pinpoint exactly when I started crushing on Kyoko, but if I had to
pick a timeframe, I’d have to say…it was probably around summer vacation last year. You see…
just before we went home, Kyoko slipped me her phone number.”
“Makoto, you lucky dog!” Leon teased, elbowing the bashful Makoto.
“Yeah…I was lucky. We ended up talking or texting every day. My little sister Komaru and my
Dad would often tease me about how I talked with Kyoko more than my own family, and would
ask when I planned to bring my new girlfriend home, even though we weren’t dating and I didn’t
even know what my own feelings were.”
Leon nodded and commented “Sounds like you guys got really close before the new term.”
Makoto smiled wistfully and nodded “Yeah…we really did. Plus there was that time at the water
park when she offered to slide down with me. Even though our position on the slide wasn’t a real
hug, feeling her from behind and having her hold me in her arms like that…” Makoto gave a
blushing smile as he admitted “It felt really nice…”
Leon grinned as he replied “Yeah, you guys looked really cute coming down the slide like that…
and watching your girlfriend chase Junko around after she took that photo was really funny!”
“Yeah, I guess it was kinda funny to watch…” Makoto chuckled, feeling the mirth flow through
his body. “When we came back…we just spent more time with each other, and we got closer and
closer. It wasn’t until after we saw you and Sayaka kiss in the library that I actually started to
entertain the idea that maybe I might feel something more than friendship for Kyoko…”
“Ah, so we gave you the idea, huh?” Leon teased.
Shaking his head, Makoto denied “No, I was still in denial about my feelings, just…slightly more
unsure. Anyways, after that was the Halloween Dance that you and Sayaka dragged us into
attending, and rigged the drawing so that we’d be forced to dance together.”
Leon smiled sheepishly as he asked “Ah…you figured that out, right? It was Sayaka’s and Hina’s
idea, really…”
“…Actually…Kyoko was the one who figured it out. I was too shocked by the outcome to think
that it had been rigged. Anyways, after we almost kissed on the dance floor, I finally realized that I
had a crush on Kyoko.”
Leon smirked and mused “Ah, so even in failure, our plan was a success! But you guys didn’t
immediately get together after that, right? Kyoko kind of avoided you for a couple of days and
even when she stopped physically avoiding you, you guys didn’t exactly talk much for a couple
more days. So how did you guys get together?”
“Well, I ended up getting some advice from Nanami-senpai about how I should just go for it, but
even after that I got cold feet. I was sitting in my room one night stressing out about how to
confess to Kyoko and decided I needed to take a hot bath in the sauna to calm my nerves.” Makoto
blushed as he admitted “The thing was…Kyoko had the exact same idea, and while I was relaxing
in the bath, the steam cleared, and…Kyoko was sitting right across from me in the bath…”
“…HAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAA!” Leon laughed as he slapped his knee, making

small slashes in the water as he exclaimed in laughter “Oh man! You guys actually decided to take
a bath at the exact same time?! Completely by accident?! Oh dude, that’s gotta be some serios
Super High School Level Luck if I’ve ever seen it!”
Makoto’s blush darked as he admitted “…Yeah, though I certainly didn’t think so at the time. We
were both embarrassed, and offered to leave so the other could bathe in privacy, but neither of us
wanted to force the other out, so Kyoko…suggested…that we share the bath…”
Leon giggled and asked “Seriously? You guys just shared a bath?!”
Makoto nodded meekly and confirmed “Yeah…we did…then one thing led to another and after
snuggling me in the bath, she told me to grab my towel and meet her in the locker room. Once I
had, she grabbed me by the wrist and dragged me to her room and we…well…”
His eyes practically bulging out of his head in shock, Leon exclaimed “Oh Kami! You guys…you
actually…in Kyoko’s room…”
His entire face as red as a cherry at this point, Makoto confirmed “…Yeah…we had sex on
Kyoko’s bed…” Seeing Leon’s teasing grin, Makoto weakly protested “It was her idea, I just…
went along for the ride…”
“Still! I’ve heard of getting lucky, but wow dude! You REALLY got lucky!”
“…Yeah, I suppose I did…anyways, after we had sex, we kinda had to talk about our feelings. I
mean, you don’t just have a one-night stand with a girl you like and not talk about how you feel.
So, after some prodding from Kyoko, we admitted that we liked each other and decided to try
dating. And the rest is history…”
Leon whistled, impressed as he commented “Wow, dude! That sounds totally amazing!”
Makoto smiled and agreed “…Yeah…it was amazing…” Turning to Leon, Makoto asked “So,
how did you get together with Sayaka? I know you always had a crush on her, so I don’t really
need to ask about that. But how did you get her to agree to go out with you before I tried to ask her
out?”
Leon closed his eyes and hummed, sifting through his memories before he finally opened his eyes
and explained “It certainly wasn’t easy, that’s for sure. Honestly, if the two of us had asked her out
during that first week of class, I think she’d be more inclined to say yes to you, given how you two
had middle school history. Plus, she looked so enamored with you when you rescued Kyoko, I was
sure she’d ask you out.”
She was…enamored…with ME?! Shaking the thought from his mind, Makoto asked “So, what
changed?”
Leon smiled at Makoto and confessed “Actually, I kinda have you to thank for that, dude!” Seeing
Makoto’s surprised expression, Leon explained “After you convinced me to take up baseball again,
I started taking the rest of my life more seriously. That got Sayaka’s attention and we started
having actual conversations together. She started giving me advice on my musician dream and she
even helped me with my singing.”
Makoto smiled and replied “I’m glad that I was able to help you guys connect with each other.”
Leon nodded and replied “Thanks, dude. As time went on, I started to really like her for more than
just her cuteness; I started to like her personality as well. I realized I really wanted to be in a
relationship with her, and just as I was contemplating how to confess my feelings…she came up
and asked me out! I was totally over the moon man, so of course I said yes, and the rest is history!
Both the good, and the bad…” Leon frowned as he apologized “I know I said it before, but I really
am sorry my crush on Sayaka ended up ruining you chances with her…”
Makoto smiled reassuringly at Leon as he waved off “Hey, it’s no big deal, Leon. And in the end,
everything worked out. I’m now in a loving relationship with Kyoko, and I’ve never been
happier!”
“I’m glad…” Leon scratched the back of his head as he apologized “Listen, about your breakup
earlier…I didn’t mean to belittle your love towards Kyoko when I told you there were other fish in
the sea. I just…”
Makoto shook his head and interrupted “It’s okay, Leon. I know you were just trying to cheer me
up, and I know you never meant any harm. At any rate, it’s over with, and like you said, we’re
supposed to be talking about happy memories, so why don’t we talk about some of the dates we’ve
gone on with Kyoko and Sayaka?”
Leon grinned and nodded energetically “That sounds totally rad, dude! I’ll go first! My first date
with Sayaka was…”
Makoto smiled and relaxed as Leon rambled on and on about his first date with Sayaka, feeling
happiness flood his heart where fear and despair had formerly taken root.
Thanks for suggesting this, Kyoko; it’s really helping! Hopefully Sayaka will find this just as
relaxing as I am…
XXX
Present Day
“I’m glad that Leon was able to cheer you up, Daddy!”
Makoto smiled wistfully as he nodded “Yeah…Leon was a good friend”, the young Headmaster
barely keeping the frown off his face as he remembered with pain in his heart the moment that he
condemned one of his best friends to death for Sayaka’s murder.
Oblivious to her Father’s concealed anguish, Kiki turned to Kyoko and asked “So what about you,
Mommy? Were you able to help Sayaka feel better during your bath?”
Kyoko smiled and explained “Yes, Kiki. After your Father and Leon came back from their bath,
he had this warm smile on his face that made me so happy to have him back to normal. We went
and played a few games together in the Game Room until lunch time. Then we read books
together in the library until it was time for dinner. After we ate, I brought Sayaka to the sauna, and
after we undressed and got in the bath, we…”
XXX
April 30, 2015
Kyoko eased her way into the bath, a relaxed sigh escaping her lips as she saw Sayaka gingerly dip
her feet into the bath, easing herself waist deep, the Ultimate Pop Sensation still looking uneasy as
she folded her arms in front of her breasts.
“…You know, I never thought I’d be the one urging you to relax…” Kyoko joked, a small smile
on her lips.
The joke had the desired effect; Sayaka finally cracked a smile and let her arms fall to her sides,
exposing her breasts to the Ultimate Detective.
“That’s better…” Kyoko encouraged before realizing “You know, this is the first bath we’ve taken
together since we took one with the rest of the girls that night when Hiro and Hifumi tried to force
Makoto to peep on us.”
Sayaka giggled, the humor finally relaxing her and bringing out her cure smile as she remarked
“Hey, you’re right!” Her eyes drooped as she reflected “…Things really have changed since then,
huh? What I wouldn’t give for that to be the worst thing we’d have to put up with.”
Kyoko nodded “Perhaps, but for tonight at least we can escape the anxieties and worries of what’s
going on in the outside world and just have a relaxing bath between girls. Would it help if we
talked about something? As long as it stays between us, and you’re willing to answer the same
question, I’m willing to answer any question you might have for me if it gets your mind off
things.”
Sayaka looked at her incredulously and breathed “…You’d do that?”
Kyoko nodded and explained “You and Makoto looked absolutely miserable these past couple of
days, and whatever Leon and Makoto talked about int heir bath this morning seems to have
helped. I haven’t seen a smile that peaceful on Makoto’s face since before his breakdown. So as a
gesture of gratitude for helping my boyfriend…I’m willing to do what I can to help you feel
better.”
Sayaka nodded, closing her eyes and mulling over her first question. Eventually her eyes opened
and, after a minute of hesitation, she began to speak.
“Ano…I know it’s none of my business, but have you and Makoto ever…you know…”
Sayaka formed a circle with her left hand and moved her right pointer finger through the hole
several times, making Kyoko blush as she caught onto what Sayaka was implying.
“I see…I didn’t expect you to be so direct…”
Nodding, Sayaka assured her “I promise, I won’t tell anybody, and I’m not Junko, so I’m not gonna
tease you about it. I’m just…I’ve been a little curious…since Leon and I walked in on you and
Makoto when you guys got back together…I’ve been wondering if that was your first time.”
“I see…very well, I’ll give you a cliffnotes version, but no details.” Seeing Sayaka nod, Kyoko
began “After our near kiss at the Halloween Dance, I was forced to admit to myself that I had a
crush on Makoto. I was struggling to find the words to express my feelings, and decided to take a
bath here in the sauna to calm my nerves so I could attack the problem with a refreshed mind.
However…Makoto had the exact same idea, and when the steam cleared, I saw he was in the bath
with me.”
“Oh…that must have been embarrassing…” Sayaka couldn’t help but giggle as she imagined the
situation Kyoko found herself in.
Kyoko smiled wistfully, her cheeks dusted pink as she admitted “Yeah, it was…after we both
offered to get out so the other could bathe in private, we agreed to share the bath.”
“Wow…that was…very mature of you…I don’t know how I would have reacted if it was me and
Leon in that scenario.”
“I suppose so…however, I soon felt my hormones getting stronger and I couldn’t hold them back.
After I started snuggling against him in the bath, I…more or less dragged him back to my room in
our towels and I…persuaded him to have sex with me.”
Sayaka blushed along with Kyoko as she remarked “…Okay…that certainly is one way to get a
relationship rolling.”
Kyoko nodded and remarked “Indeed; after we had that one-night stand, we finally talked about
our feelings and agreed to date. And now here we are; not only are we deeply in love with each
other, but now we’re roommates. I never thought I could have turned out so lucky, but I wouldn’t
trade what I have for anything.”
Sayaka nodded, smiling as she replied “I’m glad you’re so happy…well, as promised, I’ll answer
the same question. I’ll tell you about my first time with Leon.” Kyoko listened intently,
admittedly curious as Sayaka began “It happened the night that Junko was suspended. We were
walking back from that kiss we had in the library you saw when…”
XXX
“I see…” Kyoko mused “I had no idea Leon had such a shy and insecure side…”
Sayaka smiled nostalgically as she agreed “Yeah, it was pretty surprising when I found out. But I
guess it just showed how much he had matured from his player personality once we started
dating.”
Nodding in agreement, Kyoko asked “And how do you feel now that you’ve talked about it?”
Sayaka gave a blushing smile as she admitted “…A little embarrassed, but I’m strangely calmer.
Thanks for doing this with me, Kyoko.”
Kyoko smiled and assured her “Don’t worry about it; like I said, I owed Leon for helping Makoto
to heal, so doing this with you was an easy decision…even talking about such…private moments.”
“Speaking of which…you never did tell me about your first date with Makoto. So tell me what it
was like! I’ll tell you about mine if you tell me about yours!”
Giggling, Kyoko acquiesced “Alright, alright I’ll tell you. He took me to Yoyogi Park and we…”
As she continued to talk about her first date with Makoto, she happily accepted Sayaka’s energetic
questions, happy that one of her best female friends was back to her normal cheery, if slightly
pushy, self.
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, Mommy! You did such a great job cheering Sayaka up!”
Kyoko blushed, smiling bashfully as she thanked “Thank you Kiki…alright, it’s time for you to go
to bed.”
“Aww…” Kiki groaned before wiggling under the sheets, her parents tucking her in and kissing her
good night.
As she fell into slumber, Makoto and Kyoko smiled before tiptoeing outside, Kyoko closing the
door behind her as they went to bed themselves.
Despair Arc Chapter Seven: Junko’s Second Bonding Exercise!
Chapter Summary
To apologize for how her original Bonding Exercise caused Makoto and Sayaka to
have a breakdown, Junko proposes a second one. Will the class agree?
Present Day
“So did you and Sayaka feel better after your baths, Daddy?”
Makoto nodded and replied “Yes Kiki, we did. We felt much more at peace than we did after our
breakdowns. And your Mother and Leon weren’t the only ones to notice our improved moods, for
you see…”
XXX
May 1, 2015
“My, you two look sooo much happier!”
Makoto, Kyoko, Sayaka, and Leon looked up at Junko, currently in her cute persona as Makoto
nodded “Yeah, we’re feeling a lot better. Thanks for asking, Junko.”
“No worries!” Junko suddenly shifted to her depressed personality as she apologized “Anyway, I
feel really bad that my initial bonding exercise made you both cry like that. Like, super super super
super super bad!”
“Ano…you don’t have to apologize…I know you didn’t mean any…”
“No, I need to apologize…so, if you guys don’t hate me too much…I’d like to try a different
bonding exercise with you guys. One that won’t worsen your anxieties. Of course, I’d understand
if you hate me…”
“W…we don’t hate you, Junko…”
Despite his words, Makoto was a little hesitant to go along with Junko’s idea. He believed she
meant well, but he was afraid of a repeat of his and Sayaka’s breakdowns after whatever Junko had
planned.
In the end, the part of him that wanted to give Junko the benefit of the doubt won out as he turned
to the others and asked “Guys, what do you think?”
“Hmm…” Leon mused uneasily “I mean…I guess there’s no harm in giving it another go…”
Sayaka hesitantly nodded, deciding “I mean…even though it reminded me of my idol group, it did
make me feel a little better knowing we were all in this together…so…as long as it’s not too bad, I
guess it’s fine.”
Kyoko was the only one who outright opposed the idea in her mind, remembering how distraught
Makoto had been after the nightmare that had followed. She did not want to see him reduced to
such anguished tears again, even if it was entirely by accident. She quietly gasped as she felt a
light squeeze around her hand. Looking next to her, she saw Makoto give her a reassuring smile,
squeezing her hand once more.
…If Makoto says it’s okay, then… Kyoko sighed and relented “…Alright, I’ll go along with it if
you will.”
Junko grinned, reverting back to her normal personality as she exclaimed “Great!” Turning back to
the others in the Dining Hall, she proclaimed “Alright everybody, we’re gonna do another bonding
exercise, so gather ‘round the big table!”
Everyone more or less grumbled, but having nothing better to do at the moment, took their seats
around the large table as Junko began to explain her new bonding exercise.
“Alright everyone, so since we’re the sole surviving class of Hope’s Peak Academy, I thought it
would really help us to bond as one big family if we shared one of our secrets with each other!”
Makoto blushed as he realized just what he had agreed to, worrying Oh no…I only have one big
secret…and it’s totally embarrassing! Kyoko’s gonna laugh at me, I just know it!
“And why should we have to tell our secrets to you, plebian?” Byakuya questioned.
Celeste nodded “I concur; telling you all my secret would not just be difficult, it would be
impossible.”
“Aw come on!” Junko whined “I promise, nothing leaves this school, even when we all get out!
So what’s wrong with a little kiss and tell? I’ll even tell you guys my and Muku’s darkest secret as
a show of good faith okay? Before I became the Ultimate Fashionista and she joined Fenrir, we
were both homeless!”
HOMELESS?! Everyone else thought as they stared in shock at the twins, finding it hard to believe
that two immensely successful young women were once homeless.
Mukuro nodded, confirming “It’s true. Our parents died when we were young, and without any
way to pay the mortgage, we were forced out and had to live on the streets for a time.”
Junko…Mukuro… Makoto thought in awe at their life story.
Junko then grinned “Okay, now that I’ve spilled the beans, it’s time for all of you to!”
Annoyed that Junko had basically tricked them into complying before they could walk away,
Kyoko sighed “…There’s no dissuading her at this point, so let’s just get it over with.”
As everyone mumbled reluctant agreement, if only so she’d stop pestering them, Junko grinned
“Okay, same rules as last time. So…Sayaka! What’s your biggest secret?”
Sayaka gulped, blushing as she started “…Well…the idol business can be brutal to get your foot in
the door, so I had a hard time getting a first audition. Then I met this agent who promised he could
make me a household name, if I could prove my commitment to my dream. So…before he could
pull some strings and get my foot in the door, he…he demanded…that I pose naked for a photo
shoot for a pornographic magazine!”
“HOLY SHIT!” Mondo exclaimed.

“Babe…is that true…?” Leon whispered, leaving Sayaka to reluctantly nod, tears in her eyes at the
memory.
Sayaka… Makoto thought, his heart going out to her as he recalled a conversation they had before
he and Kyoko became friends.
“I did whatever it took to reach that dream. I mean it. Even some things that…weren’t so
pleasant.”
So that’s what she meant…the poor girl…
Sayka gasped as she felt Leon wrap his arm around her, assuring the distraught idol “Sayaka, don’t
worry. I don’t think any less of you for what happened in the past. That sleazeball just better hope
the riots do him in before I can catch up to him!”
“Leon…”
“He’s right!” Mondo roared “No girl should ever be forced to do shit like that. If I ever see that
sleazeball when we get out, he’s fuckin’ dead!”
“Mondo…everyone…” Sayaka flashed back to their first day at Hope’s Peak, when everyone said
they’d stand up for her if Teruteru tried to hit on her again. Sayaka wiped her eyes on her wrist,
giggling as she assured them “Thank you…I’m better now!”
Makoto and Leon smiled warmly at their friend, happy that she was feeling better when Junko
interrupted “Alright, if we’re done feeling warm and fuzzy, let’s move on. Alright Leon, what’s
your secret?”
Leon also blushed, scratching the back of his head nervously as he admitted “Well…my first
kiss…was with my cousin Kanon.”
“Leon!” Sayaka gasped, everyone else wide-eyed at the revelation as well.
“Leon Kuwata, sharing a romantic kiss with your cousin is unacceptable!” Taka roared, pointing
his finger at the Ultimate Baseball Star.
Leon held his hands up in surrender as he defended “Hey, it wasn’t by choice, okay? She cornered
me and forced her lips on me! Once she let me go, I told her never to do that again and stormed
off, I swear!”
Everyone stared in silence, making Leon’s blush redden until he felt Sayaka’s hand wrap around
his own and give him a reassuring squeeze. He turned to face his girlfriend who merely gave him
a reassuring smile. Leon’s blush faded into a gentle pink as he wordlessly smiled back, happy that
she had come to terms with his secret. Makoto and Kyoko smiled warmly at the romantic moment
between the two lovers.
“Ugh, alright, enough mushy stuff, let’s move on.” Junko said, ruining the tender moment before
she asked “Alright Chihiro, what’s your secret?”
“Well…my only real secret is that I’m a boy, and you guys already know that, so…”
“Aww, come on, you must have some other secret to share! So…”
“Junko, stop it!” Everyone turned their astonished gaze to an unusually stern Makoto Naegi, who
scolded “Chihiro shared with us an extremely painful secret; it would be extremely distasteful of us
to ask him to dig up more of them!”
“Makoto’s right!” Mondo agreed “We agreed to this fuckin’ exercise to bond as a class, not to
humiliate ourselves for your amusement, Junko! So give Chihiro a free pass, okay?!”
“Makoto…Mondo…” Chihiro smiled as he mumbled “…Thank you…”
Seeing the unified glares sent her way, Junko relented “Fine, I won’t push anymore.” Chihiro
sighed in relief as Junko continued “Alright then…Mondo, your turn!”
Mondo clenched his fists together, his eyes suddenly becoming downcast, his expression filled
with remorse as he recalled “Well…as ashamed as I am to admit it…I’m responsible for my brother
Daiya’s death.”
“SAY WHAAAAAAT?!” Hifumi exclaimed, voicing the thought racing through everyone’s
minds as they tried to reconcile this admission with the honorable Mondo that they had come to
know.
“Yeah…it’s true. See, Daiya was about to retire and hand over control of the Crazy Diamonds to
me. But then…everyone started talkin’ shit behind my back, sayin’ how I wasn’t gonna be able to
fill Daiya’s shoes. Eventually I knew that I had to beat Daiya just once! Just fuckin’ once!”
“Bro…”
“So on the day of his retirement, I challenged him to a street race! And while we were racing…I
drove my hog completely recklessly! I was desperate to get an edge over him, to prove that I could
beat him! But in my rush…I drove right into the path of an oncoming truck! I thought I was a
goner! But then…Daiya…he pushed me out of the way and took the hit that was meant for me!
He went flying into the woods off the road. So I pulled over and ran over to him! He was bleedin’
so much; Kami, there was so much blood! I knew he wasn’t gonna make it, that it was all my
fault!”
Mondo… Makoto thought, his heart going out to the Ultimate Biker Gang Leader.
“But then Daiya…with his last breath, he said as I held him in my arms “M…My bad, kid…I
fucked up. Sorry. Hey, kid…The rest is up to you. No matter what, you gotta keep the gang
together. Cuz it’s the team…you and me put together. It’s…a pr…a promise…between men…”
After I got back, I told the gang a bald-faced lie. I told them that Daiya had gotten cocky and
gotten himself killed. It was a lie to keep the Crazy Diamonds together, and they all bought it! It
was the only way I could keep the promise I made to Daiya! I lied and desecrated my brother’s
memory to keep the promise I made to him!”
By the time he finished, crying manly tears of anguish, everyone was rattled, even the more stoic
ones like Kyoko and Celeste.
“Bro…” Taka muttered, unsure of what to say to comfort his best friend.
Luckily, Makoto was there to lend his support, assuring the Ultimate Biker Gang Leader
“Mondo…you shouldn’t keep kicking yourself for this…your Brother did what any Big Brother
would do…protect their little siblings. I’d do the same thing if it was me and Komaru!”
“Makoto…” Kyoko whispered, trying to block images of a mangled and bloodied Makoto out of
her mind.
“Professor Makoto is correct, Bro!” Taka finally found his voice, urging “Daiya wouldn’t want
you to keep blaming yourself for his death! And even though I may disapprove of how you did it,
you did keep your promise to him; you kept the Crazy Diamonds together! They respect you as
their leader! Once we get out of here, you can tell them the truth about what happened and why
you lied back then. But until then, make peace with yourself, Bro! It’s what Daiya would want!”
“Bro…Makoto…” Mondo smiled, the guilt finally dissipating from his face as he vowed “I
promise, between men…and women…that I’ll tell them the truth once I get out of here. Then I can
really be the strong leader that the Crazy Diamonds deserve!”
“That’s the spirit, Bro!” Taka cheered as he clapped Mondo on the back, the two Ultimates
laughing as the others smiled, happy that Mondo could finally move on with his life.
“Alright then, Bro…” Junko interrupted “What’s your secret?”
This time it was Taka’s turn to gulp, admitting meekly as he bit his lip “…As ashamed as I am to
admit it, one time in elementary school…I was struggling in studying for one of my tests…and I
didn’t want to bring home a failing grade to my parents…so I…I CHEATED!”
Everyone let out a collective gasp, shocked that the leader of his school’s Public Morals Committee
actually cheated on a test.
“Hit me if you must for my transgression! I was so guilt-ridden when I got my test back, that the
next day I confessed to my teacher. Not only did he allow me to retake it, but he also
recommended that I start volunteering on the Public Morals Committee. As shameful as my
decision was…it made me into the man I am today! But still…it’s a stain on my character that I
don’t want anyone to know about! Imagine if I ran for Prime Minister and my opponent used that
skeleton in an attack ad! Even if I paid off my Grandfather’s debts, I’d be no better than he was!”
“Bro, chill! If I’m not defined by my stupid decisions that cost Daiya his life, then you’re not
defined by cheating on one test just because you got nervous!”
“Bro…” Taka smiled, nodding vigorously as he pledged “You’re right, Bro! Even if my opponents
were to find out, I’ll simply use my own experiences to show the people that I can relate to the
pressures placed on them by society! Then I’ll pledge to work tirelessly to give them every chance
to succeed that I was given!”
“That’s the spirit, Bro!”
Mondo and Taka shared one last laugh before Junko coughed into her fist and interrupted “Alright,
enough of the Bromance…Hifumi, what’s your big secret?”
Hifumi clenched his fists and seethed “Grr…as ashamed as I am to admit it…I used to loathe the
very idea of anime and manga!”
Everyone’s mouths dropped in shock; the idea that their perverted, geeky classmate could once
have hated the very anime he was so passionate about.
“My sister Fujiko would have them on all the time, but I could never get into it! It wasn’t until I
was home alone and Princess Piggles happened to be on that I was finally hooked! I began to
appreciate anime for what it truly was! It was then that Fujiko and I were finally able to bond over
anime and we were able to help each other with our respective creations! But if my peers ever
found out, I’d become the laughingstock of the fanfic community!”
As Hifumi let out a sigh to let everyone know he was done ranting, Junko continued “Alright
then…Celeste, your secret? And no saying “it’s impossible”; we all know that’s a load of crap.”
Smiling politely, Celeste started “Before I reveal my secret, I must have your collective words that
you will not disclose this to anybody. If you do…” Celeste glared at them and threatened “…I
will pay a special organization to have you all killed. Your very existence will be unforgivable.”
Everyone nodded in cautious agreement, unsure of whether to take her seriously or not.
Returning to her usual polite smile, Celeste agreed “Very well…my secret is…my name is not
actually Celestia Ludenberg.”
No, really?! Everyone thought sarcastically, not believing from day one that a Japanese girl could
actually be named Celestia Ludenberg, especially if said girl was the Queen of Liars.
“You see…my real name is…Taeko Yasuhiro.”
“WHAT?! You mean your last name is the same as my first name?!”
“Yes, and I do NOT wish to be associated with someone as stupid as you.” Ignoring Hiro’s
protests of “Don’t be mean!”, Celeste continued “So please, I would appreciate it if you continued
to call me Celeste.”
Hifumi grinned and assured her “Of course, Miss Ludenberg! Whether it’s Miss Ludenberg or
Miss Yasuhiro, that doesn’t change the fact that you’re still the pure white rabbit I shall swear to
serve for the rest of my days!”
A slight blush darkened her cheeks before she forced it away, thanking in a rare show of gratitude
“Oh…thank you, Hifumi…”
As Hifumi grinned victoriously at having made Celeste blush, Junko interrupted “Alright, so that’s
Tae…sorry, Celeste’s secret. Next is…Sakura!”
Sakura folded her arms over her breasts and closed her eyes, admitting “As ashamed as I am to
admit it…I wasn’t always the honorable person I am today…in fact, I used to be a…bully…”
“Sakura…” Hina gasped, taken aback by Sakura’s admission.
Kyoko’s eyes widened, surprised that the woman she had confided so deeply in when Makoto
wasn’t an option had a darker past to her than she had initially let on.
Nodding, Sakura elaborated “It wasn’t until I met my boyfriend Kenshiro that I began to value
more than just brute strength, and truly sought to become stronger in heart and soul as well as
body. I understand if this revelation makes you think less of me…”
“No way, Sakura!” The Ultimate Martial Artist’s now open eyes widened as she turned to a
determined Hina, who assured her “So what if you were less than pleasant when you were
younger? That’s not the Sakura I know NOW! All I care about is that you’re the Sakura I met
when I entered Hope’s Peak Academy last year!”
“Hina…” Sakura smiled and bowed her head, thanking “Thank you, Hina…”
Makoto smiled at the touching scene before Junko interrupted “Alright, this is touching and all, but
let’s move on…Hina, what’s your secret?”
Hina gulped and began “Well…you guys know how I’m addicted to donuts, right?”
…It’s kind of one of the core tenets of your personality, Hina… Makoto deadpanned as he recalled
how she threatened to uppercut him if he got in the way of her donuts.
“Well, you see…the reason I played so many sports…was because I was so overweight from all
those donuts and I needed to find a way to burn off all that fat!”
…So that’s why she was so concerned about her figure… Makoto realized as he recalled another
past conversation where she was so worried about losing her figure.
“Hmph, that’s your embarrassing secret? How plebian…”
Suddenly angry, Hina retorted “What did you say, you jerk?”
Byakuya sighed and elaborated “Obesity is a such a common fear among the 99% that it’s not even
worth worrying about in here. And obviously your training regimen has worked, so clearly you’ve
been more successful at beating it than most commoners…”
“O…oh…” Hina muttered, blushing at Byakua’s backhanded way of cheering her up.
As the room grew quiet, Junko asked “Alright Mr. Togami, since you apparently know so much
about the secrets of us commoners, perhaps you can enlighten us to the secrets of the 1 %...so,
what’s your secret?”
Byakuya sighed as he admitted “…I never knew my Mother.”
Sayaka stared at Byakuya with empathy in her eyes, having never met her own Mother as well.
For her part, Kyoko stared at the Ultimate Affluent Progeny with sympathetic shock.
My Mother died young, so my memories of her are faint…but at least I had time to spend with
her…
Toko teared up, exclaiming “D…don’t worry Ma…Master…you can have one of my Mo…
mothers…”
Byakuya’s eyes narrowed as he sighed “This is why this secret is embarrassing; the last thing I
want is for a bunch of commoners to look down on me and feel sorry for me because of this…so
never bring this up with me ever again.”
“Eep! Yes, Ma…Master!”
Kyoko nodded, remembering how angry and bitter she felt as her extended family looked down on
her as a child and saw her as only a little girl who was abandoned by her Father.
Junko sighed “Alright, alright, we won’t bring it up again…now, next would be Toko, but I doubt
there’s a worse secret than Genocide Jack, and we already gave Chihiro a pass, so it’s only fair that
we give her a pass too.” Toko sighed in relief as Junko moved on “Next is Hiro…so, what’s your
secret?”
Hiro grinned sheepishly and admitted “Well…it’s embarrassing because it’s such a turnoff to
women…but I uhh…I only wash my hair once a season.”
YOU ONLY WASH YOUR HAIR FOUR TIMES A YEAR?! Everyone exclaimed to themselves as
they resisted the urge to pinch their noses.
Toko however, did pinch her nose as she exclaimed “Th…that’s why you sm…smell like a big f…
fat ugly donkey!”
Junko laughed and commented “This coming from the girl who doesn’t bathe every day? I figured
with a secret like that, you two would be made for each other!”
“Sh…shut up! I might not ba…bathe every day, but I still wash my hair more than h…him! And
I’d ne…never go out with h…him!”
“HEY! DON’T BE MEAN!”
As Toko opened her mouth to retort, Byakuya interrupted “Toko, cease this pointless squabble so
we can get this ridiculous Bonding Exercise over with.”
“Y…yes, Master…”
With Toko no longer arguing, Hiro calmed down as well, allowing Junko to continue “Alright…
Kyoko…what secret are you hiding in that big Detective brain of yours?”
Makoto watched with concern as Kyoko closed her eyes and folded her arms across her breasts, the
Ultimate Detective deep in anxious contemplation.
The most obvious one would be why I wear my gloves…but I only want to divulge that information
to family… She decided, glancing at Makoto before contemplating what secret she could reveal.
Her eyes opened, widening in realization as she decided Well…I suppose THAT would be
harmless… Sighing, Kyoko stated simply “…I’m very ticklish.”
Junko burst into laughter and giggled “Seriously?! TICKLISH?! That’s your secret? Hey
Makoto, now you have the perfect weapon to get your girlfriend to do whatever you want…”
“…Forget it, Junko!” Kyoko silently gasped, taken off guard by Makoto’s serious, scolding
expression and tone as he retorted “Kyoko’s my girlfriend, not my toy. Her body isn’t mine to
touch and tease whenever I want. The only way I’d tickle her is if she said it was okay, but I’m not
going to touch her body without her permission!”
“Makoto…”
Junko sighed and relented “…Fine, sorry and shit.” Seeing Makoto’s glare soften and his head nod
in acceptance, Junko announced “Anyways, you’re last Makoto! So…what’s your deepest, darkest
secret?”
Everyone leaned forward in their seats, curious at what secret a book as open as Makoto could
possibly have hidden within its pages.
Gulping, Makoto blushed as he mumbled “Ano…this is kind of embarrassing to admit…but…I…

ano…used to wet the bed until fifth grade…”
At least half the class burst out in laughter or giggles, finding his secret to be absolutely hilarious.
The more stoic ones merely held smiles of amusement as they found humor in the innocence of
Makoto’s secret. Makoto was relieved that Kyoko’s voice was absent from the chorus of laughter,
her hand rubbing his back in a gesture of comfort as he buried his face in his palms and wished he
could just disappear.
As the laughter died down, Junko exclaimed “Oh man! That’s your secret?! You really are an
open book if you have no other skeletons to talk about! Alright, thanks for the free comedy,
Naegi!”
Serious again, Byakuya stood up and announced “Then that should complete this Bonding
Exercise. What a waste of time; I’m going back to the library.”
Celeste stood up and announced “I shall be on my way too; I will be playing a round of solitaire in
my room if anyone wishes to see me.”
One by one, everyone left the Dining Hall, making similar claims of wishing to be alone after
having revealed their secrets to the others. The last to leave were Makoto and Kyoko who, after
Kyoko managed to pry his hands from his face, left together for their room.
XXX
“…I’m surprised you didn’t laugh at my secret…” Makoto finally told her after the Ultimate
Detective finally managed to coax him into talking to her in their room.
“…I’ll admit it was a little humorous…but remember what I told you when you were feeling self-
conscious about your Christmas Ball outfit.” Makoto finally looked up at her, making Kyoko
smile as she cradled his cheeks with her bare hands and reminded him “I promised I wouldn’t
laugh at you, no matter what! I meant it, Makoto; I wouldn’t laugh at you for an embarrassing
secret from your past. And your…bedwetting has no bearing on our relationship; I love you, no
matter what!”
“Kyoko…”
Blushing, Kyoko admitted “…If I’m being honest…I’m surprised you refused to take advantage of
my secret so…vehemently…I figured you’d at least be tempted once you learned of my…
sensitivity.”
Makoto smiled and explained “Yeah, well…I’ve been on the receiving end of tickle fights from my
parents and Komaru, so I…know how it feels to be tickled without agreeing. Sure, it might be all
fun and games when you’re a kid with your family…but as your boyfriend, I might not be so eager
to get into tickle fights with you, especially when neither of us have consented…” …Plus you’d
win every time…good thing you don’t know how ticklish I am…
Kyoko smiled appreciatively as she told him “And I’m so grateful you’re always taking my
feelings into account…but just in case you’re worried…” Kyoko leaned forward until their lips
were just a breath away before she assured him “…You have my permission to kiss me at any
time…”
“…Thank you, Kyoko…” Makoto breathed before he leaned forward and closed the distance, their
lips parting as their tongues danced with each other, the loving couple embracing each other and
rolling on the bed as they lost themselves in their passionate, consensual kiss.
XXX
Present Day
“Aww…that was so cute!” Kiki gushed before asking “You really thought Mommy would laugh
at your secret, Daddy?”
Makoto smiled sheepishly as he nodded “I was still an insecure man, Kiki, and we had never talked
about either of our secrets before, so of course I wasn’t exactly confident that she wouldn’t laugh at
me…I’m glad I was wrong though.”
Kyoko nodded “Indeed, and our relationship was able to grow stronger because we shared our
secrets with each other.”
Too bad we can’t say the same for everyone else… Makoto and Kyoko thought as they reflected on
how they again walked into Junko’s trap and gave her free ammunition for her Killing Game.
Kyoko shook her head and told her “Tomorrow, Kiki. It’s already past your bedtime.”
“Aww…” Kiki grumbled, then yawned.
“See, you’re already tired. You should head to bed, Kiki.”
“…Okay, Mommy…” Kiki reluctantly agreed as she wiggled under the blankets, her parents
whisking the blankets over her body as they tucked her in.
Placing kisses on her cheeks, Makoto and Kyoko cooed “Good night, Kiki. We love you.”
“…Love you too…” Kiki yawned before her eyes finally closed, snores reverberating off the walls
as she faded into her dreams.
Makoto and Kyoko smiled as they quietly walked out, Kyoko closing the door behind her as they
yawned, tiredly making their way to their room so they could collapse on their bed and follow their
daughter into slumber.
Despair Arc Chapter Eight: Class 78th’s Talent Exams?!
Chapter Summary
Having been unable to take final exams due to the Tragedy, Taka begs Makoto and
Headmaster Kirigiri to allow a talent show in place of their practical exam. Will they
agree?
Present Day
“Well, a few days later, Taka had approached me after your Mother and I had breakfast and
insisted that the two of us needed to speak to the Headmaster immediately. When I asked him why,
he simply said that he’d tell me when we got there and dragged me off.”
“And you didn’t try to stop him, Mommy?”
“…I was confused, but I trusted that Taka didn’t have any malicious reasons to speak with your
Father and Grandfather.”
Nodding, Makoto continued “Once we got in and had your Grandpa Jin’s attention, Taka finally
began to explain…”
XXX
May 4, 2015
“We need to schedule our final exams for the year, Headmaster, sir!”
Taka bowed as Makoto sweatdropped, deadpanning I should have expected this…
Jin sighed and told him “Kiyotaka, while your enthusiasm is admirable…there aren’t any teachers
left to give any exams. Even if I had them already printed out to give you, I’m an administrator,
not a teacher.”
“I’m aware of that sir! But even though we can’t have a traditional exam…we have spent over a
year honing our talents, so surely we can have some kind of substitute for our Talent Exam!”
His eyes flashing in interest, Jin asked with a slight smile on his lips “…What did you have in
mind, Kiyotaka?”
His interest admittedly piqued as well, Makoto listened as Taka suggested “Sir, perhaps we could
demonstrate our talents before you in a…talent show kind of format…and you could grade our
performances.”
“Hmm…” Jin closed his eyes in contemplation for a few seconds before opening them and
answering “Well…I can’t make the grades official…but I suppose I could give them out for purely
symbolic purposes…”
“I’ll take what I can get, sir!”
Jin turned to Makoto and asked “Makoto, you’re the Class Representative, so I’ll leave the final
decision up to you. Are you on board with Kiyotaka’s request?”
Seeign Taka’s pleading stare, and honestly not having anything better to do due to being trapped in
the school, Makoto caved “Alright, I suppose it could be a fun diversion. Perhaps we could hold it
at the end of the month so everyone could have time to prepare?”
Jin nodded “That sounds fair.” Turning back to Taka, Jin added “I will have to be fairly lenient in
my grading, since our resources in this shelter are limited, but it looks like you have your talent
exhibition.”
Taka bowed and thanked “Thank you Headmaster! Thank you Professor Makoto! I’ll be sure to
tell everyone the good news!”
In a flash, Taka raced out, Makoto calling out “Taka! No running in the halls!”
Unfortunately, all that was left of Taka was a dust cloud, leaving Makoto and Jin to sweatdrop as
Makoto deadpanned Who knew I’d be telling Taka to follow rules… Makoto sighed as he
murmured “Well…I’d better go tell the others too…”
Jin smiled and nodded, wishing him “Good luck, Makoto. I’m looking forward to seeing what
kind of talent show you and your classmates show me.”
Yeah…me too… Makoto thought as he gulped, turning around and walking out with nervous
excitement.
XXX
Present Day
“You guys got to put on a talent show! That sounds so cool! I bet you and Mommy stole the
show!”
Makoto scratched his cheek as he disappointed “Actually, Kiki…we almost didn’t even participate
at all…”
Gaping, Kiki asked “But why, Daddy?!”
It was Kyoko who explained “Well, it was a couple weeks later that we found out the other wasn’t
going to participate. You see, I had just come across him in the Dining Hall when…”
XXX
May 17, 2015
Kyoko frowned as she walked in, hoping to share a nice lunch with her boyfriend. Instead, she saw
an anxious, contemplative expression on his face as she sat down with her coffee.
She waved her hand in front of his eyes and asked “Hello? Earth to Makoto, are you in there?”
Makoto gasped, startled by her sudden appearance as he scolded “Kami, Kyoko, don’t do that!”
“…My apologies, but you seemed lost in thought and didn’t notice that I had sat down in front of
you.”
Makoto’s expression softened as he apologized “S…sorry…I’ve just been trying to figure out what
to do for the talent show and I can’t come up with anything! I mean…my talent was Luck; I got
picked at random from a lottery to come here! And usually my luck is terrible! How am I gonna
come up with an act when my talent isn’t really a talent?!”
Kyoko frowned sympathetically as she realized I can’t truly understand how Makoto feels…even if
it’s not something easily demonstrated, I still have my Detective talents…but Makoto, at least in the
Steering Committee’s eyes…has no such talent…he got in on luck alone. But even so…
Kyoko reached for his hands and threaded their fingers together, causing him to look up at her and
her reassuring smile.
“You say that…but I disagree. Your luck saved my life multiple times; even if you can’t rely on it,
it’s always gotten you out of a pinch whenever you needed it to. You’ve always come through for
me before; I have no doubt you’ll come through for this too.”
“Kyoko…” Makoto smiled and nodded “Thanks, Kyoko…I just gotta think harder and I’ll come
up with something!” As Kyoko beamed at seeing his self-confidence return, Makoto asked “So
ano…if you don’t mind telling me…what are you going to do for the talent show?”
“…I’m not participating.”
Makoto gaped as he spluttered “H…huh?! But…why not?!”
Kyoko frowned as she explained “Makoto, my talents are designed to be utilized from the
shadows. I was able to make my abilities visible enough for Hope’s Peak to notice, but they’re not
something I can just show off on a whim.”
“You still have that case file I gave you?” Makoto and Kyoko turned to see Jin, a sheepish smile
on his face as he apologized “Sorry, I came to grab a sandwich and I couldn’t help but overhear.
Kyoko, do you still have that fake case file I gave you?”
“…Yes, what of it?” Kyoko cautiously asked, unsure of where her Father was going with this.
Jin smiled and replied “Well, you could give a lecture about the various parts of a case file and
explain their significance.”
Makoto’s eyes sparkled with excitement as he urged “Do it, Kyoko! I know you showed me, but
honestly some of it still goes over my head, so if nothing else I’d love to hear you fully explain it to
us!”
Makoto’s enthusiasm made her cave; she sighed “…Well, I don’t have any better ideas, so…
alright, I’ll participate.” Turning to her Father with a glare, she warned “Of course, I fully expect
you to grade my performance fairly, and not to show favoritism to family.”
Jin held his hands up in surrender as he defended “Hey, I’ve always been fair in my decisions as a
Headmaster. I just don’t want my daughter to feel left out is all.” Analyzing the look in his eyes,
Kyoko slowly nodded, accepting his explanation before Jin excused himself “Well, I’d better go
get that sandwich. I’ll be looking forward to both of your performances.”
As they watched Jin disappear, Makoto turned back to Kyoko, squeezing her hands as he told her
“I’m really excited to see your performance, Kyoko!” I just hope I’ll come up with something
that’s remotely enjoyable…
XXX
Present Day
“So what did you do, Daddy?”
“I’ll get to that soon, pumpkin.” Seeing Kiki pout, Makoto chuckled before continuing “Anyway,
after two weeks, the talent show was upon us. I made a few opening remarks as Class
Representative, then sat back down next to your Mother as…”
XXX
May 31, 2015
Kyoko smiled at Makoto as he sat in the chair next to her, Makoto returning her smile before they
both turned their gazes back to the stage as Sayaka walked up on stage, clad in her frilly white and
pink idol costume as she bowed with a microphone in hand.
“Hi, everyone!” She greeted with a pure smile “It’s so good to see you all! So, for my talent, I’m
going to sing a brand new single that I came up with, one that will never be released in an album,
jut for you guys!”
Makoto grinned excitedly as he thought Oh boy! A song just for US?! Komaru’s gonna be SO
JEALOUS once we see each other again!
Kyoko chuckled with amusement on her face as Sayaka continued “Okay, One, Two, Three!”
XXX
Sayaka’s single went off without a hitch, with Makoto and Leon yelling for an encore by the end of
it. Jin unfortunately had to spoil their fun by telling them that they still had other acts to get
through. With some rather cute pouts from the two boys, Sayaka giggled as she made her way off
stage.
With that out of the way, the other students proceeded with their acts. Mukuro demonstrated her
weapon skills with one of the kendo swords from the dojo, while Junko wore one of her old
photoshoot outfits and walked back and forth across the stage like it was a runway, smirking as she
caught the attention of the more perverted and still single male classmates.
From there, Leon got on stage and repeatedly threw baseballs against a faraway wall at a blinding
speed, impressing his classmates as he caught them when they bounced back without even batting
an eye. Chihiro, after making them promise not to tell anyone, finally showed Alter Ego to her
classmates, explaining the AI’s functions, much to everyone’ amazement, save for Kyoko who had
already seen it.
Mondo then took to the stage and gave a brief lecture about what it meant to be a Crazy Diamond
and his responsibilities in leading the gang, since he didn’t have the resources to give an actual
demonstration. Next up was Taka, who also gave a brief, yet passionate lecture about what the
Public Morals Committee did and the importance of maintaining order and compliance within the
school. Most of his classmates rolled their eyes but said nothing as he bowed and walked off stage.
Hifumi walked up next, dragging a small table up the stairs while a pencil and rolled-up paper
sheet were stuffed into his pocket. Without even a word, he unrolled the paper from his pocket and
gripped his pencil. With an energetic gleam in his eyes, he started scribbling on the paper faster
than their eyes could keep up with. Barely a minute had passed when he slammed down his pencil,
holding up his paper victoriously for everyone to see.
HOW DID HE DO THAT SO FAST?! Everyone thought as they saw a completely sketched and
shaded one-page manga panel.
Hifumi grinned proudly as he walked off stage, Celeste walking up in his place with a deck of
cards in hand. Making use of Hifumi’s table, she shuffled the deck and dealt five cards on the
table, correctly guessing each one. Giggling in the face of their shocked stares, she elegantly made
her way off stage. Sakura walked up next and, similarly to Mukuro, showed off several martial
arts maneuvers, her last punch braking Hifumi’s table in half, much to his shock and despair.
After briefly apologizing and promising to fix it later, Sakura walked off stage, leaving Makoto to
ponder Okay, so that leaves Byakuay, Hina, Toko, Hiro, Kyoko, and me. I wonder what Byakuya
will do for his talent…
XXX
Everyone watched as Byakuya pulled a dolly up the stairs, a black curtain obscuring its contents.
Byakuya smirked and announced “Consider yourselves fortunate, commoners, for you are about to
witness just the smallest shred of evidence as to why I have earned the title of Ultimate Affluent
Progeny and heir to the Togami Corporation.”
Without another word, Byakuya yanked the curtain behind him, watching with satisfaction as their
eyes widened at the mountain of monetary bills stacked on top of the dolly.
“Th…that’s a whole lotta cash! As ex…expected of Ma…Master!”
Byakuya nodded “Ten Million U.S. Dollars’ worth of cash, to be accurate.” Hiro and Celeste
stared with greed in their pupils as he gloated “Of course, this is only a small fraction of my assets.
When the Tragedy has run its course and the stock market opens up, I will be investing this small
amount to bring the Togami Corporation to greater heights than it has ever known before. That is
my prowess as Ultimate Affluent Progeny, and heir to the Togami Corporation. For now though,
this small deposit will stay guarded in my room so that certain individuals…” Byakuya glared at
Hiro and Celeste, who smiled uneasily and politely respectively, as he finished “Can’t get the
grubby claws on it.”
With that, Byakuya covered up his pile of money and wheeled it back to his room, nobody noticing
the interested stare from a certain Fashionista as they waited for him to come back so they could
resume the Talent Show.
XXX
Once Byakuya had returned, they all took a quick field trip to the pool where Hina, still in her
standard outfit, dived into the pool and swam several laps around an obstacle course that she had
set up. Everyone sweatdropped and sighed, smiling with amusement as they were far used to
Hina’s love for swimming by now.
Once she got out of the water and had changed into a dry set of clothes in the locker room, they
made their way back to the gym. Toko went next, getting up on-stage and, miraculously without
stuttering once, read a chapter of a new novel that she was working on.
…Yep, that’s the new novel she showed me that one time. It’s really good and I’m glad she
gathered the courage to show it to everyone…but man, it’s still so dark it could give the Tragedy a
run for its money… Makoto thought as he shivered in unison with everyone else, both amazed by
the quality and poetic prose of her writing, and somewhat terrified by the horrific subject matter
contained within its pages.
Once she got off after mumbling about how they must have hated it since they shivered, Hiro got
up next and gave them a prediction about how they would all survive the Tragedy and lead
luxurious lives.
…I sure hope you’re right, Hiro… Makoto thought as he prayed that Hiro was actually right this
time. That just leaves me and Kyoko.
XXX
Kyoko walked nervously on stage, trembling as she carried the case file on stage. Although she
could stare down the most hardened of criminals without even flinching, she had a secret that not
even Makoto knew; she easily got stage fright.
Dammit, I’m used to presenting in front of the Chief or a criminal I’m interrogating, not an
audience! The only reason I could sing in front of all those people last year was because Sayaka
guided me! How am I… She saw Makoto’s encouraging smile and took a deep breath, steeling her
nerves and telling herself You can do this, Kyoko. Makoto’s right there, and these are your friends
and classmates. This is your element; you’ll do fine! You’ll do fine…
Kyoko took a deep breath and held up the manilla folder for everyone to see.
“As the Ultimate Detective, it’s rather difficult to show you my talent in action. However, I can
show you one of the core tools I use during every case. This is a case file; it contains a variety of
documents I constantly reference when working on my cases. Normally, such files would be
confidential, but this one is completely fictional, so in this case I can show you these documents.”
Thank you, Dad…
Kyoko opened the file and removed the top sheet, holding it up and explaining “This is the case
summary. Since I’m a murder detective, the case summary condenses the details of a murder into
its most important details, such as victim identification, time of death, cause of death, and the
murder’s location.”
Now that she had started talking, Kyoko started to relax, a confident smile now crossing her lips as
she took out the second sheet and began explaining with a more authoritative air.
“This is a Witness Account Report. When a murder happens, I have to question the witnesses and
take their statements. They then get written into this report, which contains their identifying
information, a photo, and a summary of their testimony. Next is…”
Makoto beamed proudly as Kyoko continued to talk with an energy and enthusiasm that only an
Ultimate Detective could possess. Looking around, he saw his other classmates listening in,
Kyoko’s lecture somehow sounding interesting to them even if they weren’t Detectives themselves.
You did it, Kyoko! You found a way to show off your talent, and you look so happy doing it! I’m so
proud of you!
XXX
“Great job, Kyoko!” Makoto whispered with a proud grin as she took her seat next to him.
Kyoko smiled bashfully as she whispered back “…Thank you…I’m glad I won your approval…”
Kyoko smirked as she continued “…But now it’s your turn. And I’m eager to see how you intend
to demonstrate your luck!”
Makoto’s grin faded, the boy gulping as he nodded, shakily getting up from his seat as he made his
way up to the stage. Everyone leaned forward in their seats, curious as to how their Ultimate
Lucky Student would demonstrate his luck. Makoto began to sweat until he saw his girlfriend give
him the same encouraging smile that he showed her. Somewhat calmer, Makoto took a deep
breath and began to speak.
“For the last three weeks, I’ve tried to think of how I can demonstrate my Ultimate Lucky Student
talent. But…I’ve realized…that I can’t. Luck isn’t something I can control. I can’t use it to draw
a manga, or throw a baseball, or win at poker; my luck is totally random. But…even though I can’t
channel my luck, I do feel like the Ultimate Lucky Student, and I’d like to tell you all why.”
“You see, I found out I got into this school after I had the Worst Day Ever! At that point, I just felt
so lucky that I’d even be attending this school…that my Worst Day Ever didn’t even matter
anymore. And not only did I get to be part of this class, but I got to make the coolest friends ever!”
Makoto blushed as he looked at Kyoko, grinning from ear to ear as he commented “Not to mention
I got to date, the coolest, kindest, most beautiful girl I could imagine!”
Kyoko blushed, hiding her smile behind her lavender locks as Makoto continued with his speech.
“So yeah, I can’t demonstrate my Lucky talent…but I’m living it every day, so I’m hoping that this
speech of gratitude will have to suffice for an act.”
Makoto…
A few moments of silence passed through the gymnasium, until at last Kyoko started to clap her
hands. As Makoto started to smile at Kyoko applauding him, she was soon joined by Sayaka, then
Leon. One by one, everyone erupted into thunderous applause, making tears of shocked gratitude
fall from Makoto’s cheeks.
“Kyoko…Mina…” Makoto bowed and whispered “…Thank you…”
As Makoto ran down to join his girlfriend, everyone stood up from their seats, turning to the
Headmaster who congratulated them “Well done everyone! Simply for coming together to throw
this talent show alone, you all deserve perfect marks.”
…Copout… was what Kyoko would have thought, had her heart not been beating so fast from
Makoto’s somewhat flirtatious remark, her eyes threatening to turn into anime hearts from his
heartfelt words.
“Alright everyone…” Jin continued “I think we can say that this talent show is as good as over.
Thank you Kiyotaka and Makoto for suggesting it. So, class dismissed…”
“Uwah! Kyoko!”
Everyone else turned to see Makoto and Kyoko gone, sweatdropping as a cloud of dust was left in
their wake, the Ultimate Detective dragging her boyfriend off to their room.
XXX
*SLAM*
“Kyoko! What’s…why did you…MMPH!”
Makoto’s questions were silenced as Kyoko mashed lips with him, the startled Makoto parting his
lips in shock which gave Kyoko an opening to tangle her tongue with his own. She discarded her
gloves before she grabbed his hands, threading their fingers as she walked forwards, forcing him to
stumble backwards until he fell backwards onto the bed.
Their lips parting, she quickly climbed on top of him, straddling his waist with her legs as the two
hyperventilated, Kyoko staring into his eyes with her own tearful, loving orbs.
“That speech…it was so beautiful…I love you, Makoto!”
Still panting from the raw passion, Makoto smiled lovingly at her and whispered “…I love you too,
Kyoko…mmph!”
Makoto relaxed as she leaned down to kiss him again, their tongues dancing together once more as
they rolled around on his bed, their legs tangled as they continued to smooch, sharing their love
and passion for each other without a single word needing to be shared.
XXX
Present Day
“Aww…that speech was amazing, Daddy! No wonder Mommy wanted to kiss you so bad!”
Makoto and Kyoko blushed, recalling just how passionately they had acted in the aftermath of his
speech. Only the lack of any birth control had kept their more sensual hormones at bay that night.
Once they had recovered, Kiki continued “Still, your Detective presentation sounded really cool
too, Mommy! You had an awesome job when you were in school!” Kiki’s brow furrowed in
confusion as she pondered “So…why did you give it up to help run a school, Mommy?”
Kyoko smiled wistfully at her husband before replying to her daughter “…Let’s just say that your
Father found his calling when he took over Hope’s Peak Academy, and by that point I treasured
helping him with his dreams than my own career.” Not to mention I had become sick of dealing
with murders and death by my early twenties, and I pray that you never have to take on a career as
dangerous as I did…
Nodding in acceptance, Kiki replied “Okay Mommy…even if you’re not a Detective anymore, you
and Daddy still do a great job running the school!”
Makoto smiled and ruffled his daughter’s hair, replying “Aww, thanks Pumpkin. Though I could
never do it without your Mother’s help and guidance.”
Kyoko gave her husband a bashful smile as Kiki asked “So what happened next, Daddy?”
“…Tomorrow, Kiki. It’s bedtime, so we’ll continue the story tomorrow.”
“…Okay…” Kiki moaned before wiggling under the blankets.
Makoto swept the blankets up to her neck, tucking her in before he and Kyoko took turns kissing
her forehead.
“Good night, Kiki…sweet dreams…”
Kiki yawned before closing her eyes and falling into slumber. With one last smile, the two loving
parents quietly crept out of Kiki’s room, Makoto closing the door as they retired to their own room
to snuggle for the night.
Despair Arc Chapter Nine: Kyoko’s First Father’s Day?!
Chapter Summary
After some persuasive pleading from Makoto, Kyoko agrees to spend Father's Day
reconnecting with her estranged Father Jin. Will the two of them finally be able to
bury the hatchet and become a family again?
Present Day
“Well, it was nearly three weeks later that Father’s Day was upon us. Your Mother and I had just
gotten dressed and were talking when…”
XXX
June 20, 2015
“So Kyoko, what’s on your agenda for the next couple of days?” Makoto asked as he tied his
shoes.
Rolling her eyes at Makoto’s attempt at small talk, she pointed out as she buckled her boots
“Makoto, we’re trapped in this school while the world waits for the Tragedy to run its course so it
can recover. Without any classes to attend, we don’t have an agenda for the foreseeable future.”
Scratching his cheek nervously, Makoto admitted “Err…maybe…but still tomorrow’s a very
special day!”
Kyoko looked to her boyfriend with a confused expression on her face as she asked “What do you
mean? It’s June 21st tomorrow; that’s not exactly a special occasion to my memory.”
Oh, right…I guess living with her Grandfather for the last decade, she wouldn’t have been in a
position to celebrate it… “…Kyoko…tomorrow’s Father’s Day.”
“…Father’s Day…?”
Makoto nodded “Yeah; it’s not an official holiday recognized by the government or anything like
that, but it’s a day where people celebrate their Dads and spend time with them and let them know
how much they appreciate them…”
“Makoto.” Makoto clammed up as Kyoko shook her head, telling him “In case you’ve forgotten,
my relationship with my Father is rather strained. We’re in a better place than we were at a year
ago; I won’t deny that. But our interactions are still awkward, and I can’t say that we have a
Father-Daughter relationship yet, so I see no reason to…”
Kyoko trailed off, her eyes widening in shock as she heard Makoto’s unusually hard tone, a
determined glare in his eyes that he normally reserved for people like Shutaro Fukuka. To say the
sight was unsettling was an understatement.
“I know things had been strained after he took you off that case, but before that, you had been
getting closer for months! He proved as much when he came to your birthday party and brought
you that present from him and your Mom!”
…He’s right, we had been gradually reconnecting before then…
“And now, he’s doing everything he can to be the Father he wanted to be! He agreed to let you
move in with me because he knew it was what you wanted more than anything! And when we had
trouble adapting to living together, he stepped in without being asked and helped us to compromise
because he didn’t want to see his daughter upset.”
…He did…he did do those things…Kyoko admitted to herself, reflecting on how grateful she had
been for his assistance.
“Plus, when I had my night terror and you pleaded with him to help me get through it, he agreed
without complaint, even though it was so early in the morning. He was a Father to both of us when
we needed one, Kyoko! And don’t forget, when you originally planned not to participate in the
talent show, he helped you to come up with an act because he didn’t want his daughter to feel left
out. And we both saw the proud smile on his face as he watched you talk about your Detective
work! That’s the smile only a Father could have!”
…He’s right…I didn’t want to admit it…but ever since I was accepted into this school, my Father
has been trying his best to be a parent to me. But…even so, am I ready for this…? Am I ready…to
love him…as a Father? Am I ready to be family in the ways that really matter?
Clenching his fist, Makoto told her as he bowed his head “…You don’t know how lucky you are,
Kyoko! The rest of us can’t celebrate today with our Dads. My Dad might very well be dead right
now, and even if he’s alive and well, I can’t celebrate with him because we’re trapped in here!
But…your Dad is still with us, here in the school! You have an opportunity that the rest of us
don’t…you get to spend Father’s Day with your Dad! You can’t pass this up, Kyoko!”
…Makoto’s right; I’ve been petty, holding onto a grudge for over ten years when my Father has
tried to make amends and start fresh. If he had been like that for the past ten years, I’d still see
him as family, so why should I hesitate now? It’s time to bury the hatchet and take that step I’ve
been too afraid to take…
Kyoko reached for his hand, threading their fingers and replying as he looked up at her “Alright…
I’ll talk to him tomorrow morning before breakfast about spending Father’s Day together. Just…”
Kyoko looked at him shyly as she asked “…Can you be there with me when we talk? I just…I
don’t want to lose my resolve and chicken out by regressing into my old habits.”
Makoto smiled, leaning to kiss her cheek before accepting “Of course I will.” Seeing Kyoko beam
at him, Makoto stood up, tugging her into a standing position as he offered “For today though, how
about we grab breakfast, and then I can help you brainstorm some things to do with your Dad
tomorrow.”
Kyoko nodded “That sounds nice…lead the way…” before she felt Makoto gently tug her out of
their room and into the dining hall to start the day.
XXX
Present Day
“YAY! You finally decided to see Grandpa Jin as your Daddy again?!”
Kyoko nodded, blushing in embarrassment at how petty and stubborn her teenage self was as she
confirmed “Yes…it was something I should have done a long time ago.”
Makoto smiled reassuringly at his wife and told her “Hey, don’t worry about it, honey. The
important thing was you made amends.”
“Daddy’s right, Mommy!” Kyoko smiled appreciatively at her daughter and nodded before Kiki
asked “So what happened on Father’s Day, Mommy?”
“Well, after we got dressed, your Father and I went straight to his residence on the second floor of
the dorms. We knocked on his door and, after he gave us the okay, we went in and…”
XXX
June 21, 2015
Jin looked up in surprise as he saw his daughter, the girl unusually anxious as Makoto followed
her, closing the door behind him.
“Oh, Kyoko, Makoto…what can I help you with?”
After turning to her boyfriend, who nodded reassuringly, Kyoko took a deep breath before
approaching her Father with a slight tremble in her gait.
“F…Father…” She stuttered, clearly forcing herself to go through with this. “H…Happy Fa…
Father’s D…Day…”
Jin’s eyebrow raised is surprise, his lips forming a small smile as he replied “Thank you, Kyoko.
I’m a little surprised you remembered; your Grandfather was never the type to put stock in those
kinds of holidays.”
“…You’re right; he wasn’t…” Kyoko glanced to Makoto and smiled, explaining “Makoto
explained to me the significance of this particular holiday. And…” Kyoko bit her lip, hesitating
before she finally forced out “For Father’s Day…I think it’s time we…finally buried the hatchet.”
Seeing her Father’s shocked stare, she finished “I think it’s time we reconnected…and became a
family again. I…”
Kyoko trailed off as Jin laid a hand on her shoulder, her Father smiling happily at her as he told
her “Just you saying that…is a greater Father’s Day gift than I could have ever hoped for…”
“Father…”
As Kyoko grew silent, Jin shifted his gaze to the Ultimate Lucky Student behind her, the boy now
fiddling with his ahoge as Jin deduced “I take it you had something to do with this, Makoto?”
“Oh, ano…Kyoko just said she wanted some emotional support so she didn’t change her mind, so I
just…accompanied her is all…”
Beaming at his future son-in-law, Jin bowed and told him “Thank you…for giving me my
daughter back!”
Makoto blushed, not used to being bowed to as he scratched his cheek and replied “Oh…it was
nothing sir, really…”
Jin stood up straight from his bow, then turned to his still awkward daughter as he suggested
“Come on; I’ll cook breakfast for the two of us in the Dining Hall. Then we can talk about what to
do for Father’s Day.”
Kyoko nodded as Makoto smiled at them and told them “I’ll uh…hang out with Sayaka and Leon
today so you can celebrate in private. I’ll see you later, Kyoko!”
“Y…yeah..see you later, Makoto…” she uttered before he waved and jogged out the door, leaving
the two Kirigiris alone. Turning to her Father, she forced out “Come on…shall we…have
breakfast together?”
XXX
“Hope you like them!” Jin announced as he placed Kyoko’s plate in front of her, a tower of
chocolate chip pancakes standing on top of the ceramic as the delicious aroma made its way into
her nose, making Kyoko want to sigh in pleasure.
“…It smells good…” Kyoko admitted, making Jin smile. “Well, bottoms up…” she remarked as
shecut a small triangle off the top pancake with her fork, gingerly inserting it into her mouth. Her
eyes widened as the sweet chocolate taste and fluffy texture overtook her taste buds, unable to keep
the smile off her face as she remarked “This is good!”
Jin smiled, pleased that she liked the breakfast he cooked for her as he poured syrup onto his
pancakes and replied “I’m glad. You were a little young to remember, but your Mother used to
make these all the time.”
“She did…?” Kyoko asked as she chewed on another pancake bite.
Jin nodded as he passed her the syrup bottle “Indeed. Every chance you got, you would beg for her
to make chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast, and more often than not, she would cave and you
would eat until you got a bellyache.”
“I see…” Kyoko remarked, a brief flash of her five-year-old self gorging into a stack of pancakes
next to her parents flashed through her mind as she poured a waterfall of syrup on her pancake
tower. “So this is Mom’s recipe specifically? Would you be…willing to teach it to me?”
Jin smiled and informed her “Well it’s not exactly a family recipe; you could find it in any Betty
Crocker cookbook. I think the reason it tasted so good…was because your Mom poured her love
for you as a parent into each and every one of those pancakes. She was always a better cook than I
was, but hopefully these are as good as the ones your Mom made all those years ago.”
Made with a parent’s love…is that why Mrs. Naegi’s cooking always tasted so good? Filing away
the thought to consider later, she continued to dig into her pancakes, her Father joining her as they
ate in a comfortable silence.
As they finished their pancakes Jin asked “So…what do you want to do, Kyoko?”
Kyoko closed her eyes and thought back to Makoto’s advice from last night.
“Try to suggest things you like doing to start. If he really wants to be your Dad, he’ll be interested
in whatever you like.”
Opening her eyes, she suggested “Well…there’s an Othello board in the game room. Makoto’s not
really good at Othello, but maybe…”
Jin nodded, standing up and agreeing “Alright then…let’s go play some Othello.”
XXX
Present Day
“So the reason I like pancakes so much is because you liked them so much when you were a kid,
Mommy?”
“Well, your Father likes them too, so I’d say that you inherited your taste for pancakes from both of
us.” Kyoko smirked as she remarked “Besides, we both know that between the three of us, your
Father is the glutton in the family.”
Makoto pouted as Kyoko and Kiki giggled before the youngest Naegi asked “So how did your
Othello game go?”
“Well, it was a short walk to the Game Room, which luckily was empty, so we had it to ourselves
for the time being. Your Grandpa Jin had just dug out the Othello board and we both sat down
when…”
XXX
June 21, 2015
“So…you know how to play Othello?”
Jin nodded, smiling wistfully as he placed the board in front of them, emptying the coin-shaped
pieces on the side as he explained “Believe it or not, we used to play this game all the time when
you were five. You would pout every time you lost, which against me was roughly half of the
time. You fared better against your Mom, though she would always laugh off her losses and praise
how smart her Baby Kyoko was.”
Kyoko blushed, memories of her five-year-old self pouting as Hibiki and Jin laughed at how cute
she looked.
“So, do you want to go first, or should I?”
Pondering the strategic advantages of turn order for a moment before remembering Hana’s words
about just having fun during a game, Kyoko shrugged and answered “You can go first; it is
Father’s Day after all.”
Jin nodded gratefully before placing his first black tile on the board, flipping over the adjacent
white tile before gesturing to Kyoko and allowing her to take her turn.
XXX
“Well…” Kyoko looked down at the game state, Jin the clear winner of that particular round as she
admitted “I guess you can still beat me half the time.”
They had played a total of four rounds, Jin winning the first one while Kyoko had won the next
two in close games. Jin however had staged a comeback on the fourth round, winning in a
landslide.
“Perhaps, but at least you’ve moved on from pouting when you lose.” Kyoko blushed in
embarrassment, making Jin chuckle as he assured her “I’m just teasing, Kyoko. I had a lot of fun
playing with you.”
“…The feeling is mutual…” Kyoko admitted, surprised by how much fun she had playing Othello
with her Father.
“So, what do you want to do now?”
“Hmm…well, the Library has a few Sherlock Holmes books; would you…like to read one and…
discuss one of the mysteries together?”
XXX
Present Day
“Wow! Can you teach me how to play, Mommy?”
Kyoko smiled and ruffled her daughter’s hair, answering fondly “I’d love to play with you, Kiki…
just don’t pout if you don’t win right off the bat…”
Kiki pouted, making her parents laugh before Makoto assured her “Don’t worry, Kiki; you’ll have
an easy time beating me, so you and Mommy can team up against me while you learn the rules.”
Kiki pouted for a minute longer, then eased into a slight smile and nodded in acceptance before
changing the subject “So what were you doing while Mommy was with Grandpa Jin?”
“Well, like I said, I was hanging out with Sayaka and Leon while your Mother was away. After we
had breakfast, I invited them into our room to play video games and…”
XXX
June 21, 2015
“You sure this is okay, dude?” Leon asked as he followed Sayaka inside Makoto’s room.
Sayaka nodded, agreeing “I mean…this is Kyoko’s room too, so…”
Makoto waved off their concerns and assured them “It’s fine, guys! Kyoko’s spending Father’s
Day with her Dad, so as long as we don’t make a mess, playing a few video games won’t hurt.
Now, let’s start with some Super Smash Bros!”
Assured that they now had permission to be there, Leon cheered “Dibs on Ness!”
“You’ll never beat my Sing and Rest Combo Attack with Jigglypuff, Leon!”
Makoto sweatdropped as he closed the door, chuckling at their banter as he dug out the Gamecube
and controllers.
I hope you two are having fun, Kyoko!
XXX
Present Day
“Was it really okay for Daddy to do that, Mommy?” Kiki asked “I mean…you guys did fight over
the Gamecube before…”
Kyoko smiled at her daughter and assured her “It was alright, Kiki. It was as much his room as it
was mine, and I had mellowed out by then about out living space, so as long as he cleaned up the
controllers and wires, it was ifne for him to play with friends while I was away.”
Kyoko nodded at her husband, who nodded gratefully before Kiki sighed That’s good. So how did
reading with Grandpa Jin go?“
“Well, we picked out a classic Sherlock Holmes story called The Boscombe Valley Mystery. We
sat in the library at one of the tables and we took turns reading pages. When we were done reading
the story…”
XXX
June 21, 2015
“Hmph! This story makes a mockery of my profession.”
“Oh? How so?” Jin asked, amused by his daughter’s declaration.
“Well to start, the authorities arrested James McCarthy with only a suspicious remark as evidence.
They didn’t even try to look for other suspects. Not that Holmes’s deductions were any more
sensical; they were just as circumstantial, and by no means solid evidence of the culprit’s identity.”
“Perhaps, though these stories were written in the 1800’s; it’s likely that circumstantial evidence
was far more persuasive to a court back then than it is today.”
Kyoko nodded, conceding Jin’s point before continuing “That’s not all; even with a lack of hard
evidence, the culprit just confessed when he could have just bluffed his way to freedom. And
Holmes just decides to let him go without turning him in.”
“Well, not that I’m defending the culprit, but from the way things sounded in the story, he seemed
not that far from death itself. Maybe Holmes took pity on him and decided that he’d end up paying
for his crimes in the afterlife sooner than a court could convict him anyway.”
Kyoko huffed, grumbling “If it were me, I would have promptly turned him in; that’s my duty as a
Detective. We’re agents of justice, not charities.”
Jin nodded, proud of his daughter’s strong sense of professional ethics as he asked “Maybe so…but
did you have fun reading this?”
“…” Kyoko sighed, then smiled as she nodded “…Yes…I did…this was…enjoyable, Father.”
Jin’s eyes sparked as he replied “I’m glad to hear that, Kyoko…would you like to read another one,
then?”
Kyoko nodded “Yes…but can we read an Ellery Queen book this time? You know…” Kyoko
fiddled with her braid as she finished “…for old times’ sake?”
Jin grinned as memories of a younger Kyoko sitting on his lap as he read Ellery Queen stories to
her flashed through his mind.
He picked up the book and nodded “Of course, Kyoko…now let’s see…Ellery Queen, Ellery
Queen…”
Kyoko watched as Jin walked over to the bookshelf, sifting through its contents as he searched for
the novel that contained such fond memories for them.
XXX
It was several hours and many chapters later that they had decided to call it a day. Jin offered to
escort her back to her and Makoto’s room. Despite the knowledge that she was perfectly capable
of walking back on her own, she didn’t object and instead walked side-by-side with her Father
down the stairs and through the halls.
“Well, here we are…” Jin smiled at her and, after a moment of hesitation, brought her in for a
surprise hug, surprising the young Detective.
“Thank you, Kyoko…reconnecting with you, spending the day together, and being a family
again…it’s the best Father’s Day present I could have ever asked for.”
“Fa…Father…” Feeling the paternal warmth radiating from his embrace, Kyoko at last felt her
long-lasting grudge melt away, allowing the smallest of smiles form on her lips as she returned his
hug, replying in a hushed tone “…I had fun today…Dad…I’m sorry I didn’t forgive you sooner…”
Jin smiled at his daughter, the two Kirigiris enjoying the moment as they completed their
reconnection, their family truly together again for the first time in over a decade. At last, Jin and
Kyoko released each other, a beaming smile on his face as he bid her farewell.
“Alright, I’ll…leave you to your boyfriend. Have a good evening, Kyoko…I love you…”
As Jin turned around and started walking away, Kyoko murmured “…You too, Dad.”
Jin gapsed before lcosing his eyes, a single joyful tear trickling down his cheek as he continued to
walk down the hall and up the stairs. Once he was out of sight, Kyoko turned around and opened
the door, walking into her room. Her eyebrows raised in surprise at the sight of Makoto, Sayaka,
and Leon gathered around the TV, playing a round of Super Smash Bros. Melee together.
“AND THE WINNER IS…MARIO!”
“Yes!” Makoto cheered as he processed that he won their last match.
“Aw nuts! How did you beat my Jigglypuff strategy?!” Sayaka huffed as she threw her controller
on the ground.
“Or Ness’s baseball bat and magic?! Seriously dude, I’m supposed to rule when it comes to
baseball!”
“I would venture it comes down to Makoto’s experience with this game…”
Makoto, Sayaka, and Leon’s eyes widened as they immediately turned to face Kyoko, the Ultimate
Detective standing over them with a smirk on her face.
Makoto sweated nervously as he stammered “Oh, Ky…Kyoko…we were just playing a few
games…since you were with your Dad and all…”
Kyoko giggled and assured him “It’s fine, Makoto; you’re allowed to have friends over when I’m
not in the room…and as long as the Gamecube is already set up, I wouldn’t mind playing a round
or two.”
Makoto nodded “…Alright, but no Samus!”

As Leon plugged in a fourth controller and handed it to Kyoko as she sat down next to her
boyfriend, Sayaka turned to Makoto with a confused expression as she asked “Umm…why isn’t
she allowed to play as Samus?”
“Because she’s too good as Samus! She’d kick our butts, hands down!”
Kyoko rolled her eyes and agreed “Fine, you big baby. I’ll just kick your butts as Fox instead.”
“Oh, you’re on!” Sayaka cheered as she and Leon went with their previous characters again.
Makoto picked out Young Link and Kyoko picked out Fox as agreed. After picking a random
stage the four instantly became engrossed in their match, thumbs waggling Control Sticks and
mashing buttons faster than they eye could detect.
“So…” Makoto asked “How did things go with your Dad…?”
Kyoko smiled, leaning her head on his shoulder as she informed him “…We had fun…thank you
for suggesting that we reconnect, Makoto. You’ve made my family whole again…”
Makoto blushed as he tried to deny “Oh…it was no problem, Kyoko. I’m just glad you had a good
Father’s Day with…” Makoto’s eyes widened as Young Link fell off the platform, the boy’s stare
hardening as he accused “Hey! You’re trying to make me flustered so I’ll be easier to beat, aren’t
you?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Makoto. You asked me a question, and I gave you an
honest answer.”
“I can see you smirking, Kiri! So don’t lie to me like that!”
“Please, Makoto; I don’t need to fluster you to beat you. You want to prove me wrong? Then get
your head in the game!”
“Oh, you’re ON, Kiri!”
As Makoto redoubled his efforts, Kyoko snuck a glance at her boyfriend, her own cheeks heating
up as she thought I really wasn’t lying, Makoto. You reconnected my family and gave me my
Father back. I can never repay you for that. Thank you for convincing me to spend Father’s Day
with my Dad, Makoto…I love you…
XXX
Present Day
“I’m so glad you got to spend Father’s Day with Grandpa Jin!”
Kyoko nodded, agreeing “Me too, Kiki. I missed a lot of Father’s Days with my Dad. I don’t want
you to miss out on that; that’s why I’ve always been so insistent on you and your Father spending
the day together every year.”
Kiki nodded “Yeah, and I love every single Father’s Day with Daddy!”
“Aww, thanks, Kiki!” Makoto looked at the clock as he told her “Anyway, it’s past your bedtime,
Kiki.”
“Aww…” Kiki moaned before wiggling under the blankets, watching as her parents tucked her in.
She felt them kiss both of her cheeks before cooing “Good night, Kiki. Sweet dreams.”
*Yawn* “…Sweet dreams…” Kiki mumbled before sleep finally took her, her gentle snores
reverberating in the room.
Makoto and Kyoko smiled lovingly at their daughter before tiptoeing outside, Makoto closing the
door behind them as they retired to their room.
Despair Chapter Ten: Pool Party and Renewed Training!
Chapter Summary
With summer having arrived, Hina decides to throw a pool party, and Sakura asks
Kyoko to rejoin their regular training sessions.
Present Day
“So what happened after Father’s Day, Mommy?”
“Well, about a month later would have been our summer vacation, but obviously since the Tragedy
was still going on, we couldn’t go to the beach or anything like that. Though that didn’t seem to
dissuade your Auntie Hina, who…”
XXX
July 25, 2015
“Come on, everybody!” Eveyrone stopped their conversations and turned to face Hina, who had
gotten up from her seat and asked “Why are we just sitting here in the Dining Hall? It’s summer
vacation for crying out loud!”
Byakuya rolled his eyes and asked “And what is it we’re supposed to do? In case you haven’t
realized it yet, we’re still confined within the school. Even if we could go outside, any beaches or
water parks are flooded with rioters. Trying to go anywhere would be a suicide mission.”
Hina pouted and retorted “Don’t be such a grumpy gus, Togami! Even if we can’t go anywhere,
we still have a pool! So why don’t we throw a pool party?!” Seeing everyone stare incredulously
at her, Hina whined “Come on, guys! Today’s the one-year anniversary of the pol party we threw
before summer vacation last year! There’s no better day to have a pool party!”
“Hmm…” Sakura pondered “The idea does have merit…”
Flashing back to his memories of swimming with Kyoko before they got together, Makoto smiled
and admitted “I agree…a pool party does sound fun right about now.”
Having the same thoughts as her boyfriend, Kyoko concurred “I wouldn’t be opposed to it; the idea
sounds like fun.”
Hina grinned and cheered “That’s the spirit! Even if we can’t swim under the warm sun or the
bright blue sky, we can still enjoy ourselves just swimming in the water!”
One by one, everyone came around, agreeing to Hina’s proposal, even Celeste who hated having
water splashed on her face.
“I suppose a little dip in the shallow end would be a nice distraction.”
That left Byakuya and Toko as the only holdouts; the Ultimate Affluent Progeny caved first,
sighing “…I suppose I have nothing better to do…” He finished with a smirk “And it would be fun
to humiliate you plebians with my superior athletic skill.”
With Byakuya in agreement, Toko immediately agreed as well, stuttering “If Ma…Master goes…
then I’ll go t…too…”
Grinning, Hina cheered “Awesome! Alright everybody; follow me to the locker rooms!”
Everyone sweatdropped as Hina raced out of there, sighing collectively at her enthusiasm before
leisurely following the Ultimate Swimming Pro to the pool.
XXX
Déjà vu… Makoto and Kyoko thought as they looked around the room.
There were some differences between their current pool party and the one they had a year ago.
Celeste was sitting in the shallow end, isolated from anyone who might splash her. Byakuya was
swimming neck and neck with Hina in an energetic contest, with Toko treading on the side
cheering for her Master. All in all though, the scene in front of them bore some striking parallels to
the pool party they had when things were still peaceful.
Though some things have definitely changed… Kyoko thought as she glanced at her boyfriend. We
weren’t together back then…and now we’re living with each other!
Seeing how distracted he was, Kyoko grinned and made a light wave motion with her hand,
splashing water in his face and knocking him out of his trance.
“Agh! Kyoko!” Kyoko giggled, only for Makoto’s eyes to blaze in teasing determination as he
announced “Oh you’re on, Kiri!”
“Agh!” Kyoko flinched from the wave Makoto returned her way, then giggled again as they
engaged in a playful splash war. The two giggled and laughed as they splashed water back and
forth, forgetting about the Tragedy’s existence as they lost themselves in their childish fun.
“Huh?”
Catching a flash of purple out of the corner of his eye, Makoto stopped splashing, turning around to
see what it was.
“…Makoto?” Seeing her boyfriend’s attention diverted, she stopped splashing and waded over to
him asking “What is it, Makoto?”
“…Is that…your Dad?!”
Surely enough, Jin Kirigiri, clad in a pair of purple swim trunks, had just gotten into the pool and
was wading his way over to them, a bright smile on his face as he waved at them and greeted “Hi
kids!”
Slightly embarrassed, Kyoko asked “Dad, what are you doing here?”
“Hey, I like a good day at the beach too! So when I passed Aoi Asahina in the hallway and she
told me that you guys were throwing a pool party, I figured it was a good opportunity for me to go
for a swim too.”
Kyoko silently nodded in acceptance, while a curious Makoto asked “Ano…did you and Kyoko go
to the beach often before her Mom died?”
Kyoko blushed in deeper embarrassment while Jin smiled nostalgically and answered “Yes,
actually. Hibiki and I took her to the beach all the time to teach her how to swim. Whenever she
learned something new, she would always challenge me to a race in order to beat me.”
“Yeah, that sounds like Kyoko alright…” Makoto chuckled as Jin laughed at the memory, causing
Kyoko to pout and blush in embarrassment.
Turning to his daughter, Jin asked “Speaking of which, Kyoko, how’d you like to have a
swimming race, for old time’s sake? I’m kind of intrigued to see how much you picked up from
Aoi Asahina.”
Her pout disappeared, her lips forming a competitive smirk in its place as the blush vanished from
her face, the Ultimate Detective accepting “You’re on, Dad.”
Nodding, Jin turned to Makoto and offered “Makoto, would you like to join us?”
Makoto scratched his cheek nervously and declined “Oh, ano…I think I’ll just be the Judge. I’d
lose if I tried to race either of you.”
“Suit yourself…” Jin shrugged as they waded to the shallow end of the pool.
Makoto smiled as he saw the mutual playful teasing in their eyes, a far cry from their relationship at
the beginning of their time at Hope’s Peak Academy.
Kyoko…Headmaster…you guys really are a family again…
XXX
Present Day
“Sounds like you guys had a really fun pool party!”
Kyoko smiled at the memory and confirmed “We did; we lived in a really scary world, but just for
one day, we were able to escape it and just be a bunch of teenagers again.”
Kiki grinned, happy for her parents before her impatient side won out and she asked “So what
happened next, Mommy?”
“Well, the next day, we were eating breakfast when Sakura and Hina approached our table and…”
XXX
July 26, 2015
“Kyoko. May we have a word with you, please?”
Kyoko looked up from her coffee to see Sakura with a serious expression on her face, as well as
Hina who stood next to her with a smile on her face.
“Ah, Sakura, Hina, how may I assist you?”
Nodding, Sakura asked “Do you remember when we used to train together last year?”
Kyoko nodded. Truthfully her once weekly sessions with Sakura had become more sporadic once
she and Makoto started dating, as she began to prioritize him above her other extracurriculars. And
when the Tragedy of Hope’s Peak Academy had begun with the murder of the Student Council,
their sessions had stopped completely.
And yet, she never once thought ill of me for skipping out… “Yes, and I do apologize for not
making more of an effort to keep my promise and come every week.”
Sakura shook her head and waved off her apology “Don’t worry about it; I understand you had
your reasons, and you did become stronger, so it’s not as if you needed to keep attending every
session if you were satisfied with your growth.”
“…Then…what made you bring it up?”
Sakura explained “Since our isolation from the outside world, I’ve been trying to continue my
training by using the exercise equipment in the locker rooms. But…it still doesn’t offer everything
I need to complete my training. I feel like I’m getting weaker by the day…” Sakura grew visibly
frustrated as she asked “Am I supposed to just accept that? Accept my atrophy? I…I can’t do it…
If something doesn’t change, I’ll…I’ll…”
Hina placed her hand on Sakura’s shoulder, urging “Sakura, calm down!”
Realizing where she was, Sakura took a deep breath and apologized “My apologies, all of you.”
Seeing them nod in acceptance, the Ultimate Martial Artist continued “Anyway, I would appreciate
it if you would join me and Hina for our daily sparring sessions after breakfast. Of course, if you
and Makoto have plans on a given day, I won’t ask you to prioritize…”
“It’s okay, Sakura.” The three girls turned to Makoto who explained “I get to see Kyoko nearly
every hour of every day. I don’t mind if she wants to go spar with you for a little bit in the
morning.”
“Makoto…” Kyoko smiled at his thoughtfulness before turning back to Sakura and nodding “Sure,
I’d be happy to. At the very least, I’d have something to do during the day, and I could keep up my
physical performance that I developed last year.”
Sakura smiled appreciatively and replied “Thank you, then…”
“Can I join too?”
Everyone turned to see Chihiro of all people nervously walking up to them, their eyes widening in
surprise as he explained “I…I had become a little bit stronger when I was training with Sakura.
But after we stopped when the Student Council was murdered…I…I couldn’t even carry one of the
metal plates by myself. I don’t…I don’t want to fight…but if you guys are doing a general
exercise routine…I’d like to get stronger again…so…”
Sakura smiled at Chihiro and told him “We’d be happy to help you, Chihiro. I’m sure Hina can
help you with general exercise while Kyoko and I spar.”
An idea coming to her, Kyoko turned to her boyfriend and offered “Makoto…why don’t you come
and help Chihiro train.”
“HUH?!” Makoto gaped as he processed what his girlfriend was suggesting to him. “Me? But…
I’m at the bottom rung of masculinity! I’d just slow you all down…”
“Come on, Makoto!” Hina urged “If Chihiro can join us, you certainly can too!”
Chihiro nodded in agreement “Yeah, you’re way stronger than me, Makoto!”
“Everyone…” Seeing he was outnumbered, he caved and sighed “…Alright, I’ll try…just don’t
blame me if you regret it later.”
We’d never regret having you join us, Makoto… Turning her attention back to Sakura, Kyoko
asked “So, when do we start our training sessions?”
Nodding, Sakura suggested “I was thinking we could start on the first of August; a new routine
with a new month.”
“In that case, do you have room for one more?”
Everyone turned to see Mukuro Ikusaba walking over to them, confusion in their eyes as they
wondered why Mukuro wanted to join in on their sparring/exercise sessions.
“Oh, hi Mukuro.” Makoto greeted with a soft smile and a wave.
Mukuro nodded before Sakura addressed her “I don’t object to you joining our exercise sessions if
you wish, Mukuro. I am surprised though; not once in the past year have you ever expressed any
interest in exercising with any of us.”
“…All of my past exercise routines have depended on resources outside of Hope’s Peak Academy.
Since we’re trapped inside the school for the time being however…”
“…Ah, so you’ve been feeling restless without any way to exercise your Ultimate Soldier
talents…”
Mukuro nodded and confirmed Sakura’s guess “That’s right, and I’d like to be in peak fighting
condition so I can protect Junko in case anything happens. But since I can’t go to most of my usual
dojos for weapons practice…”
Nodding in understanding, Sakura asked “What do the rest of you think?”
Makoto, being the boy who wanted to include everybody, suggested “I don’t mind if she comes.”
Chihiro nodded in agreement “Yeah, the more the merrier.”
Hina spoke next, agreeing “Sure, I don’t mind.”
All eyes fell to Kyoko and her answer. Unlike the others, she felt conflicted; Mukuro had been a
valuable partner when Makoto’s life had been in danger, and even if they weren’t friends, they
were at least comfortable around each other. On the other hand, Mukuro’s request had come rather
out of the blue, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that the Ultimate Soldier had some ulterior
motive for asking to join them.
Maybe I’m overthinking this…and she must be skilled as the Ultimate Soldier, so sparring with her
would be a good way to improve my own capabilities… At last Kyoko nodded “…I don’t see the
harm with letting Ikusaba join.”
Nodding, Sakura declared “Then it’s decided; we’ll all meet in the gymnasium on August 1st right
after breakfast. Have a good day everyone.”
Sakura, Hina, Chihiro, and Mukuro went their separate ways, leaving Makoto and Kyoko alone at
their table.
Makoto smiled nervously, leaving Kyoko to return it with a reassuring one, soothing his
anxiousness about exercising with her. With a mixture of unease and excitement, they looked
forward to this new addition to their school life within the walls of Hope’s Peak Academy.
XXX
August 1, 2015
“Thank you all for coming.” Sakura greeted as Makoto, Kyoko, Hina, Chihiro, and Mukuro stood
in front of her, the six of them now changed into what used to be their P.E. uniforms.
As the five classmates nodded in greeting, Makoto asked “So ano…how are we going to all train
together?”
Sakura turned to Hina and asked “Hina, since Makoto and Chihiro have no interest in combat
training, perhaps you could lead them in a general exercise routine?”
“You got it, Sakura!” Turning to the two boys, Hina’s expression changed to a determined grin as
she directed “Alright boys, let’s start with ten laps around the perimeter. We’ll go at a jogging
pace, so just follow me and you’ll do fine. Chop chop!”
As they broke into a light jog, Sakura suggested “Let’s move to the center so we give them plenty
of room.” Nodding, Kyoko and Mukuro followed Sakura to the center of the gym before she
suggested “Alright, since there’s three of us, why don’t we do a rotation structure? Two of us will
spar for five minutes at a time and the third will stand by as a judge to intervene if one of us falls
down. Does that sound agreeable?”
Kyoko and Mukuro shared a nod, then turned to Sakura as Kyoko asked “We have no complaints,
but how do we decide the rotation order?”
Sakura hummed, pondering the question before opening her eyes and suggesting “How about this?
Kyoko can judge me and Mukuro, then Mukuro can judge me and Kyoko, and finally I can judge
Kyoko and Mukuro. Does that sound fair?”
Kyoko and Mukuro nodded, then wordlessly got into position, Mukuro standing a few feet away
from Sakura as both fighters took their initial stances. Meanwhile, Kyoko stood a few feet to the
side, equidistant between them.
Raising her hand, Kyoko declared “On three. One…two…THREE!”
XXX
“Come on boys! Just twenty more pushups to go!”
Makoto and Chihiro groaned, struggling to push their bellies off the floor and up with the rest of
their bodies.
“No groaning! You’ll never get the gold medal with an attitude like that!”
Come on, Hina! We can barely even move! Makoto thought as he stole a glance at the center
where Kyoko was sparring with Mukuro. I’ll never understand how Kyoko got fit enough to fight;
I can’t even do Hina’s pushup practice!
Said Ultimate Swimming Pro interrupted his thoughts, yelling like a drill sergeant “No slacking,
Naegi! You can ogle your girlfriend later. You still have pushups to do, on the double!”
Makoto let out a sigh as he struggled to push himself up in rhythm with Chihiro, their arms feeling
like jelly as they tried to finish Hina’s torturous exercise.
For her part, Kyoko was locked in a heated duel with Mukuro. She may have been weaponless,
but she had clearly demonstrated during her match with Sakura that she didn’t need a weapon to
hold her own against a skilled martial artist. And now Kyoko finding out just how skilled Mukuro
Ikusaba was firsthand.
Damn! This is just like the fight with Fukuka all over again! Kyoko thought, annoyed as Mukuro
blocked her punch with her forearm before launching her right foot into the air. I can barely dodge
her attacks! Kyoko realized as she made a tactical retreat, Mukuro’s foot just a hair away from
colliding with her nose.
Seizing an opportunity as Mukuro’s foot came back down, Kyoko roundhouse kicked with her
right foot, only for Mukuro to raise her foot just above Kyoko’s line of attack until her heel passed,
letting her heel fall back to the ground and reestablishing her root.
Every time I exploit a weakness in her form, she’s always one step ahead of me! How do I possibly
fight against someone like…
“TIME!”
Kyoko and Mukuro fell on their rears, panting as their fatigue started to catch up with them.
Sakura smiled as she walked over to them, kneeling beside them and giving them a congratulatory
clap on the back, praising “Good job, ladies. That was a truly intense spar!”
Kyoko and Mukuro nodded in agreement, Kyoko forced to admit “You’re…good, Ikusaba. I can
see why they call you the Ultimate Soldier.”
“…Thank you. You were a difficult opponent as well, Kirigiri. Not many can block all of my
attacks like you and Ogami did.”
“Oww…”
Whatever response Kyoko might have had was interrupted as Makoto and Chihiro’s groans were
heard across the gym. Turnign their gaze to a far corner, they saw the two boys collapsed on the
floor, panting as Hina took her role as Coach a little too seriously.
“Up and at ‘em, slowpokes! You won’t even win a bronze medal with that kind of performance.”
“But Hina…I can’t move an inch!” Makoto protested.
“Yeah…me neither…I’m just not strong enough to keep up with you…I’m sorry…” Chihiro
agreed.
The remaining three girls sweatdropped as they stood up, Sakura suggesting “Come on, let’s make
sure Hina doesn’t end up sending them to the Nurse’s Office, shall we?”
XXX
Makoto sighed in pleasure, sitting on his bed between Kyoko’s legs as she sat behind him, the boy
shirtless as his girlfriend rubbed and massaged his aching back and shoulders.
“Ahh…that hits the spot…” Makoto moaned as he leaned back into her touch, feeling his aches
melt away. “Thanks for offering to do this for me, Kyoko…”
Kyoko smiled as she gently pressed her thumbs into his neck and replied “You deserved a little
reward after working so hard…though Hina really wore you and Chihiro out, huh? I’ll…talk to her
about putting you two through a less intense workout for now…the last thing I want is for you to
break your back or tear a muscle.”
Makoto chuckled before he replied “Thanks…Hina’s just so energetic, and my physical strength is
too average to take something that intense right off the bat.” Kyoko normally didn’t like when
Makoto sold himself short by calling himself average, but in this case she couldn’t really disagree
with him, so she held her tongue and rubbed soothing circles into his spine as Makoto asked “So…
how was sparring with Sakura and Mukuro? You looked really cool from what I saw, being able
to keep pace with them like that…”
Makoto’s question and compliment made her pause. While her cheeks flushed from being
flattered, she was reminded of just how ferocious Mukuro was on the battlefield.
Before Makoto could ask what was wrong, Kyoko answered “Sakura was a skilled combatant, as
expected. It’s little wonder that she’s earned the title of Ultimate Martial Artist. Mukuro…is no
slouch either…I couldn’t even land a solid hit on her. Neither could Sakura for that matter; she’s
definitely earned her title as Ultimate Soldier.”
“Still, the fact that you kept pace with the both of them…you’re amazing, Kyoko!”
Kyoko blushed and remarked “Well…thank you…” Despite her heart fluttering at Makoto’s
words, she still felt uneasy, thinking to herself I don’t honestly care if Sakura’s stronger than me. I
trust her not to hurt me. Ikusaba though…I can’t put my finger on it, but something about her just
makes my hair stand on end. I hope that I’m wrong, but if I’m right to be on edge around her…
then I need to make sure I can stand up to her if the need presents itself.
She stared down at Makoto, who almost seemed to recline against her, reminding her that he
trusted her with his life and his health as .
Makoto’s life may very well hang in the balance if I’m right…
XXX
Present Day
“Auntie Hina was really that tough, Daddy? She was never like that when I had swimming lessons
with her.”
Kyoko answered for her husband, explaining “Kiki, keep in mind that you were four when you
started swimming with Auntie Hina. Your Father on the other hand was eighteen; Auntie Hina
had a different expectation of his and Chihiro’s physical capabilities. Plus, Auntie Hina’s
energetic side had mellowed out as she got older, so she didn’t get carried away with teaching you.
And even if she did, your Father and I were always there, so we could step in if things did get too
intense.”
Kiki nodded in understanding and accepted “Okay, Mommy…” before grinning and gushing “but
you were really good against Sakura and Mukuro! I really wish I could have seen it! It sounded so
cool!”
Kyoko smiled as she listened to her daughter idolize her capabilities, while Makoto grinned and
ruffled Kiki’s hair, agreeing “That’s right, Kiki…your Mom is one of the best fighters out there!”
Kyoko giggled and replied “Thanks you two…alright Kiki, it’s bedtime.”
“Aww…” Kiki moaned, but nevertheless complied, wiggling into bed as her parents tucked her in
Once her snores were heard, Makoto and Kyoko quietly crept out, Makoto closing the door behind
them as they retired to their room for the evening.
Despair Arc Chapter Eleven: Sports Day!
Chapter Summary
Frustrated that he can't play baseball while trapped inside the school, Leon decides to
plan Sports Day. What will he have in mind for this year's Sports Festival?
Present Day
“Well, a couple months went by with little excitement. Your Mother and I kept our daily exercise
routines with Sakura, which was made easier once your Auntie Hina lightened up on the intensity
of our workout. Anyway, we had just come back from an exercise session and went to the Dining
Hall for lunch when…”
XXX
October 1, 2015
“Wow dude, you two sure look like you worked up a sweat!”
Makoto and Kyoko looked up from their lunches to see Leon and Sayaka sitting across from them.
“Oh, hey Leon, hey Sayaka!” Makoto greeted with a weary smile “Yeah, Hina’s exercise routines
can be brutal, and Kyoko says that both Sakura and Mukuro can be difficult opponents.”
“Yeah, I can imagine…” Leon agreed, starting to sweat when his imagination started to show
visions of him getting pummeled by the Ultimate Martial Artist. Shaking the thought from his
head, Leon admitted “To be honest dude, I’m kinda jealous of you. I can’t even practice my own
talent!”
“Leon…” Makoto asked “Do you…want to play baseball?”
Leon sighed and admitted “I just wanna throw the ball around a little. I don’t wanna practice or
anything like that! I really, seriously hate practice! I hated getting all sweaty and junk when I was
with my old baseball team. I just wanna play!”
Sayka smiled, patting his back as she took over “As you can see, Leon really wants to play and
actually move around, but the intensity of your training with Sakura isn’t really Leon’s style. So,
he was thinking that maybe we could set up Sports Day in the gym.”
“Sports Day?”
“Yeah, dude!” Leon pleaded “It would be so much fun! We could have baseball, basketball,
soccer! We could even have the ceremonial tug of war at the end! Please dude? You’re the class
Representative; if you suggest it, everyone’s bound to be on board!”
Makoto and Kyoko looked at each other, thinking It would give us something to do…
After a quick nod, Makoto turned back to Leon and replied with a small smile “Sure, it sounds fun,
Leon.”
Grinning, Leon cheered “Great! I’ll tell everyone the good news! See ya dude!”
Makoto, Kyoko and Sayaka sweatdropped at Leon’s enthusiasm as he ran over to Hina and Sakura
to tell them.
Sayaka sighed and finished with an amused smile “Well, I’d better go after him. See you guys
later!”
As Sayaka chased after her boyfriend, Makoto turned to Kyoko and admitted “Sports Day, huh?
I’ll admit, I always had fun…even if I sucked at it…”
Kyoko frowned, but held back her scolding; instead she admitted “I’ve…actually never attended
Sports Day. Grandfather never taught me how to play any sports, and my memories of my parents
are a little fuzzy…”
Makoto smiled reassuringly and told her “Hey, don’t worry about it, Kyoko. I might not be good
at them, but I’m sure Leon and I can help you learn how to play. And I doubt these will be full
games. They’ll probably just be exhibition exercises, so it’ll just be about having fun!”
“Fun…” Kyoko smiled as she mused “Then I’ll be looking forward to this…my first Sports Day
with you…”
XXX
Present Day
“Really, Mommy? You never played baseball or soccer or basketball or any of the other games
that you guys played with me and Auntie Hina?”
Shaking her head, Kyoko explained “Remember, Kiki, for ten years I had been raised by my
Grandfather, who had no desire to introduce me to anything that wasn’t strictly related to Detective
work. He had his own methods of increasing my physical capabilities, so I never got to experience
that kind of fun before.”
Seeing how sorry Kiki felt for her Mom, Makoto wrapped an arm around his daughter and assured
her “Don’t worry about it, pumpkin. Leon and I got to give her a crash course on her birthday. I
felt bad that I didn’t have anything better to give her on her birthday, but she just assured me that
learning something new with me was a perfect birthday present.”
Makoto and Kyoko smiled bashfully at each other, recalling the gentle kiss they shared after her
reassurance until Leon awkwardly broke them up so they could start.
“Daddy, any day with you is a great gift!” Kiki giggled “And I’m sure she put it to good use on
Sports Day!”
Nodding, Makoto agreed “She did. We had just gathered in the gym when Leon greeted us…”
XXX
October 12, 2015
“Alright dudes and babes, welcome to Sports Day!” Leon greeted as he observed his classmates,
dressed in their P.E. outfits, Kyoko being the only exception as she wore the pink tank top she had
bought when she went shopping with Sayaka, Hina, and Sakura. “So, here’s how this works!
We’ve got a wiffleball stand, a soccer net, and a basketball hoop. Feel free to take part in them as
much as you like. When we’ve all had enough, we’ll finish with an obstacle course race, followed
by a tug-of-war between boys and girls. Alright, let’s play!”
As everyone separated, Makoto turned to his girlfriend and asked “So…what do you want to do
first?”
“…How about the wiffleball?”
Makoto nodded and the two got in line for the wiffleball exhibit.
XXX
“Alright, so just like we practiced, Kyoko. Put your right foot forward, perpendicular to your
left.” As Kyoko got into her stance, Makoto continued “Grip the bat firmly with both hands, put
your right hand above your left.”
“…Like this?”
Kyoko blushed as she felt Makoto’s hands curl around her own, the oby taking an identical stance
as he pressed right behind her and confirmed “Yeah, just like that. Now, with me…just wind your
arms back…”
Kyoko nodded as she felt Makoto help her pull the bat back until the pommel was almost against
her ear.
“And, swing!”
*BAM!*
Makoto and Kyoko watched as the two swung together, the tip of the bat colliding with the
wiffleball as it flew against the far wall, bouncing off of it and rolling until it touched their feet.
Kyoko’s lips curved into a satisfied smile while Makoto grinned.
“You did it, Kyoko!”
As she placed the wiffleball back on the tee, she turned back to Makoto and shook her head,
correcting “We did it, Makoto…although in a real game, I’d have been lucky to get to first base
with that hit.”
Makoto chuckled and conceded “Yeah…still, it was fun. So, you wanna go again?”
Kyoko nodded, smiling as she agreed “As long as you’re doing it with me, I’d love to.”
Makoto nodded in agreement as they went to the back of the line, looking forward to hitting more
balls together.
XXX
*Boom Boom*
Kyoko dribbled the ball as she stared at the basketball hoop, the Ultimate Detective standing just
behind the white tape on the floor. Makoto on the other hand couldn’t help but stare, completely
enamored by how sexy she looked in her tank top.
Kami…she’s…so HOT!
“…Why thank you, Makoto…I’m glad you think I’m so attractive playing basketball.”
“…Was…was that out loud?!”
The giggling behind Makoto confirmed that yes, he did give voice to his inner thoughts just now,
causing the boy to blush in embarrassment. Although Kyoko gave him a teasing smirk, she too
was blushing at Makoto’s unintended compliment. Deciding that she had embarrassed him
enough, she took a deep breath and stopped dribbling. Grasping one side of the ball with each
hand, she briefly squatted down before leaping up into the air, throwing her arms forward as she
released the ball and let it fly.
Makoto’s embarrassed frown turned into a beaming grin as the ball landed perfectly through the
net, the boy running up to hug her as he exclaimed “You did it!”
Kyoko giggled “Yes, I did, now can you let go of me so I can get the ball?”
“S…sorry…” Makoto’s blush returned as he released Kyoko from his grip.
She walked forward and bent over to reach for the ball, then stood up straight and walked over to
Makoto, tossing the ball into his grip and teased “Your turn!”
Makoto gulped as Kyoko stood off to the side. Mimicking her pose, Makoto took a deep breath
and jumped with a noticeably reduced height from his girlfriend’s jump. At his apex, he released
the ball watching as it flew onto the rim, circling round and round on the metallic circle. Makoto
bit his fingernails in nervous anticipation, then let out a sigh of relief as it finally went through the
net.
He turned to look at his girlfriend, who smiled proudly at him and praised “Not bad, Makoto.”
Makoto scratched his cheek nervously and denied “Haha…I think that was the only time my luck
worked as intended. I…don’t think I could replicate that again.”
“Oh really?” Kyoko challenged with a smirk “Shall we test your theory?”
“I uhh…suppose I’d be up for a few more hoops…” Even if I miss them all…watching you is fun
enough…that was in my head, right?
Makoto would never know the answer, as Kyoko merely replied with her smirk “Alright then, let’s
get back in line.”
XXX
*BAM*
Kyoko and Makoto watched as Kyoko launched the soccer ball with a powerful kick, sending it
flying straight into the center of the net. Kyoko smirked in satisfaction while Makoto beamed at
his girlfriend’s performance.
“You know…if you ever grow bored of Detective work…you’d make a pretty good soccer player.”
Kyoko smiled at her boyfriend as the picked up the ball that had rolled back at her, replying as she
handed it to him “Thank you…now, your turn. Show me just how much stronger your legs have
gotten form Hina’s training.”
Gulping, Makoto started to sweat as Kyoko stepped to the side, her violet eyes seeming to analyze
him. Taking a deep breath, Makoto gently set the ball on the ground, then wound his right foot
backwards before launching it forward, making the soccer ball fly into the net. Kyoko beamed
proudly at her boyfriend as Makoto grinned at his successful kick.
I did it! I…uh-oh…
Makoto watched, frozen in place as the ball slammed against the wall, bouncing back out of the net
and flying right at his head.
“AGH!” Makoto cried as he fell backwards, the soccer ball leaving a bruise against his forehead as
it bounced on the ground.
“Makoto!” Kyoko gasped as she ran up to him, kneeling and resting he rhand against his back in
order to help him into a kneeling position.
“Oww…oww…” Makoto groaned as he gave her a pained smile. “I told you…my luck is the
worst most of the time…”
Kyoko sighed and shook her head, moving to lift him into her arms, ignoring his protests as she
urged “Come on; you’re in no shape for more exercise.”
“Kyoko, I’m kinda used to it, really! Besides, I don’t want you to miss out on…”
“I’m not missing out on anything.” Kyoko insisted, shushing him. “I’ve already had so much fun
with you, but now that you’re injured I want to take care of you.”
Makoto lost his resolve, shutting up as Kyoko carried him out, the boy blushing in embarrassment
as the others watched him be carried protectively by his girlfriend.
XXX
Present Day
Kiki couldn’t help but giggle at her Father’s misfortune, making Makoto sigh and comment “…I
still can’t believe how unlucky I was…getting hit by the ball right after scoring a goal…”
As Kiki’s giggles subsided, she denied “I think you were very lucky, Daddy!” Seeing Makoto’s
raised eyebrow, she elaborated “I mean…you got to spend the rest of the day being taken care of
by Mommy! That’s really lucky!”
Surprised, Makoto found himself unable to deny it, smiling at the memory “…I suppose you’re
right…” The two smiled at each other before Makoto admitted “I still feel bad that you had to miss
out on the rest of Sports Day on my account…”
Shaking her head, Kyoko cupped his cheek and replied “And I told you, I already got what I needed
out of it. I had a lot of fun, but I will always prioritize you above any festivity.”
“Kyoko…” Makoto breathed as they stared lovingly at each other, lost in their own little world.
It was Kiki’s cough that brought them back to reality, the young girl asking “So what happened
next, Mommy?”
“Well, I was nursing your Father’s bruise when…”
XXX
October 12, 2015
“Oww…Thanks, Kyoko…” Makoto groaned as he took the ice pack she offered him, placing it on
his bruise as he sat on his bed.
“Don’t worry about it…I’m just glad it was only a bruise. A good night’s sleep should…”
*Ding Dong*
“Huh?” Kyoko turned to the door in surprise, then moved to stop Makoto from trying to get off
the bed, assuring him “I’ll get it.”
Once he complied and stayed where he was, Kyoko turned back to the door and walked over to it.
As she opened the door, her eyes widened in surprise as she saw the Ultimate Fanfic Creator
standing in the doorway.
“Hifumi? Can I help you?”
Oh, Miss Kirigiri. Is Mr. Naegi available? I had something I wanted to ask him briefly.“
Kyoko narrowed her eyes, then reluctantly nodded, sighing “As long as it’s brief…” As she
opened the door fully, letting him walk in as she informed him “Makoto, Hifumi’s here to ask you
something.”
Makoto sat up straighter, locking eyes with Hifumi as he approached and asking “Oh, Hifumi.
What do you need?”
Hifumi’s eyes narrowed in determination as he explained “Mr. Naegi, it just occurred to me after
we lost the tug of war that Halloween will be upon us in less than three weeks. Furthermore, with
the outside world in disrepair, this year will be the first that I won’t be able to attend Comic
Market! Going a full year without some kind of costumed event is completely unforgiveable!”
Makoto and Kyoko sweatdropped as Makoto replied “I see…but what do you want me to do about
it? I can’t snap my fingers and make the world better.”
Makoto’s eyes widened in shock as Hifumi got on his knees and clasped his hands together,
begging “Please, Mr. Naegi, as our Class Representative, allow us to hold a Halloween Party this
year!”
“A…a Halloween Party?” Makoto and Kyoko blushed, recalling the last Halloween Party they
had gone to that kickstarted their relationship before Makoto shook the memory away and
conceded “Well…it is the season…alright, I suppose a Halloween Party couldn’t hurt, but you
have to be responsible for planning it.”
Hifumi cheered as he stood up and thanked “Thank you, Mr. Naegi! I’ll make this the best
Halloween Party ever! I’ll even put on an official stage play of my favorite Spin Rangers episode!
You and Miss Kirigiri can be two of the leads!”
WAIT, US?!
Before they could object, Hifumi continued with a snicker “And Miss Maizono can sing the theme
song, and Miss Ludenberg can be the Evil Queen you all defeat! Goodbye, Mr. Naegi, Miss.
Kirigiri; I have many more things to plan if I’m gonna crush those other lame Halloween parties!”
“Wait, Hifumi, we didn’t…agree to that…” Makoto trailed off as Hifumi slammed the door shut
behind him. Makoto sighed and turned to Kyoko, apologizing “Sorry…I should have been more
specific…”
Shaking her head, Kyoko assured him “It’s fine; as long as nobody takes any pictures or video, I
suppose I can stomach it.” Makoto smiled at how well she was taking it before Kyoko brought up
“Although…since we are throwing a Halloween party, we should at least try to dress up.”
Nodding, Makoto suggested “Well, we still have our vampire costumes. Plus we should still have
our Conan and Sailor Jupiter cosplays from Christmas Vacation.”
Kyoko nodded “That’s true, though perhaps we should try dressing up as something new…if only
for a little variety.” Kyoko closed her eyes, pondering her conundrum, until she opened them, her
eyes widening in realization as she asked “Makoto, do you still have your Christmas gift from
Komaru?”
“Well, yeah, it’s buried in the closet somewhere, but why…” Makoto’s eyes widened in shock, his
cheeks flushing in embarrassment as he rejected “Kyoko, No! You can’t actually be serious…can
you…?”
Kyoko’s lips stretched into a mischievous grin, leaving her boyfriend to gulp as he realized that
yes, she was being serious.
XXX
Present Day
“Wait, did you…” Kiki asked, giggling as she grinned in realization “Did you guys dress up as…”
Makoto blushed in embarrassment, leaving Kyoko to smile as she promised “You’ll find out
tomorrow, Kiki; it’s time for bed.”
“…Stupid cliffhangers…” Kiki grumbled as she flopped against the mattress and wiggled under the
covers.
Makoto and Kyoko smiled as they tucked her in, draping the blankets across her body before
leaning in to kiss her forehead. After bidding her parents good night, Kiki yawned before her eyes
closed. As they listened to their daughter’s snores, Makoto and Kyoko tiptoed out of her room,
Kyoko closing the door behind them as they returned to their room so they could join their
daughter in slumber.
Despair Arc Chapter Twelve: Happy Halloween!
Chapter Summary
Halloween has finally arrived! What did Makoto and Kyoko finally dress up as? And
how will the others react to their costumes?
Chapter Notes
This Chapter is the result of two asks sent by NotFanFicNet. Please read and comment
below, and enjoy!
Present Day
“So did you guys really dress up in the bunny ears that Auntie Komaru got you?”
Blushing in embarrassment, Makoto admitted “…Yes…we did. Your Mother was very
persuasive, and on Halloween we were getting dressed…”
XXX
October 31, 2015
“I still can’t believe you found this stuff in the warehouse…” Makoto grumbled as he secured his
fake bunny ears atop his head, the white band buried in his hair just in front of his ahoge.
“…I’m a little surprised myself…I stumbled across it by accident while I was taking a walk when
we had our argument about living arrangements.” She revealed as she secured her own lavender
bunny ears on her head in the bathroom. “Is your costume on?”
“Yeah, it is…”
“Alright, mine too.”
The door swung open as Kyoko stepped out into their room, Makoto staring as he took in the sight
of Kyoko standing nervously in front of him. Kyoko was now dressed in a purple leotard, with
matching purple boots and gloves that extended to just below her knees and her elbows
respectively. Her thighs were covered by light gray leggings, and around her neck was a detached
collar and an orange tie.
Kyoko smirked, her nervousness dissipating as she teased “Glad to see you approve of my
costume.”
Blushing, Makoto smiled and nodded “Yeah…you look…really cute as…as a Bunny Girl…”
Kyoko walked up to him as caressed his green bunny ears, replying “You look pretty cute as a
Bunny Boy yourself…”
Removing her hand from his bunny ears, Kyoko stepped back to admire his costume. Although he
still kept his usual sneakers, he now wore a pair of dark brown shorts and a sleeveless light green
hoodie that was unzipped about halfway, exposing a small amount of his flat chest. Similar to
Kyoko, he also wore a detached white collar around his neck, except attached to his was a simple
red bowtie, as well as a pair of detached white cuffs around his wrists.
Seeing his embarrassed expression, Kyoko giggled and told him “Don’t look so glum; it’s only a
costume!”
Makoto sighed and admitted “I know, and it is a costume party…I’m just…embarrassed is all.”
Reaching up to touch his Bunny Ears, Makoto explained “I…kinda thought these would just stay in
the closet forever…”
Kyoko smiled understandingly and suggested “Well, think of it this way; Komaru will be very
happy that we’re thinking of her by wearing her gifts.”
His embarrassed frown shifting into a small smile, Makoto nodded “…You’re right, Kyoko.
Whether Komaru’s alive or not, we’re going to keep her in our hearts and memories.”
“That’s better…now…” Kyoko offered her hand as she asked “Shall we go, my Bunny of Good
Luck?”
Accepting her hand and threading their fingers together, Makoto kissed her cheek and returned
“Yeah…let’s go, my Bunny Detective.”
XXX
The room went completely silent for a split second, everybody’s eyes widening as they took in the
sight of Makoto and Kyoko’s Halloween costumes.
Makoto sighed as they both thought Three…Two…One…
As they predicted, their classmates burst into a chorus of laughter and giggles, only Byakuya,
Sakura, and Mukuro keeping silent, though they still held amused smiles as they observed Makoto
and Kyoko’s costumes.
Makoto blushed in embarrassment as Kyoko squeezed his hand in comfort until the laughter died
down. Sayaka and Leon walked over to them, the Ultimate Pop Sensation dressed in a dark blue
leotard with matching boots, a blue jacket, and grey leggings while Leon was dressed completely
in green: green gloves, green pants, green boots, a green vest and a green Robin Hood-esque hat.
Leon snickered “Dude, nice costumes!”
Sayaka couldn’t help out a giggle as she teased “Yeah, the bunny ears are a nice touch.”
Seeing as her boyfriend was too flustered to answer, Kyoko explained “They were a Christmas gift
from Makoto’s sister. Since this is a costume party, we figured this was the perfect opportunity to
try them.”
The two of them sobering up after hearing about the accessories’ origin, Sayaka and Leon nodded
while Sayaka complimented “Oh…well she must have good taste; they do look cute on you.”
Leon rubbed the back of his neck nervously and apologized “Yeah, dude, sorry about laughing
earlier…”
Now recovered, Makoto shook his head and assured them “It’s fine; I think they’re embarrassing
too. You guys look really cool in your Green Arrow and Black Canary costumes by the way.”
Sayaka and Leon grinned before the Ultimate Baseball Star replied “Thanks! We haven’t exactly
been able to go costume shopping, and Sayaka and I wanted our costumes to complement each
other. That meant I had to leave my Ranma cosplay in the closet so we could reuse our costumes
from last year.”
“Well…at least some of us were able to procure new costumes.”
“Oh, Celeste…” Makoto greeted as they turned to see the Ultimate Gambler coming towards
them. “Nice costume!” Makoto sincerely said as they took in her black gown, red lace collar, and
black scepter with a white star ornament attached to the top.
Celeste giggled and twirled in place, bragging “I’m glad to see you recognize the quality of this
costume. Hifumi does have his uses after all.”
All four of their eyes widened as Makoto asked “Wait, then that costume is…”
“Correct, Mr. Naegi! Miss Ludenberg’s costume is for her part in tonight’s Spin Rangers play!
She’s set to play the evil queen Sorceress Spinda!” Turning to Celeste, Hifumi thanks “Much
appreciation for agreeing to take part in my production, Miss Ludenberg! Perhaps in the future you
wouldn’t mind starring in…”
Hifumi trailed off as Celeste glared at him, smiling politely as she interrupted “Hifumi, remember
I’m only doing this because you said I could keep the costume. You make fine tea and your
costume creation capabilities are indeed admirable, but I have no interest in your hobbies. This is a
one-time deal while we’re stuck in here, understood Hifumi?”
Hifumi gulped and nodded “Y…yes, Miss Ludenberg…”
“Much better…” Celeste giggled.
“At least you look good in your costume…I look fuckin’ dorky in this!” Mondo interrupted as he
approached them, clad in a red Sentai outfit, accompanied by Mukuro who was dressed in a black
Sentai outfit. Bringing up the rear was Hiro, who was dressed in a multicolored robot suit.
The Ultimate Clairvoyant shot Hifumi an annoyed glare and agreed “Yeah, and what the hell,
man! Forget looking cool, I can’t even bend over in this!”
Fire blazed in Hifumi’s eyes as he pointed at Hiro and declared “Mister Hagakure! You are
supposed to be the Spin Zord! I’ll have you know that I based your costume design off of my
previous Robo Justice costumes! They’re not supposed to bend at the waist, because robots don’t
bend! You need to have a costume that fits the part!”
“But what if I need to go to the bathroom, for serious?!”
Everyone watched as Hiro and Hifumi continued to bicker about his costume, sweatdropping as
they sighed in exasperation.
Leon rubbed the back of his neck and commented sarcastically “Oh yeah, thanks for reminding
me.” Seeing Makoto and Kyoko’s confused expressions, Leon elaborated “Hifumi roped me into
playing one of those stupid rangers in his little stage play. So uncool, man…at least Sayaka will be
singing the theme song.”
SAYAKA?!
Seeing Makoto and Kyoko’s incredulous stares, Sayaka smiled and nodded “Yep, I promised to
sing his silly little theme song if I could do a quick pop concert after his play is done.”
Makoto’s eyes sparkled, making Kyoko roll her eyes in amusement as he exclaimed “Really?!
That’s so awesome, Sayaka! I can’t wait to see it!”
Sayaka giggled and replied “I’m glad you’re looking forward to it! Although…” Sayaka pouted as
she admitted “I’m used to doing these things with a partner; I don’t want to sing on stage by
myself! If only I had a partner…” She then smirked at Kyoko and Mukuro, who gulped before
Sayaka cheerfully asked “Kyoko, Mukuro, how would you like to form an idol group with me
tonight after Hifumi’s play?”
“Oh, me? I don’t really sing that much…I’m not sure my singing voice would cut it for an idol
group…” Kyoko weakly protested.
Nodding, Mukuro agreed “Being on stage is Junko’s thing…and I have a terrible singing voice…”
“You girls should totally do it!” Kyoko and Mukuro turned to an energetic Makoto in shock as he
told them “Kyoko, I’ve heard your singing voice, it’s absolutely beautiful! And Mukuro, your
voice is so soft, it’s perfect for singing on stage! You’d know that if you just tried! And Sayaka
will be there to help you every step of the way, so there’s no reason not to!”
“M…Makoto…” Kyoko and Mukuro blushed, touched by Makoto’s compliments.
Seeing Makoto and Sayaka stare at her expectantly, Kyoko caved and sighed “…Alright, I suppose
I can do one song.”
Sayaka grinned, then turned to Mukuro and asked “What about you, Mukuro? We’d love to have
you!”
“O…oh…I still don’t think…”
“DO IT, MUKU!” Everyone stared as Junko sauntered over to them, wrapping her arm around
Mukuro’s shoulders as she told her “Do it! It’ll be fun to watch you try and sing on stage!”
“Ju…Junko…” Unable to resist in the face of her sister’s pressure, Mukuro nodded “O…okay,
Junko!”
“Perfect! And I’ll be taking video so I can look back on watching you humiliate yourself whenever
I’m bored! Well, I’m gonna go mingle with the others, so see ya!”
Junko left before Makoto could scold her, leaving the others to sweatdrop as Sayaka tried to
reassure her “Don’t listen to her, Mukuro; you’re gonna do great once we get onstage!”
Mukuro merely nodded and walked away in the direction of her sister, leaving the others alone for
the time being as Leon turned to Sayaka and offered “So babe, you wanna go mingle for a little
bit? I think we have about an hour before I have to get in that stuffy costume.”
Sayaka giggled and agreed “Sure; let’s go grab some candy!”, taking his hand as they walked
away.
It wasn’t long until Mondo followed suit, muttering “I uh…I’ll go hang out with Bro and Chihiro
until its time for that fuckin’ show. Later, dudes…” as he left Makoto, Kyoko, Celeste, and Hifumi
alone.
Celeste smiled and excused herself “Very well, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll go and have some punch
before I make my debut.”
“W…wait for me, Miss Ludenberg!” Hifumi begged as he chased after her.
“Hey, Hifumi, man! You’ve gotta help me get out of this costume until the show starts!” Hiro
pleaded as he waddled after Hifumi, leaving Makoto and Kyoko to sweatdrop alone.
Sighing, Makoto offered his hand and suggested “Let’s go grab some food too; I’m hungry.”
Kyoko giggled and accepted his hand, threading their fingers as he led her to their usual table.
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, Mommy!” Kiki’s eyes sparkled with glee as she gushed “Being in a play with Daddy AND
singing in an idol concert with Sayaka and Mukuro?! You’re amazing, Mommy! I can’t wait to
hear all about it!”
Kyoko blushed as she stammered “Th…thank you, Kiki…”
Makoto smiled, amused at his wife’s rare, flustered state before he sighed and told his daughter
“Alright, Kiki…it’s time for bed.”
“Aww…but it’s so early!”
Makoto chuckled, ruffling his pouting daughter’s hair as he replied “I know, but the rest of this part
is gonna take a while, more time than we have time for. Besides, it’s better to go to bed early than
late.”
“…I know…” Kiki’s pout softened as she sighed and bargained “…Can you just…lie down with
me until I fall asleep?”
Kyoko smiled and nodded “Sure, Kiki.”
With that, they all crawled under the blankets, Kiki resting her head against her parents’ chests as
they al snuggled together. None of them knew how long it took, but without another word, they all
drifted off together, Makoto and Kyoko too happy snuggling with their little girl to even think
about retiring back to their room.
Despair Arc Chapter Thirteen: A Sentai Show and a Pop Performance!
Chapter Summary
With the entire class watching them, Makoto, Kyoko, Mondo, Leon, Mukuro, Celeste,
Hifumi, and Hiro act out Hifumi's Tornado Sentai Spin Rangers play. Then, Sayaka,
Kyoko, and Mukuro form a temporary pop idol group and sing one song in front of
their class.
Chapter Notes
This chapter is the result of two asks sent by one of my followers on AO3 and Tumblr.
Please read and review, and enjoy!
Present Day
“So how did the show go, Daddy?”
“Well, after we mingled a bit, Hifumi approached us with our costumes and we took them to the
bathrooms so we could change. Once we had gotten changed, we met up in the hallway with the
others and…”
XXX
October 31, 2015
“…Not bad…” Kyoko complimented as she took in Makoto’s blue costume.
Makoto blushed and replied “Thank you…you look pretty in pink. Too bad there’s no purple
Ranger though; you’d look really hot in purple!”
Kyoko blushed, smiling as she returned “Thank you, and you’d look much better in green
personally; the costume would go with your eyes.”
“At least you guys can make jokes about your costumes.” Makoto and Kyoko turned to see Leon,
Mondo, Mukuro, Celeste, and Hiro approaching them as the Ultimate Baseball Star whined “Why
do I get stuck in this yellow suit? Why does Mondo have to be the Red Ranger? Red is my color,
man!”
Mondo huffed and explained “Apparently the Red Ranger is the fuckin’ leader, and Hifumi
thought that since I lead a Biker Gang, I’d be a good choice for the Red Ranger.”
“At least you can move normally in your costumes!” Hiro reminded them as he waddled “I still
can’t bend in this thing!”
Celeste giggled and commented “How awful it must be for the lot of you to have to act in such silly
costumes…at least I got one worthy of my status in life.”
Everyone else rolling their eyes, Kyoko suggested with a sigh “Let’s just get this over with…”
“Excellent suggestion, Miss Kirigiri! It’s almost time to begin anyway!”
Everyone turned, eyes widened as they saw Hifumi approaching them in a green lizard costume
with curved yellow horns on his head.
“Hifumi?” Makoto asked “What are you wearing?”
Hifumi grinned proudly and announced “This is my costume for tonight’s production. I’ll be cast
as the monster Miss Ludenberg’s character conjures to destroy the Spin Rangers.”
You cast yourself?! Everyone sighed and shrugged, realizing We should have expected this…
Turning around, Hifumi marched towards the doors to the Gym and ordered “Come everybody!
Let’s show the others a Sentai show they’ll never forget!”
XXX
Celeste giggled, standing off on the side of the stage and pointing her scepter at a rampaging
Hifumi as she ordered “Go, my Phantom Kerberos! Unleash your wanton destruction on this
pitiful city!”
Hifumi let out a roar before he was interrupted by a masculine cry “Not so fast, Sorceress Spinda!”
Celeste scowled and cursed “Oh no, not…”
“That’s right!” Mondo spun on stage as he chanted “Spin Red!”
Then Makoto and Kyoko spun on stage behind him.
“Spin Blue!”
“Spin Pink!”
Leon spun on stage next, chanting “Spin Yellow!”
Finally, Mukuro brought up the rear, chanting as she spun “Spin Black!”
All five of them simultaneously spun and exclaimed “Spin Rangers!” …I can’t believe we’re
actually doing this…
“Ugh!” Celeste stuck out her tongue as she spat “If it isn’t you pesky Spin Rangers! Well, you
five have foiled my plans for the last time! Even you can’t defeat my latest creature!” She cackled
and raised her scepter, exclaiming “MAGIC SCEPTER! UNLEASH YOUR SPINNING STAR
POWER, AND MAKE MY KERBEROS…GROW!!!”
As Hifumi stomped on stage, Mondo declared “WE NEED SPIN ZORD POWER NOW!”
Hiro awkwardly waddled onstage, arms stuck out to the side in his costume, Mondo, Makoto,
Kyoko, Leon, and Mukuro declared “SPIN ZORD!”
After one final roar from Hifumi, Hiro spun into and collided with Hifumi, the Ultimate Fanfic
Creator dramatically falling off the stage as the five rangers spun one more time and declared
“Spin Rangers!”
Celeste yelled in frustration as she pointed her scepter at them and cursed “Curse you, Spin
Rangers! You haven’t seen the last of me!”
With a final “HMPH!”, Celeste stomped off stage, Hiro and the five Rangers following after her as
they were all too eager to get out of their costumes.
XXX
Makoto watched, now back in his Bunny of Good Luck costume as Sayaka led Kyoko and Mukuro
on the cleared stage. The three were now clad in perfect duplicates of Sayaka’s frilly pink and
white idol outfits, Kyoko and Mukuro were blushing in embarrassment at being seen by the boy
they loved in outfits that were totally antithetical to their respective personalities.
“Alright, everybody!” Sayaka cheered “We’ve got a great show for you tonight!” Grinning at
hearing twin cheers from Makoto and Leon, Sayaka explained “So, the three of us are going to sing
one of my famous songs, Negaigoto Ensemble!”
As Mukuro’s brows furrowed in confusion, Kyoko’s eyes widened as she realized Oh, I remember
that! It was the song she made me sing with her in front of Makoto when we went shopping with
Hina and Sakura!
“So, here’s how this single is going to work! Kyoko and I will sing one verse at a time, and then
Mukuro will repeat that verse. Are you ready!” Hearing cheers from Makoto and Leon, Sayaka
exclaimed “Alright, then. A one, a two, a one, two, three, four!”
Holding their microphones to their lips, Sayaka and Kyoko sang “Kitto Shooting Love Shooting
Heart.”
Gulping, Mukuro took a deep breath and sang “Kitto Shooting Love Shooting Heart.”
Mukuro sighed in relief as Sayaka and Kyoko smiled encouragingly at the nervous Soldier and
continued “Motto takaku takaku.”
With an increased confidence that reminded Kyoko of her first time singing, Mukuro repeated
“Motto takaku takaku.”
Nodding in approval, Sayaka and Kyoko continued “Gimon fuan USO bakari kakemeguru
nichijou, Togisumasareta kono sekai ni ukabu na mo nai yuuki, Yozora no hoshi tachi ni uchiakeru
negai wa, Otona ni naru ni tsurete chiisaku chiisaku natteku no kana.”
Her nervous blush disappearing, Mukuro mimicked “Gimon fuan USO bakari kakemeguru
nichijou, Togisumasareta kono sekai ni ukabu na mo nai yuuki, Yozora no hoshi tachi ni uchiakeru
negai wa, Otona ni naru ni tsurete chiisaku chiisaku natteku no kana.”
Mukuro looked down, seeing Makoto smile at her and felt her determination return as she, to
Junko’s displeasure, copied the tune and rhythm of Sayaka and Kyoko’s lyrics perfectly.
“Dare ka no BUUTSU wo haku yori hadashi de hashiritai, Kagayaku chikara ga dare ni mo aru.”
“Kitto Shooting Love Shooting Heart, Miageta sora ni PURIZUMU, Yume ni tsuzuku youna michi
wo fumishimete, Zutto Shooting Love Shooting Heart, Machikogareteta mirai he, Motto takaku
“Kioku no katasumi ni korogaru ENTAAPURAIZU, Shokisettei no kono sekai wa oboete ite

kureru ka na.”
“Kizutsuita dake kokoro wa yawarakasa wo mashite, Kodoku ni makenai tsubasa ni naru.”
“Ima wa Shooting Love Shooting Heart, Kokoro nakusanai you ni, Hoshi ni todoku youna mizuiro
no kotoba, Zutto Shooting Love Shooting Heart, Mabushii hodo no mirai he, Motto tsuyoku nareru
yuuki ga hoshii.”
“Kitto Shooting Love Shooting Heart, ima wa chiisana TAMAGO mo, itsuka takaku takaku tonde
yukeru yo ne, Zutto Shooting Love Shooting Heart, Machikogareteta mirai he, Motto takaku
As Mukuro’s final word leaving her lips, the class burst out in light applause, Junko doing so
reluctantly after tossing the video camera in the trash behind her. Mukuro blushed, unused to the
praise as Sayaka and Kyoko grinned at their boyfriends’ proud grins.
As they stepped offstage, Mukuro went to rejoin Junko as Sayaka and Kyoko went to rejoin their
boyfriends.
“Babe, that was awesome!”
“You too, Kyoko!” Makoto praised “The three of you made a great idol group!”
Kyoko blushed as she muttered “Th…thank you…” Her blush vanished as she saw Jin approach
her, embarrassed by his proud smile. Embarrassed at having her Father witness her two
performances, she hardened her stoic mask and told him “Not. A. Word.” Seeing him hold up his
hands in surrender, Kyoko turned to her boyfriend and told him “I’m going to go change into my
costume; I’ll be back in a bit.”
Makoto and Jin watched as she walked out of the Gymnasium, sweatdropping before turning to
each other.
Now that his daughter was out of earshot, Jin smiled and remarked “She really was quite good,
wasn’t she? I wish…I had been around for more of these kinds of things…”
Makoto smiled and agreed “Yeah, she was…and you’re here for her now, Headmaster. That’s
what really counts in my book.”
Jin nodded, replying “…Thank you, Makoto.”
Unbeknownst to them, Kyoko could hear every word though the crack in the door, an exasperated
smile on her lips as she took in their remarks.
Yes…you are here now, Dad. And even though I’m embarrassed you saw those performances…I’m
also…happy you cared enough to come watch…
XXX
Present Day
“You were embarrassed that your Daddy came to watch? But why?! I’d never be embarrassed if
you and Daddy came to school plays or stuff!”
Makoto smiled and told her “Kiki…it’s one thing when you’re eight. But Your Mother was a
grown woman of nineteen. Once you become a teenager…having your parents come to those
kinds of things feels embarrassing on some level. I know I would have been at least a little
embarrassed if your Baa-chan and Jii-chan had seen me in that costume.”
Kyoko nodded, admitted “Even so...I was still happy to see that he was being my Dad, even if I
didn’t exactly show it. I might have frowned at him…but my glare had none of the venom it did on
my first day of school.”
Kiki smiled and nodded “That’s good…so what happened next, Mommy?”
“Well, after I got changed back into my Bunny costume, we continued to chat and mingle for a bit
before we decided to call it a day. Once we were both showered and dressed in our pajamas, we
crawled into bed and…”
XXX
October 31, 2015
“So…did you have fun this year?” Makoto asked as they slid under the blankets.
Kyoko nodded, commenting “I’m still not sure if it tops last year’s…it did serve as the catalyst for
our relationship after all…and I’m honestly not sure which one was more embarrassing for me…
but yes, I did have fun.”
“I’m glad…and at least Komaru’s gift did come in handy tonight…” Makoto and Kyoko giggled,
their thoughts wandering to Makoto’s sister.
Kyoko kissed his cheek and assured him “Komaru’s gonna be okay, Makoto…we’ll get out of here
soon, then we can go and thank her for her gift.”
Makoto smiled bashfully as she replied “Thanks, Kyoko…” He yawned cutely before mumbling
“…Guess that means we should go to sleep, huh?”
Kyoko held up a finger and corrected “Just one little thing…”
Makoto looked at her curiously as she reached for the table next to her side of the bed, his eyes
widening in realization as she revealed the two sets of Bunny Ears they had worn today. Before he
could utter a word, Kyoko placed his green Bunny Ears on his head, while attaching her lavender
Bunny Ears on her head.
“There; now we can have a perfect end to this Halloween.”
Makoto sighed, then shook his head in amusement as he smiled at her, snuggling against her and
resign his forehead against hers. The two of them smiled lovingly at each other as the tips of their
respective Bunny Ears pressed against each other, the fake appendages bending to form the shape
of a heart.
“Good night, my Bunny Detective.” Makoto mumbled as his eyes closed.
“Good night, my Bunny of Good Luck.” Kyoko cooed before she closed her eyes as well, joining
him in slumber as they shared one last thought before losing consciousness.
Thanks, Komaru! You’re the best little sister anyone could ask for…
XXX
Present Day
“Aww, that sounds soo cuuute!” Kiki gushed as she tried to imagine a bunny-eared Makoto and
Kyoko snuggled together. Makoto and Kyoko gave each other blushing smiles, happily
embarrassed at the memory until Kiki asked “So what happened next?”
Makoto ruffled his daughter’s hair and promised “Tomorrow, Kiki.”
Seeing that her Mom wasn’t going to budge, Kiki grumbled “…Okay…” before wiggling under the
blankets.
Makoto and Kyoko smiled at each other before draping the blankets over their daughter’s petite
form, covering her up to her neck as they readjusted her pillow before leaning in to kiss her
daughter’s nose.
“Good night, Kiki. Sweet dreams…”
*Yawn* “…Sweet dreams…” Kiki returned before closing her eyes and falling asleep.
Nodding, Makoto and Kyoko quietly tiptoed outside, gently closing the door behind them as they
went to their own room to snuggle on their bed, their foreheads eventually touching in the same
manner as their teenage selves that one Halloween night.
Despair Arc Chapter Fourteen: A Search, A Date, and A Question!
Chapter Summary
Having been sealed inside the school for nearly nine months, Junko brings up the
possibility that they might run low on supplies and suggests that they begin searching
the school to gather supplies. Later, Makoto takes Kyoko to a picnic in the garden on a
date.
Present Day
“Well, the next couple of months came and went. Christmas was uneventful, as we couldn’t put up
a tree or give each other presents, but we spent it together and welcomed the new year. After New
Year’s Day, we were having breakfast together when…”
XXX
January 2, 2016
“So, like…can we talk about something?” Everyone stopped eating their breakfast and looked up
at Junko, who stood up and continued “Like, we’ve been trapped in here for nearly nine months!
Who knows how much longer we’ll have to hold out before we can finally go outside and shit! Do
you think the Headmaster will be able to keep getting us enough food for however many more
weeks it’ll take?”
“Don’t worry, I’m sure we’ll only need to hold out for a bit.” Makoto looked down at his plate as
he began to eat his own words instead of his breakfast. She’s right…who knows how many more
months we’ll need to hold out. The Headmaster did say that we could need to live here for the rest
of our lives. But, do we really have enough supplies to last us that long?
Nodding, Sakura admitted “I see your point, Junko…but what do you propose we do? It’s not like
we can go outside to get more supplies.”
“Indeed, Miss Enoshima! We don’t have nearly enough party members to vanquish all the low
level Moblins outside.”
“Well, duh, of course we can’t go outside!” Junko retorted “But we can still search inside the
school!”
Byakuya scoffed “Please, Enoshima, don’t try and become a comedian. How would we search for
supplies inside the school?”
“Come on, Togami! This school is enormous! Who knows what valuable materials and supplies
we’ve dropped or misplaced who knows where?! If we just spend like an hour after breakfast each
day, who knows what we could find?!”
Nodding, Sakura deduced “I see…so basically you’re suggesting we all pitch in to form a group
recycling system…”
Junko grinned and nodded “That’s riiiiight! So, whadda ya say?”
Mukuro nodded and agreed “Junko’s right. As a soldier, I always needed to make do with what I
had at my disposal, but even I couldn’t complete a mission with nothing. Sometimes I needed to
scavenge resources from my surroundings and improvise.”
Kyoko narrowed her eyes, feeling like there was some ulterior motive behind the Ultimate
Fashionista’s suggestion as she thought Wouldn’t Dad have told me though if we were having
supply issues? Something doesn’t feel right…
Before she could voice her objections, Makoto nodded “That’s not a bad idea, Junko. Who knows
what we could find and put together? At the very least, it’ll give us something to do.”
Taka grinned and cheered “Professor Makoto is right! Plus, some of us can clean while the rest of
us search for supplies!”
Everyone else groaned at the prospect of having to clean the school, but after Makoto gave his
approval, the rest eventually fell in line, even Kyoko who decided to believe in his optimism.
I just hope I’m being paranoid…
Junko beamed and exclaimed “Excellent! Then we can begin the search after we eat! Once we
finish searching, we can put all the supplies in the Repository so everyone can access them if they
need it!”
Nodding, the others went back to eating, savoring their last bites before they had to comb the
school.
XXX
“How did we miss so many aluminum cans?!” Makoto called to Kyoko as he carried a pile of cans
over to the garbage bag they had brought with them to the Dining Hall to gather their supplies.
“Probably because we hadn’t established proper cleaning duties since the school shut down.”
Kyoko called back from the fridge. Walking back into the main seating area, she told him “And
based off of how much milk we still have, I doubt we’ll be running short on food anytime soon.
Still, I’ll check in with Dad every now and again and make sure we don’t run low on food.”
“That’s good…we probably don’t need to bring any of the milk to the repository, right?”
Kyoko nodded “Correct; it would just spoil if left out in the open like that. As simple report of the
fridge contents will do. We could probably do the same thing for the Hot Dog Buns.”
Makoto nodded in return, commenting “And we probably shouldn’t take all of the kitchen knives
or silver spoons; we’ll still need enough to use when we eat.”
“Agreed; just a handful should be enough. Same goes for the Recipe Books; I’m still not the best
chef and I’d like at least one or two handy in the kitchen on the rare instance that I do cook.”
Kyoko smiled as she fiddled with her braid, admitting “…It’d be nice if I could treat you to a nice
meal every now and then…”
Makoto blushed, then smiled as he suggested “Alright, so shall we…”

“AAAAHHHHHHH!”
“What was that?” Kyoko asked as they turned their gaze to the open doorway. Their question was
soon answered as Chihiro burst through the door, being dragged by the ankle as a strange, wheeled
contraption moved on its own.
“Is that…Chihiro…being dragged by a vacuum cleaner?” Makoto asked incredulously.
“It…would appear so…” Kyoko answered, equally baffled by the sight in front of them.
“HELP MEEEEEEE!”
Chihiro’s cry for help brought them to their senses, Kyoko ordering “You try and grab on to the
vacuum and keep it still. I’ll grab one of the kitchen knives to sever the tubing around Chihiro’s
ankle.”
Makoto nodded, running over to the vacuum and grabbing its handle, keeping it in place as he
searched the device frantically.
“Come on! Off Button, Off Button…ah, OFF BUTTON!”
With his new discovery, Makoto quickly pressed the OFF Button, sighing in relief as the whirring
of the vacuum came to a slow halt.
“Makoto, I’ve got the kitchen knife, have you…” Kyoko trailed off as she saw Makoto kneeling
next to Chihiro, attempting to untangle his ankle from the tubing of the now deactivated vacuum.
“Secured the vacuum…well, I guess severing the tubing wasn’t necessary after all.” Approaching
the two boys, Kyoko asked “Are you alright, Chihiro?”
Finally free, Chihiro pulled his leg away and nodded while rubbing his head “Yeah…th…thank
you…though my head feels kind of sore…nothing serious though.”
Makoto smiled and nodded “That’s good; we’re glad to see you’re alright, Chihiro!”
“Indeed, though…” Kyoko frowned as she asked “What were you doing with that vacuum,
Chihiro? And where did you even find it?”
“Oh I…” Chihiro blushed as he finished “I made it…”
“You made it?!” Makoto and Kyoko exclaimed, wondering how he was able to make such a
functional vacuum.
“Y…yeah…you see…I found a couple of dustcloths in the Gym, a stepladder in the Garden, and a
set of watercolor paints in the Art Room. So I started doing some tinkering around using some tips
that Soda-senpai taught me before he died, and I made this Small Vacuum.”
How do you make a functional vacuum with THOSE?! Makoto and Kyoko thought incredulously
as they tried to process the sheer absurdity of Chihiro’s explanation.
“I thought it would make cleaning less of a chore for everyone…but then my foot got caught and it
dragged me down the hall…and you guys had to come rescue me…I’m sorry, I took up valuable
time you could have used to do more searching…”
Makoto shook his head, smiling reassuringly as he told the saddened Programmer “You didn’t
interrupt us, Chihiro. Kyoko and I were actually just about done; we were just going to get the last
of our things to bring up to the repository.”
“Oh, what a relief!” Chihiro sighed before turning to his vacuum and announcing “In that case, I’ll
just…”
Chihiro grunted and groaned as he tried to carry his vacuum away, but to no avail. The machine
wouldn’t budge, leaving Makoto and Kyoko to sweatdrop.
Guess Hina’s training hasn’t taken effect yet… “Chihiro, if you just wait a minute, one of us can
help you…”
“…You go ahead, Makoto…I’ll get the rest of our things and meet you up in the Repository.”
Makoto turned to Kyoko and asked “You…you sure?”
Kyoko smiled and assured him “Don’t worry about it; I can handle things from here, and Chihiro
needs your help.”
Makoto nodded, smiling as he accepted “Okay…come on, Chihiro, let’s get this bad boy up to the
Repository!”
“Okay…thank you!” Chihiro beamed as the two of them, with some effort, were able to pull the
vacuum away, leaving Kyoko alone in the Dining Hall.
XXX
Present Day
“Wow, Chihiro sounds amazing!” Kiki gushed as she processed her parents’ tale of how Chihiro
had made a functional vacuum out of basically nothing.
…Yeah…he was… Makoto and Kyoko smiled nostalgically, looking back fondly on their memories
of the Ultimate Programmer.
Brought out of their memories by Kiki’s question, Kyoko answered “Well, several months passed
with little incident. Your Father’s birthday came and went, but we couldn’t really do much
because of not being able to go outside. Still, your Father didn’t complain at all; he told me that all
he needed was to spend it with me.”
Kyoko blushed as Makoto smiled lovingly at her, remembering the moment fondly before Kyoko
awkwardly coughed into her fist and continued.
“A couple months later, it was the one-year anniversary of our sheltering within the school. We
had just gotten dressed when…”
XXX
April 11, 2016
“So, shall we go and get breakfast?” Kyoko asked as she tugged her glove over her right hand.
Makoto removed his hand from his pocket, a nervous look on his face as he replied “Actually…I
was thinking…instead of eating at the Dining Hall…maybe we could…have a picnic in the
Garden?”
“A picnic?” Kyoko cocked her head to the side, intrigued by Makoto’s sudden suggestion.
“Y…yeah…we haven’t really gone on a proper date in the last year, after all. I know the Garden
isn’t exactly Yoyogi Park…but I still really want to go on a date with you again!”
Kyoko giggled, cradling his cheeks with her hands as she placed a chaste kiss atop his nose before
nodding “You don’t have to be so nervous, Makoto. I’d love to go on a picnic with you!”
Makoto beamed and exclaimed “Really?! Thanks so much, Kyoko! You go head up there and I’ll
grab a picnic basket and some food from the Kitchen! See you there!”
“Makoto…wait!”
Kyoko’s call was in vain, as only a dust cloud remained of her joyful boyfriend. Sweatdropping,
she shook her head as an amused smile tugged at her lips.
“He must be really happy about going on a date again…” She felt butterflies flutter in her belly as
she admitted “I’m happy to go on a date with him again too…well, I’d better not keep him
waiting…”
Kyoko walked out of her room and down the hall, not noticing Makoto standing near the Dining
Hall with his right hand stuck in his pocket, his fist seeming to clench something within.
…I hope she likes it…I REALLY hope she likes it…
XXX
Makoto beamed as he saw Kyoko sitting in the middle of a field of flowers, the Ultimate Detective
smiling at him and waving him over. Lugging the picnic basket in his hands, he marched over and
sat across from her, placing the picnic basket between them as he opened the lid.
“So…” Kyoko wondered “What did you pack for us this morning, Makoto?”
“Here; I packed you…” Makoto reached into the basket, pulling out a sandwich and apple and
handing them to her, explaining “A turkey sandwich with tomato and an apple for you…” He
reached into the basket again, pulling out a travel mug as he finished “And a Civet Coffee to
drink!”
Kyoko’s eyes sparkled as she placed the food on her lap and brought the coffee to her nose,
sniffing the delicious aroma as she praised “Ohh, you know me so well, Makoto. Thank you for
making this for me.” As Makoto nodded with a grin, Kyoko asked “And what about for you?”
Makoto reached into the basket and pulled out another sandwich and a banana and answered “I
made a turkey, ham, and roast beef sandwich and a banana for me.” Seeing Kyoko’s smile,
Makoto suggested “Alright, let’s eat!”
“Kanpai!”
XXX
Makoto briefly popped his fingers in and out of his mouth, making Kyoko giggle as he tried to get
every last crumb of his sandwich. Kyoko’s travel mug, long since drained of her coffee, sat in the
picnic basket along with the banana peel and apple core to be disposed of later.
Looking around at the various plants surrounding them, Makoto commented “This Garden really is
beautiful…I wouldn’t mind doing some gardening with you someday…”
Kyoko smiled in amusement as she chuckled “Is that so? You’re very interesting…to suggest that.
It…would be a good way to ensure we’d never run out of food in here…and I wonder…since
you’re the Ultimate Lucky Student, if you were to tend a garden, would you perhaps end up raising
some kind of rare, precious plants?”
Makoto scratched his cheek as he chuckled “Haha, I don’t think my luck works like that…”
As she giggled along with him, Makoto looked around at the flowers surrounding them and
suggested “Hey, since we’re surrounded by all these flowers, let’s make some flower garlands!”
Kyoko gave him a blushing smile as she shyly nodded “If you promise you would accept, then…I
suppose I don’t mind the idea.”
With Makoto’s energetic nod, they quickly got to work, the both of them meticulously picking
flowers and tying the stems together to make a flower crown for their beloved. After a few
minutes, they held up their respective flower crowns and bowed their heads, allowing the other to
simultaneously place them on each other’s heads. As they looked up at each other and admired
their handiwork, Kyoko surprised Makoto by cradling his cheeks with her hands, pulling his face
forward so that she could hungrily, yet softly, kiss him.
Kyoko… Makoto thought as he moaned into the kiss, closing his eyes along with her as he cradled
her cheeks too, both of them enjoying the soft tender moment.
As Kyoko reluctantly broke off the kiss, they opened their eyes and stared at each other lovingly,
getting lost in the pools of each other’s eyes as they stroked each other’s cheeks.
It was Makoto who reluctantly broke the tender moment, coughing into his fist as he gently
removed his own flower crown, making Kyoko frown as he asked “Can we…talk for a moment?
There’s something I…really want to discuss with you…”
…Why does he look and sound so nervous? He knows he can talk to me about anything… Kyoko
wondered worriedly as she took in his expression. …It must be serious if he looks this tense…then
I should treat this seriously as well… She sighed, turning her expression neutral as she removed
the flower crown from her head and placing it on top of his before she told him reassuringly
“Okay, Makoto…tell me what’s on your mind.”
Nodding, Makoto bit his lip before asking “A…about us…how long do you envision us being…
together?”
Cocking her head in confusion, Kyoko answered “Makoto, you’re the only boy I ever want to be
with. Like it or not, you’re stuck with me until the day I die.”
“So…do you still mean it…?” Makoto asked hopefully “When we almost got married…and we
had that talk afterwards and you said that you could imagine…being married to me…do you still
mean that?”
Still somewhat confused, Kyoko nodded “I told you, Makoto, you’re stuck with me until the day I
die. Of course that means that I wouldn’t object to marrying you when we’re ready. I meant it
then, and I still mean it now.” Seeing his posture relax just slightly, the confused Detective asked
“What…brought this on?”
Reaching into his pocket, Makoto answered nervously “I…ano…just wanted to make sure we were
on the same page before…”
Kyoko’s eyes widened as he pulled out a small, thin, circular object, colored purple as its shiny
gleam indicated its metallic origins.
“Makoto…is that…”
“…A ring? Yeah, I used a welder on some stainless steel sheet scraps, and then painted it purple
with some watercolor paints…but that’s not important right now.” With a nervous gulp, before he
could chicken out, Makoto gentle reached for her left hand, cradling her wrist as he slid the ring
onto her ring finger before he asked with the most serious expression he could muster “Will you let
me become part of your family, officially, Kyoko?”
Kyoko gasped, exclaiming to herself KAMI! Is he really…?
“Will you marry me, Kyoko Kirigiri?”
XXX
Present Day
“Oh, kami!” Kiki tearfully gushed, a beaming smile on her face as she nearly shrieked “You asked
Mommy to marry you?!”
Kyoko grinned, staring down at the wedding ring on her finger as she confirmed “Yes…he did…
and at that point, it was the happiest day of my life, Kiki.”
Looking up at her Father, Kiki gushed “That was so brave of you, Daddy!”
Makoto chuckled, blushing as he scratched his cheek and admitted “Honestly…I still have no idea
how I got the guts to propose like that back then…”
“That doesn’t matter, Daddy!” Kiki grinned as she insisted “The important thing is you did it!
And because you did, we’re now one big happy family!”
…It’s a little more complicated than that, Kiki… Makoto and Kyoko thought, but nonetheless
nodded, not quite ready to tell their daughter the full story of their marriage just yet.
Looking up at both of them, Kiki’s eyes sparkled as she asked energetically “So you said yes, right
Mommy? You did, right? RIGHT?!”
Kyoko giggled, ruffling her daughter’s hair as she promised “…Tomorrow, Kiki. It’s time for
bed.”
Kiki pouted and grumbled “Stupid, stupid cliffhangers…”
Makoto smiled in amusement and soothed her “I know it’s hard, but I promise you’ll love
tomorrow’s story time, Kiki. Just be patient, okay?”
Kiki sighed, her pout disappearing as she acquiesced “…Okay, Daddy…”
Ruffling her hair, he cooed “That’s my girl.”
As Kiki wiggled under the blankets and got comfortable, Makoto and Kyoko meticulously tucked
her in and kissed her cheeks.

As Kiki drifted off, Makoto and Kyoko smiled at their sleeping daughter before quietly walking
out of her bedroom, Makoto closing the door behind him.
XXX
“So…tomorrow’s it…our last happy memory as a unified class before…”
Makoto kissed the top of Kyoko’s head, assuring her “We knew it was going to come eventually.
And even if it didn’t turn out exactly like Kiki’s imagining…we can at least give her one last night
of happiness before we have to explain what happened the following morning.”
Kyoko nodded, snuggling her head into Makoto’s chest as she yawned, Makoto rubbing her back
with a reassuring smile on his face.
“Good night, Kyoko…I love you.”
Kyoko yawned one last time and mumbled “Good night, Makoto…I love you too…” before her
eyes closed, the former Detective falling into slumber as Makoto’s arms tightened around her in a
warm embrace.
With one final yawn, Makoto rested his nose against the top of her head, inhaling her alluring scent
through his nose and letting it lull him into slumber with her, memories of the happiest day of their
Pre-Killing Game lives pervading their dreams.
Despair Arc Chapter Fifteen: A Father’s Blessing and a Kirigiri Engagement!
Chapter Summary
With Kyoko joyfully accepting Makoto's proposal, they decide to go to tell Jin about
their engagement. Will the Headmaster give the newly engaged couple his blessing?
Chapter Notes
So, we’re down to the final two chapters of Despair Arc. These last two chapters are
going to be considerably longer than my usual chapters in this fic, so just bear that in
mind as you read them. Please read and comment below, and enjoy!
Present Day
“So…what happened?!” Kiki bounded in her seat excitedly as she asked “What did you say,
Mommy? Did you say yes? You said yes, right? Please tell me you said yes!”
Kyoko giggled and assured her “We’re getting there, we’re getting there, Kiki. Just settle down!”
As Kiki’s bouncing reduced to squirming, Kyoko explained “Your Father had just proposed to me,
and I…”
XXX
April 11, 2016
“Will you marry me, Kyoko Kirigiri?”
Kyoko gasped in shock, covering her gaping mouth with her palms. Never in a million years
before meeting Makoto Naegi did she even entertain the idea that she would find love. Now, not
only was she madly in love with Makoto, but now here he was, surprising her yet again with his
nervous request for her to marry him. Kyoko’s brain threatened to completely shut down, her
heavy breathing the only thing she could do in the face of this uncharted territory.
Her silence made Makoto fear the worst; desperate for either joy or closure, Makoto pleaded as he
let go of her hand “…Kyoko…please say something…anything! Just please, tell me…MMPH!”
Makoto’s pleading was silenced as a reawakened Kyoko found her courage and gave her answer in
the clearest way she knew how. In the middle of Makoto’s pleading, she grabbed his head, her
palms resting below his ears as she pulled him close. Pressing a chaste kiss to his lips, she
proceeded to pepper his face with kisses until half of his face was covered in purple lipstick.
Makoto gasped as he felt a droplet of moisture touch his neck, wondering What the…is Kyoko…is
Kyoko crying?!
Sure enough, as she pulled away, Makoto saw her lavender eyes watering, tears streaming down
her cheeks as she cried tears of joy. Her lips quivered, stretching from ear to ear in a joyful, loving
grin before she buried her head into his chest, her arms wrapping around his neck like a vice as she
started blubbering.
“You…you adorable, sweet, thoughtful boy…no…young man! You helped me to trust in people
again, you helped me make friends again, you made me fall in love, you gave me a family again,
you helped bring me and my Dad together again…and now you’re offering me a future with you…
OF COURSE I’LL MARRY YOU, MAKOTO NAEGI!”
Makoto released a beaming gasp, relieved and over the moon that Kyoko had agreed to marry him,
cheering silently SHE SAID YES! I’M GONNA GET MARRIED! I’M GONNA GET MARRIED
TO KYOKO! I’M GONNA BE PART OF KYOKO KIRIGIRI’S FAMILY!
Composing herself, she removed her face from Makoto’s chest and wiped away her tears on her
wrist before frowning and starting “There’s just on thing I’m a little confused about…” Makoto
froze before Kyoko explained “When you proposed to me, you asked me if I would let you join my
family. Perhaps I’m reading too much into this…but did you have a special meaning behind that
part of your request?”
Makoto started to sweat, becoming nervous as he admitted “Ano…yes, there is a special meaning.
You see, I…”
“Makoto.” Makoto clammed up as Kyoko placed her hand on his cheek, stroking it with her thumb
as she smiled reassuringly at him and promised “You don’t have to be nervous. Whatever it is you
want to say, I promise I won’t think ill of you for it. Now, what did you want to ask me when you
proposed?”
Nodding, Makoto took a deep breath and confessed “…I want to take your last name when we get
married.”
Kyoko’s eyes widened in shock and confusion as she asked “Makoto…why do you want to take
my last name? Your last name, the name Naegi…it’s one that has given me so much over the last
two years…and is one I would be honored to take as my own.”
Makoto sniffled, smiling gratefully at his fiancée as he told her “Kyoko…you have no idea how
happy I am to hear that. But…just as the name Naegi means so much to you…the name Kirigiri
means the world to me!”
“Makoto…”
The Ultimate Lucky Student smiled as he explained “I gained so much self-confidence…I got
friends…I learned how to lead…and most important of all…I found love! And it was all thanks to
a beautiful woman with the name Kirigiri! And…I know that you and your Grandfather take pride
in the legacy of the name Kirigiri. So…if I decided to give up my last name so you could keep
yours…then I could demonstrate how much I respect and value the name Kirigiri…the name that
allowed the woman I love to be born!”
Kyoko frowned and tried to assure him “Makoto…you don’t need to appease my Grandfather to
make me happy. It’s true that I’m proud of my heritage, but I’m not so proud anymore that I would
demand that you relinquish your identity to allow you to join me as my husband. I…”
“Kyoko…would you be proud of me if my last name was Kirigiri?”
Taken off guard, Kyoko stuttered “Ma…Makoto…I’m al…always proud of you…so of course I’d
be proud of you if you took on the name Kirigiri…”
“Then that settles it! I’m taking your last name when we get married!”
Kyoko sweatdropped, then sighed as she shook her head and guessed “…You’re not gonna budge
on this, are you?”
“Nope!” Makoto grinned in response.
Smiling in amusement, Kyoko acquiesced “Alright…you can take my last name when we get
married…but not a moment sooner! You need to savor your identity as a Naegi while you still
have it.”
Holding his hands in surrender at her serious stare, Makoto conceded “Alright, alright…” As
Kyoko relaxed into a smile, Makoto stood up and announced “…Guess there’s just one thing left to
do…”
Her head cocking in confusion, Kyoko stood up and asked “And what’s that, Makoto?”
Makoto scratched his cheek nervously as he admitted “I…ano…I haven’t actually asked your
Father for his permission yet…”
…That’s it?! Kyoko smirked as she teased “Oh? I would have thought that you would have done
that first!”
“Hey, I didn’t know if you’d say yes or not! I didn’t want to waste his time if you were gonna turn
me down!”
Sighing in exasperation, Kyoko told him “Makoto…the answer is always yes. You didn’t need to
worry about me rejecting you; I’ll never reject you, Makoto!”
“Kyoko…” Makoto brought her in for a hug, which she eagerly returned as he mumbled into her
shoulder “Thank you…thank you…”
Kyoko smiled lovingly, patting his back until he felt like he could separate from her, the boy
confessing “I’m…still a little nervous…about asking your Dad for his blessing…”
Kyoko smiled and told him “I don’t think you have anything to worry about. We’ve had the
occasional conversation since reconnecting, and the man practically idolizes you for befriending
me and loving me and helping us to reconnect.”
Makoto chuckled “You’re exaggerating…”
Rolling her eyes at Makoto’s denial, Kyoko returned “Then he’ll just have to prove you wrong.
First though…” Kyoko bent down, collecting the picnic basket and flower crowns in one hand
before standing up and suggesting “We should drop this picnic basket off in the kitchen and
dispose of its contents. Then we can drop off these flower crowns in our room. While we’re there,
you can wash up.”
“Wash…up…?” Makoto asked, confused at what she meant. I don’t stink…DO I?!
Seeing his confused, panicking expression, Kyoko reached inside her jacket, pulling out a hand
mirror from her pocket and holding it in front of his face and showing him “Here, look.”
Makoto blushed as purple as the lip marks stamped across his face, making Kyoko giggle as she
replaced the mirror and threaded their fingers, urging “So…shall we go talk to my Father about our
engagement?”
XXX
Present Day
“Wait, Kirigiri?” Kiki stared at her parents baffled as she exclaimed “But your married name is
Naegi! You took Daddy’s name, Mommy, not the other way around!”
Kyoko turned to her daughter and explained “It’s true that at first, your Father wanted to take my
last name to honor my heritage. But later on, we had another conversation and we agreed that I
would take his last name Naegi.” Seeing her daughter’s curious gaze, Kyoko answered “That’s a
story for another time, Kiki.”
Nodding, Kiki asked “So what happened when you went to talk to Grandpa Jin? Did he give you
his blessing, Daddy?”
“Well, after we dropped off the picnic basket and flower garlands and I washed your Mom’s kisses
off of my face, we went and knocked on your Grandpa Jin’s office and…”
XXX
April 11, 2016
*Knock Knock*
“Enter.”
Jin’s eyebrow raised in surprise as a rigid, nervous Makoto walked into his office, holding Kyoko’s
hand as they entered. Jin’s eyes flickered in curiosity as he noticed the purple band around her
finger before redirecting his attention to the young couple.
“Makoto, Kyoko, what can I do for you?”
Kyoko smiled and answered “Makoto wanted to come and ask you something.” Kyoko released
his hand and clapped him on the back, making him stumble as she nudged him forward,
encouraging “Go on, Makoto…ask him.”
Jin’s eyes widened in realization as he put two and two together before smiling softly at the
nervous Ultimate and nodding “Take a deep breath, Makoto. Relax, and ask me what you want
from me.”
Makoto nodded, taking a deep breath and began “Headmaster Kirigiri…I’ve been dating your
daughter for a long time now…and I’ve grown to love her so much! I can’t imagine a life without
her anymore, so I…” Makoto bowed the deepest bow he could as he pleaded “I’d like your
permission to marry Kyoko, sir!”
A brief silence passed, making Makoto worry that he had overstepped and angered Kyoko’s Father
by asking to marry her while they were so young.
Come on, Dad; don’t make Makoto more nervous than he already is! Kyoko sent her Father a
pleading stare before Jin smiled.
“I knew it…” Makoto gaped in surprise, standing up straight as Jin answered “The moment I saw
the ring on Kyoko’s finger and she told me you wanted to ask me something, I knew you had
wanted to ask my permission to marry her.” Jin adjusted his gaze to look at Kyoko as he asked “I
assume Makoto has already proposed to you?”
Kyoko nodded “Yes, he has…and I accepted.”, the Ultimate Detective barely keeping her stoic
mask in place.
Jin nodded and turned back to Makoto, telling him “Makoto, I appreciate that you wanted to follow
tradition and ask for my permission to marry Kyoko, but she’s a grown woman and doesn’t need
her Father’s permission to marry. Even if she weren’t a grown woman, I walked out on her years
ago in a moment of anger. I have no right to weigh in on any of her personal decisions.”
Makoto opened his mouth to object, only to remain silent as Jin held up his hand. Makoto nodded
and allowed Jin to continue.
“If you truly want my opinion however…” Jin smiled and continued “You befriended my daughter
and opened her heart. You helped her to make friends, and you even went so far as to save her life
multiple times. And most important of all…you gave her something she was lacking for a
decade…you gave her love. For everything you’ve done for her Makoto…how could I be anything
less than ecstatic as the prospect of you asking to marry her?”
Makoto gaped in awe as he stuttered “You…you mean…”
“…I can’t give you my permission, because you don’t need it, but…” Jin beamed as he finished “I
would be happy to give you my blessing and accept you as my son-in-law.”
Kyoko stepped forward, nudging the teary-eyed, beaming Makoto with her elbow as she pointed
out “See? I told you he idolizes you!”
Nodding, Makoto wiped his eyes on his sleeve and bowed respectfully, replying “Thank you so
much, Headmaster Kirigiri! I promise, I’ll make the Kirigiri family proud as Kyoko’s husband!”
At this, Jin’s head cocked in confusion as he asked “Make the Kirigiri family proud?”
Kyoko answered right away, explaining “He wants to take our last name instead of having me take
the name Naegi.” Seeing her Father open his mouth, Kyoko interjected “Don’t bother trying to
convince him otherwise, Dad. I’ve already tried. He’s adamant on honoring our family legacy by
taking on our last name.”
Jin’s mouth closed before his lips stretched into a beaming smile, the Headmaster closing his eyes
as he remarked “To go so far as to sacrifice your own last name to honor Kyoko’s heritage…I truly
couldn’t have picked a better husband for Kyoko if I had tried!” Jin opened his eyes, nodding “If
that’s what your heart desires, Makoto…I’d be more than happy to welcome you into the Kirigiri
family!”
“Th…thank you, sir! I…”
Jin interrupted Makoto by shaking his head and rejecting “Uh-uh, no Sir, and no Headmaster or
Mr. Kirigiri! You’re my son-in-law, Makoto, so you can call me Dad from now on, okay?”
Makoto beamed in shocked joy as he nodded “Thank you…Dad.” That’s gonna take some getting
used to…
Jin nodded, replying “Good…now that we’ve gotten that out of the way…”
Jin reached under his desk, pulling out a single bottle of alcohol and three small goblets before
uncorking the bottle and pouring a small amount of wine in each one.
“Let’s toast to your wedding with a drink, shall we?”

“B…but sir…sorry, Dad, we’re only nineteen! We’re not old enough to drink!”
Jin chuckled “Come now, Makoto, I’m not going to get you in trouble for underage drinking.
Besides,” Jin smiled wistfully as he revealed “This was Hibiki’s favorite wine to drink.”
“M…Mom’s…?” Kyoko uttered in surprise.
Jin nodded, confirming “That’s right, we had it at our wedding. After she died, I made sure to
procure a couple of bottles for safekeeping. I gave one to Koichi Kizakura in case you had a
special occasion that I was unable to attend so that he could share it with you in my stead. I’ll send
him a message later and tell him to save it for your actual wedding instead. For now though, I can’t
think of a better reason to drink than to toast to your marriage.”
Seeing Kyoko slowly nod in acceptance, Makoto caved “Oh…okay…”
Jin smiled as he handed them their respective goblets before they clinked their drinks together and
exclaimed “Kanpai!” before drinking their beverages.
As Jin collected the goblets and put them back on his desk, a light bulb went on in his head as he
declared “You know, this is too happy of an occasion for just one drink.”
“D…Dad!” Makoto exclaimed “You’re not insisting we drink the whole bottle, are you?!”
Chuckling, Jin shook his head and answered “No, nothing like that. I’m not Koichi after all. But
we need to throw you all a proper engagement party.”
“A…an Engagement Party?!”
Jin nodded, grinning as he got up and walked around them towards his doors, throwing them open
as he cheered “Come on; let’s go tell your other classmates so they can celebrate with us!”
“D…Dad, wait!”
Alas, he was gone, the engaged couple sweatdropping as they realized that their Father hadn’t
heard their call.
Kyoko sighed, then smiled in amusement as she admitted “I suppose…we are due for an
engagement party…”
Makoto nodded, smiling softly as he agreed “Yeah…although if we’re going to have a party…I’d
rather be a little more dressed up than jeans and a hoodie.”
Kyoko nodded “Agreed…in that case, shall we go to our room and change while we still have
some peace and quiet? We could wear the outfits we wore on that dinner date before Mondo told
everyone we were dating.”
Makoto grinned “Sure, I’d like that. So, shall we go?”
Kyoko giggled at the use of her catchphrase and nodded, threading their fingers together as they at
last left their Father’s office, looking forward to their engagement party.
XXX
Present Day
“Cool!” Kiki cheered “Not only did Grandpa Jin give you his blessing, he threw you an
engagement party too!”
Makoto nodded, smiling at the memory as he confirmed “That’s right, he did. While your Mother
and I were getting changed, he went and told everyone that we had gotten engaged, and that we
needed to throw together a party to celebrate. Somehow, Taka managed to throw a little thing
together, and before we knew it, we were gathered in the Gym, sitting around different tables
and…”
XXX
April 11, 2016
“Dude! Way to go!” Leon grinned as he and Sayaka stood next to the lucky boy, who smiled
bashfully at them before looking up at the hastily, yet professional multicolored banner hanging
from the ceiling that read “CONGRATULATIONS MR. AND MRS. KIRIGIRI!” Leon rubbed
the back of his neck and continued “Seriously, I can’t believe you and Kyoko are already going to
get hitched! Babe and I really have some catching up to do!”
Sayaka gave her boyfriend an amused smile and shook her head, chastising playfully “Leon, just
because Makoto and Kyoko decided they’re ready to get engaged doesn’t mean we have to rush to
catch up with them. Let’s enjoy life a little bit!”
Leon chuckled sheepishly as he admitted “You’re right babe, I’m not ready to get married either…
I’m just jealous of you, dude!”
“Me too!” Mondo grinned as he, Taka, and Chihiro approached, the Ultimate Biker Gang Leader
telling him “I’m still on a losing streak, while you totally hit it out of the park!”
Chihiro smiled and patted Mondo’s back, cheering him up “Don’t worry Mondo; someday you’ll
find someone who likes you!”
Makoto nodded in agreement, then looked at Taka and thanked “Thanks for throwing this party
together for us, Taka! Kyoko and I really appreciate this.”
Taka saluted as he replied “As our Class Representative, you and Kyoko deserve the best we can
offer, Professor Makoto!”
“Without a doubt!” Hifumi declared as he made his way over to Makoto’s table. “You and Miss
Kirigiri’s affection stat is officially at MAX! Throwing this party is the least we can do to
celebrate your class change Mr. Nae…I mean, Mr. Kirigiri!”
Makoto chuckled and shook his head, assuring him “It’s okay, Hifumi. My name’s still Naegi until
the wedding.”
Chihiro’s brow furrowed in curiosity as he remarked “Hey, where is Kyoko anyway? Weren’t you
two sitting together as the future bride and groom?”
“We were, but she’s dancing with her Dad right now.”
They all looked over to the center of the room, where Kyoko and Jin were dancing together, doing
a simple waltz as Jin stared into his daughter’s eyes, exuding a paternal warmth that made Kyoko
feel at peace.
“I’m so proud of you, Kyoko. You and Makoto both. I love you, Kyoko…”
“Dad…Daddy…I love you too, Daddy…” Kyoko breathed, the two Kirigiris staying silent as they
enjoyed the moment, feeling like a true family once again.
After finishing their dance, they shared a brief hug before separating and walking back to the table
where Makoto was sitting. As Kyoko took her seat next to her fiancé, Jin extended his hand,
causing Makoto to look at his Father-in-law in curiosity.
“Makoto would you care to dance too? I know normally it would be your Mother dancing with
you at your wedding, but since she’s not here to celebrate with us, I hope that I can stand in for her,
at least for tonight.”
Headma…D…Dad…
Kyoko nudged him with her elbow, smiling encouragingly as she urged “Go on, Makoto. You
have fun with Dad.”
Beaming, Makoto nodded, taking Jin’s hand as he stood up. Before they could walk away, Leon
called out “Hey dude, don’t forget to make me your best man at the wedding!”
Makoto chuckled “Sure thing, Leon” before he left, Kyoko watching as her fiancé followed her
Father to the dance floor before they began to waltz.
Leon rubbed the back of his neck as he announced “I’m uhh…gonna go grab some juice. See you
back at our table, Sayaka?”
Sayaka nodded “Sure thing, Leon. I’ll be right with you after I’m done talking with Kyoko.”
“Cool! See you later, babe!” Leon grinned before walking away, the other boys making similar
remarks as they migrated back to their original tables.
Sayaka smiled at Kyoko and remarked “We’re all really happy for you and Makoto. Leon even
joked about how we have a lot of catching up to do.”
Kyoko chuckled and replied “Is that so? Still, I wouldn’t rush things. In a world without the
Tragedy, we probably would have proceeded a bit more leisurely before rooming together and
getting married.” As the two girls giggled to themselves, Kyoko mused “It’s interesting…if
Makoto had gotten the guts to ask you out a little bit earlier…perhaps you would be in my
shoes…”
Sayaka smiled and nodded “Perhaps…but in the end, he chose you and I don’t think either of us
would have it any other way.” As Kyoko nodded in agreement, Sayaka teased “Just make sure I
get to be one of your bridesmaids.”
Kyoko nodded “It’s a deal. You and Hina and Sakura can all be my bridesmaids.”
“Hina will be ecstatic to hear that…” Kyoko and Sayaka turned their heads to see Sakura making
her way over to their table, smiling gratefully as she finished “As am I, Kyoko. You’ve found true
love with Makoto, and I am grateful that you want me to play a part in your day of holy
matrimony.”
Kyoko nodded and reminded the Ultimate Martial Artist “You helped me process my own feelings
and became a trusted confidant when I needed to discuss my feelings privately. You’ve become
one of my best friends, Sakura; there’s no reason I wouldn’t want you by my side at my wedding.”
Sakura smiled, thanking “Thank you, Kyoko. Kenshiro and I can’t wait until we can celebrate
your wedding.”
“Indeed, and what a wedding it will be…” Kyoko turned towards the sound of the high-pitched
giggle and saw Celeste walking towards their table. “Just leave it to me, Kyoko…I’ll make sure
your wedding becomes an event worthy of European royalty.”
…I’m not sure I want my wedding to be Gothic-themed… Kyoko deadpanned, but kept that thought
to herself. Instead, she gave a small smile and nodded “Thank you, Celeste. It’s comforting to
have all of you here to celebrate my engagement to Makoto.”
Sayaka nodded, pointing out “Yeah, except for Junko and Mukuro. I mean…it’s not exactly a
secret Mukuro liked Makoto, so I can imagine why she might not be ecstatic about him getting
engaged…”
Celeste nodded “Indeed, though I am surprised that Junko didn’t come. This seems like the kind of
event that she lives for and would love to make all about her.”
As the other girls nodded, Kyoko’s eyes closed as she pondered It is strange…why aren’t Junko
and Mukuro here? Like Celeste said, this kind of thing is what Junko lives for. And even if
Mukuro’s not ecstatic about the fact that Makoto’s getting married, I figured she would have come
to make Makoto happy…
Kyoko’s thoughts were interrupted as Sayaka decided “Ah, their loss. Come on guys, let’s enjoy
ourselves!” As the others nodded, Sayaka announced “Well, I’m going to go back with Leon. I’ll
see you later, Kyoko.”
As the other girls made similar remarks, Kyoko bid them farewell and focused her gaze on her
fiancé, smiling and letting her concerns about Junko and Mukuro dissipate as she watched him
waltz with her Father.
Jin smiled, resisting the urge to chuckle as Makoto stumbled in an attempt to keep up with his
Father-in-law.
“Should I slow down my pace a little bit, son?”
Makoto blushed in embarrassment as he declined “Tha…that’s not necessary Headma…D…Dad…

sorry, I’m just a little nervous, and I guess…it hasn’t quite sunk in yet that you’re gonna be my
Father…”
As Makoto looked down in embarrassment, Jin patted his back and assured him “…We’ll get
there…you know, when I welcomed you into Hope’s Peak Academy during your orientation, I had
no idea I’d be talking to my future son-in-law.”
Makoto chuckled “Yeah, me neither…”
Jin smiled and continued “But looking back on the past two years…I wouldn’t have it any other
way.”
“Yeah, me neither, and I promise I’ll do right by Kyoko.”
“I know you will.” Jin gripped Makoto tighter in their waltz as he told him with the utmost
seriousness in his tone “I love you, Makoto.”
Gasping, tears fell from Makoto’s eyes as he returned “I…I love you too, Dad…”
No more words needed to be said as they continued to waltz on the dance floor, the two of them
silently bonding as Father and son. Eventually they separated, Makoto wiping his tears on his
sleeve before he followed Jin back to the table where Kyoko sat.
“Did you two have fun?”
Makoto nodded “Yeah…Dad and I had a fun time…would you mind…dancing with me too? It is
our engagement party, and it wouldn’t do to end the night without a dance.”
Beaming, Kyoko nodded “I’d love to, Makoto.”
Taking his hand, she stood up and let him lead her onto the dance floor. Once they had reached the
middle, they turned to face each other as Kyoko wrapped her arms around his neck and Makoto
wrapped his around her waist. Once they had gotten comfortable, Kyoko began to pull him with
her as they swayed back and forth, making a simple rocking motion that left them feeling an inner
peace that made all of their worries and anxieties vanish.
Smiling gratefully at her, Makoto told her “Thank you for agreeing to marry me, Kyoko. You’ve
made me happier than I’ve ever been before.” Sighing, he admitted “…I just wish Mom and Dad
and Komaru were here to see this.”
Kyoko leaned down to kiss his hair before whispering in his ear “I promise, Makoto, once it’s safe
to go outside, we’ll find them and tell them the good news. Then we can have them participate in
our wedding and we’ll all be one big happy family.” Kyoko chuckled as she mused “One big
happy family…I never thought I’d hear myself say that I’d be part of a big, happy family, but here
we are…”
Cheered up, Makoto looked up into her eyes and smiled, nodding “Yeah, we’ll be one big happy
family, especially once Grandfather learns that I’ve decided to take your name.”
Still doubtful that Fuhito would be quite as warm to Makoto as they hoped he would, Kyoko
chucked “Well, you are nothing if not optimistic…but that’s just one thing I love about you. I love
you, Makoto Kirigiri.”
“I…I love you too, Kyoko Kirigiri…” Makoto breathed before standing on his toes to kiss his
fiancée.
Bending down so Makoto wouldn’t have to keep standing on his toes, Kyoko returned his soft kiss,
the two of them closing their eyes as everything else seemed to disappear, the two of them lost in
their own little world as their lips caressed and assured each other, sending sparks of love to their
hearts.
All good things had to come to an end however, and eventually they had to part for air. After
opening their eyes, Makoto stared into Kyoko’s loving eyes as he refilled his lungs. Without
another word, Makoto buried his head into her breasts, nuzzling her in another gesture of love.
Kyoko merely smiled lovingly at him and slid her hands down to rest on his back, continuing to
sway him back and forth as she began to murmur just loud enough for him to hear.
“I love you Makoto, I love you Makoto, I love you, Makoto.”
Kyoko repeated this mantra, making Makoto close his eyes and grin against her dress as they
swayed back and forth. Eventually, they separated, Makoto and Kyoko finally releasing each other
as they smiled lovingly at each other.
Seeing the fatigue in Makoto’s eyes, Kyoko suggested “Perhaps we should call it a night and head
to bed. Would you like to carry me back to our room, like you carried me when you saved me
from the fire?”
Grinning, Makoto moved his arms under her knees and shoulders, gripping them tightly before,
with some effort, hoisting his fiancée into his arms, cradling her lovingly and protectively in his
grip. Smiling at Makoto, Kyoko wrapped her arms around his neck again, pulling his head down
and drawing him into a soft kiss as Makoto tried to navigate out of the gym. His classmates smiled
in amusement, while Jin beamed at his daughter and son-in-law’s romantic exit.
“Happy engagement, Kyoko. Welcome to the Kirigiri family, Makoto.”
XXX
Present Day
Kiki sniffled, wiping the joyful tears from her eyes as she breathed “That was…so beautiful!”
Makoto and Kyoko nodded, smiling bashfully at each other Kyoko agreed “It was…for that
moment in time…it seemed like nothing could go wrong.” And how wrong we were…
Kiki nodded before asking hesitantly “Um…is that…the end of your story?”
Makoto shook his head and answered “Not yet, pumpkin. We still have one more night of story
time before our tale is complete.” Although by the time we’re done, you might just wish we had
omitted it.
“YAY!” Kiki cheered, blissfully ignorant of her parents’ thoughts before their conflicted faces
settled back into loving smiles.
Kiki yawned, making Makoto remark “I think it’s time for you to go to bed, kiddo.”
“Yeah…it’s…” *yawn* “…past my bedtime…”
“Never thought I’d hear you say that, Kiki…”
“Hey…I can be tired, too…”
Kiki yawned one last time before closing her eyes and collapsing against her parents’ chests, softly
snoring in slumber. Makoto and Kyoko smiled lovingly at their snoozing daughter before
reluctantly nodding and easing her off their chests, cradling her with their hands until they were
able to pull back the sheets and lay her on the mattress.
Once Kyoko rested Kiki’s head on her pillow, Makoto and Kyoko reached for the sheets and
draped them over her body. Placing their right pointer fingers over their lips, Makoto and Kyoko
smiled before quietly tiptoeing outside, taking one last look over their shoulders to smile at Kiki
before they closed the door together, leaving the girl to slumber alone.
XXX
Makoto and Kyoko moaned as they clawed at each other’s naked bodies, their legs tangled together
as their pajamas lay scattered around their bed on the floor. Everything else seemed to disappear
around them as they lost themselves in their passionate, sensual kiss as they sought to relive the
night of their initial engagement.
XXX
April 11, 2016
Makoto and Kyoko finally broke their kiss as he awkwardly opened the door to their room,
stepping in and kicking the door closed behind him before, with one last mutual giggle, they
released each other. Makoto set Kyoko down on her feet and Kyoko unwrapped her arms from his
neck.
“So…shall we take turns showering before we head for bed?”
“Yeah…you can…hey, what’s that?”
“Hm?”
Kyoko turned her gaze and followed Makoto’s gaze, the boy pointing to a black box on the side
table, obscured by a single handwritten note.
“I wonder what this is…” Makoto pondered “And who could have left it here?” Makoto’s eyes
widened as he removed the note, taking in the gold font label on the front of the box as he
exclaimed “What the…WHO WOULD LEAVE A BOX OF CONDOMS IN OUR ROOM?!”
“…I have a theory…” Kyoko grudgingly admitted, blushing in embarrassment as she instructed
“Read the note. We’ll know for sure who left it once you do.” Although besides me, only one
other person in the school should have a skeleton key…
“O…okay…” Makoto took a deep breath before he began reading.
“Dear Makoto and Kyoko,
I dropped these off in your room during the party. I guessed that since the sheltering plan, you
hadn’t procured any birth control, and I wanted you to be able to enjoy your engagement night to
the fullest, so I had these stored away in case of emergencies. Consider it my engagement present
to the two of you. Have fun and enjoy yourselves, but remember that your walls aren’t soundproof.
Love, Papa”
Makoto blushed furiously, trying to process the fact that his Father-in-law had given them
condoms and encouraged them to have sex.
Kyoko meanwhile pinched the bridge of her nose, her cheeks as red as her fiancé’s as she groaned
in a whisper “Oh, Dad…”
“So ano…what should we do…?” Makoto asked hesitantly. “Do you want to go straight to sleep
or…”
Sighing one last time, Kyoko gave an exasperated smile before turning to her fiancé and admitted
“Well…it is our engagement night.” She continued as she walked over to the light switch and
turned off the lights “While we’re have the supplies, we should…consummate it.”
“Y…you mean…?!”
Nodding, Kyoko grinned mischievously as she replied huskily “Come here, Makoto…” Makoto
obeyed, slowly marching over to Kyoko as she suggested “Let’s make love, my beloved fiancé!”
“Kyoko…MMPH!”
XXX
Makoto panted against Kyoko’s neck, still coming down from his sexual high as Kyoko caressed
his back lovingly, no longer ruled by her sexual desires.
“Kami…that was…I’ve never felt…so much pleasure!”
Kyoko smiled and replied as she reached down with her free hand and pulled the condom off of his
now flaccid cock, tossing it to the side of the bed “Neither have I…”
Indeed, even though they had made love a handful of times in the past, they had never put as much
love and passion for each other in their sexual activities as they did tonight. Indeed, tonight was
the night they solidified their bond as future husband and future wife. Once the aftermath of his
sexual pleasure had left him and his lungs refilled with oxygen, Makoto grinned as he nuzzled his
face against Kyoko’s breasts.
Kyoko moved her hand up to stroke his hair, her touch acting as a lullaby as Makoto purred,
tightening his grip around her waist as Kyoko cooed “You seem exhausted…get some sleep,
sweetie. You’ve earned it.”
Makoto yawned, nodding against her and whisper-yawned “…You too…good night, Kyoko…I…I
love you…”
Kyoko continued to stroke his hair, smiling as she cooed “I love you too, Makoto…good night…”
At last closing her eyes, Kyoko followed her fiancé into dreamland, the two smiling against each
other as her hand settled on the back of his fuzzy head, dreaming about their soon-to-be married
lives together.
Little did they know that it would be ripped away from them the very next day.
Despair Arc Chapter Sixteen: Welcome to Despair!
Chapter Summary
Makoto and Kyoko wake up after their engagement night, only to find everyone's
disappeared. What oculd have happened to them?
Chapter Notes
Alright, here we are at the final Despair Arc Chapter! All we have left is the Epilogue
tomorrow, and this fic will finally be complete! Please read and comment below, and
let me know your thoughts on Despair Arc overall as well as your thoughts on this
chapter specifically. Thank you, and enjoy!
Present Day
As the three of them got settled, Makoto began “Alright, Kiki, this is the final night of our story.
Be sure to brace yourself because the ending is a bit of a rollercoaster, okay?”
Looking at her Father with a curious expression, Kiki cautiously nodded and replied “…Okay,
Daddy. So…what happened after your engagement party?”
“Well, your Mother and I had just woken up, and…”
XXX
April 12, 2016
“Wakey wakey…wakey wakey, Kirigiri…”
Makoto groaned, his eyes fluttering open as he yawned. Once his vision came into focus, he
looked up to see Kyoko’s beaming face, the Ultimate Detective staring down at him lovingly as
she stroked his hair.
*Yawn* “Good…good morning, Kyoko…”
His eyes wandered down, then widened at seeing Kyoko’s naked breasts pressing against his
equally naked chest. Memories of their engagement night rushed through his brain, making him
gasp and blush.
“Kami…did we really…last night…?”
Kyoko grinned, glancing to the engagement ring that was sitting on the small table next to their
bed as she confirmed “That’s correct, Makoto. You proposed to me the other day, and we got
engaged. Then our friends threw us a party to celebrate…and we had quite the night…and I’ve
never been happier!”
Makoto smiled softly at his fiancée, then looked over to the engagement ring he had hastily crafted
for her before assuring her “Sorry if the ring is a little crude…I promise, once we get out of here
I’ll buy you a better one…”
Kyoko shook her head and told him “Makoto, I love the ring you gave me just fine; you poured
your heart and soul into making it, and that means more to me than any amount of expensive
jewelry. If you really want to get me a new one, then I won’t stop you, but you don’t need to
either, because I’m happy with what I’ve got.”
“Kyoko…” Makoto looked back at his fiancée and compromised “I’ll…think about it until stores
open up again…then I’ll make my decision on whether or not to buy you a new ring.”
Kyoko smiled, nodding in acceptance before releasing him from her grasp and suggesting “Well…
what do you say we get dressed and meet everyone for breakfast?”
Makoto nodded “Sure, that sounds nice.”
With that, they slid out of bed and went to get dressed, sneaking some last-minute peeks at each
other’s naked bodies before they became obscured by their clothes.
XXX
Makoto tapped his foot impatiently as they sat at their usual table in the strangely empty Dining
Hall. They had entered an hour ago and were greeted by an empty cafeteria. Although they found
it odd, they chalked up the Dining Hall’s emptiness to everyone being tired from the Engagement
Party and decided to wait for them. Yet even after an hour, nobody showed up, worrying the
newly engaged Luckster.
“Man…where is everybody? It’s too late for all of them to be sleeping in, and I doubt they all had
to go to the bathroom at the same time!”
A feeling of dread rushed through Kyoko’s heart, causing her to bite her lip in anxiousness as she
started to fear the worst. This didn’t go unnoticed by her fiancé, who frowned and looked up at her
with worried eyes.
“Kyoko…are you okay?”
Immediately going into Detective mode, Kyoko replaced her anxious expression with the stoic
mask that she had gradually abandoned after being saved by Makoto before standing up, startling
her fiancé.
“I think we should start searching for our classmates.”
Nodding, Makoto stood up and agreed “Yeah…let’s start with the dorms…just in case they really
did oversleep.”
“At the very least, we can discard the possibility if your optimism proves to be false. So, shall we
go?”
Not waiting for his response, Kyoko immediately made her way to the doors, throwing them open
before walking into the halls.
“Hey, Kyoko, wait up!”
XXX
“You start on this end, Makoto. Ring everyone’s doorbells and call their names through the door.
I’ll do the same thing on the other side. We’ll meet in front of Hina’s door once you stop at her
room.”
Makoto nodded, watching as his fiancée run around the corner and out of view. Sighing, he ran
over to the first door on the left, ringing the doorbell as he called out.
“Taka? Are you in there? It’s Makoto…you’re late for breakfast!” Yet not even a peep could be
heard from his room, making Makoto sigh “I was sure that’d get him up and moving…”
Realizing that further bell ringing was a lost cause in Taka’s case, Makoto zipped back and forth
between the doors in the hall, calling out each occupant’s name as he rang their doorbells.
“Mondo? Byakuya? Sayaka? Toko? Junko? Mukuro? Celeste? Chihiro?”
Meanwhile, Kyoko had just arrived at Hifumi’s door, and after ringing his doorbell, called out
“Hifumi? Are you awake?”
Yet not even a peep could be heard from Hifumi’s door. Sighing, she proceeded to the next three
doors and rang their doorbells while calling out their names as she approached each one.
“Hiro? Leon? Sakura?”
When even the Ultimate Martial Artist didn’t answer, Kyoko frowned and muttered “That’s
strange…I’d imagine she’d be the first one up…she always says she gets restless if she doesn’t
exercise…”
“Hina? Hina, are you there?”
Hearing Makoto’s voice, she walked over and saw him calling Hina’s name and ringing her
doorbell.
“Any luck?” She asked as she approached him, only for him to shake his head.
“No; nobody answered. I don’t suppose you got any answers?” Seeing her shake her head,
Makoto became visibly distressed as he asked “Kyoko, what’s going on here? I can’t figure this
out! Last night we were all smiling and having fun at our engagement party…and now they’ve all
disappeared!”
All…all… Kyoko’s eyes widened as she latched onto Makoto’s last sentence, coming to a
realization. “No…not all of us were there. Junko and Mukuro were noticeably absent from our
engagement party.”
His eyes widening in shock, Makoto exclaimed “Wait…you’re not suggesting that…”
Nodding, Kyoko elaborated “I thought it was strange that they didn’t come…Junko lives for
parties like that, and Mukuro follows here like a dog on a leash. But I ignored the alarms because I
was so happy about being engaged to you that my…detective instincts were…elsewhere…”
Nodding, Makoto asked hesitantly “So…what do we do?”
Kyoko reached into her jacket and pulled out her skeleton key, swinging the keyring around her
finger as she answered “We go and investigate their room.”
Gaping, Makoto objected as she started walking “B…but…that’s an invasion of privacy!”

Without even turning to look back at him, Kyoko retorted “Makoto, all of our classmates seem to
be missing, and right now, Junko and Mukuro’s room may provide the only lead we have to find
them. Now are you coming to help me investigate or not?”
After hesitating for a moment, Makoto grabbed his head and shrieked “Ohh, I hate this!” before
running after his fiancée to catch up with her.
XXX
“What…the…hell?!” Makoto gaped as he took in Junko and Mukuro’s room.
The room had two distinct styles, dividing the room in half. On the left sat one bed, decorated with
fancy sheets and blankets, with pictures from various photoshoots adorning the walls. On the left
side however, sat a much plainer bed with numerous guns, swords, and grenades hanging on the
walls. Indeed, the room was reflective of Junko and Mukuro’s talents. What caught Makoto’s eye
however was a treasure chest on Mukuro’s side against her closet, and about ten or so statues
against Junko’s closet.
“Are those…giant teddy bears?”
“…It would…appear so…” Kyoko confirmed as she took in the various bears on Junko’s side.
They all shared the same design, black on the left and white on the right. Its mouth grinned on the
left side in a Cheshire grin, made even creepier by the red eye just above it that was stylized after
Hope’s Peak Academy’s emblem. Its right side had a completely normal eye and mouth that could
be found on any stuffed teddy bear, but this only made them creepier to the Ultimate Lucky
Student.
“What are these things? They look really creepy, and why does Junko have them?” Makoto
wondered as he approached them, kneeling on the floor in front of one of the bears.
“Somehow, I don’t think this is simply Junko’s warped sense of humor at work…” Kyoko
kneeled next to him and cautiously placed a hand on one of the bears, rubbing it to get a feel for its
texture before she concluded “This has a metallic texture…I don’t think these are simple plushies
or sculptures…in fact, I’d say these were designed as robots.”
“R…Robots?! But where did they get robots?!”
“I don’t know…” Kyoko admitted as she began to inspect the robots. “Wait…these screws…they
have the Hope’s Peak Academy logo on them.” Kyoko looked to the side and exclaimed “Look,
Makoto! There’s a wrench and a screwdriver that have the same logo right next to the bear.”
Makoto’s eyes widened as he exclaimed “Wait! Are you saying that these things were made inside
of Hope’s Peak?”
Kyoko nodded “Indeed; that’s the only way Junko and Mukuro could have these robots in their
room.”
“B…but where did they get all the parts! I doubt they could have gotten the resources smuggled in
from outside, and could they really have made these on the inside?”
Inside…inside… Kyoko’s eyes widened as she realized “Makoto, recall a few months ago when
Junko suggested we start looking for supplies and create a communal pile for us to share. I don’t
think she was thinking of the class’s welfare when she made that suggestion for us to look for
resources every day.”
Makoto’s eyes widened as he gasped “A…are you saying…?”
Kyoko nodded “If she were the only one gathering these parts, then she would have looked very
suspicious hauling them to her room. But by suggesting we all form a communal resource pile to
share…she was able to build these bears from the parts we gathered right under our noses.”
“B…but why did she need a bunch of robot teddy bears?!”
“I don’t know…some further investigation might be required.”
Makoto nodded “Right, I think I see a hatch on the back. I’ll open it and see what’s inside.”
“Okay, just be care…”
“UWAAHHHHH!” Makoto screamed as he stumbled backwards, getting as far away from the
bear as possible. Before Kyoko could ask what was wrong, Makoto shakily pointed at the bear and
shouted “B…B…B…BOMB!”
“What?!” Kyoko gasped before crawling around to its backside and looking at the open hatch.
Surely enough, directly in its center was a large red sphere with a black fuse attached to it, making
Kyoko frown as she confirmed “You’re right, it is a bomb. Based on its size, it’s likely powerful
enough to kill someone if they stood in the blast radius. I wouldn’t be surprised if there’s one in all
of these robots.”
Gaping in shock, Makoto stuttered “B…but…why did Junko put BOMBS in these things anyway?
And how did she get BOMBS in the first place?!”
Pondering the question, Kyoko deduced “Whatever these robots are for, she probably didn’t want
anyone disassembling or destroying them, hence the need for explosives. As for how she got
them…Mukuro is probably skilled with making her own grenades from scratch. She probably
magnified that talent to create these bombs for Junko.”
“B…but why…why would they do that?!”
Shaking her head, Kyoko admitted “I don’t know…regardless, the presence of explosives makes
further investigation too dangerous to continue with these bears. We’d better leave them alone
until we can get someone to safely defuse them.”
Makoto nodded, standing up shakily before shifting his gaze towards the treasure chest and
remarking “Then the only thing left to investigate is that chest over there…” Walking towards it,
he frowned and remarked “It looks like something out of the Legend of Zelda…”
Nodding, Kyoko stood up and approached him, advising “Just be careful, Makoto. We have no
idea what’s in that chest.”
Nodding, Makoto started to sweat nervously as he gripped the sides of the chest, shaking as he bit
his lip and, after a moment of hesitation, threw the lid open.
“AAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!” Makoto screamed as he fell on his rear, struck by shock,

confusion, and terror.
Kneeling beside him and placing her hand on his shoulder, Kyoko urged “Makoto, what is it?
What’s inside the chest?”
Makoto shakily pointed at the chest and screamed “C…C…CO…COR…
COOOORPPPSSSEEEEE!”
“What?! A corpse?!” Seeing Makoto nod, Kyoko stood up and gingerly approached the chest,
peering inside.
True to Makoto’s word, Kyoko found a disassembled skeleton lying inside the chest, the bones
looking too real and unique to be the mass-produced fake variety found in science classrooms.
“I doubt it’s any of our classmates…even if they were dead, decomposition wouldn’t have begun so
soon. I’d say this corpse is at least months old…Hm?”
Kyoko’s eyes widened as she pulled out a simple pink backpack with a kitten head on top facing
the back. She turned around and held it up for Makoto to see.
His eyes widened as he exclaimed “Th…that’s…that’s Chiaki’s backpack!”
Closing her eyes for a split second, she gazed towards the chest and concluded “Then there can be
no doubt; this is Chiaki’s corpse in this chest.”
Makoto gasped, his eyes widening in shock as he realized “But…but that means…”
Kyoko nodded solemnly “Yes, Junko and Mukuro murdered Chiaki Nanami, then stashed her
corpse in their room. That, combined with the robot bears explains why they never allowed
anyone in their room once the Tragedy started. In fact, they’re probably the ones who
masterminded the Tragedy in the first place.”
Makoto’s eyes widened in shock as he thought Junko and Mukuro…started the Tragedy?! Shaking
his head, Makoto tried to deny “No…there must be some kind of mistake! It has to be a
misunderstanding! Junko and Mukuro are our friends! Junko’s a fashionista, and yeah, she pulled
pranks that went too far a couple years ago, but she helped us get back together! And Mukuro,
sure, she’s the Ultimate Soldier, but she’s not a murderer!”
Kyoko sighed, dreading having to break his faith in his friends as she answered “If you don’t
believe in my deductions, then perhaps my Father’s office will have some clues that will settle
things.”
Instantly standing up, Makoto nodded “Yeah, your Dad should be able to clear things up! Let’s
go!”
…If I’m right, he won’t be there at all…Kyoko thought with dread as she watched Makoto march
out of Junko and Mukuro’s room. “For once…please…let my deduction be wrong…” Kyoko
prayed before following her boyfriend to her Father’s office to settle this mystery once and for all.
XXX
“Wha…what happened in here?!” Makoto gasped as he took in the disheveled office; documents
were scattered all across the floor, chairs were turned over, drawers were pulled out of the
Headmaster’s desk.
“So, as I suspected…Junko and Mukuro got to my Father too…and it appears that they
struggled…” Kyoko deduced as she closed her eyes, fighting to reign in her dread and worry over
her Father’s fate.
“Kyoko…” Makoto uttered, looking at his fiancée with concern as he asked “Are you…”
Brushing off his hand, she told him “…I’m fine. Let’s see if my Father left behind any evidence
that will speak to Junko and Mukuro’s guilt or innocence…”
Reluctantly, Makoto nodded, wandering over to the desk as Kyoko started to comb it for clues.
“Makoto, look at this.”
Makoto approached her as she held up a blue binder, looking over her shoulder as he read “Class
#78…Student Registry…?”
Kyoko nodded “That’s right; it contains profiles for all of us. It’s likely formed through a
combination of Koichi Kizakura’s scouting and my Father’s private observations of us. I’m sure
you’d be intrigued to know what the Headmaster thought of you, but since we could be on a time
limit, let’s focus on Mukuro and Junko’s profiles.”
Seeing him reluctantly nod, Kyoko turned to Mukuro’s profile and began to read.
“Mukuro reappeared suddenly, and in the background an entity floats, close but just out of reach.
The entity known as…the Ultimate Despair. Right now, I can’t be sure if this is a single person, or
some kind of group. Whatever it is, Mukuro definitely has some sort of connection to it. I have a
bad feeling about this. I need to push forward with my research into the Ultimate Despair.”
“The…the Ultimate Despair?!”
Kyoko nodded at Makoto and answered “It makes sense; the Tragedy started at Hope’s Peak
Academy, and since Despair is the antithesis of Hope, it would make sense for a group wanting to
destroy Hope’s Peak Academy to call themselves Despair. Mukuro’s connection to it must be
Junko; she’s the only person she regularly interacts with after all.”
As Makoto struggled to process this new information, Kyoko continued to read.
“And I need to pay attention to Mukuro’s behavior, too. This is just my gut feeling, but I think
she’s dangerous. Despite the countless battles she must have gone through as a member of
Fenrir…when she entered Hope’s Peak, she didn’t display any signs of battle wounds or scars.
That fact alone proves her tremendous skill in battle. Naturally, I want to believe in her. She’s one
of my students, after all. But if I decide she’s a danger to the other students…I will be forced to
take all reasonable measures.”
Tremendous skill in battle…yes, that much is true… Kyoko thought, pulling out her handbook and
a pen from her jacket as she began to write in it while reflecting back on their spars over the past
few months. If I’m right, and she is partially responsible for the Tragedy, then I…I may not be
strong enough…to defend Makoto or any of the others.
Kyoko’s worries about her capabilities against Mukuro were interrupted as she heard Makoto’s
knees give out, the boy collapsing on his rear as his face turned pale.
“I…I can’t believe it…this…this is…”
Kyoko sighed and reluctantly turned to face her distraught boyfriend, putting her notebook and pen
away before she explained “Makoto, think about it. Even my Father had suspicions; he knew that
Mukuro had a connection to this Ultimate Despair, and knowing that she largely interacts only with
her sister makes it likely that Junko is this connection.”
“Th…that’s not enough to…”

“The Tragedy had to be started by more than one person, at least two.” Kyoko continued, cutting
Makoto off “Even with her skill in battle, Mukuro couldn’t start a war against Hope’s Peak by
herself. She needed someone with such natural charisma and persuasive capabilities that could
convince the entire Reserve Course to rebel and riot against the Main Course and the faculty of
Hope’s Peak Academy.”
“That’s likely where Junko came in. Given her allure as the Ultimate Fashionista and her ability to
change personalities, that made her perfect for stirring up resentment and creating the Tragedy. In
fact…I think it’s safe to say that she was the Mastermind behind this, while Mukuro likely served
as the muscle she needed.”
Makoto gasped as he realized “S…so then…when she helped us get back together…”
Nodding, Kyoko confirmed “It wasn’t because she was concerned about us. She wanted to ensure
I was too distracted with my relationship with you in order to watch her objectively. It was to
prevent me from being a thorn in her side. And that’s not the only time she manipulated us…
Makoto, do you remember when she convinced us to talk about our loved ones on the outside, or
how she tricked us into divulging our secrets?”
Makoto turned completely pale, gripping his knees as he whispered “So she…she…she…”
“Junko probably did that to use our secrets and our loved ones against us for who knows what…she
manipulated all of us, and we fell for it because we considered her a friend.”
“So our…our families…they’re in danger…because of ME?!”
Kyoko’s eyes widened as she spun around to face the boy she loved. Makoto was beyond
distraught, tears streaming down his eyes as he hugged his legs while he buried his face in his
knees and cried.
“I trusted her…I was the first one to trust her…I always gave her the benefit of the doubt…and she
manipulated me into convincing everyone else to trust her! And now…all of our families are in
danger! Your Father’s in danger! Our classmates are in danger! It’s all my fault, Kyoko! I’m a
terrible friend! I’m a horrible son! I’m the worst big brother imaginable! And I’m a wretch of a
fiancé who doesn’t deserve to marry you!!!”
No, you’re not! You’re the greatest friend there is! You’re a wonderful son, to both of our
parents! You’re an incredibly kind brother to Komaru! And most importantly of all, you, my love,
are the best boyfriend and future husband any girl could ask for! Junko violated your trust! She
manipulated your faith in your friends for her own selfish schemes! You’re not to blame, my love!
That was what Kyoko wanted to say to her sobbing fiancé at that moment. She just wanted to drop
everything, to hug him in her arms and let him cry into her shoulder. She wanted to rock him in her
lap and whisper words of encouragement in her ear until his self-confidence was restored. But she
knew that they were potentially on a time limit, and that the longer they stayed, the greater chance
there was that they, her Father, and their friends could end up dead. So she settled by kneeling
before him and squeezing his shoulders.
The teary-eyed Makoto sniffled as he looked up at her before she said “Now’s no time to wallow in
your depression. If we can rescue my Father and our other classmates, then we still have a chance
to rally our forces and stop Junko and Mukuro. But for that to happen, we have to get moving,
now. If you really want to make them pay for what they’ve done, you need to let go of your guilt
for now.”
Makoto looked into her eyes, latching onto her words like an anchor before nodding. Letting go of
his shoulders, Kyoko watched as Makoto stood up, wiping the tears from his eyes on the sleeve on
his hoodie.
*Sniff* “Y…you’re right…sorry about that, Kyoko.” Makoto’s eyes narrowed as a fire of
determination blazed within his normally gentle green orbs as he exclaimed “Come on; we’ve got
to save Dad and the others! They’ve got to be around here somewhere! We just have to find
them!”
There’s my Makoto!
Kyoko nodded, allowing a small smile before settling her stoic mask back in place as she followed
Makoto to search the school for their classmates and their Father.
Don’t worry, Dad! We’ll save you and the others! Just hang on!
XXX
Present Day
“B…but…why…?” Kiki breathed, her face becoming as pale as her Father that day. “Why…
would Junko do that?! She sounded…nice…and fun…? And Mukuro…why would she help her?
I thought she liked Daddy!”
Makoto frowned, worried about how his daughter would take the truth about Junko, while Kyoko
hummed before explaining “That just goes to show how manipulative Junko really was. We told
you at the beginning that Junko wasn’t a good person, and now you know why. She manipulated
your Father’s kind heart to distract the rest of us from her plans, she manipulated me by using my
love for your Father to distract me from investigating her. And she likely manipulated Mukuro
into obeying her every command.”
“B…but…her feelings for Daddy…”
“Mukuro liked your Father, but for reasons I still don’t know, she was still loyal to Junko, and she
abused that loyalty and trust to persuade her to help begin the Tragedy and put us all in danger.”
“I…” Tears fell from Kiki’s face as she muttered “I…can barely believe it…why…why didn’t I see
this coming? Why didn’t I predict this…after she sent those bullies after Daddy?”
Makoto wrapped his arms around his daughter, pulling her against his front in a comforting hug
while Kyoko explained “Because you’re your Father’s daughter. The both of you like to believe
the best in everyone, to give them the benefit of the doubt. And normally that’s a quality that I
admire. But…there are times when it can leave you open to being manipulated, as your Father can
attest to.”
Makoto nodded, then said soothingly “But Kiki…I don’t ever want you to lose that quality of
yours…it’s part of what makes you Kiki. It’s okay to trust in others, just…be mindful of those who
might try to take advantage of you, okay?”
Kiki sniffled, then nodded as she wiped her eyes “O…okay, Daddy…”
Frowning, Makoto offered “…Do you want to stop, pumpkin? I don’t blame you if you want to
stop, and your Mother wouldn’t blame you either…”
Kiki shook her head, rejecting “N…no…I promised that I’d hear this story to the end, and Kiki
Naegi doesn’t break a promise.”
“…Okay, pumpkin.” Makoto leaned down to kiss her head, then turned to his wife and asked
“Kyoko, would you care to continue the story?”
Reluctantly nodding, Kyoko continued “After your Father found his resolve, we began to search
the rest of the fourth floor. Eventually we came across the Data Center, and when we got
inside…”
XXX
April 12, 2016
“What the…this wasn’t here before…” Makoto pointed out, baffled at the door on the inside of
the Data Center.
“Indeed…Junko must have added it in secret…though I doubt she could build a whole new room
behind it. She probably repurposed it from whatever function it used to serve…” Kyoko
commented as she scrutinized the door, stylized after the bears that they had found in Junko and
Mukuro’s room.
“Do you…do you think…your Dad and our classmates might be in there?” Makoto asked
hopefully.
Kyoko nodded “It’s possible; we won’t know for sure until we get inside.”
“Alright, well then…here goes nothing…” Makoto started as he reached for the doorknob, only for
it to barely budge as he tried to turn it. “No, it’s locked! I can’t get it open!”
Kyoko sighed and walked up, ordering “Move.” as she took out her skeleton key and inserted it
inside the lock. To her dismay however, the key refused to budge, causing her to curse as she
replaced the key “Damn, Junko must have changed the lock on this door. My key won’t work on
it!”
Makoto bit his lip before asking “So…what do we do…?”
Sighing, Kyoko admitted “…Our only option right now is to track down Junko and Mukuro and
get them to open the door. It’s dangerous, but right now we don’t have any other choice.” And a
confrontation will inevitably follow. Can I really outwit Mukuro in a fight?
Her worries were interrupted as Makoto nodded “You’re right…come on, let’s find Junko and
Mukuro. If we’re lucky, maybe we can at least get Mukuro to switch sides and help us save
everyone before it’s too late?!”
Despite the situation, Kyoko couldn’t help but smile softly as she shook her head and remarked
“Forever the optimist, I see…”
Makoto smiled and tried to tease “Isn’t that why you agreed to marry me?”
“…One of many reasons…alright, we’ll try to sway Mukuro. First though, we have to find them.
Let’s get to work.”
Makoto nodded, following his fiancée as they continued to comb the school for the Ultimate
Despair.
XXX
“We’ve checked every floor except the first. Junko and Mukuro have to be on this one!” Makoto
declared as they walked down the stairs.
“Either that or they’ve returned to their dorm room. In which case we might be able to catch them
by…surprise…”
Hearing Kyoko’s voice trail off and seeing her stop with a wide-eyed expression on her face,
Makoto asked “Kyoko? Why did you stop…Whoa!” Makoto exclaimed as he looked in the
direction that Kyoko was facing and saw a set of double red doors about ten feet in front of them.
“Where…where did these come from? I’ve never seen these doors in my life! Didn’t there used to
be a regular old wall in here?!”
Regaining her stoic mask, Kyoko deduced “Junko probably had these installed some time ago, and
simply kept the wall as camouflage. I had heard rumors of Hope’s Peak Academy having a hidden
basement, but I could never find it during our sheltering. Obviously Junko and Mukuro found it
and made use of it.”
“…You think…they might be down there?”
Nodding, Kyoko deduced “Considering that none of us knew about this, it’s likely that they made
the basement their hiding place…” Kyoko sighed and advised “We should be cautious…there’s no
telling what’s behind these doors.”
Makoto nodded as they approached the doors, each of them grabbing one doorknob and pushing as
the doors swung open, the engaged couple cautiously walking inside and observing the dull room
inside.
“…It’s a lobby…and that must be the elevator to the basement!”
Kyoko followed Makoto’s pointing finger to the gate over the elevator shaft and agreed “You’re
right; that elevator must be the only way in or out of the basement…Let’s go…”
Kyoko walked up to the elevator and pressed the button on the wall to the side, leaving Makoto to
approach her as the elevator sped up and arrived on the first floor with a soft *ding* sound.
Turning to each other, they uneasily nodded as the elevator door opened before walking inside,
Kyoko pressing the single button on the inside. The doors closed with a soft *thud* before they
felt the elevator taking them downwards.
Makoto took a deep breath, anxious about what lay underneath their feet as he wondered Can I…
can I really do it? Can I help save Dad and the others from Junko and Mukuro? What if Luck
isn’t enough to do it?!
Makoto looked to his left and saw Kyoko’s eyes downcast, worry swirling in her purple pools as
she bit her lip.
She must be terrified right now…not only are our friends’ lives on the line…but her Dad’s too!
Her Dad that she just got back in her life…she’s terrified of losing him again! I have to reassure
her that things are gonna turn out okay!
Forcing a smile on his face, he reached over and threaded their fingers together, causing her to gasp
and look up at her fiancé, her stoic mask as good as gone as her fear and anxiety were written on
her face like an open book.
Makoto squeezed her hand and assured her “I promise, we’ll save Dad and the others, Kyoko…
we’ll do it TOGETHER!”
“Makoto…” Filled with renewed hope, Kyoko gave him a small smile and nodded, squeezing his
hand as she took a deep breath, a single *ding* informing them that they had arrived at their
destination. “Let’s go!” She declared, letting go of his hand as the elevator door opened, the
engaged couple steeling themselves for what stood behind it.
XXX
“DAD!” Kyoko cried as she and Makoto ran up, blocked off by a sturdy iron gate, their eyes
widened fearfully at the sight.
On one side of the room was their Father, Jin Kirigiri, tied to a wooden chair with a blindfold
around his eyes.
“Kyoko, look! It’s one of Junko’s bears!”
Kyoko looked towards the other side of the room. Sure enough, an exact replica of said robot bear
was sitting across from Jin on the other side of the room, a big, shiny red button right in front of it.
As Kyoko was taking in the sight before her, Jin gasped, turning his head in their direction as he
called out “Kyoko? Makoto?”
“Dad!” Kyoko called out frantically “Dad! We’re gonna get you out of there! Makoto, help me
tug open this gate!”
Makoto nodded and grasped part of the gate, groaning as he tugged at the gate with all his might,
Kyoko doing the same as she grit her teeth, a determined fire blazing in her eyes. Yet for all their
struggle, the gate wouldn’t budge.
Finally giving up, Makoto released his section and called out to the still struggling Detective
“Kyoko, it won’t budge! We’re not strong enough to pull it off ourselves!”
Undeterred, Kyoko decided “Then we’ll unlock it! Makoto, help me find a lock!”
“Right!” Makoto frantically searched along the surface of the gate before his eyes widened in
shock as he called out “Kyoko, this gate doesn’t have a lock! I think it’s automatic! I don’t
think…”
“NO!” Kyoko yelled “I’M NOT LEAVING HIM! I’LL GET HIM OUT OF THIS EVEN IF I
HAVE TO KICK THIS GATE DOWN MYSELF!”
“Kyoko.”
Kyoko gasped, freezing mid-kick as Jin turned his head to face her, a warm smile across his face as
tears streamed down his cheeks, the man clearly accepting his fate as he told her “I’m so proud of
you, my baby girl.”
“Da…Daddy…?” Kyoko breathed as she clung to the gate.
Keeping his warm smile, Jin called out “Makoto?” Sensing that he had gained his son-in-law’s
attention, Jin told him “Protect my baby girl…won’t you?”
Gaping, Makoto called back “Dad…what are you saying?! We’re gonna…”
“Promise me, son. Promise me you’ll protect Kyoko with your life.”
No, Daddy…don’t…
Kyoko’s pained thoughts were interrupted when Makoto gulped, swallowing his own tears as he
shakily nodded, vowing “I…I promise, Father. I’ll protect Kyoko…”
With Jin giving one last sigh, all three of them turned their attention back to the robot bear. Dread
made itself apparent on Makoto and Kyoko’s faces as the bear raised its right paw and slammed it
down on the button, Kyoko and Makoto clutching onto the gate tightly. Their eyes widened as a
mini rocket ship with the bear’s head sculpted on the top burst from the floor, opening its hatch to
reveal a compartment just spacious enough for a single occupant.
“NO!” Kyoko screamed as Jin’s eyes widened from under his blindfold and he let out a scream of
terror as the hatch closed around him, ensnaring him inside the rocket before twin propulsors
popped out from the sides and a giant screen hanging from the gate lit up, temporarily blinding
Makoto an dKyoko before it dimmed and displayed a black background with white font.
BLAST OFF?! WHAT THE HELL?!
Before they could even process the absurd sight, the propulsors activated, blasting the rocket
through the roof of the school. Makoto and Kyoko’s dread-filled eyes glued to the screen,
showing the rocket blasting up through the atmosphere and into the stars.
This can’t be happening…THIS CAN’T BE HAPPENING!!! WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON?!
Kyoko panicked as she saw the rocket’s propulsors shut down, causing the rocket to tip in a semi-
circle before falling down to earth.
The screen shut down as the rocket crashed back into the classroom, landing upside down. The
force of the impact rang in Makoto and Kyoko’s ears as the vibrations forced them to briefly turn
away. When they were able to look back at the rocket ship, they watched as the hatch swung open,
showing an empty compartment.
Where is he? Where’s Daddy?!
Kyoko’s panicked question was answered a split second later as a disassembled skeleton fell from
the floor of the rocket onto the floor of the basement.
No! Makoto thought trembling with wide eyes, tears streaming down his cheeks as he processed
what he just saw, realizing Dad…he’s dead…Junko killed Dad! She killed Kyoko’s Father!
As if to confirm Makoto’s realization, the bear started to let out a high-pitched giggle that
reminded him of his nightmare from months ago. That giggle soon erupted into a gleeful cackle,
causing Kyoko’s knees to buckle as she finally collapsed, Makoto rushing over to kneel behind and
wrap his arms around his fiancée.
“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!” Kyoko cried as she broke down, waterfalls of tears streaming

down her cheeks as she sobbed “DAAAAAADDYYYYYYYY!”
Makoto sniffled as they both grieved for the Father that was stolen from them right before their
eyes. A few seconds into their grief, the gate finally retracted with a groan, sliding past Kyoko’s
weakened grip. Gasping, she looked up and desperately crawled out of Makoto’s grasp before
stumbling to her feet, dashing to Jin’s disassembled skeleton before falling to her knees.
“DADDY! DADDY!” She cried as she picked up his skull, sobbing once more as she hugged it
against her chest. “DADDY! DADDY! DADDY! DADDY! DADDY!
WAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!”
Tears streaming down his own cheeks as he walked over to her, Makoto kneeled behind Kyoko
once more, cradling her in his arms as he rocked them back and forth, trying his best to soothe her
in her grief like she had done for him.
Eventually, Kyoko’s sobs subsided, her grief turning into rage-filled hate as she grit her teeth,
looking down at Jin’s skull as she growled “…Junko…Junko Enoshima…I’ll kill her for this…
I’LL FUCKING KILL JUNKO ENOSHIMA FOR WHAT SHE DID TO YOU, DADDY! YOU
HEAR ME, JUNKO?! YOU’LL PAY FOR TAKING MY DADDY AWAY FROM ME!!!”
“Kyoko…” Makoto muttered as he started to truly become terrified of his fiancée’s hateful threats,
despite his own grief and righteous fury towards the Fashionista he once considered his friend. In
an attempt to bring her back to her senses, Makoto squeezed her tighter and urged in her ear
“Kyoko, I know how you feel, believe me. Jin Kirigiri was a Father to me too, and I can never
forgive Junko for what she did.”
“What’s your point, Makoto?!” Kyoko growled, her normal patience evaporated in the face of her
grief.
Taking a deep breath, Makoto explained “We need to find the others and regroup so we can figure
out how to beat Junko. But to do that, we have to get out of here, now. If you really want to make
Junko pay for what she did, you have to let it go for now so we can stand a chance!”
Kyoko began to hyperventilate, her thirst for Junko’s blood at war with her objective Detective
instincts. Eventually, her Detective instincts, combined with Makoto’s warm, soothing presence
embracing her, won out. Sensing that she was back to normal, Makoto released Kyoko from his
grasp as she placed Jin’s skull back with the rest of his bones before standing up, sighing.
“You…you’re right, Makoto. My apologies…” The two of them turned back in the direction of
the elevator as she urged “Let’s get back to the elevator and…”
*Clang*
A single metallic ball rolled in front of their feet, making Kyoko’s eyes widen. Before she could
even utter a word or move a muscle, the ball doused them with a grey gas, making them cough as
they covered their mouths too late.
A smoke grenade?! But what…
Kyoko’s thought went unfinished as her eyes closed against her will, the world around her going
black as she stumbled woozily.
“Kyoko!” Makoto managed to call out before the gas started to affect him too. “What…” was all
he managed to utter before his eyes also forced themselves to close, the boy losing consciousness
along with Kyoko as they both woozily collapsed face-first on the floor.
The impact caused Kyoko’s engagement ring to dislodge itself from her gloved finger, rolling
along the floor until it fell over a few feet from where they lay.
*CRACK*
A black military boot landed on top of it, crushed into dust by its owner’s heel as they walked over,
stopping right in front of the drugged Ultimates. The assailant wore a standard gas mask, their grey
eyes staring down with equal parts victory and remorse at the successful subduing of their targets.
XXX
Present Day
“After Mukuro knocked us out, she took us away and Junko stole all of our memories of the last
two years, and your Mother’s memories of being a Detective. When we and the others woke up
again, we didn’t know that we had been classmates for the past two years.”
Kiki gasped as she processed her Father’s ending to their story, tears streaming down her cheeks as
she asked “How…how could Junko do that?! She killed Grandpa Jin and took away your
memories?! She…She’s worse than the villains in Aunt Toko’s books!”
Kyoko nodded “Yes, she was. You’ll…learn more about what happened after we woke up…and
how we regained our lost memories when you’re older, Kiki. But trust me…you’re not ready to
hear that yet.”
Kiki nodded solemnly in agreement, not wanting to put up a fight after the horrific ending she just
heard. Even thinking about Junko and what she had done to her family made her shiver in fear.
“Kiki…?” Kyoko asked hesitantly “…Are you okay…oof!”
Kyoko winced as Kiki turned around and slammed into her Mother, hugging her as much as her
little arms would allow as she pleaded into Kyoko’s nightgown “Will you…will you please stay
with me tonight?” She looked up at her Father and asked “You too, Daddy? I’m a little…I’m a
little scared of…”
Nodding, Makoto and Kyoko moved to hug their daughter, the five-year-old girl clinging to their
pajamas as her Father assured her “Of course, Kiki…and we promise, Junko isn’t going to hurt
you, okay?”
“…Okay…”
Smiling lovingly at their scared little girl, Makoto and Kyoko wiggled under the blankets,
embracing their daughter so that she was snuggled between their chests, their twin heartbeats
soothing the young girl.
Kyoko stroked her hair as she assured her “Mommy will protect you…you trust Mommy, don’t
you?”
“…Of course I trust you, Mommy…I love you Mommy…you too, Daddy!”
Makoto smiled, kissing the top of her hair as he returned “We love you too, Kiki. Now, try and get
some sleep. Mommy and Daddy will keep the big bad nightmares away, alright pumpkin?”
“Okay…good night, Mommy…good night, Daddy…” Kiki yawned before falling asleep.
Her parents smiled at her before looking up to face each other, Kyoko frowning as she asked “…
Makoto…do you regret it? Telling Kiki about our past?”
Makoto frowned, admitting “…I wish we didn’t have to tell her the ending…but she would have
found out eventually, with the Tragedy being taught in middle school. And…” Makoto smiled as
he confessed “I kind of liked…remembering all the fun times from our first two years together…
they’re some of my most treasured memories.”
Kyoko smiled wistfully as she admitted “Yeah, me too…” She looked down at her daughter and
frowned before confessing “I just wished I could have protected her from the pain of hearing the
bad parts…”
Makoto smiled at his wife and advised her “I know you want to protect her, honey, but we can’t
protect Kiki from the world forever. The best we can do is prepare her for it, and I think we’ve
managed to teach her a number of life lessons through this story that she’ll take to heart before she
goes out into the world.”
Kyoko smiled and nodded “You’re right, it’s just…” Kyoko glanced down at her five-year-old
daughter again and admitted “She’s growing up so fast, Makoto. In a couple months, she’ll be
starting school. It still feels like yesterday that she was clinging to my leg, calling “Mama,
Mama”…”
Makoto leaned forward to kiss his wife’s nose, smiling as he assured her “They all have to grow up
sometime, Kyoko…and besides, she’s still only five, so we’ve still got at least thirteen more years
with her before she even thinks of moving out.”
“Don’t remind me…” she sighed as she playfully slapped his arm. “I just want to hold her like this
and keep her safe against me.”
Makoto smiled as he told her “Then hold her, at least for tonight. She’s counting on us to keep the
big bad boogeyman away after all.”
Kyoko giggled, admitting “You’re right; what would I ever do without you, Makoto?”
“Run a Detective agency and Hope’s Peak at the same time?”
Again, Kyoko slapped him playfully before chastising “Hush, now go to sleep.”
Makoto nodded, smiling as he embraced his wife and daughter, yawning as he muttered “Good
night, Kyoko…I love you…”
“Good night, Makoto…I love you too…” Kyoko returned before their eyes closed and they fell
into slumber with their daughter.
So exhausted were they that they failed to notice a purple-haired spirit materialize at the foot of
Kiki’s bed. Smiling, he rested a ghostly hand on both of their cheeks, causing them to
unconsciously grin in their sleep. Removing his touch from them, he then rested one of them
against Kiki’s head, stroking her hair and down her back, repeating this last cycle until Kiki’s
scared frown changed to a peaceful smile.
The spirit smiled, satisfied with the completion of his task as he whispered too softly for any of
them to hear “Good night, Kiki…my beautiful granddaughter. Good night Makoto, you’ve made
me proud, as my successor…and as my son-in-law. Good night Kyoko Naegi, my baby girl.
Daddy’s so proud of you…”
He then snapped his fingers and vanished, as though he was never there in the first place.
Epilogue: Hope Keeps On Going!
Chapter Summary
It's Kiki's first day of school and Kyoko wakes up with an upset stomach. But is it
really just a bellyache, or could it be indicative of something more?
Chapter Notes
Alright, here we are at the Epilogue for this fic! It’s been a long journey, and thank
you all for following along the past seven months! I hope you enjoyed this
interpretation of Makoto and Kyoko’s first two years together before the events of
Trigger Happy Havoc.
Specials thanks to NotFanFicNet, AtashiWa, Moiloru, ColdOne, EmEGoddess,

Chromatology, Water45Tiger, and anyone else I missed who reviewed these chapters
regularly. Reading your comments was always the favorite part of my day. There will
be plenty more Gaidenverse fics to come after this one, so I hope you all stay tuned.
Please read and comment one last time, and thanks again!
Two Months Later
“Kiki…wake up, Kiki…”
Kiki groaned, sitting up as she rubbed her now open eyes with her fists. Letting out one last yawn
before her vision came into focus, she saw Makoto and Kyoko staring down at her, amused smiles
on their faces.
“…Daddy? Mommy?”
Makoto merely smiled and greeted cheerfully “Good Morning, Pumpkin!”
Kiki groaned “Daddy…why did you wake me up so early?!”
Kyoko chuckled and asked “Did you forget already, sweetie? You’ve gotta get ready or you’ll be
late for your first day of school!”
At the mention of school, Kiki’s eyes widened, finally awake as she threw the sheets off of her,
exclaiming “Alright, I’m up, I’m up!”
Once Kiki had wiggled out of bed, Kyoko took her hand and urged “Come on; let’s quickly do your
hair and get you dressed while your Father makes breakfast, okay?”
“Okay, Mommy.”
Makoto smiled and made way for the kitchen while Kyoko led her daughter to the bathroom to
brush her hair.
XXX
Kyoko grunted as Kiki sat on her lap, brush in hand as she prepared to brush her daughter’s hair.
Kiki looked over her shoulder and frowned worriedly, asking “Mommy…are you okay?”
Kyoko smiled reassuringly as she held a hand over her belly and assured her “I’m fine, Kiki;
Mommy just woke up with a bit of a tummyache this morning, but I’ll be okay.”
Smiling in relief, Kiki nodded “Okay, Mommy…” before turning her head back in front of her and
allowing Kyoko to finally start stroking the hairbrush down her long brown locks, the bristles
soothing her scalp as she purred.
After a minute, and luckily encountering no knots in Kiki’s hair, Kyoko put the brush down and
asked “Alright, Kiki, which side do you want your braid?”
“The left! I want to look like you, Mommy!”
“Alright, alright, the left it is then.” Kyoko giggled as she took two strands of Kiki’s brown hair
from the left side of her head, then separated them into two strands and expertly wove them around
each other, forming the nostalgic braid before tying one strand in a circle around the bottom,
leaving the rest of the strands to hang loosely from the knot. After taking a pink ribbon and tying it
near the top of the braided strand, Kyoko announced “There; it’s done. Good thing we never have
to worry about that ahoge of yours.”
Kiki giggled as she reached up to touch the stubborn lavender strand of hair “You’re right; that
thing never goes down!”
“That’s a trait you inherited from your Father…” After Kiki jumped off of Kyoko’s lap, Kyoko
stood up and urged “Alright, go get dressed and meet us at the Kitchen table.”
Kiki nodded, running off to her bedroom while Kyoko headed to meet her husband for breakfast.
XXX
“Daddy, Mommy, I’m all dressed!”
Makoto and Kyoko looked up and saw Kiki enter the Dining Room, doing a little spin to show
them her outfit. Kiki was now dressed in a hot pink T-shirt, the hem tucked into a purple skirt that
reminded Kyoko of her younger years at Hope’s Peak Academy. On her feet, Kiki wore a pair of
white socks that went up to her ankles and a pair of laced sneakers that were mostly pink, but were
white in the area that covered her toes. Makoto couldn’t help but smile wistfully as he was
reminded of his own sneakers that he wore as a teenager.
Kyoko was a little more vocal with her emotions, gushing as Kiki sat at the table “Oh Kiki, you
look so adorable!”
As Makoto chuckled at Kyoko’s doting antics, Kiki asked “So what’s for breakfast, Daddy?
Pancakes?”
Chuckling, Makoto shook his head “Sorry, pumpkin, but we all know that if I gave you pancakes
for breakfast, you’d eat too many and have a tummyache. That’s fine on a weekend, but we can’t
have your belly aching right before school.”
Seeing her daughter pout, Kyoko smiled in amusement and playfully scolded “No pouting at the
table, Kiki.”
“…Okay…” Kiki’s pout faded into a soft smile as she asked “So what did you make me, Daddy?”
Smiling, Makoto walked over from the stove with a plate in one hand and a glass in the other,
setting them down in front of his daughter and explained “Tamagoyaki on rice with apple bunnies
and a glass of apple juice.”
“YAY!” Kiki cheered as she dug in, grabbing her chopsticks and digging in, making her parents
smile as Makoto sat down in front of his plate. He took a bite of his own breakfast before taking a
look at his wife’s plate, frowning in concern.
“Honey, aren’t you going to eat something a little more filling? All you’ve got are crackers and a
cup of green tea.”
Kiki chimed in, telling him “Mommy said she woke up with a tummyache this morning.”
“Is that so? She never told me that when we woke up.”
Kyoko blushed, murmuring “I just…didn’t want you to get worried over an upset stomach is all…”
Makoto stared at her suspiciously, then shrugged and continued eating, making Kyoko sigh in
relief as the family of three continued to eat in silence.
XXX
Kiki gulped down the last of her apple juice before getting out of her chair and exclaiming
“Alright, my plate’s clean!”
Makoto smiled and replied “Good…alright, go and grab your backpack from your room. Your
pencils, textbooks, and notebooks are still in it, right?”
Kiki nodded “Yep, haven’t touched them since we packed them last night!”
Kyoko smiled and urged “Then go get it, Kiki, and hurry back here so you’re not late for school.”
“Okay, Mommy!” Kiki replied before running off to her room.
“…Alright, what’s up?”
“Huh?”
Kyoko turned to face her husband, his gentle smile replaced with a scrutinizing frown. Kyoko
resisted the urge to squirm in her seat, standing up instead.
“Kyoko, I know you, and while Kiki and I fit the term glutton much more aptly, you always eat a
full breakfast. Even when we wake up late, you at least make sure to drink a cup of coffee, not
tea. I haven’t seen you eat so lightly since you had…” Makoto’s eyes widened as he finished “…
morning sickness…with Kiki…”
Kyoko raised her hand to rest it over her belly button, staring at her husband while silently
confirming his suspicions.
Makoto gasped “…Are you…are you really…p…pregnant?!”

Smiling, she nodded, replying quietly “…I took a test a couple of weeks ago…it came back
positive.”
Makoto’s shocked expression slowly turned into a beaming smile as he rested his hand over her
own, resting over their baby in her womb as he asked “When did we…when did we…”
“…I think it was…the night we told Kiki about our interviews with Dad and our video chat with
your parents and Komaru. Remember…? I was feeling so distraught…that you cheered me up…”
Makoto blushed as memories of their lovemaking came rushing back. Barely able to hold back
tears of joy, Makoto settled for reaching up to cradle his wife’s cheeks and pull her into a soft,
loving kiss. Kyoko returned the gesture, both of them closing their eyes and melting into the kiss,
their lips caressing each other with their love and joy of becoming parents a second time.
As they separated, Kyoko asked “So…when should we tell Kiki…that she’s going to be a big
sister?”
Grinning, Makoto suggested “…Why don’t we wait until she starts to notice? Let’s just enjoy this
moment as long as we can. And besides…we should let Kiki enjoy her first days of school for a
while…no sense overshadowing that with the news of a little sibling.”
Smiling, Kyoko commented “In that case, we’ll probably only have at most a month. I’ll start
showing in at least a couple weeks, and she’s bound to suspect something.”
Makoto chuckled “You’re right; I remember how she was always asking Toko questions about her
baby. Thank goodness we were able to get her to stop until Kawako was born.”
Kyoko giggled at the memory and nodded “Indeed, though our youngest will be close enough in
age that we can arrange a playdate between our little one and Kawako.”
“Alright, I’ve got my backpack!”
Their conversation interrupted, Makoto and Kyoko turned to their daughter, who had just arrived,
wearing her plain purple backpack.
“Mommy, Daddy, why are you guys smiling so much?”
Kyoko quickly covered “We’re just excited for your first day of school, Kiki. In fact, why don’t
we get a quick photo to commemorate the occasion!”
As Makoto sighed in relief at her quick thinking, he nodded and pulled out his iPhone, activating
the Camera App on it. Kiki sweatdropped, then sighed and walked over to the nearby wall and
stood against it, grabbing the straps of her backpack with her hands.
Makoto handed Kyoko his phone, who then walked in Kiki’s direction, holding the phone in front
of her as she fiddled with the options before smiling at finding one she liked.
“Okay, smile, Kiki!”
Kiki smiled softly just before Kyoko tapped the virtual button on the screen, capturing the desired
image in the phone’s memory. Kyoko admired the shot before her husband snatched away the
phone and chuckled at her pout.
“Alright, we have to get going now, Honey. We can develop the photo when we get back from
work. Come on, Kiki; your Mom and I will drop you off on our way to work.”
“Okay, Daddy!” Kiki nodded as she followed her parents out to the car.
XXX
“Alright Kiki, we’re here!” Makoto announced as the car rolled to a stop in front of the school
building.
Kyoko stepped out and walked around to Kiki’s door, opening it and unbuckling her from her
booster seat before lifting her out and onto the ground.
“Higashimachi Elementary School…” Kyoko read as they stared up at the plaque on the side of
the school building. Kneeling next to her daughter, Kyoko put her hands on Kiki’s shoulders and
told her “Alright, head straight inside the Main Building and check in, okay? Miss Maki will be
here to pick you up after lunch. Your Father and I still have to work at Hope’s Peak, but she’ll be
with you until we get home, okay?”
“Okay, Mommy.”
Smiling, Kyoko hugged her daughter and replied “That’s my girl. I want to hear all about your day
when we get back home, okay? Mommy and Daddy love you, Kiki!”
“I love you too, Mommy! You too, Daddy!”
Seeing Makoto’s smiling wave, Kiki smiled, then turned around when Kyoko released her and
jogged off into the entrance and out of sight. Sighing, Kyoko walked over to the car and opened
the passenger door, buckling her seatbelt as she sat inside and closed the door. With a nod, Makoto
drove off, Kyoko staring longingly at the school building as it got smaller and smaller.
“Hey!” Kyoko turned to face her husband who smiled reassuringly at her and continued “I know
it’s hard, but she’ll be fine at school. And besides…” Makoto placed one hand against her slightly
curved belly, making her blush as he continued “All this fretting can’t be good for the baby, so
relax, alright?”
Kyoko smiled, nodding before he removed his hand from her belly and put it back on the steering
wheel. Kyoko stared down at her womb, placing her own hand where his had just rested,
marveling at how she was going to become a Mom for the second time.
And to think…all of this might never had happened if hope hadn’t kept on going…
XXX
April 12, 2016
Mukuro strolled into the secret room adjacent to the trial room, Makoto and Kyoko’s ragdoll forms
slung over both of her shoulders. In front of her lay twelve human sized open pods, filled with
each of their subdued classmates as strange, wired helmets were attached to each of their heads. In
addition, two empty pods sat, completing the circle of devices. All fourteen pods were wired to a
single computer which Junko was now tinkering with.
Mukuro coughed, causing Junko to look up at her and grin before exclaiming “Oh, you managed to
get the drop on them? Well done, Muku; I guess you’re not so worthless after all! Now just hook
them up to the memory erasure pods, then finish hooking up the extra surveillance cameras and
applying the soundproof paint in their rooms. Oh, and make sure to swap out the doorknob in
Makoto’s bathroom with the wonky one, okay?”
Nodding, Mukuro walked over to the remaining two pods, awkwardly sliding Kyoko into one, then
Makoto into the other. With a conflicted expression on her face, she reached up and attached the
helmets from the ceiling onto their heads. Mukuro turned around and started to walk back out,
only stopping once to look over her shoulder at her classmates and friends one last time.
…I’m sorry, everyone…Mukuro thought before she left, leaving Junko alone with her captives.
“Man, she needs to lighten up and get more excited; we’re about to put the final phase of our plan
for Ultimate Despair into motion after all!” Sighing, she looked at her unconscious classmates and
decided “I suppose I should say some final words to you all before I wipe away your memories…it
may end up being the last time I talk to some of you after all…”
Junko stepped away from the computer and approached Sayaka’s pod first, monologuing “Sayaka
Maizono…the biggest pop idol in all of Japan, a girl who came to Hope’s Peak with the goal of
securing her career. Little did you know that you would not only reconnect with the boy you were
enamored with in middle school, but you found love too…”
Junko approached Leon’s pod next, commenting “Leon Kuwata, the Ultimate Baseball Star…you
came to this school with a talent you hated, only to realize how much you loved it…and despite
your player reputation, you managed to snag the most famous pop idol in all of Japan as your
girlfriend…away from your best friend…”
One by one, Junko approached the rest of their pods, saying some last words for each of them.
“Chihiro Fujisaki…born weak, you dressed as a girl to avoid bullies. And yet, through your
friends, you disgustingly found the strength to come clean as a boy. Ohh…to think, all that
progress down the drain…how despairful that must be for you…”
“Mondo Owada…the most feared biker gang leader in all of Japan…and to think, that reputation
was created by a lie…a lie you told over and over again when your brother died saving you…oh, I
can barely imagine the despair you felt back then…”
“Kiyotaka Ishimaru…the grandson of the disgraced Prime Minister, working hard every single day
to become the success he couldn’t, all at the cost of your own social life. Only to finally get a
personality when a certain Class Representative showed you the importance of fun…ohh how you
must have despaired when you realized what you were missing out on!”
“Hifumi Yamada…what can I say? An obese boy with no friends and no social skills
whatsoever…honestly, it’s a wonder you made friends here at all. I’m despairing just feeling sorry
for you…”
“Celestia Ludenberg…no, Taeko Yasuhiro…disgusted with the normalcy of your own name, you
took on a fake moniker and wrapped yourself in a veil of lies and gambled your own life to amass
an untold fortune. It wasn’t until you came to Hope’s Peak that you finally learned how to value
the lives of those you stepped on…and to think, you’re going to forget that valuable life lesson in a
heartbeat…ohh, the despair!”
“Sakura Ogami, the Ultimate Martial Artist, who came here in search of a partner to test her
strength. Not only did you find them in that annoying Detective and my worthless sister, but you
even found friends in the Detective and that energetic swimmer girl. Speaking of which…Aoi
Asahina…you came here, insecure in your own femininity, only to find your confidence after
making friends here at Hope’s Peak Academy. And now, to think you’re going to lose that self-
confidence…ohh, the nostalgic despair you’ll feel when you awaken…”
“Byakuya Togami, the Ultimate Affluent Progeny. You came here as nothing less than a King-in-
Training, viewing the rest of us as little more than steppingstones, unworthy of so much as shining
your shoes. To think, that noble blood you derived your ego from…ohh, how you’ll despair when
you find out I killed them all!”
“Toko Fukawa…honestly, your personal life is so messed up, I envy you. Even more than mine,
and that’s saying something! I wish I had a split personality that I had no control of. At least then
I wouldn’t need despair to stave off boredom…”
“Yasuhiro Hagakure…honestly, even with my Analyst talents, I can’t fathom why Hope’s Peak
would have let a worthless cheapskate like you in. At least Muku can prove herself in battle; all
you can do is produce worthless fortunes for insane prices. It’s no wonder you never had any
friends…and to think you were willing to sell out your only friend’s life for money…I still can’t
fathom why he’d forgive you…”
That brought Junko to her final two captives, Kyoko and Makoto. Junko grinned gleefully as she
stared down at the biggest threat to her plan, now neutralized by Mukuro.
“Kyoko Kirigiri, the Ultimate Detective…as good as orphaned at the tender age of seven,
abandoned by your Daddy, only to claw your way into the very school that he presided over. You
came with the intention of severing him from your life…only for him to become the center of your
world…well, one of two, anyway. Thanks to the boy who would become the second center of your
world…you disgustingly bonded with all of us…honestly, it was a pain to turn Muku against you…
of course, your choice in men made my job a lot easier.”
“Not only did he love you, he gave you your family back. I swear, the joy radiating from you this
past year has been so disgusting. The only silver lining is knowing the despair you’ll feel when I
take those happy memories away from you. Your memories of coming here, of making friends, of
falling in love, of reconnecting with Daddy, and of your precious engagement to your man.
Speaking of whom…I bet he’s the only one who’s seen your bare hands…since you never take
those fuckin’ gloves off…I wonder…”
Junko reached for Kyoko’s fingertips and yanked her gloves off, eyes widening in shock as she
took in the charred flesh covering Kyoko’s bare hands. Eventually her shocked expression gave
way to giggles, which transformed into mirthful cackling.
“HOLY SHIT! YOU HAVE HAMBURGER HANDS?! Haha, no wonder you didn’t mention
this when I tricked you guys into sharing your secrets! Oh, this is just delicious blackmail
material! Imagine the despair you’ll feel when this little secret becomes part of the game! Oh, but
not for my embarrassing secrets motive; I’ll onor your ticklish secret. No, I’ll save this for when
the game gets really good!”
Junko walked over to Makoto and finished “And last but not least, Makoto Naegi…the biggest
potential monkey wrench in my plan. A painfully, disgustingly average boy in every way. A boy
who only got into Hope’s Peak Academy through sheer, dumb, unpredictable luck. A boy who had
his middle school crush stolen from him in a month. And yet…not only did you manage to
befriend all of us, you found a girl who loved you even after getting rejected. And not only did you
get to date her, you got her to agree to marry you!”
Junko sighed and lamented “Too bad for you that is wasn’t Muku; getting together with you might
have been the only thing that could have convinced her to betray me. And if that had happened…
man, my plan would have been over before it could really begin. But, too bad for you, you had to
choose Kyoko. And now, all those friendships you made, your loving relationship and engagement
with Kyoko…it’s all going to go down the drain once I erase all your memories!”
Junko ran back to her computer and started fiddling with the options again, murmuring “Alright,
now that that’s over with, set memory erasure for two years, oh, except for Kyoko Kirigiri. Set
additional erasure for all memories with the keyword Detective. If I just keep her Detective
memories intact, it’ll stack the Killing School Life entirely in their favor, and that’s no fun!”
With the settings fixed, Junko giggled as she held her hand over the big red button next to her
computer.
“Upupupupupupupupu…here we go, the Killing School Life…sixteen students enter, but how
many will come out alive? And how many will taste the despair of death? Even if you survive,
you’ll all despair into tomorrow! Despair into your memories! Despair into nothingness! Let’s
give it everything we’ve got! LET THE KILLING GAME…BEGIN!”
*SLAM*
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The Ultimate Detective

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The Ultimate Detective and The Ultimate Hope Gaiden: How I Met Your Mother (And How I

Met Your Father)

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

The Ultimate Detective and The Ultimate Hope Gaiden: How I

“Kiki! Kiki, get back here!”

*Sigh* “Must we play this game every single time, Kiki?”

March 15, 2014

“Well, here we are; Tokyo Police Station. That’ll be 3,000 yen.”

“MAKOTO NAEGI, SLOW DOWN! WATCH OUT!”

Right up there with slipping on a banana peel…

“I’m the Detective in charge of this case.”

“Well, duh, sweetcheeks.”

“Ms. Kyoko Kirigiri,

-Signed, the Hope’s Peak Academy Steering Committee

P.S. I’m so proud of you, Kyoko!

…How like that man to ruin it for me by saying something so sentimental…

“Uhh…Detective, are you okay? You’re wrinkling the invitation.”

“…Yeah, you got me there…” Makoto scratched his cheek sheepishly.

Nodding Makoto reasoned “Yeah, that makes sense, I suppose.”

“Awwww!” Kiki groaned, putting as she mumbled “No fair!”

*Yawn* ”…Love you too…”

Nodding, Kyoko agreed “Yes, grandfather.”

“Oh look; we’re here! Hope’s Peak Academy at last.”

“Just be sure to bring home an Ultimate Girlfriend, okay big brother?”

Nodding, Makoto obeyed “Okay, Mom.”

“Bye Mom, bye Dad!”

“Alright, now where did we leave off?”

…Kind of difficult to do that now, Grandfather…Recomposing herself, she reasoned It’s

“What…impossible! Inconceivable! I was…beaten here? By two of my peers? I must not…have

…This guy is…kind of annoying…Makoto sweatdropped.

“You…didn’t like it…when Daddy was…friendly to you?”

Where’d she go? Did I…scare her away?

This Junko Enoshima…she needs to be watched…

Makoto gulped at Junko’s suddenly intimidating personality, nodding “Y…yes, ma’am.”

“Girl problems, Naegi-kun?”

There’s no way… “Sa…Sayaka Maizono?!”

…She pranked me… Makoto deadpanned.

“Just kidding, Makoto!”

*Sigh* “…Okay, Daddy…”

Sighing, Makoto apologized “Sorry…I’m just nervous…Miss…umm…”

Chuckling in amusement, she replied “It’s okay. My name is Sakura Ogami.”

“Oh. Yoroshiku Onegaishimasu, Ogami-san. I’m Makoto Naegi.”

Wait…we don’t have to attend class?

“Wait, you guys didn’t have to attend class? Sweet!”

Gulping, Kiki murmured “Yes, Mommy…”

“Asahina Aoi, the Ultimate Swimming Pro.”

“Celestia Ludenberg, the Ultimate Gambler.”

“Enoshima Junko, the Ultimate Fashionista.”

“Fujisaki Chihiro, the Ultimate Programmer.”

“Hagakure Yasuhiro, the Ultimate Clairvoyant.”

“Ishimaru Kiyotaka, the Ultimate Moral Compass.”

“Ikusaba Mukuro, the Ultimate Soldier.”

“Kirigiri Kyoko, the Ultimate Detective.”

He looked at her so familiarly…could they really…

“Maizono Sayaka, the Ultimate Pop Sensation.”

No surprise there; everyone knows who Sayaka Maizono is!

“Naegi Makoto, the Ultimate Lucky Student.”

“Welcome to Hope’s Peak Academy, Makoto.”

“Owada Mondo, the Ultimate Biker Gang Leader.”

“Togami Byakuya, the Ultimate Affluent Progeny.”

“Yamada Hifumi, the Ultimate Fanfic Creator.”

Did she just insult our class?

“Wow, your class sure had some interesting people!”

Sigh “Must we play this game every single time, Kiki?”

Yawn ”…Love you too…”

Sigh “…Okay, Daddy…”