Chapter Text
It was 11:58 on New Years Eve at Hope’s Peak Academy. The students of several of the classes had decided to organize a ‘small’ get together that quickly grew out of hand - one student invited another until it grew in size to something more like a small assembly.
Ishimaru was glad that he was in attendance. After all, without him it was easy to see how things could get out of control.
“Ouma-san! I strongly request that you cease your current activities, I-”
“Aw come on! It’s New Year's, a few sparklers never hurt anyone, rii~ght?~”
Kokichi Ouma had brought sparklers to the indoor party. This was a clear violation of fire code.
“I apologize, but arson doesn’t consider the date! I must insist that you give me the contraband.”
Ouma’s lip curled into a pout, looking up at Ishimaru with teary eyes.
“Gee Kiyotaka, why do you gotta be so mean? I just wanted to have some fun with my classmates!”
Their conversation, maybe more like an interrogation, was interrupted.
“Everyone, everyone! Get ready to sliiiiide into the New Year!” Ibuuki’s words (...And guitar rift) were loud enough to pierce through all of the side-talk of the party, drawing everyone’s attention to the clock.
With 30 seconds until midnight, the party goers pulled themselves together however they needed. Tenko grabbed Himiko around the waist, lifting her in the air so she had a better view of the clock. Many students hurried to make sure they had a (non-alcoholic!) drink in hand to toast with.
“Five!”
Fuyuhiko stared intently at his glass of orange juice with a fervent blush, like he was contemplating trying to build up the courage to give the silver-haired girl standing next to him a New Years kiss.
“Four!”
Naegi grabbed the arm of Mukuro, pulling her away from her sister and towards the group gathered in the middle of the room. Being Junko’s right hand was fine, but there came a time when she deserved to celebrate with the rest of her classmates instead of being sequestered away.
“Three!”
In the corner, Gundam’s eyes were glowing as two of the Four Dark Devas of Destruction crawled across his shoulders. The other two were tucked firmly into the collar of Sonia’s shirt. The six of them were celebrating the New Year in their own way.
“Two!”
Mondo quickly made his way to Ishimaru’s side, forcing a cup into his hand.
“Sorry kyoudai, better late than never right?” He spoke over the shouted numbers, wanting to make sure that he was there with his bro for the coming year.
“One!”
Ouma lit off the sparklers and yelled, despite Ishimaru’s strongly worded complaint. But that wasn’t the thing that struck Ishimaru as the calendar flipped.
In the doorway was a familiar figure, the elegant form of Kirumi Tojo. While everyone else stood with their classmates and celebrated, she appeared to be cleaning up some mess that a careless student had left. When everyone was shouting jovially (...A notable noise violation…), she stood there silently. Like she didn’t even realize there was anything happening.
This moment made Ishimaru feel a certain kind of way. It felt unfair. Kirumi was always involved in some activity to improve the lives of those around her - why didn’t she get to take a moment to celebrate?
It was at that moment that Ishimaru knew what must be done.
Following some toasts and well wishes, people from the party slowly started slipping away back to their dorms. Ishimaru helped ensure that everyone made their way back safely, accompanying those who didn’t have anyone to walk with them.
After everyone else had found their way back, the last two in the room were Ishimaru and Kirumi.
“Do you require any further assistance, Kiyotaka?” She spoke evenly, as she always did. Ishimaru in some ways found her lack of emotional variance comforting.
“Actually, I’ve been meaning to speak with you, Tojo-san. I’m aware that it may be a busy day for you, but I wanted to ask if you would reserve a few hours for me in a couple of months. There is a project that I require your assistance with.”
“...Of course. What day are you requesting?”
“February 14th. I’m sure that there are a number of others who may request you on this day, so I decided to ask early.” Ishimaru hoped that he had phrased it in such a way that it was obvious that he wasn’t asking her on a date. “Of course, if you have any personal matters that day, I am able to handle it on my own!”
Based on what he had observed, Ishimaru was confident that Kirumi did not have any personal matters on that day.
“No, I believe I will be free.” She said simply before gathering the last of her things. “Is that all?”
“Yes! Do you require any help getting back to your dorms safely, Tojo-san? It’s late, and I wouldn’t want any student to have to make a potentially unsafe voyage alone.”
Kirumi considered his offer for a moment before simply shaking her head.
“I am capable of handling any dangers on my own, though thank you for your consideration Kiyotaka.” She gave him a smile before heading out the door in the direction of her room. Despite her claims of not needing any help, Ishimaru made sure to at the very least watch her until she left his sight.
In a school of genius, it was hard to not have a deep respect for someone who put so much hard work into her craft. He would have to do his best too, to make sure she had one day where she didn’t have to work so hard.