Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

For as long as Hinata Hajime had remembered, he had always been rather unremarkable. He was never someone that stood out, often put to the side while the main event occurred away from him. A spectator even in his own life. He could not be unique nor worthy, not with his plain face, average grades and lack of interesting hobbies. The people around him could only be described as reserved at best, boring at worst.

He hated that more than anything. Hinata wasn’t the kind of person that was satisfied with what he was given. Hinata refused to let life pass him by.

He hopes more than anyone he knows. It blooms inside him, a worthless, hopeless hope that feeds him. Promises him that one day he will find something to cherish and make his own. That he too, could be special.

There are whispers around him. Quiet, but not enough for it to go unnoticed. Which would mean that these faceless figures want him to know they are talking about him. After all, how could the most average boy attempt so hard to draw anything but mediocrity from his own hands. They are unimpressed by his futile attempts, they scoff at his efforts. He can hear them, the way their eyes remain glued to his back. It’s like their pupils are attempting to stab him through his clothes and rip him open.

He feels vulnerable. Almost naked.

There’s always someone watching, observing.Waiting to strike. Waiting for him to make a move. Waiting for him to do something.

He doesn’t. His classmates are talking behind his back, but even if he were to stare them down they would probably continue making a fuss. Back turned or not, his classmates are cruel without having to make it overtly known. They thrive off each other’s misery like leeches, desperately clinging onto one another and bringing the people around them down with them.

These people are hopeless. Obsessed with themselves, and their insignificant cliques and gossip, content to keep themselves entertained that way. Content with being average, content with their lacking skills and even worse personalities. Their school felt like a jail with too many inmates crammed into one cell.

Hinata Hajime would do anything to be set free from them.

He’s always wanted something more out of life.

Something bigger.

Something better.

It isn’t necessarily fame or fortune that he wants in particular. It’s not even the vague sense of success he's chasing. At least, not in the traditional sense. Hinata sought fulfillment.

He longed to feel purpose, feel motivated. Feel like he could belong somewhere one day. That he could be wanted and relied on, and he could want and rely on others too.

More than anything, Hinata admired hope. He loved it. Truly, and genuinely with all his heart.

And hope had a home. Hope bloomed beautifully in a school that almost seemed like something out of a fantasy novel. A place that sought to find the brightest, the smartest and the most talented of the country and help them flourish to greater heights than even before.

Hope’s Peak Academy.

For Hajime, he admired the school and it’s students the way children admired superheroes on TV. With shiny bright eyes, completely taken in by their sheer brilliance. He revered them, and their significance on the world. The potential they could offer. Their capacity to change the world.

What would it be like? To have a passion or skill, so perfectly honed and polished that it slowly became your identity but the reason for your existence. To know your purpose, your value with a certainty not many else really could possess.

Hinata Hajime would give anything to be that. To be near that. To see for himself, with his own two eyes what exactly it meant to live with passion, with purpose and with reason.

Hinata Hajime lived for hope. He was willing to do anything to reach Hope’s Peak.

Anything.

➣

He isn’t like anyone else he knows. That much, Hinata can be sure of. It’s not because he’s necessarily unique, nor special in any real way that matters, but he does have something.

And it’s ambition, though he is not yet brave enough to call it that. Right now, it feels a lot more like desperation. There’s a thin line between the two, really, because to have ambition means there is some confidence grounded in a belief that the goal could be attainable. Within reach.

To be desperate, however, is a monster of a different breed. It’s been starved of food for weeks upon end, willing to crush a nearby rat and eat it raw because the hunger was just so visceral and cruel no longer abiding by reason or taste and merely seeking survival by any means necessary.

Yes, desperation is a pathetic and shameful experience. Not one many wish to feast themselves upon.

And maybe if Hinata had been born anything else, he would be lucky enough to have some skill or talent or interest that he could pour all his heart and soul into and he would become someone. Someone stronger with a skill that could make him powerful, and confident and brave.

But he isn’t lucky. He isn’t anyone. He isn’t talented.

He is desperate, though. Increasingly so.

Hinata longs for a place at Hope’s Peak, more than anyone else. He studies day in and out, and his grades are good but not quite good enough .

Hinata has never been good enough. He’s never been the top of the class, no matter how much he tries. His efforts are never enough to be awarded.

He is only average, despairingly so. Remarkably so. Enough that it actually helps him, for once.

He is so average it makes him special, it makes him worth....something. He has a chance. A shot at Hope’s Peak that is unlike anything he’s ever heard of.

Perhaps being perfectly average is a talent in itself.

It would seem that there is something that Hinata Hajime is incredibly good at. Being average. Longing for hope.

Perhaps the closest he can get is the Reserve Course, and while that admission is terrible the free ride sweetens the deal.

Well….a free as any ride can be. Because everything comes with a price, but when you’re desperate enough you willingly become blind and dumb to attain what you so desire.

The price is worth it, you’ll tell yourself, and maybe you can fool yourself into believing that.

➣

Of course, the kids at his school don’t know any of that. And even if they did, they probably wouldn’t care to find out or correct themselves. Afterall, insulting others is just free entertainment to them. Amusing themselves on lies they build for each other, truly Hinata found them to be pitiless human beings.

They make up all sorts of things. The more fun and interesting the story, the better they can entertain themselves after all. These people, these children were a circus on their own. Whether or not they were the ringleaders, the clowns, the animals, the acrobats, perhaps even the audience - they were all the same to Hinata. They sought to do nothing more with their lives then entertain themselves mindlessly on a day to day whim.

Logically, he knew not to pay them any mind.

Not when they whispered amongst themselves about whether or not Hinata did indeed get into Hope’s Peak. Then after realizing he (only) got into the Reserve Course, the rumours started getting more complex. His parents were rich, some said sneering. They had bought his way into the school hoping to ride on the coattails of Hope’s Peak Ultimates.

He didn’t try to correct them. Though he wished he could.

These lies got under Hinata’s skin. Lies dripping in jealousy, in contempt, in envy. They didn’t know what kind of sacrifices Hinata was willing to make. And if they were in his position were they even committed enough to stick to it?

They would never understand.

More than anything, Hinata longed to be away from all this.

He wanted to be better than that. Better than the people who made up lies and excuses to fill in for their lack of self-worth. (But, somewhere deep down inside Hinata knows he’s the worst liar of them all.)

Komaeda knows without a doubt that coming to Hope’s Peak is the best sort of luck a person like him could have ever thought to get.

After all, not just anyone could walk these halls.

Hope’s Peak had a several year long reputation for producing explampary graduates that would go on to become experts in various fields in the professional world. The school was founded under the premise of developing and researching the talent of extraordinary high school students who excelled at varying skills. These talented individuals were referred to as Ultimates, capable of embodying hope and overcoming all sorts of obstacles regular people could not even begin to understand.

Well, that last part at least was what Komaeda believed.

After all, that’s why he had decided to come at last. Here, Komaeda was sure that he would find the hope he was looking for. The hope that was powerful enough to overcome even his biggest blessing curse. His ‘talent’.

Hope that could overcome the despairing cycle of ‘luck’ Komaeda often found himself cycling through.

Honestly, in his own eyes, the luck he experienced could not be likened to the skills and talent of his peers. It wasn’t as though he could control luck itself. It could hardly be called anything at all.

Yet...he had been accepted into the school anyway. Him and his luck, a life of fortune and misfortune. A cycle of hope and despair of equal measure. More than anything, Komaeda could only hope his luck wouldn’t affect any of his classmates.

It was best to keep his distance.

He really couldn’t afford to make friends. Anyone who got too close always did leave him in the end. One way or another. Though a deep, dark part of his heart sure did long to have companionship of any sort.

No! He couldn’t afford to think like that. He would only put his classmates in danger, this was for the better.

In a place like Hope’s Peak, Komaeda was sure he would run into someone who could become the Ultimate Hope. He was sure of it!

Komaeda hummed, inserting a coin into the vending machine. With his luck, the machine would jam any second and his drink of choice would get stuck. Or, perhaps he could try again to place another coin. This time, it would unjam the machine and he would be rewarded with multiple drinks in a stroke of good luck.

As he waited for the vending machine, a sudden chill ran up Komaeda’s spine. He found himself snapping his head all the way back and right behind him stood a boy his age dressed in a suit that looked awfully familiar… though he couldn’t waste time figuring that out.

The boy approached the machine, eyes sharp and contemplative. It seemed that the boy had lost his blazer and tie, his white dress shirt slightly wrinkled. The cuffs had been rolled to his forearms and the top two buttons were undone.

Something that struck Komaeda as odd, was there was something vaguely… missing from this boy. For all intents and purposes, he looked quite average. Choppy, almost spiky brown hair damp with sweat. Slightly on the muscular side, lightly tanned. Yet, there was no aura of...assurance that most Ultimates carried themselves with.

The guy was muttering to himself, wondering why Komaeda’s drink was stuck before giving the vending machine a slight kick.

And, in a complete twist of fate the drink came back out. Without Komaeda’s interference. Without his luck.

Perhaps this stranger was an Ultimate of Luck as well? Such things weren’t unheard of. There were lucky students for every year, after all. The draw was meant to single out anomalies like them.

“Who are you?” Komaeda asks curiously. He had never seen this person on campus before, but he looked awfully familiar. Komaeda had no clue as to why.

The boy fidgeted for a moment, opening his mouth to say something before looking off to the distance. His expression was troubled, as if he carried the weight of the world on his shoulder. The melancholic face, the world weary posture, there were so many things about this newcomer that captivated Komaeda’s attention.

He appeared rather average at first, but upon closer inspection Komaeda found him to be rather good looking.

Tanned skin, dark brown hair, a muscled form. None of these things were particularly striking on it’s own, but when the stranger turns to face him, Komaeda can’t bring himself to look away.

It’s his eyes. The prettiest hazel-green eyes he had ever seen. Surely bright and lovelier than his own. Though his expression is shrewd, grumpy even the clarity in his eyes melts everything else away.

This was a guy that looked at the world, and knew what he wanted from it. His eyes were hopeful, no matter how exhausted he looked.

“Nobody.” the newcomer admits, looking slightly ashamed. His gaze fell all of a sudden, glued onto the floor as if something catastrophic would occur shortly.

Komaeda frowns.

“You can’t be nobody. The fact you’re still speaking to me right now, is proof enough. You must have a name.”

“....Hinata Hajime.”

Komeda grins as he clasps Hinata’s hand. It’s warm. It’s been so long since he’s felt the touch of another, and even longer since he’s held someone’s hand.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Hinata! I’m Komaeda Nagito, and I’m the Ultimate Lucky Student. By the way, you never did tell me what your -”

“Hinata! We still have things we need to discuss.” a muffled yell interrupts. Hinata’s expression darkens. He lets go of Komeda’s hand and scowls back at the direction from which the voice is coming from.

“I’ll see you around, Komaeda-kun.” Hinata sighs, though his expression does soften upon looking at Komaeda once again.

He feels his heart race. Komaeda isn’t supposed to search for friends. He isn’t supposed to get too close to anyone. Tragedy would befall anyone that tried. His nightmares reminded him of that fact constantly. He had been ready to accept that. And he would… he should… yet.

It was the first time Komaeda had been acknowledged, not for what he could be offered or used for but simple… observation. Curiosity.

Komaeda had not felt so intrigued by another person in a long time. He was determined to meet Hinata again, one day.

Before he could pursue that thought, a lady with long bright orange hair introduces herself as Komaeda’s new homeroom teacher, and he’s whisked away.

Chapter Text

Komaeda’s worried. Well, sort of. He can’t tell if his luck is good or bad at this very moment.

Unexpectedly, the new teacher Chisa Yukizome was an ex-Ultimate herself. As the Ultimate Homemaker, her ability to gather and address all of the students in their rather troublesome class had helped prove herself tenfold.

Once again, Komaeda was reminded of just how special Ultimates were.

Their previous teacher, Kizakura-sensei, had not been even half as motivated as her. After all, Hope’s Peak was no ordinary school. They had extremely relaxed classes, most allowed to opt-out of their traditional lessons so long as they spent time honing their talents.

Of course, such time was a waste for someone like himself. Komaeda’s talent was not one that could be controlled by his own will after all. Instead, his talent took control of him, bringing him to it’s will.

So such tasks were of no importance to him.

Yet, he could not deny that properly interacting with his classmates again was a welcome change. Which, he supposed he could call good luck.

However, they were forced to clean their classroom soon after. Kazuichi complaints about the work being a pain, and Yukizome-sensei scolds him right away. Bad luck.

Kazuichi mutters something darkly about their new teacher being crazy, but Mahiru quickly defends the Ultimate Housekeeper, saying she seems to be a dedicated teacher.

But, Komeada himself enjoyed cleaning. He found the activity to be one of the most low-risk and therapeutic activities he could possibly partake in. Good luck.

Instead of voicing any of these thoughts, Komaeda gets to work. First piling fallen books into the same area. Sorting them by subject, and placing them back inside the bookshelf as he last remembered it. His memory wasn’t always the best, but it could’ve been worse.

Komaeda then sets off to sweep the floor, ignoring the dramatic and compromising fall Mikan had once again found herself in. Pekoyama and Kuzuryuu seem to exchange a shared pained glance before assisting the Ultimate Nurse up.

As Komaeda’s instincts took over the task, he let his mind wander. Without a doubt, their class was truly an impressive one. Each student had their own unique talent, personality. Nothing like Komaeda at all. They all had dreams, wishes and hope that Komaeda could only dream of comprehending.

Then suddenly, without any warning, Komaeda was reminded of the mysterious boy he had met at the vending machine.

The most peculiar guy Komaeda had ever met at this school. Hope’s Peak was full of Ultimate-somethings, people who dedicated their lives to what thing or another. The time, talent and effort required to be the master of their craft is what made them Ultimates. That title, that experience, that knowledge of their own expertise is what let them walk around with their chins held high. Knowing with complete certainty you had something you excelled at, something that was yours helped make people confident.

That kind of confidence was an easy spot once you looked for it regardless of personality. Even in the nervous stuttering of Mikan and the exuberant yells of Ibuki, Komaeda could detect the complete assurance they had in their respective abilities.

After all, it was even recognized by Hope’s Peak. That in itself spoke volumes.

If there was anyone who hadn’t possessed that complete acceptance and certainty in their talent it was Komaeda himself. And that was a given, after all something as fickle and strange as ‘luck’ barely qualified as a skill one could be proficient at.

Which was likely why they wanted to research him so bad.

Yet, that did not explain the presence of the spiky haired boy. Just like Komaeda himself, there was no deep set assurance in the way he moved nor any conviction in the way he spoke about himself.

But, there was hope. The presence of hope seemed to almost flicker across his expression as if the boy couldn’t quite decide whether or not it truly was hope that set his soul aflame.

Hajime Hinata. A rather common name, for a rather common face and yet…even his namesake suggested something hopeful. To face a new day.

Just what kind of person would Hinata become, Komaeda wondered before Mikan fully onto the bookshelf he had just finished with.

Just what kind of person would he become, Hinata wondered. It was less a matter of if and more a matter of how.

His body would essentially become a playground for the researchers of Hope’s Peak. They would cram every and any talent they had collected, each skill broken down to a science and manipulated to make him potentially more powerful and talented than any other person on Earth.

Such a thing would be considered an impossible feat, an impossible dream yet it stood so tantalizing clear in front of him. All Hinata had to do was reach out and grab it.

Hinata was on the fence. Being forced to confront his mediocrity once again.

In all honesty, he had nothing to lose. He was the best candidate for this. In truth, Hinata had everything to gain from this opportunity. One way or another, the surgery would end all his problems.

His mind wanders back to that moment with his old classmates. Fervent whispers, their cold gazes. Hinata saw all of these and did his best to ignore, but it would seem that whispers would haunt him forever.

It is in this moment of distraction that he bumps into a young girl too caught up in a video game. She’s short with a cute little backpack and a spacy expression on her face.

“S-Sorry! I didn’t mean to step on --” the girl only shrugged at Hinata’s antics. The girl nods just about ready to leave when a familiar song plays from the girl's game.

“Is that… Gala Omega?” Hinata asks curiously, staring at the console in her hands.

Immediately, the girl perks up looking excitable once again.

“We should play together sometime! Um, wait .. ah. Once your name again?” the girl asks, rubbing the back of her neck abashedly.

“Hajime Hinata, and you?”

“Nanami Chiaki! I’m the Ultimate Gamer, but you must be -”

“CHIAKI-SAN! I’ve been looking everywhere for you!” an orange haired woman declared, tugging at Chaki’s wrist. “We’ve got work to do, already! Just because you're talented doesn't mean you shouldn’t work on sharpening the skills you have.” the woman grumbled before seeing Hinata.

He saw the shock in her eyes. Hinata couldn’t blame her. Afterall, to see a random reserve course interact with an Ultimate like Chaiki was unheard of. This was definitely --

“Who are you? A Reserve Course! How are you finding Hope’s Peak? Are the two of you friends? Something more? What’s going on!?” asked the teacher cheerfully, looking completely nonplussed.

Similarly, Chiaki just shrugged.

“That’s Hajime Hinata. What’s the reserve course?” she asks as her teacher briefly gover the subject, almost as if skimming. Her teacher patiently explains the presence of the Reserve Course and why their school needed them.

But Chiaki had easily gotten a little too into her game, and was no longer listening.
“Sorry, Hinata-kun. The two of you can play around at a later time, but classes are still in session. Do that some other time.” the teacher grinned before pulling a stunned looking Chaiki with her.

Hinata stared at his reflection on the fountain once more. Perhaps, there was still something left worth discovering within him, after all.

When Yukizome-sensei returns, with the last two students in tow, the class is sparkling. Everyone seated at their respective seats, anticipating what their intriguing new teacher would be like.

She introduces herself once again to the class, telling them a bit about her own life at Hope’s Peak. Yukizome-sensei makes sure to let them know that they would be required to come back to class the next day, much to the complaints of some of the students.

Her eyes glint at that and her smile grows large for some reason.

“There are more important things than just talents in this world you know. Forming relationships with others, making friends. These things are just as important, if not more so.”

Komaeda frowned, though he could not argue with that. There was a lot he wanted to say to that. Other people in your life could come and go, and most relationships in life would be temporary.

A talent that would stick with you for life forever, whether you wanted it or not.

Then again, perhaps he wasn’t in the position to speak. After all, he never really had any friends and could not really decide what value or merit he could place on that. This wasn’t really the case for the Ultimates around him.

They all seemed to have someone they enjoyed the company of. Komaeda looked around at the expressions of his fellow Ultimates, and they seem to have agreed with their teacher’s words.

Nanami, in particular, seemed to be lost in thought. More so than usual. Her face was more thoughtful than blank, and Komaeda wondered what it was that happened in her head.

She was the Ultimate Gamer after all. Surely, there were many hopeful things and wonderful friendships waiting for her.

Still, it seemed like there was something bugging her. And as a stepping stone for hope, the least Komaeda could do was ask her about it.

Tapping her on the back, Komaeda did his best to send her a reassuring smile.

“Nanami-san, is there something on your mind?” he asks gently, not wanting to push. After all, it was awfully presumptuous of him to assume someone worthless like him could possibly ever be useful or helpful to an Ultimate like Nanami.

Nanami opened her mouth, closed it and then hummed a little before responding.

“Do you….know anyone in the Reserve Course?” she asks curiously, fiddling with the device in her hands.

Komaeda’s expression changed. The Reserve Course. If there was anyone more useless than him it was most certainly the people there. Completely talentless leeches that profited off of the hope and success of the Ultimates. By buying their way into the program and being associated with Hope Peak, their futures were only even slightly tinged with hope due to proximity and little else.

The only people capable of being worthless other than Komaeda himself.

Of course, before he can open his mouth someone interrupts.

“I do, actually. One of my childhood friend’s is in the Reserve Course. Why do you ask, Nanami-san?” Koizumi asks, looking slightly intrigued.

This seemed to attract Nanami’s attention.

“I think… there’s someone in the Reserve Course I want to be friends with.” she reveals, looking down at the console in her hands again thoughtfully.

Komaeda had to consciously keep his face passive, not wanting to reveal his distaste. Why on Earth would anyone want to lower themselves down to that level, he couldn’t fathom.

Then again… Koizumi already had a friend in the Reserve Course. Perhaps it would be best to leave it at that. It wasn’t Komaeda’s business anyway.

“Oh, that’s right! Hinata-kun from the Reserve Course, right! He seems like a kind young man. If you’d like to bring him over to class for lunch break some time, feel free!” Yukizome-sensei grins, patting her head before taking off from the class.

Komaeda’s heart stops.

Hinata? Hajime Hinata? The guy...with spiky brown hair and the eyes full of hope. It couldn’t be, right? They couldn’t possibly be talking about Komaeda’s Hinata. So what if the lack of confidence in his aura matched up with that of a Reserve Course. His eyes were so hopeful. No way. There were plenty of Hinata’s after all. Surely, that didn’t mean -

“Oh? It’s a boy? Are you looking for a man who can please your every desire, Nanami you’re so -” Teruteru began, before getting whacked on the head by Koizumi.

“That’s enough from you!” she scolded, before turning to face Nanami. “I can ask my friend Sato if that friend of yours is in her class. They could probably come here together sometime.”

Nanami seemed very pleased by the news, smiling as she nodded.

“Thank you, Koziumi-san. That would be great.”

Komaeda fought the urge to gag. His mind racing a mile a minute. What was this? Bad luck? Good luck? Nanami making a new friend was surely good news, but for that very same student to be a Reserve Course of all things…

Only time would tell.

Chapter Text

For the past week or so, Komaeda’s classmates had all come to school. Every single one of them is drawn to Yukizone-sensi’s hope like a moth to a flame.

Unsurprising, really. What is incredible, however is how close the class had become in a seemingly short amount of time. To be able to witness the tender smile shared quickly between Kuzuryuu and Pekoyama, the warm laughter between Koizumi and Saionji.

And now, on the one day their beloved teacher could not come to class and everything fell into chaos. Nidai and Owari were at it again, the class in ruins. Their substitute had fled the scene, unable to get any semblance of control over anyone.

It was only natural, after all. A non-Ultimate trying to understand or control them in any authoritative manner was bound to fail.

Komaeda wanted to be disappointed at the mess, after all it was usually his job to clean up the messes his classmates made. After all, that was the one skill his luck didn’t seem to interfere with.

But beyond that, he was quite excited to see the results of such a fight.

The Ultimate Gymnast and the Ultimate Team Manager… who would win? In most scenarios, it seemed that the Team Manager had more precise skill but the Gymnast’s unpredictability made her a scary foe indeed.

Before Komaeda knows it, Teruteru offers some kind of drug (?) given to him by the school’s Ultimate Pharmacist. And at that very same moment, Yukizome-sensei bursts through the door taking in the scene before her.

It’s a little too late. Owari bulks up, and runs straight for Nidai with a battle cry. Pekoyama shares a glance with the Ultimate Yakuza, but the boy only shakes his head before sighing.

Both Mitari and Nanami seem to have had enough. Mitari looked a little more tired than usual, leaving as soon as he could. Nanami says something along the lines of there being no point in making friends without games.

This infuriates Yukizome-sensei, though she looked more heartbroken than genuinely angered. She takes Nanami’s hands in hers and looks her right in the eye.

“Nanami, whatever joy you feel playing video games feels only that much better when you have other people to enjoy them with. I promise.”

The sincerity in her voice is almost too much to bear. Joy...and hope. Would it really be that much better if he shared that feeling with someone? Who could he possibly share his feelings with?

Nobody understood him, and a large part of Komaeda was fine with that. It was easier not to feel so torn up with those who could potentially get close to him were stolen away by his luck regardless of his feelings or thoughts on it.

No, it was better to be friendless and simply foster and appreciate hope from afar.
(Yet, Komaeda could not explain why he despaired over this truth for so long.)

Komaeda found himself running away. He didn’t know why he couldn’t stand to stay in his classroom any longer, but often his intuition led him to where he needed to be.

And today, it brought him to the courtyard. Inexplicably, Yukizome-sensei was talking to Hajime Hinata of the Reserve Course.

Just what kind of business did she have with someone like him? Komaeda wondered, before tucking himself behind a nearby tree within earshot. He couldn’t shake his fascination with the boy, and seeing the Ultimate Housekeeper equally as enthralled made Komaeda wonder if there was something he was missing.

“Why are you wasting away your life like this, Hinata-kun? Don’t you want to make memories? Cherish your youth, make friends. These moments are more precious than you can imagine.” their teacher tells the boy kindly, not dissimilar to the words she had imparted upon Nanami just moments before.

She really was a beacon of hope, even shining her light upon leeches like the Reserve Course students.

“You’re not in class either.” Hinata whines, though he does straighten up upon looking carefully at Komaeda’s teacher. “You want to ask me something, don’t you? I can’t imagine why you would go out of your way to start a conversation with me.”

Yukizome-sensei and Komaeda’s eyebrows shot up at the same time. He seemed rather cynical and blunt, but didn’t seem to harbour any ill will either. For a Reserve Course student, he sure was interesting.

“W-Well, you're not wrong per say. I was wondering why you applied to the Reserve Course. The fees are rather high, and you don’t seem like the type to register solely for the status. One of my students has a friend in the Reserve Course and another with a younger sister there as well. In those cases, they came here for those people but...you’re alone. Aren’t you? So, if you don’t mind me asking why did you apply?” Yukizome-sensei asks curiously, and Komaeda found himself subconsciously as well.

“Why…?” Hinata’s voice sounds small for a moment, before regaining his composure. “I...I applied here because...it was always a dream of mine. To be… to be some kind of symbol of hope at Hope’s Peak. Since it was always a goal of mine, I just went forward with it but… now I can’t seem to figure out my own resolve. Being at a school with Ultimates must be amazing, I thought but… I have no friends and no talent. I don’t really know anymore, if I’m being honest.” the boy laughs self deprecatingly.

Hearing Hinata’s words, Komaeda couldn’t help but feel for him. Those words resonated with him, and knowing that Hinata actually recognized his place…. and he admired hope. The same, exact way Komaeda did.

Friends. If Komaeda could have one… if he was allowed to, it would have to be him. It would have to be Hinata. The only person that could ever begin to understand him… and the only person Komaeda had ever felt this intrigued by. He wanted to understand him too, but…

“Hmm, maybe you do have some kind of skill that could be considered a talent y’know? You’re still a kid, there’s time to still figure that out. Maybe you could even transfer over to the Ultimate Talent Course one day!” Yukizome-sensei mused thoughtfully.

“I wish. A scrub like me has no business being anywhere the Ultimates. My mediocrity might even rub off on them!” Hinata laughed, shaking his head as if the very thought was inconceivable.

Komaeda wanted to almost stifle a laugh. How many times had he thought the very same thing, sitting next to talents like Kazuichi or Mioda? They really were alike.

Yukizome-sensi on the other hand, does not seem even the slightest bit amused. She snaps, in a way that was too similar to the way she had spoken to Nanami.

“Stop putting yourself down! Hinata, just talking to you like this, I know you’re a good person. All you really need is some confidence. I think that if you had more faith in yourself, you could do anything.” she declares brightly. She gets up, stretching her arms a bit before turning to face Hinata.

“The next time we meet Hinata, I want you to tell me why you decided to stay here at Hope’s Peak. You can’t choose the things that have happened, but the future is still yours to decide.” and with that, she departs leaving both Komaeda and Hinata alone to their thoughts.

Komaeda tries to think about that for real. For himself. He never asked to be given the talent called luck. He had never truly wanted it, but there was no point in wondering why when the world had already moved on without him.

For a guy like Hinata… he didn’t need to care about things like that. He was an average guy, with an average life. He had the freedom to do anything he wanted.
Ironically, Komaeda believes Hinata to be the lucky one.

Just as Komaeda was about to leave, satisfied with what he had learned for the day another familiar voice spoke up. The same one that had been called Hinata way back then, at the vending machines.

What more could Komaeda learn from him today?

“Hinata-kun, have you made your choice?” that voice...that voice! That had to be Kazuo Tengan. The director of Hope’s Peak.

Komaeda’s mind was going a mile per minute. What was someone so important talking to Hinata for? There was so much Komaeda didn’t know, and it seemed the more he learned about Hinata the more secrets were made as well.

“That’s…” Hinata’s voice sounds troubled again.

“If I’m going to be honest, Hinata-kun, I would advise against it. That project is not a normal thing to ask of anyone… and it has the potential to change everything about who you are.”

“...and what if I’m okay with that? I don’t like who I am right now, anyway. Nobody does. If I can be useful to the school in any way… even if it means giving my body, I’ll do anything.” Hinata sighs, looking up.

“It is your decision in the end. But know that… there’s truly no shame in being a normal Hinata. There is still time for you to discover who it is you want to become. There’s no need to go this far. I’m sure there are plenty of people in this world that would like to know and care for the Hajime Hinata of today. Shouldn’t you give them a chance? And give yourself one too?” Tengan-sama asked.

At that, Hinata was left unable to respond, contemplating those words. The two didn’t speak after that, and after a quiet but courteous goodbye Hinata was left alone on the bench once again.

Giving up...giving up his body? Project? Just what did that all mean?

Komaeda did enjoy a good mystery novel every now and then, and it looked like Hajime Hinata would be the greatest one of them all.

But before anything else, Komaeda had decided. He would befriend the Hajime Hinata of today. Even if he wasn’t an Ultimate, hearing everything that had been spoken of today, knowing that even the Director of Hope’s Peak itself had his eyes on the boy, Komaeda knew he couldn’t just leave this guy alone.

What excellent luck!

“Alright, whoever you are. Come out from where you’re hiding.” Hinata called, causing Komaeda to freeze in his tracks.

Hinata was having the longest day of his life. First a heart-to-heart with an Ultimate teacher, then a warning with the Director of Hope’s Peak and finally a confrontation with the elusive Nagito Komeada.

At this point, he was both exhausted and a little terrified. The Kamakura Project was supposed to be classified information, and now Hinata would be forced to do damage control.

Slowly, the lucky student moved away from the tree he was hiding behind. Arms up in the position known to be “surrender” as Komaeda approached the Reserve Course student still seated at the bench.

“Heh. So you caught me, you’re pretty observant Hinata-kun.” Komaeda began, probably hoping to lighten the mood.

Hinata was completely unamused.

“Cut the bullshit, how much did you hear and what do you plan on doing with that information?” Hinata demanded, feeling more guarded than ever. He was not at all equipped to deal with situations like these, and Nagito seemed like a rather harmless guy for the most part.

But that didn’t mean it was fine to let him go around blabbing sensitive information either.

“Ah, wait! I think you’re misunderstanding, I won’t say or do anything. I’m good at keeping secrets, promise.” the Ultimate tried to placate.

“How much did you hear?” Hinata repeated, though this time his voice comes out a little softer than he anticipated.

Komaeda seems to take that as a que to sit beside him on the bench, as he contemplates the question.
“Well, I was here since Yukizome-sensei asked you about why you applied to Hope’s Peak… so I pretty much heard everything that was said after that.” the boy replied honestly, looking up at the sky.

Hinata sighed.

“So, basically everything.”

“Pretty much!”

“....”

“So, with that out of the way, what’s the super secret project about?”

Hinata felt his temples throb at that. He was going to have the worst migraine after this conversation, he already knew it.

“I’m not just going to tell you something like that! You’re not even supposed to know about it.” Hinata frowned, trying to get Komaeda to see reason.

“But, I do now! You might as well tell me. Besides, my talent is luck y’know? If I really wanted to I could probably get my answers from somewhere else.”

Hinata groaned. What was he supposed to do? On one hand, Komaeda didn’t seem to be the type to start any problems with malicious intentions. But on the other hand, he was rather nosy and seemed a little too invested in the lives of people whom he didn’t even know.

“Komaeda, I don’t even really know you. Why should I tell you anything?” Hinata asked exhaustedly, unable to keep up with the guy sitting beside him.

To his surprise however, this seemed to give Komaeda pause.

“Ah, so it’s a trust thing. Since I am a stranger, you have no reason to trust me. Well, in that case, let’s be friends!” Komaeda suggests, a grin stretched across his face.

Hinata sputtered in surprise.

“W-What?! You’re gonna try and become friends with me just to see what the project is about?”

“Not just because of that! When I first met you at the vending machine, I wanted to know more about you. You’re kind of mysterious, y’know? But, more than that you seem like you’re constantly caught between hope and despair. It’s very interesting. But then, Nanami-san mentioned you were a Reserve Course student and then I wanted to hate you, then finally I heard your story here and I decided that even if you are a Reserve Course student leech, since you’re someone that loves hope there’s no way I could leave you alone.” Komaeda explains.

Hinata stares at him in shock. There was… so much to unpack there. Honestly, Hinata didn’t know what was the most overwhelming part. The fact that Komaeda had such a strange yet accurate understanding of Hinata’s own feelings when he himself hadn’t noticed or the stranger fixation on hope he seemed to have.

“What.”

“I said —”

“You don’t have to repeat yourself! So...so what is it you want from me? Do you… do you really want to be my friend or are you just saying that to get answers?” Hinata wonders aloud, unable to coherently form thoughts now that Komaeda was smiling at him like that.

“I truly...want to be friends. If you want to, that is. I’ve never really had a friend before, so I’m not really sure how that works but… if you really can’t ever tell me about that project, I won’t ask you about it again.” Komaeda promises, holding his hand out.

Hinata stares at his hand for a bit, at a loss for words. Komaeda was strange, there was no doubt about it but… if that’s all it took to keep him silent on the matter, who was Hinata to refuse him.

Slowly, he shook Komaeda’s hand. Once. The boy didn’t seem to be letting go of his hand.

“Um, Komaeda. You can let go of my hand now.” Hinata told his awkwardly, warmth slightly flooding his face in embarrassment.

“Huh? Why?” Komaeda asks, still not letting go of his hand.

“Because, this is a handshake. Once you shake the other person’s hand, you let go. That's how it works.” Hinata states flatly, before reminding himself that Komaeda had never had friends before Hinata. He needed to give the Lucky Student the benefit of the doubt.

“Oh, sorry.” Komaeda nodded, quickly dropping Hinata’s hand before folding his own on his lap.

“It’s. Um, no problem.” Hinata replied, before looking at his watch. Komaeda watches him, eyes sharp but he looks a little giddy.

Well, he did just make his first friend. If Hinata were in his position he would probably feel the same too.

“Hey, Komaeda I have to get to class now. Uh, so I’ll… see you around?” Hinata asks more than suggests.

“Oh! Yes. Um, here’s my phone number. Wait, is that too forward? Am I supposed to wait before asking something like that —” the Ultimate Lucky student panics, looking out of his depth.

For some reason, Komaeda’s flustered but genuine face makes all the tension seeping into his bones melt away. Hinata finds himself laughing, truly and genuinely for the first time in awhile.

He actually doubles over in his fit of laughter, to the point that Komaeda pauses observing Hinata’s joy with a small smile on his face.

When Hinata finally collects himself, Komaeda raises an eyebrow in question.

“S-sorry, you didn’t do anything wrong or anything. Don’t worry about it, asking for my number isn’t too forward at all. Here, give me your phone. I’ll give you mine.” Hinata grins slightly, taking his phone out of his pocket.

The two exchange numbers, and if Hinata has a skip in his step as he approaches his class… well, no one needs to know.

Chapter Text

There was a lot going on in Hinata’s mind these days. For one, he had somehow managed to befriend two Ultimates despite being a complete nobody himself.

It had been so strange. He had exchanged phone numbers with Komaeda and Chiaki had even talked him into going to the arcade with her.

In another unexpected turn of events, it looked like a new student had transferred to the Reserve Course of all places. As far as Reserve Course students were, the girl was far from plain.

She held her head high, with a confidence the rest of their class most certainly lacked. Rather than calling it charm, Hinata would call it charisma. Like she knew her worth down to her soul.

What a girl like that was doing in a class like this, was beyond him.

However, whatever charismatic introduction she could’ve had went down the drain as soon as she opened her mouth. Truly, there must be some kind of record for the most dramatic shift in personality a person could have.

Within minutes of introducing herself she managed to insult the entire class and threaten them.

What a first impression indeed. Then again, being a part of the yakuza definitely gave her an edge.

But her personality could definitely use some work.

The next day, when Hinata finds himself zoning out once again staring out at Hope’s Peak longingly. It’s Lunch Break, and both Komaeda and Nanami had offered to spend Lunch Break with their class but… even if he did have friends there, he didn’t truly belong.

Hinata refused to intrude on the Ultimates when he wasn’t even sure if he deserved to stand by them as an equal.

Before he can reflect on it for much longer, the girl from the yakuza completely interrupts his thoughts, demanding his attention all at once.

“What are you staring at the main building like that for? That’s kinda pathetic, don’t ya think?” the girl, Natsumi Kuzuryuu asks.

Hinata meets her gaze and shrugs, unsure of how to respond to someone like her.

“You don’t have any friends, do yeah? Can’t say I’m not the same.” Kuzuryuu sighs, folding her arms in front of her chest.

For some reason, the girl is really starting to grate on his nerves and words slip out of his mouth before he can call them back.

“It’s not that I don’t have friends...it’s just….they’re all Ultimates. It’s not like I can just walk in there comfortably. Besides, you could work on your people skills. There’s no way you’ll make any friends with that attitude.”

As soon as those words leave his mouth he regrets it. Just what on Earth was he thinking, talking down to a yakuza like that?

She doesn’t seem to care too much though.

“Who cares about that? Not like I plan on sticking around at the Reserve Course anyway. I’m part of the Kuzuryuu Gang. There’s no way someone like me is going to be stuck here. Since my brother’s already the Ultimate Yakuza, then I’ll just become the Ultimate Little Sister!”

Hinata frowns, contemplative. On one hand, she was certainly no average nobody like himself. She had spunk and guts, but if she really had a talent… wouldn’t Hope’s Peak known about it by now?

“But… if that were really true, wouldn’t you be in the Main Course already?” Hinata asks aloud, hoping he wouldn’t be offending the girl.

Instead, Kuzuryuu chuckles almost darkly and flips her hair to the side with poise.

“Just because this no good place hasn’t recognized my talent yet, doesn’t mean I don’t have a chance.” the girl huffs, rolling her eyes. “Besides, if someone were to ‘mysteriously’ drop out of the Main Course, I’d be able to snatch their spot. One way or another. In fact, I already have an intended target.”

Her voice sends a very cold chill up Hinata’s spine. Just...what did that - ?

At that very moment, Sato slams a hand onto Hinata’s desk startling the both of them.

“I just know you’re up to something, Kuzuryuu! Don’t think I’ll let you get away with whatever horrible thing you’re thinking up of.” Sato exclaims, eyes flashing in fury.

Kuzuryuu simply stares at her nails, nonchalantly. Not even dignifying the girl with a response, as she shrugs.

Sato only grows more angry at the lack of response.

“Stop lying to yourself and let it go! You’re just as talentless as the rest of us -” Sato begins, and Hinata watches in almost slow motion as Kuzuryuu’s expression changes from nonchalance to deep seated anger.

Thankfully, a girl from the Ultimate Course - judging by her uniform - steps in right then. Bodily moving in front of Sato to create some distance between the two girls before the fight could’ve turned physical.

Kuzuryuu only sneers at this, glaring holes into Ultimate's head.

“Are you here to mock us, talentless leeches with your incredible talent, Mahiru?” she demanded, voice dripping with venom.

At this point, Hinata felt responsible for the entire thing, also moving in front of Kuzuryuu to diffuse the situation.

“Kuzuryuu-san, that’s enough!” he didn’t know why, but he found his voice almost shaking. He felt completely out of his depth here, like there was something he was missing but...even so, their anger and conviction was starting to overwhelm him. He felt like his own desires and thoughts were so trivial and washed out compared to this.

It seemed that the shakiness of Hinata’s voice had gotten through to the yakuza. She began to calm down, easing her posture.

“I was only joking, anyway. No need to take things so seriously, sheesh.” Kuzuryuu lied, dismissing the situation entirely.

“You better be! Don’t forget that your brother’s in the same class as Mahiru anyway. You wouldn’t want him to find out, now, would you?” Sato sneered, apparently unable to let the fight go.

This immediately alarmed Kuzuryuu, her eyes flashing once again.

“You wouldn’t dare! If I catch word that either of you snitch about this, you’ll regret it!” she declared, looking infuriated.

“You really haven’t changed, Natsumi.” the Ultimate - Mahiru (?) - sighs, trying to tug Sato along with her.

“And you’re the same goody two shoes, as always. Somethings never change.” the blonde grumbled, looking away from the two.

“Get this through your head, Natsumi! You’re just as talentless as the rest of us, and the sooner you accept that the easier your life will be. You aren’t ever going to be in the Main Course!” Sato exclaims, and before Hinata realizes what is happening Natsumi is moving to punch her right in the face.

Luckily, Mahiru intervenes.

“Look, this isn’t the time for this. Let’s just eat lunch together, Sato.” the Ultimate sighs, looping her hand around her friend’s shoulder before pausing.

“Oh, that’s right! Is there a Hajime Hinata in this class? Our class representative, Chiaki Nanami wanted to speak with you.” the girl announced, and Hinata felt his entire body go stiff.

Everyone in the class stares at Hinata as he slowly raises his hand, and the redhead smiles at him and ushers him to walk them.

Feeling more than a little tense, Hinata turns to Kuzuryuu who only waved him away surprisingly politely.

With that he collects his bag and follows the two girls, ducking his head as his classmates all whispered around him.

Hinata honestly feels like something close to a third wheel as the two girls whisper to each other in front of him. Though Hinata does his best not to eavesdrop, he does catch enough of their conversation to get an idea on what they were talking about.

At first, it seemed as though Mahiru was warning Sato not to start anything with Kuzuryuu again. The other girl was oddly protective of her friend, but it seemed the two were able to come up with an agreement. The two seemed to be in their own little world until Mahiru seemed to finally realize something.

“Ah! Hinata-kun. Sorry for pulling you out of class so suddenly, but both Nanami-san and Komaeda seem rather fond of you. They’ve been hoping you would come for lunch all this while, so I decided to take things into my own hands. I hope you don’t mind!” she smiles, surprisingly kindly.

Well, perhaps not surprisingly. It was just that her impression had come across as extremely serious just seconds ago, but it seemed that the tension had eased from the air completely after that.

“A-Ah, it’s no problem. U-Um, do they really talk about me that often?” Hinata asks earnestly, finding himself blushing at the thought.

“Sort of! Nanami is the one that brought you up first, but it’s Komaeda that seems the most eager to share everything he can. I thought he was pretty intense about that weird hope/luck cycle thing he always goes on about but he seems to be just as fond of you too.” Mahiru explains lightheartedly, and this causes Hinata to flush even further.

For Komaeda to be talking about him as much as he talked about hope seemed too good to be true.

Then again, Komaeda was always eager to text him. They texted everyday now, mainly because Hinata was too shy to approach their classroom for lunch and Komaeda was paranoid about something awful happening to Hinata if they were too close in proximity.

But in any case, it was clear Komaeda was very much interested in him… even though Hinata, for the life of him, could not figure out why.

Hinata was suddenly pulled away from his thoughts by the two girls giggling uncontrollably in front of him.

“H-Huh? What is it?” Hinata asks, feeling a little unsure.

Sato actually laughs, something Hinata had never seen in class. Her plain face didn’t seem so bland when her happiness coloured all her expressions brightly. Hinata wondered if he could ever look like that.

“N-Nothing! You didn’t do anything wrong it’s just… Mahiru’s been telling me that sometimes it looks like Komaeda’s got some kind of one sided crush on you. Looks like it might not be so one sided after all!” she grins, wiping tears from her eyes.

Hinata’s entire brain shuts down.

What.

Mahiru quickly covers her friend's mouth, seemingly trying to suppress a laugh as well before composing herself.

“Don’t listen to her! Anyway, Komaeda has definitely been wanting to see you. But because of his whole bad luck, ‘I’m the worst’ thing he’ll never really want to ask you himself. If he’s your good friend, you should pay attention y’know? He really likes you, but he’s worried you’ll get tired of him.” the Ultimate explains, as Hinata’s face colours.

Komaeda really liked him that much? Perhaps, he should put more effort in going to see him.

Just as they enter the classroom, Nanami calls for him. To her right, Komaeda seemed to be holding a controller, his hands pressing random buttons, eyes glued to the projector. The entire scene seemed like some kind of weird role reversal, but there were other students crowded around the projector as well.

“You guys play video games in class?” Hinata wonders in awe as he takes a seat in between his two Ultimate friends.

“Haha, just one of the many perks of the Main Course!” Komaeda brags, though by the playful glint in his eyes Hinata knows he doesn’t mean anything bad by it.

Nanami shakes her head.

“It’s more of a class bonding activity we have in between breaks. Actually, Yukizome-sensei suggested it. If it weren’t for her encouragement, none of us would have really even spoken to each other. Much less play video games together just like this.” Nanami admits, fondly watching the rest of her classmates.

“Oi, Nanami! Don’t sell yourself short. It’s always you organizing events and bringing us all together. That’s why you’re our class rep, after all!” a boy with bright pink hair interjected, before taking a look at Hinata.

Upon first glance, his brightly coloured hair and neon green jumpsuit seemed to give off the impression of a loud and rambunctious type of guy. However, his tendency to look away and fiddling of his hands seemed to indicate a more anxious personality.

Not that Hinata could fault him for that.

“So this is Nanami and Komeda’s beloved Hinata-kun, huh? Nanami’s one thing, but tell me. How did you befriend a nutjob like Komaeda, anyway?” the boy questioned, getting a little too close to Hinata’s personal space.

Hinata frowned. For all of Komaeda’s eccentric habits and strange mannerisms he wasn’t a bad guy. And, more than that he was Hinata’s first friend. He did not like the way this guy was talking about him.

“Komaeda’s not a nutjob, his talent is just a pain in the ass. He’s just a really good guy. Why wouldn’t I be friends with someone like that?” Hinata asked, trying to sound casual without making his displeasure known.

This seemed to shock multiple people in the class. Komaeda included. In fact, the Lucky Student was so shocked that he lost grip of the controller and didn’t even make a move to collect it.

The only person who hadn’t seemed to find this revelation to be shocking was Nanami who simply nodded beside him.

“Hinata-kun, would you like something to eat? Hanamura-san might be kind of creepy, but his food is to die for.” she suggested, moving to collect a plate of food from the table.

“Oh, what’s this?” a short, round man appeared in front of them as if summoned. “The famous Hinata-kun of the Reserve Course? And to what do we owe the pleasure?” the guy grinned, in a voice that almost sounded suggestive.

“F-Famous?!” Hinata exclaimed, not at all used to being referred to as such a thing.

“OOH OOH! Hajime-chan finally came?! REALLY?” a bubbly girl with multicoloured hair bounded over, looking a little to enthusiastic.

Hinata was a little in shock, as he started interacting with these amazing people….normally. They were interested in him. All of them are unique, but kind in their own special way. It felt a completely different experience getting to interact with them.

Hinata couldn’t quite believe it.

When the warning bell rang to signify the start of the next class, he almost didn’t want to leave. Even though he wasn’t an Ultimate. Even though he wasn’t supposed to belong.

At that very moment, he almost fooled himself into thinking he could.

“Hinata-kun, do you mind if I walk you to your class?” a familiar voice called, pulling Hinata out of his thoughts. It was Komaeda, hands shoved into the pockets of his pants.

He looked slightly shyer than usual, though Hinata couldn’t imagine why - with a start, Hinata recollected something Mahiru and Sato hinted at earlier.

At the possibility of Komaeda having romantic feelings for him… there was no way...right? They were just teasing him. It didn’t sound that lightly.

Besides, Komaeda admired hope and talent more than anyone else. Which meant that such a thing would be impossible for him anyway.

“Won’t you miss a bit of class?” Hinata says instead, as he swings his own bag over his shoulder. The two of them walk side by side, as if this was a normal thing for them. It made Hinata feel inexplicably happy.

“Ah, don’t worry about that. Yukizome-sensei isn’t strict about things like that, especially if she knows I was helping a friend.” Komaeda reassured, smiled warmly.

“O-Oh. Okay.” Hinata replied awkwardly, nodding along.

Despite the fact that they texted each other often, there was something completely different about talking together like this.

Hinata tried to search his brain for some kind of topic to bring up, but before he could Komaeda seemed to have found his voice.

“Hinata-kun… back there when you were talking to Kazuichi-san, you said -” he began, before Hinata interrupted him.

“Who was that again?” Hinata asks, genuinely doing his best to recollect who that could’ve been. There were a lot of new faces and names today, and all of them were starting to blend together into one.

Komaeda seemed surprised by this, opening his mouth and then closing it. For some reason, his posture seemed more at ease at that.

“I see. So Hinata-kun is the kind of popular person that everyone knows and adores but only has a few people he is close to.” Komaeda states, looking a little too pleased.

“M-Me?! P-Popular? W-What are you -” Hinata sputtered as the boy next to him laughed, so genuinely and warmly all other thoughts ceased in Hinata’s brain.

Hinata had never seen Komaeda laugh like that, so genuinely at ease. It was really nice. There was something incredibly comforting about Komaeda’s presence. It made Hinata feel fully at ease too.
“Don’t overthink it, Hinata-kun! I was just surprised. Since we have things in common, I figured you were the loner type too, but that wasn’t the case. Unlike me who naturally repulses people, you actually attract them. For a moment, I had thought there would be no need for me in your life once you made more friends...yet you defended me like that. And now… I don’t know what to think.” Komaeda admits truthfully, his warm expression sobering.

Hinata found himself mirroring the expression, already missing the happiness that had radiated out of Komaeda’s being.

“What is there to think about?” Hinata asks, more than a little confused.

“About what kind of luck this is, of course.” Komaeda replies, as though it were the most obvious thing in the world.

Well, to him it probably was.

“W-Well, what did you think it was?”

Komaeda looks at the sky thoughtfully, a hand underneath his chin as he thought about the question carefully.

“When I met you, your hope was all I saw. So then, I thought you were good luck. Then, I discovered you were from the Reserve Course - bad luck. Then, I learn about you and realize how special you are - good luck. But you have a strange secret related to the school you won’t tell me about - bad luck. Then you offer to be friends - good luck. But then everyone from the entire class seems to want to befriend you and steal you away - bad luck. But you chose to keep talking to me anyway - good luck...but maybe not.” Komaeda explains.

Hinata frowns.

“I get that your entire thing is luck Komaeda, but aren’t you taking this too far? Not every little thing has to be good or bad luck. Sometimes it can just be… luck.” Hinata explains, as his friend stiffens beside him.

“Hinata-kun, I don’t think you understand. The way my luck works… for every instance of good luck I receive, I receive bad luck of equal measure. That’s how it’s been my entire life. I would know these things better than you would.” the Lucky Student points out, though his voice carries an oddly defensive tone to it.

Now that he really thought about it, he had never properly asked Komaeda about how his luck worked exactly. Now was his chance.

“What do you mean by...lucky cycle?” Hinata asks carefully, hoping not to offend the white haired boy.

Komaeda sighs.

“I guess I never told you before, huh? The way this … talent of mine operates is that for every stroke of incredible fortunate luck I may get, something equally unfortunate occurs almost as if to counteract that. For example, me and my parents went on a trip in a plane to San Cristóbal for vacation. But, on our way there the plane was hijacked - bad luck. But then a meteorite came and killed the hijacker - good luck! However, the same meteorite killed my parents as well - bad luck. However, I inherited all their wealth because of it, so perhaps it was good luck all along!” the boy explains, in a tone that is meant to come across as cheerful… but only sounds resigned instead.

“And another time I got kidnapped by a murder - bad luck, but in the bag he used to kidnap me was a lottery ticket for insanely large amount of money - good luck! Do you see what I mean, Hinata-kun? For every instant that… wait, Hinata-kun?”

Hinata stops walking all together at that point, unable to say anything for a moment.

“A-Ah, s-sorry Hinata-kun. I didn’t say that to make you feel sorry for me or anything, I was only trying to explain -” before the boy could even try to finish, Hinata found himself hugging Komaeda.

His arms wrapped around Komaeda’s waist, and he rested his head underneath his chin.

Different moments with Komaeda started to piece together in Hinata’s brain. The slight paranoia that Komaeda seemed to have about everything, his tendency to blame himself for everything that went wrong in the world. His fixation on hope - the way he clung to that idea as the one thing that could trump all else.

Otherwise, perhaps Komaeda would’ve lost it all together trying to survive on his own with a lucky cycle like that. He had endured way too much all on his own. Hinata couldn’t even imagine it.

It seemed that upon realizing that Hinata wasn’t going to let go of him any time soon, Komaeda had slowly and awkwardly put his own arms around Hinata’s shoulders hugging him back gently.
They stood in silence for a while, reveling in the warmth and intimacy of a hug.

It had been awhile since Hinata had hugged anyone either.

“Ah… Hinata-kun. Why… Why did you just?” Komaeda asks as they slowly pull apart, going back to their original pace.

“All this time, you’ve been dealing with all that on your own right?” Hinata asks quietly, gripping onto his bag firmly.

“Well, yes. I have no siblings, and like I told you before… you’re my first friend so..” Komaeda trails off, surprisingly quiet.

“You aren’t anymore though. Alone, that is. You have me. You aren’t gonna have to worry about that luck cycle anymore.” Hinata tells him confidently, his mind going a mile per minute.

“Hinata-kun, what are you saying?” Komaeda frowns, but at that moment the real bell rings and Hinata knows he has to run the rest of the way if he plans on making it to class on time.

He turns to Komaeda, taking both his palms in his hands and looking him straight in the eye.

“Even though I have no talent… even though I’m painfully average, you like spending time with me, right?” Hinata asks sincerely, and Komaeda immediately squeezes his hands in turn.

“Of course! W-Why wouldn’t i-”

“And even if your luck is capable of creating misfortune, I like you. Because your my friend. Friends help each other when they have problems, or they’re having a rough time. So… I’m going to ask you to trust me, Nagito.” he tells him, hoping his words would get through to Nagito’s heart.

Nagito stares at him, in what looks like part awe and part shock.

Hinata can hear the voices of his classmates telling him to hurry up, the feel of the wind as it picks up and moves pretty white tendrils of Nagito’s hair.

“Yeah. I… I do trust you, Hajime.” he gulps, looking completely out of his depth.

“I won’t let you down, Nagito!” Hinata grins at him, hugging Nagito once more before running to class.
He had a plan. Hajime Hinata wasn’t particularly good at much, but he was good at studying.

Chapter Text

For the rest of class that day, Hinata finds himself completely distracted. He can’t stop thinking about Nagito, his talent and just how much he might’ve suffered under the weight of his luck.

Hinata had never really thought about that before. The bad side of talent, that even something as seemingly trivial and arbitrary as luck could greatly impact someone’s life in such a way.

All of that had seemed almost too much to believe. Yet, Nagito was not one to lie or make up fantastical stories for the sake of simply saying it. And even more was the fact that his luck was recognized by the school.

Still, there was something so strange about how his luck worked. In most instances, a normal person’s luck was just regular probability. And if a regular person put in more effort (thus reducing the potential other variables could use to impact a specific result) a regular person could control or at least slightly alter their...chances. Change their fate, and to some extent control the degree of luck required to make a specific outcome possible.

Nagito, despite fully believing in the existence of his own luck, seemed to be acting on the assumption that his luck was some kind of cosmic external force. Which, given the outlandish circumstances he was forced to deal with, was a fair assumption.

But...was that all it was? An assumption?

Since there was a pattern to the way his own luck operated after all. As Nagito had stated, for each unfortunate case of luck, something of equal measure would occur.

He had read about it once… for an economic class, perhaps? No, he needed to search it up.

Discretely searching up a couple key words on the internet brough him to what he needed. A zero-sum game.

Which meant that his luck functioned on a zero-sum basis. In a zero-sum game, that which the participant’s gains or loses of utility is exactly balanced by the loss/gain of another. These concepts directly influenced the other.

When these out of the world occurrences happen, something equally as unlikely had to occur.

What Hinata needed to figure out was if there was anyway Nagito could manipulate his own luck, and if he could how often it could occur, how much could he control and if he could experience luck that could neither be defined as good nor bad.

The bell rings, startling Hinata out of his thoughts. There were too many factors to consider. He need to check the library for further understanding, and it would be good to have Nagito there with him too.

Hinata finds himself pulling at his phone, fingers already dialing Nagito’s number before he can stop himself.

“Hinata-kun? Is something wrong?” Nagito’s concerned voice rings in his ear.

“Yes, I’m fine! Also, you can call me Hajime. We’re friends, remember? Anyway, I was wondering if you could meet me at the library after school. I have some things I’d like to discuss with you.. so are you free?” Hinata asks, his mind buzzing with activity.

It had been a long time since Hinata had ever felt so sure of something. Nagito Komaeda was his very first friend, who trusted him enough to tell him about both his luck cycle and his past. Hinata had a feeling there was something he could do to help his friend.

For the first time in his life, he could be reliable. He could do something for someone that only he could do, because Nagito trusted him.

Nagito believed in him. For what reason, Hinata truly didn’t get but he was thankful for that nevertheless.

“Look, if this has to do with my luck, I really don’t think its a good idea for you to get involved Hajime it’s not safe for yo-"

“Please believe in me, Nagito.”

Hinata hears his friend suck in a sudden breath.

“You said that...even someone talentless like me had hope, right? And that hope can overcome any despair...you’ve told me something like that before. So please, let me prove that to you!” Hinata pleads.

There is silence on the other line for some moments, and if Nagito were anyone else Hinata would have assumed the other hand hung up already.

“Seriously, Hajime. What am I supposed to do with you? Well, I was already here anyway. I’ll be waiting.” Nagito laughs breathily, before hanging up.

Hinata tries to stop himself from smiling.

As he maneuvers through the hallways, trying to bypass the faceless strangers a familar voice seems to be yelling from somewhere nearby.

And that’s when Hinata sees it.

Kuzuryuu and Sato arguing. Again, but this time there is no Mahiru trying to disengage the fight. They’re up in each others faces and Sato looks dangerously close to slapping Kuzuryuu right in the face. That was doomed to end poorly.

Hinata’s body moves before he can think, and he stands in front of Kuzuryuu once again preventing her from hurting their classmate.

Kuzuryuu growls from behind him, threatening bodily harm to Sato should she try something like that again.

Sato’s eyes glint dangerously. Her voice takes on edge that sends chils down Hinata’s spine. He is all at once reminded of the joyous laughter that had made her plain features light up, just earlier that day.

Hope, happiness and joy that Mahiru inspired in her.

If that had been hope, this malicious look could only be described as despair.

“I’ll protect Mahiru. No matter the cost.” she whispered, most likely to herself before walking away,

Hinata frowned, texting Nagito quickly that he would be a little late before running off to check on Kuzuryuu.

He catches her staring at the Main Course building longingly, similar to when they had first spoken. Except now their positions were reversed.

“Kuzuryuu-san, you shouldn’t be threatening Sato so much. You might even get kicked out.” he sighs, staring off at the Main Course building as well.

There was something ominous about that building, now that he was staring at it more objectively. The school itself was divided into four quarters. The North contained the Old School Building, the initial school that held the library, a pool, a gym and a number of other facilities. The East contained most of the actual classrooms for the Ultimates. The South wing was where Hinata had never once touched, and the West was theirs - the Reserve Course section. The entire school could fit four regular size high schools within itself. The main campus was diamond shaped, high rise and tall. It seemed larger than life, but at this time of day the shadows that loomed in its’ wake seemed to obscure the very foundation of the building.

Kuzuryuu begins to cry beside him, and Hinata stiffens.

Hinata has never been very good with tears, namely his own. He isn’t the most comforting person, and he knows not enough about the girl or her comfort zone to offer a hug or anything of hat nature.

All he can do is listen.

“I have to get to the Main Course. It doesn’t even matter how or when, I have to get there some day.” Kuzuryuu admits, chest heaving with her choked sobs.

Hinata feels her pain more than he would like to admit. How many times had he thought the same thing? And why? Why were they like this? So desperate to be accepted by a system that kept trying to shun them.

“Why is it so important to you? That you get into Hope’s Peak. It’s just a school but…” Hinata finds himself asking, desperate to see if he can find answers through this Yakuza girl.

“My brother...he’s… he’s the Ultimate Yakuza, y’know? I’m his little sister and I can’t just fall behind. I want to be at his side. I want to be worthy enough to stand next to him.” Kuzuryuu admits tiredly.

Hinata thinks of Nanami and Nagito. Both of them kind, talented and motivated. Sometimes, it felt like they existed in another world… and yet.

He remembers the anxiousness of Kazuichi, the perverted quips of Hanamura and the horrible traumas Nagito was forced to endure. Ultimates weren’t some far off symbols of hope and perfection the way Hinata had convinced himself they would be.

They were still people, just like them.

Still… was he really worthy of Nagito’s time? Even now, he was keeping an Ultimate waiting. Perhaps the only reason Nagito even liked spending time with him rather than the other Ultimates was because Hinata was worthless after all...and yet.

“I understand how you feel. I.. have someone like that in the Main Course, too. But, don’t you think it’s enough that you can stand by your brother’s side? Make memories with him. Cherish that. Isn’t that enough?” he asked, praying she could ease his own doubts.

“That’s not it! My brother… he deserves only the very best you know. He only deserves to have people around him that can actually be of some use… someone that he can reply on fully. I want the best for him, and I can’t even be the best at anything how can I do that?” her words hit Hinata heavy in his heart.

That’s… that’s exactly what he wanted for Nagito too. Did that mean he was doing more harm, than good?

What was he even doing?! When did Hinata get it in his head that he could just magically solve all of Nagito’s problems?!

Who did he think he was? A nobody! That’s all he had ever been.

“I want him to be proud of me. To be proud to know me, not looking down at me but just...at me. I-If I can just prove to be the Ultimate Little Sister, than I can be by his side again no problem.” Kuzuryuu sighs, wiping at her face.

Hinata shoves his hands into his pockets and nods stiffly.

“I see. I hope you can do it, Kuzuryuu-san.”

Ultimates deserve the very best, even from the people around them.

Komaeda taps his foot nervously as he flips through the pages of the novel in his hands. As soon as Hinata had called him, he had been restless unable to properly read anything for almost twenty minutes now.

At every turn, Hinata seemed to be surprising him. From the moment they had met, the Reserve Course student had caught his eye.

Hinata had been able to disrupt his luck cycle. Komaeda had seen that.

He should have had his drink stay stuck in the vending machine - as his luck cycle was due for unluckiness at that point. And yet, Hinata had been able to give him his drink.
Since then, no major incidents of good or bad luck had occured but really his luck cycle was a waiting game. It was only a matter of when but…

Perhaps it was the hope inside him that offset his cycle. Hope that consumed all despair, so now all Komaeda was left with was minor incidents of mild luckiness.

Up until this point in his life, Komaeda had never met someone like that. And Hinata, who was supposed to be talentless was able to alter his course. He likely didn’t even know it.

For the first time in his life, Komaeda didn’t have to be scared of what kind of misfortune events would happen to him or to Hinata.

It was so strange. In a very, very good way. Just like the feeling of getting hugged by Hinata.

Komaeda honestly couldn’t remember the last time he had been hugged, and even if he did, he was sure it would pale in comparison to hugging hope itself.

Hinata was actually much more built than his uniform would lead one to believe. His hands had been warm, and the thud of their heartbeats beating in sync had been the most wonderful moment of Komaeda’s life.

Honestly, since hugging Hinata that was all he could think about. How warm and comforting it was to be held by his embrace, as opposed to his often serious and cold exterior.

Komaeda felt smile worm it’s way onto his face. His Hajime Hinata was a textbook tsundere if he’d ever seen one. Often the tsundere charachter in romance novels and manga were the best lovers… he wondered if Hinata had any experience in that regard.

It seemed a little unlikely, mainly because of the fact that much like himself, Hinata didn;t seem to believe that anyone could ever think him to be special or worthy of attention.

Yet, Komaeda had never met anyone else that affected him and his luck cycle the way Hinata did. In some regard, Hinata was most definitely special - at least with respect to Komaeda. And if the school did recognize him for something, enough for the Director to speak with Hinata himself, there was no doubt in Komaeda’s mind that Hinata was.

“Ah, sorry to keep you waiting Komaeda!” a voice calls, pulling Komaeda from his thoughts.

There before him is Hajime Hinata, panting as if he had just run a marathon. He was loosening his tie as he approached the table Komaeda was sitting on before taking of his blazer.
Hinata was sweating a bit, his white button up underneath turning slightly translucent. The Reserve Course student pushed up his sleeves, then proceeded to unbutton the top two buttons of his shirt as if to dispel his exhaustion.

Komaeda forced himself to look away, quickly staring at his own book instead.

For someone that was supposed to be boring and plain, Hinata was unfairly attractive. Seriously, unfairly attractive.

At first glance, he just looked any other student, Slightly spiky brown hair, moss green eyes. An almost olive complexion. When he smiled, he had a dimple on his left cheek and when he blushed it made the green of his eyes stand out even more.

Komaeda wanted to bash his head into the table. Perhaps his onesided feelings for the boy was the bad luck after all.

“Komaeda?” Hinata called, tilting his head slightly to the side. His hair had gotten a little messy, likely from all the running. He looked like a puppy.

Komaeda was a dog person. Fuck.

“Ah, I apologize, Hina- wait a minute, why did you call me Komaeda?” Komaeda frowned, narrowing his eyes at his friend. That was surprisingly hypocritical of Hinata, considering what he had said on the phone.

Hinata looked surprised, as if he hadn’t realized before schooling his features.

“Oh, sorry, Nagito. I’m kind of all over the place.” Hinata sighs, taking a seat across Komaeda and resting his head in his hands for a second.

Hinata sounded strangely anxious compared to when he had called.

“Did something happen, Hajime?” Komaeda asked in concern, biting his lip in contemplation.

His friend opened his mouth before sighing.

“Komaeda, can you be completely honest with me about something?” Hinata asks, almost shyly so very different from the way he was talking even at lunch.

It made Komaeda frown. While the Reserve Course student had plenty of moments where he was a little insecure, this didn’t seem quite right.

“Do you think… do you think it’s okay for a person like me to hang around Ultimates? Including...including you?” Hinata asks quietly, his hands clenching together and eyes closed as if to ward off something heartbreaking.

Komaeda opened his mouth, ready to refure every single insecurity his friend could’ve had before pausing.

Prior to meeting Hinata, he never would’ve thought such a thing.

A reserve course student was even less than him, Komaeda, that at least had luck. And he was already bottom of the barrel...but.

He thinks of Hinata’s ability to befriend his classmates so easily. He thinks of the serenity he feels, when he spends time with him alone.

Komaeda takes Hinata’s hand reassuringly, the way Hinata had for him and squeezes.

“Before getting to know you...I thought very differently. That true hope… no, absolute good could only exist within those with talents. But...I think that’s wrong, now. Because the so called talentless you, has more hope than any of the Ultimates in my class. So, if anything...I’m honoured to be in your presence. And from lunch that one time, I know they like being around you too.” Komaeda answered honestly, hoping he could get through to Hinata.

Hinata let out a breath, as if he had been holding it since the beginning of his little speech. The tension seemed to ease out of his body, and Komaeda felt his own spirits brighten.

He, of all people, was able to put Hinata at ease a little. Did that mean… could he be hope too? Or was he just a stepping stone for…

“Thanks, Nagito. I’m really lucky to have a friend like you.” Hinata grinned, and Komaeda felt the breath leave his throat.

Hinata had a very, very pretty smile he was most likely entirely unaware of.

“N-No problem. Anyway, is that why you wanted to talk to me?” Komaeda asks, pulling his hands away. He very vividly remembers holding Hinata’s hands for too long that last time, and he wasn’t about to do it again.

“No, actually! I wanted to talk to you about your luck, but one before that let me just go get something.” Hinata explains, brightening before searching a bookshelf a couple aisles down from where Komaeda was sitting.

Komaeda stared after him, unsure what to think. On one hand, anything that made Hinata smile was a good thing but on the other… the subject of Komaeda’s luck was a tricky one. Not even the Steering Comitee fully considered it to be a real talent, and if it weren’t for Jin Kirigiri, Komeda wouldn’t have even stuck around at Hope’s Peak.

A loud thud pulls Komaeda out of his thoughts.

In Hinata’s hands is a book on game theory. It’s rather thick, and looks rather interesting if Komaeda was to be honest.

It had never really occurred to him that perhaps Hinata might have his own interests and it was possible for them to share any.

But it looked like they did, and that brought a soft smile to Komaeda’s face. Perhpas they were destined to meet.

“I think you could probably learn to control your talent with this.” Hinata explains, flipping through the pages of the book eagerly.

Immediately Komaeda stiffens. So, that’s what this was about. Hinata was trying to… fix him or something. This was conflicting. On one hand, he wanted to go along with Hinata’s whims just to see where it go… but on the other.

The idea that he could actually somehow control his own talent terrified him. Because that would mean… that there was chance that he could’ve prevented so many things. The death of his parents, his dog….surely it was impossible but if Hinata really was the Ultimate Hope to some capacity...maybe he really could change things.

Schooling his features, Komaeda slowly looked over at the page Hinata was looking at.

“From what I understand about your talent, it operates on something similar to a zero-sum game. Your loss is directly proportional to what you receive. In some ways, we can treat this as a game between you and your luck. To even out any experience of luck you encounter something else must be taken, so to speak.” Hinata rambled, as Komaeda listens aptly.

So far Komaeda couldn’t find anything wrong with what he was saying, though he had never really thought to interpret his …. ‘Talent’ like that. Mainly because he hadn’t ever really considered something like luck to be a talent at all.

“But before I go forward any longer, Nagito, I need to ask you something a little personal. Is that okay?” Hinata asks softly, his eyes strangel sympathetic. It almost felt like pity, and Komaeda felt like he was going to throw up.

Just where was this conversation going?

“Sure.” he replies, because he cannot bring himself to deny Hinata anything when he’s like this. So, painfully hopeful. Talent or no, Komaeda would never crush hope as bright as that.

“Okay, so before I say anything more I want to explain a bit of what I’m thinking. Since your actions up until now are under the assumption that your luck is an external cosmic force that has it’s own will, everything that has happened to you since then has been justified as such. But… what if I said that your luck might act unnaturally or erratically due to your own desires?” Hinata asks quietly, and Komaeda stares.

His heart is beating so fast, he can’t even think anymore. What is it that Hinata is saying? Where is this going? Why does he feel dread so heavy it weighs on his very bones?

“W-What do you mean?” Komaeda asks, feeling more than a little weary.

“For example… on that trip you went on. Did you want to go on that vacation?” Hinata asks softly, and Komaeda pauses.

What? So much happened, he can’t really...oh.

“No. I-I didn’t.”

His mind blanks, and all he can pay attention to is his own heartbeat and Hinata’s voice.

“And when you realized the plane was getting hijacked, did you think something along the lines of ‘can something make this stop’ or anything of that nature?”

“....yeah. I… you’re not saying..?!” Komaeda felt like he was going to fall over and not get back up. Hinata was suddenly in his personal space, placing a reassuring arm around his shoulders.

“Don’t jump to conclusions, it’s not what you’re thinking! You aren’t at fault for anything, especially since you and nobody around you understood what your luck was doing, right? I’m of the belief that your luck acts on your own subconscious desires without your conscious effort. But because it acts like a zero-sum game, some kind of equivalent exchange is made, which you already knew about.”

Komaeda focused on Hinata’s voice. Breathed in once, trying to regain some clarity And then breathed out.

“So...what are you trying to say?” Komaeda finally asked, once he finally got his bearings.

“Well, if this operates like that game, there’s a solution. Have you heard of the Nash Equilibrium? More specifically, the ‘best response’?” Hinata brought over the book indicating what paragraph he was referring to.

Komaeda was thankful for the location of this interaction. The library was always a comforting place for Komaeda, the place where his luck affected him the least … perhaps, because. Perhaps because his brain was occupied, so even subconiosu desires couldn’t be influenced with his luck.

“Basically, what I’m saying is that there is a definitely a strategy to deal with that talent of yours to make it more manageable. Even if that specifically doesn’t work out, there’s plenty of other options for us to try out. The main thing though, would for you to start using your luck consciously. Where ever in the cycle you are right, maybe we can try to visualize a certain scenario, and then you can try to influence the ‘best possible outcome’ within the possibility endings you are given.” Hinata explains.

Komaeda stares. His luck wasn’t a talent. That’s what the Steering Comitee thought, and that’s why they hadn’t bothered with him. Only Jin Kirigiri had thought otherwise, because to Komaeda himself his luck was something like a curse...but it was the only thing he had.

But, if Hinata was right...and he could shape his talent to his will… and luck had been subconsciously been responding to it all this time.

Well, it was worth trying out.

“If...If I were to believe all this… how do you plan on testing it out?” Komaeda asks sharply, looking at Hinata’s expression carefully.

The Reserve Course student looked at him carefully, and then looked around the classroom before smiling.

“Push me into a bookcase.” Hinata told him, latching onto Komaeda’s arm and bodily dragging him over to a more private section of the library.

“Huh?!” Komaeda sputtered.

“I want you to push me into the bookshelf, and some books will fall possibly onto both of us. I want you to try visualzing the fall of the books so nothing hits the either of us. If my theory is right, the act of you consciously deciding how your luck will affect you optimizses the conditions for the ‘best response’ according to Nash’s Equilibrum. It’s worth a shot. Think you can manage?” Hinata grinned, smiling up at Komaeda encouragingly.

Komaeda stared. Well, what was there to lose? The worst case scenario, Hinata would fall onto the bookshelf and perhaps...no wait, what if it fell onto him? What if he died from the impact? What if -

“Nagito.” Hinata called firmly, hands on Komaeda’s shoulders. “Remember what I asked you earlier today? About if you trust me?”

Komaeda frowned.

“That’s not the same thing. It’s not the same thing. I do trust you, I just don’t trust myself -”

“But, I trust you. So please, trust in me the person that trusts you. We’re friends right? You think… you think the reason you aren’t affected by luck as much these days is because I embody hope or something like that right? I’m pretty sure that’s placebo, but even if not… that means we won’t come to extreme harm so. Please, trust me a little longer.” Hinata begged, as Komaeda finally gave in.

Without letting himself overthink it any longer, he pushed Hinata into the bookcase. He watched him stumble into it, and as the books fell he imagined them falling away from Hinata and himself.

One book even fell right into Komeda’s hands.

It worked.

Hinata grinned at him, and Komaeda tackled him into a hug. They happened to fall into the bookcase together this time, but once again Komaeda was able to consciously reroute the fall of each book leaving them both unharmed.

His friend laughed in his lap, looking up at Komaeda with an adoring look on his face.

“You did it, Komaeda. You really did it! I told your luck was a talent. You just didn’t get to train it yet.” Hinata smiled, cupping Komaeda’s face in his hands.

Komaeda really wanted to kiss him, but perhaps testing his luck any more would be too much.

There was so much going on his brain, as if all the thoughts that had been on pause before was now running on overdrive. He could be in control. He had an actual talent! That he could use, to help other people which meant…

“Does this mean that even I...even someone like me can be...a symbol of…?” Komaeda didn’t know if he could say it. It sounded too good to be true.

“A symbol of hope? That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you, Nagito. You always were one. You always had hope inside you, you’ve only just now become brave enough to realize it.” Hinata smirked, tucking some of Komeda’s hair behind his ear.

Seriously, Komaeda really wanted to tempt fate right now and go in for that kiss.

Later.He promises himself.After Hinata trusts me with his secret, I’ll think about doing that.

Though he was definitely at peace with the discovery...Komaeda sighed.

“Dang, what bad luck.” he states, as he starts moving to put the books back to where the belonged.

“Bad luck?!” Hinata replied incomprendingly.

“All this time I thought I could have some cool ending, maybe someone would viciously murder me after a killing game or something but… now I have to actually see this through till the end, huh?” Komaeda pouts, though inside he’s more than pleased. He can be at peace. He has the chance to live normally as he can, and just...be happy.

Komaeda had never allowed himself to think like that before.
Hinata snickered, rolling his eyes.

“That’s right. No more talking about dying for the sake of hope or anything like that. Sorry to break it to you, but you’re stuck with me now.” Hinata grins, as he offers Komaeda and helps him up.

Komeda takes his hand without thinking twice.

Chapter Text

Spending time with Nagito like this been had been the best thing that had happened to him in such a long time. It was like time seemed to stop for them, letting Hinata and Nagito be at peace seperate from the demands of Fate.

Even as it turned dark, Komaeda walked him back to the Reserve Course dorms kindly. He was rambling about a book he had been reading, something by Agatha Christie - apparently, and Hinata found that he was genuinely content to just listening to him speak. Sometimes, on things Hinata knew nothing about, but the slight tone variations as Nagito spoke, the expressions on his face. All of it made Hinata feel at home.

Hinata found that even silence was enjoyable with Komaeda, his very presence put his mind at ease.

As they finally approached the gated Reserve Course Dormitory, Hinata noticed the reluctance in Nagito eyes to part ways.

“Hey, Nagito?” he found himself asking, unable to meet the Ultimate’s eyes. Hinata truly enjoyed the time he spent with Nagito, in so many ways. But, when he thought about what Kuzuryuu said about wanting what was best for the Ultimate she cherished… Hinata couldn’t help but think the same.

Nagito deserved so much better than the circumstances he got. He deserved to have friends that were equally as unique, charming and incredible as him.

Just what exactly, was insiginfcant Reserve Course student compared to that?

“What is it, Hajime? You’ve been pretty distracted.” his friend notes, tilting his head curiously. The sun had already set, so the only source of light was the full moon and the dimply lit street lights.

Nagito looked ethereal in moonlight. It made his soft hair shine silver, lit up his mint-coloured eyes and painted his pale skin in a soft glow. Like a fairy, or something. He was really beautiful like this, every detail bathed in gentle glow.

Like this, even every eyelash was pronounced. Long, sliver eyelashes kissing his high cheekbones as he blinked.

Nagito was almost like an angel, Hinata thought. Like the ones he’d heard in fairytales, comforting and elusive as they brought you to the after life.

Yes, Nagito seemed to be some kind of cosmic being. Like he was made from stardust and moonlight, a being completely above a plebian like Hinata and yet…

Yet, the Ultimate Lucky Student always looked at Hinata with stars in his eyes. He didn’t understand it.

“Are you really sure it’s okay for someone talentless like me to stand by your side?” Hinata asks softly, letting his words soak up the peaceful moment between them like a sponge.

Nagito frowns.

“Hajime… I already told you, right? All this time… I kept make excuses about the talented elite and worthy hope because that was easier to deal with than the reality before me. You’re the one that taught me otherwise, because the hope sleeping inside you is wonderful…. that you were even able to see the hope within myself. You’re my best friend, and the only one who’s ever even tried to see and understand me. You’re my best friend… that’s irreplaceable to me.” Nagito tells him very seriously, taking Hinata’s hands in his.

“You’re already amazing the way you are now, the way I see it.” his friend promises, looking at Hinata with concern.

“Nagito...if hypothetically….if hypothetically I was made into Ultimate overnight but nothing of my original personality would remain...would that be hope? Since, I would be more useful that wa-” before Hinata could even finish, Nagito stopped him.

His face looked strangely serious, his eyebrows furrowed.

“No, it wouldn’t. In fact, I can’t think of anything more despairing than that. The Hinata in front of me right now is already the greatest person I know. No talent in the world is worth replacing that.”

And just those words, from Nagito eases all the tension in his body. As always, he could only find solace by Nagito’s side. He still wasn’t entirely sure he deserved it but… he trusted Nagito to tell him the truth.

Nagito his guardian angel of sorts. It made Hinata smile.

“Okay. Thanks, Nagito. I’m really glad I met you, you know. I think that’s the best thing that has happened to me since coming to Hope’s Peak.” Hinata admit warmly, squeezing Nagito hands before letting go.

Nagito smiled back at him softly.

“I feel the same. Good night, Hajime. See you tomorrow?” he asks, sounding small.

“Yeah, definitely! Night, Nagito.” he replies, before heading straight to his dorm.

All Hinata can think about is him that night. The way that moonlight seemed to make his eyes glimmer. The soft candance of his voice. The soothing aura he seemed to constantly radiate when he wasn’t overcome with emotion.

Nagito filled his heart up with warmth. The bond between a Reserve Course student and an Ultimate seemed to be special. Kuzuryuu and her brother. Mahiru and Sato. There was something so precious and sweet between these bonds. The hope shared between them was probably greater than any hope could be housed in one person alone.

It didn’t matter if the other person had a talent or not. All you needed was that bond.

Hinata couldn’t wait to tell Kuzuryuu that, and hear her thoughts on it. Hope blossomed in his heart greater than ever before.

When Hinata walks onto campus that day, it’s with a skip in his step. Kuzuryuu was wrong, and Hinata couldn’t wait to tell her what he had discovered. Her brother, if he was anything of an Ultimate like Komaeda, would be more than happy to have his sister by his side.

Talent or no talent. They could still be equals.

He remembers the desperation in her voice, the one that si greatly resembled his own. Obviously, Mahiru and Sato were able to keep a good relationship despite the Reserve divide. And Hinata considered Nagito to be…. the closest friend he ever had.

The skip in his step halts, as he watches many of his fellow Reserve Course students murmur amongst themselves unnervingly. It was strange, that almost never happened. Their hushed voices and concerned faces made Hinata’s heart stop.

A very foreboding sense of dread clutched at his heart, but Hinata stepped forward anyway needing to know what the commotion was about. There were police cars. Sirens.

Hinata’s head started to pound. He asks a faceless someone what had happened, and the response chills his core.

Natsumi Kuzuryuu had been murdered.

There was so much Hinata was supposed to tell her. There was so much still she had to accomplish. Her brother, somewhere in the Main Course would have no sister standing by his side at all.That was unfair. Death was so cruel. Espeically, when bright young lives were cut too short.

Natsumi Kuzyuruu had been murdered. By some kind of pervert, they’d said. Still on the loose they’d said. No further details, they’d said.

They were vague. They didn’t actually care about Reserve Course students, clearly not enough to take this incident seriously. They were going to try and sweep this incident under the rug.

Hinata hated this.

It didn’t seem real. The shock wouldn’t leave him all day. He goes into class, and there’s a desk left completely empty. It does not go unnoticed by anyone.

They all avert their eyes, but nobody says a word.

No matter abrasive and obnoxious she had been, the silence in that classroom was louder than ever before. It’s not lost on him that Kuzuryuu had the most hope and ambition of them all. Of all the talentless nobodies in their course, she was the very closest to being a somebody.

And now she was gone.

Irrational thoughts seemed to flood his mind. Was this some kind of message the higher ups were trying to tell them? Would another Reserve Course student die under myserious circumstances.

Hinata goes to eat lunch alone. His phone rings, once, twice and he leaves it alone. There is no Mahiru to encourage him to come along with her to the Main Course today. And even if there was, he wasn’t sure he would go.

And that’s when he hears it. A conversation that might’ve meant to be private. But of course, a nobody like him wouldn’t be given much thought.

Mahiru and Sato speak to each other in hurried, rushed whispers by the fountain.

Suspicious.

“Sato, please! Just tell me this, did you or did you not kill her?” the redhead demanded, almost pleading angrily.

“Of course not! Mahiru, you know me. I could never kill anyone, and a Yakuza at that?!” Sato protested, but Hinata wasn’t buying it.

Not one bit.

Mahiru’s face softens - and Hinata wishes he could just open his mouth and scream at her face, Sato was lying so clearly - because of course, she wouldn’t want to believe the alternative anyway. She accepts it and leaves.

Hinata wants to scream. Is that what an Ultimate was supposed to be? A coward, unable to look at the truth? Even when it was right in front of their face?

Is that how meaningless the Ultimate title really was, in the real world?

It was a sobering thought.

Hinata marches right up to Sato. He wasn’t an Ultimate. He had talent, no reason to get involved in this situation when it wasn’t his problem.

But, that seemed to be the problem for the talented, wasn’t it? Even for Nagito, someone Hinata adored.

They are glued and transfixed to only one mindset, one way with interacting with the world. It limits them, makes them insecure deep inside and in ways not all of them are brave enough to voice aloud.

Cowards. Running from the truth. Running from their truth.

Just like him.

“Sato, cut the bullshit. What happened between you and Kuzuryuu?” Hinata demanded, as he watched the girl stiffen further.

He could distinctly recall this exact look of despair on her face. Fuelled by some protective emotion for Mahiru, he was sure but malicious nonetheless. Like she would go at any lengths to rip the world apart for this one person.

In some ways, though scary, Hinata could understand the sentiment. But it still wasn’t right.

“Nothing more than usual! I didn’t kill her, I swear to God. Who do you think I am compared to a yakuza, anyway? There was no way I could ever do anything like that. Heh, she was destined to die young, right? That’s part of the whole yakuza package anyway. Maybe she finally realized what a pitiful existence she had. Maybe she finally learned her place, realzing how talentless and worthless she truly is. She probably gave up. She probably killed herself! Reality finally got through to her thick head and she -”

“I never accused you of killing her.” Hinata cuts her off coldly, as the girl continued to incriminate herself further. “Kuzuryuu wouldn’t have given up so easily. She had hope for the future. More than the rest of us.”

Sato’s eyes go wide, before she laughs. It’s almost like she’s choking on her own spit, unable to get a grip on reality.

“Shut up! You’re wrong! Haha, you are SO WRONG!” Sato screamed, right in Hinata’s face. He refused to back down.

“You know nothing. NOTHING!” the girl screamed before clutching at her hair, seemingly trying to rip it out. Her laughter seemed to become screaming, as she run away.

There were tears in her eyes.

Hinata didn’t know how to feel. Hinata didn’t know what to do. He didn’t pick up his phone, no matter how many missed calls there were.

It didn’t seem right.

For three days, Hinata kept careful watch of everything he could in the Reserve Course. Sato, had mysteriously gone missing. Hinata’s suspisions grew. He felt his heart sink.

Was it really possible for a student to murder someone else in cold blood like that? Why did it have to escalate that far?

Hinata had to find out, but if he wanted to find out he would have to wait for Sato’s return.

Three days, spent staring at both Sato’s and Kuzuryuu’s empty desk in class. Their teachers have learned not to bother Hinata in this state, and he can see something akin to guilt in their eyes.

He needs to know why. The truth. Whatever it may be, no matter how awful it could be. He need to know.

So that nothing like this would happen ever again.

His mind is obsessively stays on this topic unable to let go. Isolates himself from Nagito and Nanami, unable to bear seeing their faces or hearing their voices with all the overwhelming things going on. He felt so weak. He didn’t want them to see him like this. He feels guilty. He feels scared. He feels lost. If he were an Ultimate right now, what could he do? What would he do?

Hinata couldn’t find the answers to that. Not in his current state.

On the forth day, a body is discovered. The second murder of a Reserve Course student. Hinata will never be able to ask the girl questions, he’ll never know why she felt so protective of Mahiru that she was willing to go that far, and she would never get to eat lunch with her Main Course friends again.

Would it be fair for Hinata to do that anymore? Knowing the only other person to do such a thing was murdered in cold blood?

Hinata was tired of waiting. Nobody was doing anything, and the school was going to brush another corpse under the carpet again. Their school was stained with the blood of Reserve Course students.

First, they sucked their money dry and when they broke they were thrown away like their lives meant nothing.

That was what it meant to be a Reserve Course student, that much was clear. But Hinata didn’t want to whine about any of that.

He had to know what was happening. He was going to figure out what was happening. Hinata would just have to ask Mahiru himself.

Marching towards the Main Course building, for once uncaring about the perceptions of anyone else Hinata found himself ensnared in a game he wasn’t built to play.

As soon as he steps foot into the Main Course campus, his arm is roughly captured by a rather large muscular man.

“Just where do you think you’re going, kid?” the man - no, the security guard (?) demands as he roughly pushes Hinata away from the Main building. “You aren’t supposed to be here.”

Those words feel heavy and thick in Hinata’s skulls. Reverbrating within his eardrums. Alienating him. Mocking him. Hinata has to push back the bile that threatens to leap out of his throat and then pushes forward.

There was no time for insecurity at a time like this.

“I need to ask Mahiru Koziumi a question. I’ll be quick about it.”

The man stands in front of him and refuses to budge.

“I want the truth. I want real answers, not this fake wishy-washy bullcrap the school’s been telling the masses. Two of my classmates died in the span of a week. What the fuck is going on?” Hinata demands, righteous fury making his head throb.

The security guard - Juzo Sakakura, as his name tag stated - tenses at Hinata’s words. He call tell the man wasn’t expecting his words, and that whatever he was going to say would be to dismiss him completely.

“While I am sorry for our loss kid, you can’t just be walking around wherever you want. That’s probably want got the first one killed to begin with. The second one probably dies from the shock of losing a classmate.” he says vaguely, and Hinata anger flares.

If anyone from his class were to die of shock it would most probably have been him.

“If coming to the Main building was the problem, doesn’t that mean the security was the issue? If it was a third party murder that we should be concerned about, why are you cautious of me? A Reserve Course student?” Hinata spit back, completely disbeliivng.

This guys words and actions didn’t line up in the slightest. It pissed Hinata off to no end.

Sakakura seems to switch tactics after that, sneering at Hinata’s words. The condescending appearance he began to take on made Hinata sick. This guy was going to dismiss anything Hinata would say, and though he knew there wasn’t anything to be gained by this interaction it made the man’s next words have him seeing red.

“This is the problem with you Reserve brats. Give useless idiots like you even a chance at success, you start butting your nose everywhere like you own this place. Useless in life, and hassle in death. You bring down the whole place either way.” the man laughed, and Hinata couldn’t think clearly anymore just swung at him.

Big mistake.

Hinata was only hit once, right in the stomach and it had the wind knocked right out of him. He fell, face forward with such tremendous force into the asphalt that his lip split. He struggled to regain his bearings, before the man stepped on Hinata’s back crushing him to the floor.

He could feel a trickle of something salty drip down his chin. Whether it was blood or tears, Hinata didn’t want to know.

That didn’t stop him from running his mouth.

“So what if they’re not your precious elite students?! Why does that even matter, our lives are all worth the same either way!” Hinata gasped, desperately attempting to breathe.

Sakakura pressed his foot down even further, crushing Hinata’s chest to the asphalt. He was being crushed so firmly into the floor Hinata wondered if there would be an indent on his back should he stand up again.

“No, they’re really not. Grow up, kid. You can’t make diamonds out of empty beer bottles. Why don’t you run along and play? Go crawling back to your dead end buddies.” the man sneered.

Hinata couldn’t believe a man like this was in charge of security at a prestigious school like Hope’s Peak academy. He couldn’t believe such an awful person could be affiliated with …

He felt his mind get fuzzy from the pain. Still, he wouldn’t let this man walk all over him.

“There’s more to life than being talented!” Hinata screamed, desperately trying to convince himself that this was true. Nagito had promised. Nagito had hated the Reserve Course was… because of him...Nagito had said that hope was….

“Well, it’s not like that was ever an option for someone like you. There’s plenty of other things you can focus on. Like toiling for the sake of your masters. Know your place. The best you can hope to be is a dog for someone else, tied to a leash.” Sakakura laughed, and Hinata couldn’t take it.

He rolled out from underneath the man with all his might, and flinged himself upwards. Readying his stance to punch him straight in the jaw.

He wanted to get him to back off. Hinata wanted to prove him wrong. He wanted to fight this man until he gave up, to him. To the talentless, worthless Hinata.

More than anything, the self-loathing within himself was rearing it’s ugly head. He hated this. The hated them, he hated this school. He hated the talented Ultimates, that won the genetic lottery that helped fund their aspirations, desires and access to become experts.

He hated the school for existing, for promising hope when really the shadows of despair loomed to everyone that happened to be unluckier than the rest.

He hated feeling like this. Like he was a scum, like he was roadkill on a sidewalk.

Hinata punched the man with renewed vigiour. Uncaring if he had opened himself from nearly getting punched in the face again, he didn’t care. He didn’t care, he didn’t care, he didn-

Yukizome-sensei stands in front of him. Hinata doesn’t get to feel that second punch to the face.

He’s almost disappointed.

“That’s enough Juzo.” she warns, as the man finally backs off. Hinata feels his anger abate, if only a little at the glance the two adults share.

Hinata also feels a little betrayed. Yukizome-sensei who had always...who had always seemed to care about people like him. She could afford to be friends with a man like that.

It stung. Would Nagito be like that too? Nanami? Did they just tell him what they wanted to hear, only to secretly view him like some sort of dog...willing to beg for any bone they could offer him?

Yukizome-sensei is saying something as she offers him a handkerchief, and Hinata slaps it away.

Disbelieving.

Hinata turns to walk away, but before he can the teacher leaves him one bit of advice.

“There’s someone who’s been very worried for you, Hinata-kun. He’s waiting for you near the Reserve Dorms, I believe.”

Hinata wants to scream. He wants to curse, because the last thing he wants to think about is Nagito. He’s so out of reach now, Hinata doesn’t know what he could possibly even tell him.

At this moment, there was part of him that was ready to accept the surgery right away. He could just do it, now. Go straight to Jin Kirigiri and offically consent to the entire project once and for all.

Then with his new acquired talents, he would be able to get his answers. He would be more than useful, he wouldn’t be a dog. Instead, he would become the master’s master. A god.

The idea was so enticing, but the image of betrayed Komaeda in his mind shattered that illusion completely.

No, talking to Nagito would be the best thing he could do. After all, he had promised to tell the boy his secret at some point, right? This would be the time to do it.

Chapter Text

For the past three days, there was a malicious undercurrent in the air. Something despair inducing was brewing, but Nagito had thought that it was his own projections deluding him.

After all, Hinata hadn’t called him. Hadn’t texted him. Hadn’t spoken to him, and it was throwing Nagito in for a loop.

Hinata had said his luck cycle wasn’t what he had believed it to be, but what was Nagito supposed to think at this moment.

A random Reserve Course student - a once extra turned Nagito’s favourite person ever - had waltzed into his life with no remorse and shook him and his beliefs to the very core. It wasn’t something Komaeda had ever expected, and at first he looked like bad news.

And then...he becomes a beacon of hope in Nagito’s life so quickly and intensely it gives him whiplash.

His very first first friend. His very first crush.

Hinata is a series of firsts, for Komaeda and he sincerely prays he won’t become his first heartbreak.

And that’s why this was so difficult. They had almost constant communication for weeks now at least, and to be suddenly cut off like this hurt.

At first, he had been convinced that Hinata had finally gotten sick of him. That this is where his good luck would run out, and slowly Hinata was attempting to distance himself from his best friend and they would slowly become strangers.

But, that wasn’t entirely the case.

Strangely enough, Nanami had also found that Hinata had not been answering her calls or texts either. So, it wasn’t that Hinata was avoiding just Komaeda but perhaps his phone all together.

Perhaps he had lost it? Still, he could’ve come over for lunch as he had that one time but….

When Komaeda had asked Mahiru about Hinata, and wondered about her own Reserve Course friend she had frowned.

Apparently her friend was avoiding her too. There was a weird jumpiness to the statement, and Komaeda noted that some of his classmates had extremely somber expressions on their faces.

It was only when class had officially started that day, that Komaeda heard the whispers.

A Reserve Course student had been murdered the night before.

The moment he heard it, Komaeda’s blood turned cold. There was no way it was Hinata, Komaeda had been with him all night, and Hinata had gone straight to the dorms after. And the police cars were all stationed at the school building itself.

Later, he heard more details. The victim was a girl, and the murderer was suspected of being a pervert.

So, it wasn’t Hinata then.

And perhaps that’s why he had been silent all day. It could’ve been a classmate he knew, and the shock would make it difficult to talk to his friends normally.

Perhaps he needed time. And Komaeda was willing to give him space, even his heart begged to just catch a glimpse of Hinata’s face to see how he was doing.

But Hinata’s silence stretched on for three more days. And in those days, it seemed Mahiru’s friend hadn’t shown up to school either.

And then, the news of her death. Apparently due to the shock of losing a classmate, they had said.

And Komaeda couldn’t afford to wait to see Hinata anymore. What if the same thing happened to him? And Komaeda could do nothing to stop it?

Komaeda refused to give up on his hope so easily.

He voiced these concerns to Nanami quietly, planning out an intervention when Yukizome-sensei had walked by overhearing their conversations.

“Ah, you’re looking to check up on Hinata-kun? That’s probably a good idea. The Reserve Course has been suffering a lot lately. You’re both such good friends!” Yukizome-sensei smiled ruffling their hair before frowning. “Oh, but Nanami-san. You were supposed to help with something remember? Class rep responsibilities aren’t going to fulfill themselves.”

Nanami’s mouth formed a small ‘o’ shape as she sighed.

“Oh, right. I forgot about that. Komaeda-kun, you should catch him before he comes back to the dorms. If he’s willing to talk, we can all meet up at the fountain in the courtyard. That’s where we usually meet to play video games. I’ll bring snacks and stuff.” Nanami smiles softly.

Komaeda grins.

“Sounds like a plan, Nanami-san!”

Komaeda had prepared to comfort Hinata with open arms. Distract him a little, maybe even test out Komaeda’s control over his luck a little.

That’s not exactly what happens.

When Hinata shows up, his lip is split. There’s a small amount of blood trickling from his mouth, his clothes rumpled and the sleeve of his elbow was slightly torn. His body was stiff with tension, but the worst part was the helplessness almost lost look in his eyes.

He had most certainly gotten involved in an altercation of some sort.

Immediately, Komaeda rushes to him. He cups his face, and pulls out a handkerchief from his pocket wiping at blood off of his face himself. It’s all automatic at this point, and he’s really not thinking straight when he gets into Hinata’s personal space but his friend doesn’t make a move to push him away.

“Hajime, what even happened? Did you get into a fight? Are you okay? I should take you to the nurse’s office, or at least get you to Tsumiki-san an-”

It’s only then that Hinata reacts. His hands move to hold Komaeda’s wrists to prevent him from moving further.

“...don’t.” Hinata states blankly, gripping Komaeda’s wrists a little more firmly.

“...Hinata-kun? What’s wrong?” Komaeda asks softly, eyeing what looks like a forming bruise on his face. He hadn’t seen it before but this close up his face, he definitely couldn’t miss it.

Before he could react, Hinata wrapped his arms around Komaeda’s waist and buried his face into his hair. He stood completely stiff for a minute before melting into the boy’s arms and wrapping his own arms around Hinata’s shoulders, cradling the back of his head.

Hinata was trembling in his arms, and he let out a soft gasp as he heard Hinata choke back a sob.

Komaeda had no idea what to do to comfort a crying person, he had never been in a position where he had been even trusted to do that much but…

Hinata was his first friend. Komaeda cherished him more than anything, and if all he had to do was become the shoulder to cry on he was more than willing to do so. He held Hinata as he shook, his chest seemed to be shaking as well like he couldn’t quite breathe properly.

Komaeda wasn’t sure how long they stood there as Hinata cried, but once the boy tried to pry himself away he looked suddenly very embarrassed.

Wiping his tears, Hinata sighed before speaking his voice hoarse.

“S-Sorry about that. I didn’t mean to ruin your -” Hinata gestured to the shoulder of Komaeda’s uniform that was no doubt slightly damp from Hinata’s tears.

“Don’t worry about that, Hajime. Honestly, I’m kind of happy you’re comfortable enough with me to let your guard down like that. You’re usually very serious and stuff...so it’s fine. It looks like you’ve been bottling that up for a while.” Komaeda smiles reassuringly, wiping at Hinata’s face gently.

Hinata nods solemnly.

“Yeah, it’s … actually, Nagito there’s something I need to talk to you about.” he tells him, his eyes turning serious again. His eyes flitted around them, and his lips tugged downwards further. “But, this isn't the place for that. Can we talk in my dorms?”

Komaeda did his best the act normally, nodding as Hinata snatched his arm and led them both to his dorm.

He was going to see Hinata’s room. He was going to see the inside of his room.

This had escalated so fast. One day he just got Hinata’s number, now he was inviting Komaeda into his room. Was Hinata like this with all his friends?

No, a very selfish part of him thought. Whatever he’s going through right now...he only trusts me enough to talk about it.

The realization made him feel strangely special. Perhaps this entire thing was good luck too.
After pulling Komaeda into his room, Hinata quickly shut the door behind him before letting out a loud sigh.

“Okay, where do I start…” Hinata groaned, chewing on his bottom lip anxiously. Komaeda’s gaze flickered to his mouth immediately before forcing himself to look elsewhere. Hinata had full lips, though they were slightly chapped.

Ugh, why was he thinking about something like that at a time like this?

“Someone passed away in the Reserve Course, right? A classmate, maybe?” Komaeda asked, trying desperately to switch the subject so his mind wouldn’t go in places it shouldn’t be.

Hinata’s shoulders slumped tiredly.

“Right. Kuzuryuu-san.”

That caught Komaeda’s attention.

“That can’t be right. Kuzuryuu is in my class, and he’s an Ultimate not -”

Hinata shook his head, crossing his arms sadly. “No, this was his sister. Natsumi Kuzuryuu. It’s funny, she told me she was looking into getting into the Main Course as the Ultimate Little Sister so she could… proudly stand next to her brother, the Ultimate Yazuka.”

Komaeda felt a pang in his heart. Kuzuryuu might look tough, but it was clear that he was very loyal to those he really cared about. Komaeda had lost his parents, but he couldn’t imagine how much more shocking it would be to lose someone you were supposed to protect…

“That’s…”

“Yeah.” Hinata replies softly. “She told me that the day she died you know. That’s the last I heard from her. She was hoping with all her heart to -” his voice cracked, Komaeda found himself rushing to his side at once.

“Hajime, it’s not your fault.” Komaeda told him, seeing the guilt and the pain in his eyes.

“You don’t know that!” Hinata argued in frustration. “If I had just -”

Komaeda frowned, clicking his tongue. They were alike in too many ways. It was ironic, because for so long Komaeda had blamed himself for all the misfortune in his life, but listening to Hinata now was like looking into a mirror.

“Unless you knew about the murderer before hand, there was no way you could’ve -”

“What if I told you, I did?” Hinata interrupted, causing Komaeda to still. Hinata desperately gripped at Komaeda’s shoulders. “If I told you had heard the murder’s motive longer before Kuzuryuu was killed, would you still say that?”

“What?” Komaeda frowned. He wasn’t making any sense, but Komaeda was sure he was blaming himself for a situation he had no control over.

“I should start from the beginning. Kuzuryuu was a transfer student that had explicitly told us from the very beginning that she was planning on getting into the Main Course, and that we were all beneath her. She also implied that to get in, she would use any means necessary and Sato - who I assume she had some kind of history with - got on her case.” Hinata explains, his eyes glazed over. As if he had relieved the memory again and again, torturing himself with the information.

“Luckily, Koizumi-san got involved before it escalated by the two were at each other’s throats until the end. Sato was of the belief that Kuzuryuu would kill someone, and most probably Koizumi-san to get in. She was extremely protective of Koizumi-san… to the point that...the last time I saw her, I swore there was like...a despair or malice so deep, it hurt to look at her anymore. She said she would go to any length to protect Koizumi-san so…” Hinata trailed off, unable to go on.

“You think Sato, another Reserve Student, killed her own classmate.” Komaeda finished, gauging his friend’s expression.

Hinata looked to the floor.

“But that’s not all.” Hinata breathed, looking at his hands. “S-Sato also died earlier today… and they said it was from shock but that’s just too convenient. I know they’re trying to just cover it all up, and they don’t give a single shit about any of our lives but -”

Komaeda frowned. He had never heard Hinata speak badly about Hope’s Peak. Komaeda thought they had that in common, admiring Hope’s Peak yet…. Komaeda couldn’t fully blame him. This was very shady.

“I think you’re going a bit too far. Perhaps they’re trying to protect -”

“Protect who, Komaeda?” Hinata demanded, smashing his fist into the wall. The aggressive move caused Komaeda to startle, unused to Hinata’s violent behaviour. Most of the time he was so calm and serious.

To see him like this…

“Nobody gives a single shit about any of us, don’t you get it? Kuzuryuu-san is literally yakuza legacy and she was still killed and her story buried as to not cause problems for.. Who? The reputation of the school. The main course. That’s all the Reserve Course is supposed to be. We’re replaceable, a commodity that can be used and put away as they all please. They suck every last drop of wealth and effort out of us. You, of all people, should get it right? You used to think it to… we’re just dogs looking for any bone they’ll throw at us at this point. That’s all people like me, will ever mean to them.” Hinata vented, chest heaving as if he’d run a marathon. His hands were roughly tugging at his hair, as if he wanted to pull it out.

Komaeda stared at him in shock, unable to grasp Hinata’s words fully. He was...so wrong. Well, maybe the Komaeda of the past would have agreed. The only thing that could be worse than him, with a power he couldn’t control would someone with no power at all. They were truly nothing...replaceable and insignificant to this world.

Yet, basically nobody else in the Main Course had thought that besides him. Not Nanami, not Yukizome-sensi, not anyone. And even if Hinata had been insecure about being talentless, it had never previously seemed like something this bad.

Slowly, he approached Hinata prying his hands away from his scalp. Komaeda couldn’t understand where this was coming from but….

“Hajime...do you really believe that?” Komaeda asks softly, watching Hinata’s expression twist.

“I don’t…. Does it really matter, what I think? I’m an insignificant scrub compared to all of you Ultimates...I’m not anything special. Who really cares what happens to me?” Hinata sighed, looking so exhausted and lost it was breaking Komaeda’s heart.

To see his hope so desolate was truly despairful and yet...they were friends. They were...equals. It was Hinata that had taught him to control his own ability, and find hope within himself.

Now it was Komaeda’s turn to help. That’s...that’s what friends do.

“I care.” Komaeda states, looking into Hinata’s meaningfully. He wondered if Hinata could see his soul like this, all vulnerable and honest.

That was actually one of many things Komaeda loved about Hinata. He was honest and genuine, almost to a fault. And though he seemed reserved, it wasn’t at all a bad thing. Hinata was thoughtful, sharp and kind. And deep down, he was even a bit of a push-over on occasion.

All of these different parts that made up Hinata, Komaeda loved it all. He just loved him.

It was so unlike anything Komaeda had ever experienced before. Even when he had thought Hinata to be nothing but a useless Reserve Course student, he still cared for him. Komaeda was still curious about him.

Komaeda loved him.

“Even if they say you’re talentless...or plain, or whatever else you’re still someone with so much, Hajime. I’m….I’m in love … with the hope that sleeps inside you. Please, never forget that.”

Komaeda couldn’t just say admit something like that now, though.

Hinata paused, staring up at him completely dumbfounded.

“Komaeda...just what does hope even mean to you?” Hinata asks.

Komaeda smiles.

“I think we’ve spoken enough for you to know about this by now.”

Hinata chewed on his lip thoughtfully, eyebrows furrowed in concentration as he deeply contemplated Komaeda’s words. Everything he did made Komaeda’s heartache in the best way possible.

“Hope is… absolute good to you, right?” Hinata asks, though the look in his eyes definitely suggested that he had already known the answer to that question.

“Right! And, since you have that in abundance there’s no way anyone could replace you. There’s only one Hajime Hinata in this world, and that’s my best friend. So of course, nobody could ever replace you in my life.” Komaeda explained, feeling his heart throb in his chest..

Best friend wasn’t exactly the word he wanted to be saying, but it wasn’t wrong.
Hinata looked up at him with wide eyes, as if he couldn’t believe what Komaeda was telling him. It was full of surprise, awe and the most promising of all hope.

Komaeda couldn’t help but grin. That was the expression he wanted to see Hinata have always. While his crying face wasn’t bad, a Hinata with stars in his eyes was the most wonderful of all.

“You.. really mean that?” Hinata asks, almost shyly. If Komaeda hadn’t known any better he might even say his friend was blushing.

He nods.

Hinata makes him fall over onto his bed with the force of his hug. He buries his face into Komaeda’s hair again, and Komaeda tries his very best to get his bearings. Their chests are a little too smooched together, and Komaeda is a little surprised at how soft Hinata’s is. And warm.

That however is the least of Komaeda’s current concerns. Hinata was on his lap, in his dorm. They were the only two people in his dorm room.

Ugh, this really wasn’t the time to be thinking things like that.

Hinata mouthed something into Komaeda’s shoulder that was too muffled for him to catch even a single word of.

“Sorry, Hajime I can’t hear you properly. Can you say that again?” Komaeda asks kindly, running his fingers through Hinata’s spiky hair. He had one tuft of hair slightly longer than the rest. Komaeda had often thought about playing with it, and now it was his chance.

“I said, you’re special to me. Nobody could ever replace you, either.” Hinata murmurs softly playing with the collar of Komaeda’s shirt.

He feels his face flush at the admission, a smile blooming across his face unbidden.

“A-Anyway, there’s one more thing I need to tell you about. D-Do you remember the secret you wanted to know about...back then?” Hinata mumbles, eyes refusing to meet Komaeda’s.

He sits up a little straighter, at the mention. In full honesty, Komaeda had kind of forgotten about it now that he and Hinata were friends. It seemed like something completely trivial and inane now.

Still, Komaeda was curious by nature. He wasn’t going to tell Hinata any of that.
So he simply nods instead, attentive to Hinata’s words.

“The secret is… you’re really not allowed to tell anyone, okay? I’m not even supposed to tell anyone but….I really trust you. And I need you advice anyway so...there’s this project that Hope’s Peak has been working on. I-It’s what the funding from the Reserve Course goes to.” Hinata explains nervously, now tugging at Komaeda’s hands to play with his fingers.

Komaeda wasn’t entirely sure where this was going, but he had a very bad feeling about this.

And his intuition was rarely ever wrong.

“Basically...they’re looking to make the Ultimate Ultimate a talent. They’re calling it the Ultimate Hope or the Izuru Kamakura Project after the founder of Hope’s Peak. They want to artificially implant every talent into one human being….and in order to do that they need a host. A willing participant.”

Komaeda’s heart stopped. No way. Human experimentation? That’s what all the Reserve Course funding was going to? To create this...artificial Hope? And worse than that was ….Komaeda clutched at Hinata’s hands tightly.

“You.” he says quietly, as if speaking too loudly would somehow make it happen before his eyes.

“Yeah. That’s the only reason I was allowed at Hope’s Peak Academy. I...can’t actually afford the fees here. In exchange for allowing me to stay here with a talent, I would give up my body...and if worse comes to worst my entire personality as well. Initially, it seemed like a pretty great deal but..” Hinata trailed off, not meeting Komaeda’s gaze.

Komaeda suddenly brought Hinata closer, squeezing him tightly. Hinata gasped, clutching at Komaeda’s shoulders.

“Don’t do it. Whatever happens, your hope right now would outshine. None of that would be real talent anyway, it’s not worth the risk.” Komaeda told him, almost pleading.

Hinata fiddled with the collar of Komaeda’s dress shirt again, frowning.

“I-I thought so too. But...Komaeda, things can’t stay this way. The way things are with the Reserve Course...and I would have to leave Hope’s Peak all together if I reject it...no matter how much you say that, I can’t just leave this place alone. I’m powerless, and if things are to change around here… I can’t stay like this forever. This school won’t listen to some kid in the Reserve Course and I’ll have to...I’ll have to leave you. You, and Nanami, and Yukizome-sensei. Everyone. And Kuzuryuu-san’s wish. At the very least, I should -”

“There’s got to be another way.” Komaeda refuted, refusing to budge on this. “If it’s just money you’re worried about, I can pay for your Reserve Course fees. Then we can stay together, problem solved.”

Hinata moved away from his arms, making Komaeda frown as the brunette scowled.

“I am not letting you pay for my Reserve Course fees just like that! And that won’t change the fact that I’ll still be powerless -” Hinata scolded, the lines in between his eyebrows getting deeper.

Fuck, Komaeda just wanted to kiss that away.

“You’re not. Powerless, I mean. Even if it’s not an Ultimate level talent, you still have skills of your own. And besides, you have me on your side. You’ll never be powerless as long as you have me.” Komaeda promised, watching Hinata’s face flush. The Reserve student went back to burying his face into Komaeda’s chest, and the Lucky student couldn’t help but laugh.

“Was that supposed to be a pick up line, or something?” Hinata grumbled, peeking up at Komaeda through his lashes.

Komaeda was seriously resisting the urge to kiss him.

“Depends. Did it work?” he asks cheekily, hoping to make Hinata laugh at the sheer ridiculousness that would be Komaeda successfully flirting with someone li-

Hinata was kissing him.

This was not what Komaeda was expecting. Not in the slightest.

Not that he was complaining.

Komaeda held Hinata firmly by the waist, enjoying the slow slide of their mouths. He wasn’t particularly experienced in this regard, and he would usually be a bit more shy in this scenario. However, Hinata kept smiling into the kiss. It continuously forced them to break apart a bit, and other times caused their teeth to clash. But Komeda couldn’t find it in himself to complain when Hinata’s smile only ever made his heart sing with joy.

Hinata was just about to push Komeda backwards onto the bed when Komaeda’s phone rang, pulling them out of their own little world.

Still a little dazed, Komaeda picked up his phone without looking at the screen. He couldn’t stop staring at the blush spread across Hinata’s cheeks nor the shiny redness of his mouth.

“Komaeda-kun, where are you?” Nanami’s voice asked, pulling Komaeda out of his thoughts.

“Ah! Sorry, Hajime and I were … caught up with something. We’ll meet you there.” Komaeda replied, sighing as he ran his fingers through his hair.

Hinata - still on his lap - only blinked at him curiously.

So cute. Like a puppy.

Komaeda realized he had a similar thought back in the library, but now he could actually act on his thoughts.

“What was that about?” Hinata asked, pulling Komaeda out of his thoughts.

“Oh, yeah! Originally, the plan was that I talk to you before we meet up with Nanami to distract you from you...grief. But, it ended up being more complicated than we thought so…” Komaeda trailed off as Hinata, slowly got up.

While Komaeda missed the warmth from on top of him, being able to stretch his numb legs out was a sweet relief of its own.

“H-How much should we tell her?” Hinata frowned, biting at his lip anxiously again.

“About what?” Komaeda asks, staring intently at Hinata’s mouth still. Hinata whacks him on the shoulder, looking unimpressed.

“About the murder and the project, obviously!” Hinata exclaimed, looking embarrassed. “Who I’m kissing is absolutely none of her business.”

“Do you often want to kiss your friends, Hajime?” Komaeda teased, though mainly playfully.

Hinata wasn’t really the type who liked many people in his personal space to begin with.

“No, just you.” Hinata replies truthfully, turning away so he could replace his blazer with a fresh one. Right, the old one had been torn.

“Am I not your friend? Also, how did you get so beat up anyway?” Komaeda asks as he finally stands himself, ready to leave the dorm at Hinata’s side.

“You’re not just a friend. You’re Komaeda...so you get special privileges.” Hinata smiles, a little teasingly.

“Boyfriend privileges?” Komaeda persists, knowing he was being purposefully pushy but… Komaeda was a lucky guy, after all.

“If that’s what you want.” Hinata replies before looking away, as Komaeda’s grin stretches even further across his face.

“A-Anyway, about the looking beat up. I got into a fight with the head of security when I tried to go talk to Koizumi-san about the murder at the Main Course today.” Hinata waves dismissively. “In any case, I’ll leave some stuff out when telling Nanami about what happened. I’ll spare the details about who any of things happened to about the murder and leave the identies anonymous but… I don’t want to tell her about the Project yet.``

Komaeda’s eyebrows shot up immediately.

“Hajime, you fought with the head of security? That guy used to be the Ultimate Boxer, how did you even come out of that alive?” Komeda frowned, taking a closer look at the injuries on Hinata’s face.

Hinata swatted him away as they exited the dorm, before slipping his hand into Komaeda’s.

“Don’t underestimate, Komaeda. I got a punch in too.” he told him, puffing his chest out a bit. Komeda laughed, bringing their joint hands to mouth to press a kiss onto Hinata’s knuckles.

“I’m sure you did. So, how did you escape?” Komaeda complies, gently swinging their hands together as they begin to approach the courtyard.

“Yukizome-sensei seemed to know him and stopped him in time. That’s when I left.” Hinata admits staring up at the sky.

It looked like the sun was going to set soon. Komaeda pushed away the slight guilt he felt towards Nanami for having to wait for them, but looking at their joint hands he couldn’t find it within himself to regret the progression of tonight.

That being said, they wouldn’t be getting their happy ending anytime soon at this rate. While it was true that Hinata would reject the offer and have Komaeda pay for his fees, the Lucky Student knew that such a solution wouldn’t satisfy Hinata.

“If she protected you… I think that proves she’s a trustworthy adult. Maybe consider telling her the full story too, Hinata. You don’t have to deal with this alone.” Komaeda reminded, squeezing their hands together firmly.

Hinata looked back and Komaeda felt all the air rush out of his lungs. The slowly setting sun, orange and red basking everything in golden glow did wonders for Hinata’s skin. His eyes were warm as he looked back at Komaeda and the hazel green of his irises looked godly under the sunlight.

As Komaeda took the time to drink him in, he couldn’t help but feel like Hinata was made from sunlight himself.

Hinata. He really was the sun, the center of Komaeda’s universe. Everyone else seemed to orbit around him, trying to soak in his warmth.

Though as they approached Nanami, with sun-filled hope in their eyes, Komaeda couldn’t help but wonder if that meant he would become Icarus one of these days.

Well, he had always wondered what it would feel like to fly.

Chapter Text

“Sorry to keep you waiting, Nanami-san!” Nagito apologizes as Nanami greets them. The girl only shrugs, smiling knowingly.

Hinata wondered what exactly was going on in her brain.

“It's no problem. I’m just glad to see Hinata-kun back mostly safe and sound. Though, I have to ask. What happened to your face?” she turns, directing her gaze onto the Reserve Course student.

Hinata sighs, plopping down on the bench with Nagito following shortly.

“It’s a long story.” Hinata sighs, and though he had originally planned on telling Nanami a censored rendition of the truth the look on Komaeda’s face….he wants him to trust them Fully, and honestly.

“We have time.” Nanami points out, passing him kusamochi. In her bag seemed to be a bag of chips, probably for Komaeda since he was fond of salty snacks.

No, Nanami was kind. Not everyone was like Sakakaura, and in fact he was probably a minority. When Hinata thinks of all the Ultimates he’d interacted with, none of them had been anywhere near as degrading as that.

“Hajime...I think, well. It doesn’t really matter what I think but...Nanami-san is strong enough to handle the truth. You shouldn’t underestimate her.” Komaeda chided, squeezing at Hinata’s hand reassuringly.

Hinata released a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding.

So he talked. About his first meeting with Kuzuryuu’s little sister, about Koizumi’s friend. He talked about being desperate to find his place at Hope’s Peak, and then what he knew of the Kamakura project.

All the while the girl beside them was silent, quietly contemplating Hinata’s words until his throat grew sore.

Finally, he told her about what he understood of the murders. And his run-in with Juzo Sakakura. By the time he was done he felt exhausted, leaning onto Nagito’s shoulder.

Nagito was unwrapping the kusamochi already and shoved it into his mouth as the three of them sat in silence for a bit.

“Hinata-kun...this is very concerning. I think you should talk to an adult you trust about this. This isn’t the kind of situation you should be forced to handle alone.”

Nagito brightened.

“I was telling him the same thing! But...Hajime’s been pretty paranoid with this entire thing. I think the situation with the security guard broke his trust.” his boyfriend (?) explained. The two of them turned to face him, as if to ask for confirmation.

Hinata shrugged.
“Nagito said we should talk to your homeroom teacher, Yukizome-sensei but…. I don’t know. She seemed curious about the Reserve Course and really kind too...yet she’s on a first name basis with that Sakakura guy. I don’t know what to think anymore.” he replies, before stuffing his face with another kusamochi.

This stuff was so good.

Nagito slightly chided him, wiping his face. His fingers were dangerously close to his mouth, and Hinata had been very aware of the fact that the Lucky student had been staring at it all night.

On one hand, it was very flattering to be on the receiving end of Nagito’s attention and affection. But, on the other hand, he wasn’t a kid that needed Nagito to scold him.

Lightly nipping his finger as it got to close, Hinata watched as Nagito’s face lightly flushed a pretty shade of pink.

There! They were even now.

“Yukizome-sensei’s trustworthy, and she really does care about your wellbeing Hinata-kun. You should talk to her, I think.” Nanami spoke, pulling Hinata away from his thoughts.

Hinata sighed, before nodding.

“....I guess it’s worth a shot.” Hinata agreed, as Nagito cheered behind him. Nanami offered him a high five and the two of them seemed satisfied.

“In other news, I’m going to assume you and Komaeda-kun are dating now? That seems to be the only explanation as to why you’ve both been interacting unabashedly gay right now.” Nanami grins, eyes a little too knowing.

Hinata opens his mouth to sass back, but Komaeda stiffens beside him.

“A-Are we dating? Ah, but there’s no way Hinata-kun would want to be with someone as disgust-”

“Nagito, I had my tongue shoved down your throat not even an hour ago. I am very much attracted to you, and romantically interested in you. If you don’t want to date, that will be up to you.” Hinata says, casually stuffing another kusamochi into his mouth.

Nanami laughs brightly beside them, and some tension in the air lifts.
Nagito splutters, mouth agape.

“W-Well of course, I also… uh. Um, yes. W-We can date, if that’s what Hajime wants.” he says sounding strangely shy compared to what they had done prior to arriving here.

The sun had fully set, bathing the world in a more red-gold hue than before. The only sounds now were the chirps of a couple birds, the running water from the fountain and Nanami taking another bite of her snack. Hinata could feel Komaeda’s eyes on him, observing adoringly.

“Tomorrow, at lunch you should talk to Yukizome-sensei privately. You should come to our class like last time again.” Nanami suggests, catching Hinata’s attention.

“That might not work...after all, the reason Sakakura-san stopped Hinata was from coming into the Main Course property to begin with.” Nagito points out before Hinata passes him the bag of chips.

“Then...one of us can come collect Hinata from the Reserve Course instead. That way, he can chaperone him and if Sakakura-san asks any questions we can confirm that he’s supposed to be there because Yukizome-sensei has to speak to him.” Nanami replies thoughtfully.

Hinata smiles softly at that. Komaeda had been right. Trusting Nanami had been the right choice. Perhaps he should be more faithful for often.

After walking Nanami-san back to her dorm, Hinata finds that he doesn’t want to part ways from Nagito just yet.

There’s still so much he was worried about and so much more he was scared of.

But, asking Nagito to spend the night with him would be moving too fast, wouldn't? After all, Hinata was often a difficult person to be around. He was probably already overwhelmed, it was probably best that he leave the Ultimate alone for now and then -

“Uh, Hajime.” Nagito calls, pulling Hinata out of his thoughts. They’d been holding hands all evening. Despite his hand being clammy, Nagito didn't seem to mind at all. Perhaps it was because he himself ran a little colder than most.

“Yeah?” Hinata replies, pausing beside him.

“Uh.. um, well. I know that after losing people close to you...it’s hard to sleep and be alone. So, I was wondering if you wanted to sleep with me?” Nagito suggests. Hinata’s face flushes from the phrasing, and Komaeda is quick to backtrack.

“Wait, not like that! I didn’t mean to imply that… there’s no way that I could.. wait, no I would but not yet? It’s not that I find you repulsive, you’re extremely attractive to me! I just met we could … cuddle or something.” Nagito stumbled over his words, to the point that Hinata couldn’t help but laugh.

“Yeah, I’ll stay with you. I didn’t bring any sleep clothes, though.” Hinata points out, as they stop in front of Nagito’s dorm.

“Not a problem. I have a shirt and a pair of shorts you could borrow!” Nagito smiles as they enter his room.

The Ultimate dorms were surprisingly spacious. The shelves were stocked with various books, and the bed was a lot bigger than the one in Hinata’s own room. It was also furnished with a mini-fridge.

He couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy, but it was quickly erased when Nagito hugged him from the back. Arms wrapped Hinata’s waist.

“You can shower first. I’ve gone ahead and put a towel and change of clothes out already. If you need anything, just yell, okay?” Nagito breathes against his ear, causing Hinata to shiver pleasantly from his words.

“O-Okay.” Hinata nods before entering the washroom in a daze. It’s only then that Hinata was reminded of an unfortunate detail.

He had to take his binder off when he slept.

The realization was like a bucket of cool water dousing him on the head. In full honesty, Hinata couldn’t believe he hadn’t found yet, what with how close they were pressed up against each other as they made out.

Perhaps Hinata’s layers of clothing as a part of his uniform had masked it.

With a new wave of anxiety, Hinata stripped and submerged himself under the cool spray of the shower. There was no need to panic, it had simply never come up in conversation before.

And honestly, it wasn’t like Hinata had been trying to go out of his way to hide it from Nagito.

Still, the possibility was still there. As kind and good as Nagito could be, some people were put off by...people like Hajime. But, his boyfriend was pretty open minded and understanding.

After quickly washing himself, Hinata contemplated the binder in front of him. He could just wear it to sleep but...Hinata’s body already ached from the beat down. Suffocating his ribs any further wasn’t a good idea at all.

He would have to take the risk.

Taking a deep breath, Hinata put on the white t-shirt Nagito had provided him. The red pattern near the stomach was a little obscure but seemed strangely fitting for his mysterious boyfriend.

While the length of the shorts ran almost to Hinata’s knees, it was a little tight.

Komaeda was rather lithe compared to him after all.

Hinata felt strangely more insecure than he should have. He felt as though he hadn’t thought this through. Would Nagito be uncomfortable with him?

What if they broke up over this?

The thought caused a deep sense of pain, they hadn’t even been together that long.

A knock at the door caused Hinata’s face to fall. What was he supposed to do? Too much was happening too soon. And being placed in such a vulnerable position, again and again in front of Nagito was really starting to take its toll.

“Hajime? You okay in there?” Nagito asks kindly, causing Hinata’s heart to ache.

The only thing Hinata had going for him was his honesty. His genuine attitude is what allowed him to get this far, and there was no point in making this draw out longer than he should.

“Um, Nagito. I don’t know if this is a deal breaker but… I really don’t … like my body.” Hinata confessed half-assedly, yelling at himself internally for chickening out.

“Huh? Why not? I think Hinata-kun has a very excellent body. Perfect for hugs. And kisses. And other things. In fact, I think you -”

“Not like that, Nagito! I’m...trans. I have parts… that I’m not supposed to have.” Hinata tried to explain as bluntly as he could.

“Oh.”

Hinata’s heart was beating out of his chest.

“If it makes you uncomfortable, I can sleep on the couch. But, I want Hajime to know that doesn’t make me like you any less. You’re still the boy I like full of hope. Hajime doesn’t have to worry.” Nagito assured.

Hinata could breathe again.

Opening the door, Hinata shoved his dirty clothes and binder into his bag before launching himself into Nagito’s arms.

His boyfriend kissed the top of his head warmly before cupping his face.

“You have nothing to be ashamed of, Hajime. The offer is still on the table about me sleeping on the couch, by the way -” Nagito assured, but Hinata leaned up to kiss him, muffling the rest of the sentence.

Hinata grinned. “No, I want to sleep beside you. Just…let me be the small spoon.”

Nagito smiled.

“I can do that.”

Hinata walked around Nagito’s room a bit, waiting for the Lucky student to finish showering. He had a lot of mystery books on the shelves, it was very clear his boyfriend was an avid reader.

What a nerd. Hinata snorted.

There wasn’t a whole lot more to explore in his room. A desk, with his laptop some worksheets and a pencil case. His closet held many pairs of jeans and more white t-shirts, as well as a green jacket with the numbers ‘55’ painted on the back. A couple pairs of the Main Course uniform.

There are some trinkets here and there as well. A preserved four-leaf clover, some fortune cookie papers. Charms from cultures Hinata couldn’t recognize, probably to ward off evil spirits.

When he got bored of inspecting these, he found himself falling back onto the bed. It was memory foam. Hinata wanted to be pissed about the favoritism, but it was extremely comfortable.

Nagito found him like that, sprawled starfish on his stomach.

“Hajime?” he called, as Hinata flipped over. His white hair was still dripping, his towel still in hand.

“Come here, let me do that for you.” Hinata called, moving towards the edge of the bed legs spread apart slightly.

Nagito looked like he wanted to argue, but upon seeing his determined expression probably thought better of it as he sat in between his boyfriend’s legs.

Snatching the towel from his pale fingers, Hinata placed the towel on Komaeda’s head and started drying his hair gently. Taking care to unknot the length of his hair and continue as he methodically went through the entire process.

Nagito leaned onto his back, enjoying the attention. He was almost like a cat, purring in contentment at the affection.

“Hajime is pretty good at this.” Nagito sighed happily, enjoying the sensation.

“At what, drying hair?” Hinata snorted, continuing the process warmly.

“No, well yes but I meant taking care of people. You always put me at ease. If I could assign you a talent it would be something like Ultimate Serenity.” Nagito smiled.

Hinata paused flushing as he likely whacked the Lucky Student.

“You’re biased.” Hinata grumbled, though he was secretly pleased. His boyfriend only hummed, enjoying himself.

After putting the towel away, they hid together under the covers kissing each other goodnight. Nagito made sure to avoid touching his chest, for which Hinata was infinitely grateful for.

Instead, his hands were planted firmly at Hinata’s hips, and Hinata’s hands caught in his hair.

They kissed languidly, enjoying the warmth of curious hands and mouths. Hinata trailed his lips underneath Nagito’s jaw nip and sucked bruises into skin.

His boyfriend groaned over him, his eyes a little hazy.

He opened his mouth in what Hajime had anticipated to be a moan, only to yawn instead. The two stared at each other for a bit, before breaking into laughter. Hinata hid his face in Nagito’s hair, and smiled, unable to stop himself even if he tried.

“Guess that means we should sleep soon, huh?” Hinata grinned, prying himself away a bit so he could gauge his boyfriend’s expression.

Nagito pouted but nodded all the same, as Hinata turned around and let the Lucky student back hug him.

For whatever reason, Nagito was slightly shying away from hugging him fully. This displeased Hinata a bit, and as he moved to get closer he suddenly understood his boyfriend’s situation.

Nagito made a noise somewhere between a cry and a scream.

He bit back a smile and adjusted himself accordingly, moving away again to spare Nagito of further embarrassment. Clutching at the arm wrapped around his waist, he fell into slumber easily distracted from the events of the day.

…

Hinata awoke with a start. He wasn’t the deepest sleeper and there was distressed movement from beside him.

Opening his eyes warily, Hinata was shocked to find Nagito crying in his sleep. His pleading at something, though his words didn’t seem to come out coherently. He looked like he was in extreme distress.

Hinata quickly shook him awake, combing back his hair. Desperately doing everything in his power to wipe the tears from his face.

Nagito nearly headbutted him in shock, eyes quickly adjusting to the dark and meeting Hinata’s eyes. His body immediately relaxed, before tugging Hinata into his arms.
“Nightmare?” Hinata asks softly, running his fingers through his air. Stroking his back, hoping that his trembling would cease.

“S-Something like that. Sorry for waking you, you can go back to sleep.” Nagito murmured, though he made no move to let go of him.

Hinata frowned.

“Do you want to talk about it?” he offered, hoping he would clear out whatever was plaguing his boyfriend’s mind.

Nagito looked like he wanted to argue, but paused looking into Hinata’s eyes.

“I...I don’t know if I told you this but… I don’t want you to hate me. Or fall into despair. Or be hurt by me. A-And at the same time, I don’t want you to leave. I-I don’t -” Nagito shook, trying to tug aggressively at his hair. Hinata took his hands away from his scalp quickly, instead lacing them with his own.

“Nagito, baby, I’m not going anywhere, okay? We’ll figure this out together, right?” Hinata reassured softly, kissing away his tears.

“N-No, it’s not just that! I...I always wanted to finally...have a friend. Experience love. And you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me but even now… I could lose you to this Project. Or maybe they really will force you to leave. And even if those things didn’t happen, I only have a year more with you but I want to do so many things, but there isn’t nearly enough time and -” Nagito began to panic, Hinata could hear his heart beating like crazy.

“Nagito, look at me.” Hinata, interrupted forcing his boyfriend to look at him. He obeyed easily, and paused though his hopelessly desperate expression hadn’t left his face.

“I can’t promise to have all the answers. But, I will do anything to stay by your side for as long as I can. Okay?” Hinata promised, kissing at the furrow between Nagito’s eyebrows.

Nagito buried his face into Hinata’s neck, nodding slightly. Hinata began to comb his fingers through his hair softly as he continued to reassure him.

“Worst comes to worst, I reject the project completely and we have to meet up in secret. But, whatever happens I’ll always care for you. That won’t change no matter what else does. You’ll never ever lose me, because you already have me.” Hinata murmured, letting his voice take on a soothing tone. “Now, what was that about a year left? What, are you planning on dropping out or something?” he teased lightly.

Nagito stiffened again, and Hinata really regretted asking.

“No, it's… Hinata, I was diagnosed with lymphoma and frontotemporal dementia. I have about a year to live, if that.” Nagito admits, causing Hinata’s heart to freeze.

“W-What?” Hinata asked, unable to fully comprehend what was being told to him.

Nagito smiled in a way that made Hinata’s ache. Like he was only trying his best for Hinata.

“It’s part of the reason I came here. They wanted to research my luck and look into my condition. Of course, there’s a chance that my luck could let me outlive all that but…”

“A-After a year, it c-could happen at any time.” Hinata finished, feeling like the entire world was shattering around him. He could feel his own eyes tear up, and Nagito paused as if he hadn’t anticipated that.

The look was gone in a flash, and now they were just cupping each other’s face tears in their eyes.

“I don’t know why I told you that. Or why I even let you get in a relationship with me, but somehow you got into me that I could be more selfish. That I could want things, and carve out my own...future but. But, I don’t want to see you suffer. I don’t want you to resent me.” Nagito confided, pleadingly.

“Nagito.” Hinata breathed, choking back tears. “I won’t. I’ll never regret meeting you, or being with you. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me too.”

Nagito laughed, all watery and wet. He shook his head as if to dispel the tears in doing so, and instead kissed Hinata’s mouth full on the mouth. Hinata responded in kind, reciprocating the sheer amount of emotion Nagito poured into the kiss. As if he was trying to suck Hinata’s soul out and replace it with his.

He arched up into his boyfriend, uncaring of everything else, and focused on the soft rhythm of Nagito’s heartbeat. Straddling his waist, Hinata bent all the way over to break apart their spit slicked mouths for a moment to enjoy the sound of Nagito’s heartbeat.

An erratic amount of emotions were filling Hinata up. The murder of his classmates. This stupid Kamakura Project. The shitty bodyguard. It seemed even his boyfriend would be caught up in a world beyond his control.

But….if he was gifted with every talent in this world...no.

He shoved that thought down, as he shoved his tongue down Nagito’s throat. They still had time to figure it out. Even if it wasn’t a whole lot. And they had luck on their side, seeing as Nagito could control that now.

“I can’t predict what will happen tomorrow, the day after, or even a week from now but...right now this is the only place in the world I want to be. I won’t regret meeting you, Nagito Komaeda. There is nothing you could do that would ever fully push me away from you.” Hinata promised, trailing kisses down his neck. His throat, his collarbone.

Nagito rolled his hips upward, apparently desperate for some kind of friction. Hinata tangled a leg in between his, allowing the boy some relief.

“H-Hah, I should’ve known you’d say that. God, Hajime. I love that about you. You and your hope. Now that I’ve tasted it for myself, I don’t believe in leaving you alone either.” Nagito murmured, hands settled against Hinata’s waist.

Hinata smiles down at him, feeling fond. Fucking Komaeda and his hope. Well, whatever made him happy. Hinata leaned back down to give him a final kiss before getting off his boyfriend and turning around.

He could practically see the whiplash happening.

“Huh?” Nagito blinked, not having moved from his position despite Hinata getting ready to sleep beside him.

“If you want more of where that came from, wake up for me tomorrow. We have to talk to Yukizome-sensei, and I’m not doing that alone.” Hinata called lazily, stelling under the covers again.

Nagito groaned something about Hinata being a tease, but reluctantly slid under the covers with Hinata.

“Goodnight, Hajime.” he sighed, kissing the back of Hinata’s neck.

“Night, Nagito.”

Chapter Text

When Komaeda awoke, it was with Hinata squished in between his arms. His brown hair tickled his nose, arms wrapped around his waist. The early morning sun had risen, perfectly falling onto his boyfriend’s (!!!) face.

It looked like the bruise on his face had calmed down, and now the sunlight lit up his olive complexion in a golden glow.

It made Komaeda want to kiss his face all over, but he didn’t have the full confidence to go through with it.

Would Hinata even like that?

Besides, he had other issues. There was an...inconvenience down below that was too close to Hinata to be appropriate.

He really didn’t want to move, what with Hinata peacefully resting like this. He felt so safe, like this. In a way he hadn’t felt perhaps his entire life. Safe, secure and cherished.

If it were completely up to Komaeda, they would just stay here on his bed forever. Him and Hajime against the world. Honestly, such a future didn’t sound bad at all.

Hope and luck together could probably save the entire world. Indeed, Komaeda was very lucky to meet his hope during his lifetime.

He refused to let go of Hajime so easily.

As if sensing his thoughts, Hajime slowly stirred from his slumber. Blinking his eyes a bit before letting his eyes adjust to the light. Komeda squeezed around his waist, before gathering the courage to kiss Hinata’s forehead in daylight.

“Good morning, Hajime.” he murmurs gently, letting his boyfriend adjust as he got up.

“You missed.” Hinata mumbled, confusing Komaeda until the boy pointed at his lips. He was pouting now, almost glaring at him if his eyes weren’t softened by sleepiness and affection. “Kiss me again.”

Komaeda resisted the urge to laugh before complying, kiss him on the mouth before pulling away.

Nodding, looking a little too satisfied with himself Hinata grinned.
“Now, it's a good morning.” Hinata smiled happily, eyes clear and sharp again.

They spent the next couple of minutes brushing their teeth together. It was so nice, sharing space with him like this. Like they had an entire world to themselves. His boyfriend was very clingy and affectionate in the morning, Komaeda noted with some satisfaction. And he was the only one that would get to enjoy that. Not Hinata’s classmates, not anyone from his own class, and not even Nanami.

This cute and slightly vulnerable Hinata was all his. The thought warmed his heart as it stirred something a little possessive inside of him. He loved it.

Loved knowing that Hinata trusted him, liked him enough to share these parts of him with Komaeda.

And that Komaeda in turn was allowed to share different parts of himself in turn.

The moment couldn’t last forever, though. Hinata complained about needing to change his uniform since yesterday’s blazer sleeve had been torn.

Which meant they had to part ways until lunchtime. The very thought made both boys groan.

“I’ll drop the Reserve Course building at the start of lunch, okay? We’ll talk to Yukizome-sensei together. You don’t have to do everything alone.” Komaeda reminded, as Hinata adjusted the straps of his bag.

Hinata nodded in understanding, looking up at Komaeda with a knowing smile.

“What? Is there something on my face?” Komaeda asks self-consciously, touching his face for something like toothpaste or something, but his fingers are still bare.

“No, just admiring the view.” Hinata grinned, before leaning up to kiss him goodbye. Komaeda's face warmed, but he returned his boyfriend’s affections with vigour. Letting his mouth linger, giving into his desire from earlier that morning. Kissing Hinata's nose, cheeks and forehead, before letting him go.

“I’ll see you soon, okay?” Hinata says breathlessly, nearly purring in contentment.

Komaeda nods, repeating the sentiment as he watches his boyfriend run off.

The Reserve Course looks like a dreary place. That’s the first thought Komaeda has as he approaches the building, waiting for his boyfriend at the entrance.

Before, Komaeda would’ve thought it was what they deserved. Nobodies who liked to pretend like they were somebody were worse than themselves, in that regard because they never could quite learn their place.

That’s why he had never thought to think of the Reserve Course twice, or why their fees were so incredibly high. Now that he thought about it, Hope’s Peak was the perfect place for shady research.

They had a lot of money at their disposal, tons of talent to research, and skills they could use to their desire and more than any of that a name and impression that would allow them to get away with.

Komaeda had never had reason to be suspicious of Hope’s Peak Academy before this, but the more he thought deeply at it the more flawed the system became to him.

All this while he had placed the Talented Ultimates on a pedestal, because it had comforted him about his own existence and world view. In his eyes, they had been infallible beacons of hope and even their mistakes would bring only greater fortune. The people Komaeda was supposed to strive to become.

In contrast, in such a system the Reserve students served as a warning. What Komaeda didn’t want to associate with, let alone acknowledge.

And now he was dating...the Ultimate Reserve Course student, in a way. Since Hinata was specifically chosen, after all. In a way, it was like Hinata’s very existence was meant to hit all his sweet spots. To both challenge and appease Komaeda in every way possible.

If his old way of thinking was intact, he might’ve even said that Hinata was the worst luck of all in some ways. Forcing Komaeda to acknowledge his talent, and thus the hope within himself. Managing to make Komaeda fall for him, despite their situations.

But honestly, if this is what bad luck with Hinata was like he couldn’t imagine how much sweeter good luck would be with him as well.

Komaeda wanted to find out. He wanted an entire lifetime to find out all the amazing things they could accomplish together. He desperately wanted to live a full, healthy life with his boyfriend.
For the first time in Komaeda’s life he felt a desire to push forward, to be selfish and the desire to last. He wouldn’t let anything take Hajime away from him.

“Nagito!” Hinata called, running so quickly Nagito didn’t even have time to react. Hinata had nearly toppled them both over in his rush to hold him.

Komaeda grinned.

“You’re being surprisingly affectionate outside. I was under the impression you would’ve wanted to avoid PDA.” he pointed good naturedly as Hinata finally pulled away to instead lace their hands together.

“I have a pretty boyfriend, why wouldn’t I show that off?” Hinata dismissed bluntly, swinging their joined arms with a skip in his step.

Komaeda felt his entire face flush unable to fully grasp those words, but Hinata seemed content regardless.

“Also, Sakakura strikes me as the annoying conservative loner type so I want to rub our relationship in his face a bit.” Hinata informed. Pettily.

That brought a knowing grin onto Komaeda’s face, though he did feel somewhat exasperated.

“Of course.”

Sure enough, as they approached the Main Course building Sakakura was indeed stationed in front of the building.

Komaeda silently noted the change in Hinata’s posture. Straightening his back, almost puffing out his chest. Like some kind of hypermasculine signal of dominance.

At first, Sakakura’s gaze was only fixated on Hinata. It was barely a flash, but Komaeda noticed the slight …. impressed expression on the man’s face. It was only there for an instant, but it didn't completely surprise Komaeda that man had no real ill-will towards the Reserve Course.

It was more than likely that their run in the day before had been in order to keep Hinata away from getting into dangerous business. Both with Hope’s Peak Academy and the possibility of yakuza involvement.

Komaeda knew that anyone Yukizome-sensei was close to wasn’t going to be a cruel sort of person.

It was also a concern Komaeda himself had pondered, but overall the issues surrounding the Kamukara project greatly outweighed the potential wrath of the yakuza that probably didn’t give a shit about some random kids playing detective.

However, then the security guard’s attention snapped to Komaeda with shock, probably noting their joined hands and separate uniforms.

As they approached him, the man took on a different expression. Guarded, but also strangely concerned. He waved the boys over, and looked a little off guard.

How peculiar.

“Hinata, look. I don’t care how desperate you are to go back in there but just because you roped in some poor Ultimate student with --”

“He’s not just an Ultimate, he’s my boyfriend. And this isn’t about yesterday, I was told to speak with Yukizome-sensei. Privately.” Hinata interrupted, not even batting an eye.

Komaeda stifled the urge to fawn over his boyfriend’s nonchalance. It was a very flattering look on him.

Even more flattering was the myriad of emotions that shifted across Sakakura’s face. Interesting response, indeed.

The man seemed to be muttering to himself, too low for Komaeda to catch any of his words but when he finally made a decision he stood up straight and crossed his arms over his chest.

Surprisingly not an expression of intimidation, but of defensiveness.

“In that case, I’ll accompany the both of you at least until the door. To make sure you’re telling the truth and not planning on taking this opportunity to run around on your own.” the man declared.

Hinata looked like he wanted to argue, so Komaeda squeezed his hand in reassurance. Silently hoping his boyfriend would understand what he was saying without words..

This is the best we’ll get, just go with it.
Hinata grumbled, but otherwise complied.

Komaeda felt a rush of affection for the boy, and as soon as the security guard turned around to start leading them into the building, he leaned down to kiss Hinata’s temple.

Hinata flushed but relaxed, as they followed after him.

“So, it looks like you found your Master sooner rather than later, Hinata-kun?” Sakakura asked conversationally, an almost knowing grin across his face. It was meant to be teasing (probably) but Hinata stiffened at the statement.

The glare Hinata leveled at the man was unlike anything Komaeda had seen previously. Full of spite and deep loathing.

“Think whatever you want, you know nothing.” his boyfriend said instead, his voice calm and thick with underlying tension.

Komaeda got the distinct impression that there was some kind of joke he hadn’t been privy to, but chose not to comment.

By the time they arrived at the classroom Sakakura hadn’t left. Alright, now the man was seriously starting to get on his nerves.

“So, whose dog are you?” Hinata asks, casually and for a moment Komaeda almost responds assuming he was talking to him because who else would be called that -

“You don’t need to know.” Sakakura grumbled, looking away heatedly.

Hinata stared at him in surprise, as if he wasn’t expecting a response.

“If you’re an Ultimate, and Ultimates are so great why are you a dog anyway?” he demanded, looking unbelievably distressed.

The man looked at their joined hands, something almost envious passing through his eyes.

“....if becoming a dog means I can be beside someone precious to me, I don’t think I’ll ever regret it.” is all Sakakura says finally, causing Komaeda’s boyfriend to gape.

Before anyone could clarify what that cryptic statement meant, Yukizome-sensei had opened the door ushering them into her office.
“It’s nice to see you again, Hinata-kun! Nanami said you had something urgent to tell me?” she asked nervously, wringing her hands together.

Hinata nodded.

“Yes, it's actually supposed to be classified information. So, I’d appreciate it if ...well.” Hinata gestured to the security guard, but Yukizome-sensei only sighed.

“Hinata-kun, whatever you tell me can be trusted with Sakakura-san as well. I know you both got off on the wrong foot, but I trust him with my life. He’s here on my account, and to make sure this conversation remains private.” Yukizome-sensei assured.

Hinata frowned, and Komaeda could see the tension in his body. For a moment, he thought he would intervene but as always, Hinata managed to surprise him.

“Is she your Master?” Hinata asks, looking between the two questioningly.

Both Yukizome-sensei and himself become alarmed, and for a moment Komaeda worries the security guard will attempt to beat up his boyfriend again for the second time.

Instead, he laughs.

“No, we both answer to the same one. He isn’t here right now.”

For whatever reason Hinata pauses at this and observes the man as if trying to figure out whether or not he could be trusted. After a moment, he seems to give in and turns back to Komaeda’s teacher.

“Yukizome-sensei, do you happen to know where all the money taken from the Reserve Course is funnelled into?” Hinata begins, taking a deep breath.

Sakakura and Yukizome-sensei exchange an alarmed glance. Sakakura pulls out his phone, typing something quickly and Komaeda tenses.

But Yukizome-sensei stares at Hinata in shock.

“No, I don’t but me and a couple of others… concerned ex-Ultimates have been looking into that. Something shady is brewing behind the scenes. Do you really know of it, Hinata? How have you become involved?” she asks in concern.

Hinata laughs without any humour.

“I don’t just know of it, I would’ve been a part of it. There is a project under the works called Project Kamakura. The goal is to combine the funds of the Reserve Course and the research taken from the students of the Ultimate course to combine them and artificially create an Ultimate Ultimate. Whose talent would be talent itself. For a project of that nature, I was on the vessel. In exchange for my body, I would become the Ultimate Hope of the school. Or, so they told me.”

Both Sakakura and Yukizome stare at Hinata in horror, and Komaeda would tell him to stop if he hadn’t been on such a roll.

“I can’t actually afford the fees of the school, but in exchange for my time here and the opportunity to be talented in some right I would allow them to artificially experiment on me as they pleased. If something were to go wrong, they wouldn’t be liable in any way. And I was so desperate for talent or hope in any form at that point, my parents would’ve consented without reading the fine print as well.” Hinata explains, as if he isn’t talking about himself.

Komaeda contemplates just how similar they had been. It was actually surprising they had managed to change each other’s perspectives so much.

A lucky meeting indeed.

“Kid, are you serious right now? That sounds…” Sakakura frowns, as if unable to let the concept sink in.

“There are too many ethical issues surrounding all of that. This isn’t….the Hope’s Peak we knew. Kirigiri-san was always interested in talent but this is going too far… I can’t imagine him or Tengan-san agreeing to this.” Yukizome-sensei stated, eyes looking lost.

“In full honesty, neither of them looked particularly happy about it. In fact Tengan-sama privately advised me against it all together. He said there was nothing wrong in being normal, and I could just live a normal life. There was no shame in that but….I had been chosen to come here. If I were an Ultimate, it would be for mediocrity. I am so perfectly average, that I was chosen by the school to become the Ultimate Hope. I was desperate to become something, and would’ve done it especially after the murder of my classmates but…” Hinata explains, smiling softly.

“I intervened.” Komaeda finished, smiling back.

Sakakura stared at them both in awe.

“Your boyfriend changed your mind that easily? Damn, kid.” he whistled, disbelieving.

“What can I say, I’m pretty lucky.” Komaeda grinned, staring at his boyfriend fondly.

“Congratulations, the both of you! Komaeda-kun, I told you once, didn’t I. You’ve really made that talent your own. It seems your meeting has prevented a horrible tragedy from occurring.” Yukizome-sensei noted warmly.

“That’s the thing. Right now, I’m only still allowed to stay at Hope’s Peak because I haven’t confirmed or denied my involvement in the project. If I decline, some other Reserve Course student will be lined up for it… and this won’t end. Something needs to change, but I don’t know what to do.” Hinata sighed, running his hand tiredly through his hair.

Yukizome-sensei hummed in understanding.

“I see… tell you what. Like I told you earlier, me and a few others have been looking into the shady parts of the school for awhile now. It’s why I came to teach here, actually and your information has brought us a lot of insight. I’ll talk to our...uh, Master - for lack of better word - about this in greater detail but I think I can tell you this much. We’ll do everything in our power to stay at Hope’s Peak, but in exchange we’ll need you to offer us more information in the future.” Yukizome-sensei announced, causing all three men in the room to stare at her in shock.

“Chisa, what are you suggesting? They’re just kids, there’s no way we can -” Sakakura demanded.

“It’s too late for that. I had already signed up for the dark side of this school as soon as I entered. If all I have to do is act like some kind of informant or spy, I can do that. If I could somehow try and bargain with them and ask for details I could probably manage somehow.” Hinata interjected, looking more serious than ever.

“My luck can help. I can control things to my favour now, so I don’t think it’s impossible.” Komaeda added, happy that he could act with Hinata as a unified front.

“Chisa. Involving students is -” Sakakura frowned.

“Risky, I know that. Which is why we’ll talk to Kyosuke about this in depth. But Hinata is already in a pretty precarious situation, I do believe we can help him. In the meantime, Hinata doesn't reject the offer for as long as possible. If they confront you, do anything to postpone the date so we can come up with a more concrete plan for what you’ve informed us on. “ Yukizome-sensei informs, Hinata nodding in understanding.

Komaeda couldn’t hide his grin.

They had a chance. They really and truly had a shot at this, and well. Komaeda always was a lucky sort of guy.

Chapter Text

Now that the interrogation had been over, Hinata was free to go back to his own building for the remainder of their lunch period.

Or so he had thought.

Instead, he was once again subjected to spending his lunch with class 77-B once again. Not that he was really complaining. Souda - no longer Kazuichi since the man had suddenly declared himself to be Hinata’s soulbro, had him help put together a drone as he rambled about Sonia Nevermind.

This time however, Hinata noted a short blond that seemed familiar. He was quietly muttering something to a girl with a stoic face and silver hair, looking strangely serious.

Hinata hadn’t realized he had been staring until the guy looked him straight in the face and scowled.

“Is there something you want from me, you plain-faced prick?!!” the short boy demanded, the short aggressive outburst was strangely familiar too.

Hinata saw Nagito stiffen from the corner of his eye, but didn’t pay him any mind.

“Have we met before?” he asks calmly, trying to piece together what exactly about this kid struck him so particularly.

The boy seemed rather taken aback by Hinata’s lack of fear, and instead decided to contemplate him seriously.

“No fucking way. I have no reason to be talking to Reserve students anyway.” the boy shrugged, though Hinata could tell there was some kind of lie mixed into that statement. His posture had changed, and even his expression looked different.
“Kuzuryuu-kun there’s no need to be rude, Hinata-kun was just asking.” Nanami chided, looking pointedly at Hinata as the realization dawned on him. Of course.

Hinata stares at him with dawning horror, and Nagito is politely excusing himself from whatever Hanamura had been distracting him with to stop Hinata from -

How could he be so stupid? Kuzuryuu, no Natsumi, had told him that she had a brother in the Main Course. She had told Hinata all about her reasoning, how much he adored him, how she wanted to be worthy and useful enough to stand by his side irrespective of all else.

How that desire got her killed.

Looking at Kuzuryuu right now is like staring at her tears, that night. Right before she died.

It slammed into him again, he dropped everything he was doing rushing out of the room so he could puke.

His body feels so cold. Chills rushing down his spine. His own classmate had killed her. And she got killed in turn. A cycle of replaceable people simply purging the world of their miserable, useless existence.

And Hinata could be next.

He’s dry heaving into the toilet, he had forgotten to eat so there was nothing to leave him. It’s just an acidic bile, leaving his mouth. Dripping down his chin. At some point, Nagito had joined his side, running a comforting hand down his back.

Guilt. Survivor’s guilt perhaps. Nagito probably knew this feeling better than he did, but such realizations never did help in minimizing his own suffering knowing his boyfriend had been put through worse.

“Sorry.” he apologizes, to himself or to Komaeda or perhaps even the Kuzuryuus, he doesn’t know. “I thought I’d be better about this by now.”

“You have nothing to apologize for.” Komaeda sighs, a cool hand pressed against the back of Hinata’s neck. He leans into the cool touch, melting into Komaeda’s hand.

“Which means I can’t really be forgiven, either.” Hinata replies shakily standing up. His body hasn’t stopped trembling, no matter how hard he tries.

The only thing keeping him upright is the steady presence of Komaeda beside him.

“It’s normal to feel pain and guilt after grieving for a loved one. It means you're on track to accept it later.” Komaeda reassures, and Hinata only shakes his head.

“That’s… the thing, right? I didn’t really know her all that well. Certainly not enough to call her a loved one but...her bond with her brother Kuzuryuu. Her desire to have a relationship with him as equals… I think that’s what I’m mourning. I wanted to see what would become of that but…” Hinata sighed, looking up at the off-white fluorescent lights on the bathroom ceiling.

Shaking his head again, he turns on the faucet of the sink and lets the cool water splash across his face removing the traces of his weak stomach and watches it all swirl down the drain.

“Nagito, I’m weak like this. How am I supposed to act as some kind of… spy or informant when I can’t even stand to look at my dead classmate’s brother?” he asks, hands still shaking. “A regular coward, through and through.”

Nagito frowns.

“You’re not weak, but yes you are a coward.” he admits, but despite his words his eyes are soft. As is his hands as they lace together with Hinata’s own.

“Despite all your serious, you are soft on the inside. Kind and unbearably so. You listen to the concerns of those around you and adapt accordingly. But, it’s that very same nature to be helpful and useful to those around you that conflicts with your own desires. You have no confidence in your own ability, and that prevents you from attaining your goals as you should.” Nagito explains, surprisingly in depth.

Hinata wanted to hide his face. Being read so openly like that… it would’ve felt intrusive if it had come from anyone but Nagito.

“But, it’s not wrong for you to feel scared right now. The future is uncertain, and if I’m going to be honest I’m scared too. I’m only now getting to experience the happiness and love I’ve longed for my entire life. I don’t want to lose that. I don’t want to lose you.” Komaeda breathes, and Hinata realizes that he’s shaking too.

Instantly, he pulls Komaeda into a hug. Listens to the way his boyfriend’s heart beats beneath the layers of clothes between them. Allows the steady if somewhat faint rhythm to comfort him. Nagito’s hands are tight around him.

“Right now there’s only two things we can do. Move forward, and not lose hope. We have my luck and your stubbornness, so I do believe anything is possible with the both of that. I would have never imagined that I’d be able to control my luck, and it was your strength that gave me vision. Whatever happens, we’ll move forward together. You're not alone anymore, Hinata. Neither of us are.” Nagito promised, and though half of that spiel did sound like he was attempting to convince himself Hinata nodded.

He let his body sag for a moment, and pushed Nagito’s hair back to kiss forehead. Just as Nagito dips down to press their lips, Hinata moves away, straightens his clothes and checks the mirror for anything else amiss.

His mouth probably still tastes like bile and he does not want to kiss Nagito like that, no matter what the Lucky student had to say about it.

“Y-Yeah. You’re right.” Hinata agrees, brushing past his boyfriend and snatching his hand and tugging Nagito with him so they can exit the bathroom and hopefully eat in peace together before the bell rings.

But it would seem that lady luck is actually on neither of their sides today. A katana kissing their throats simultaneously, it nearly kills them.

“What more do you know of Natsumi Kuzuryuu?” a strangely malicious voice demanded, feminine instead of the familiar rumble of the Ultimate Yakuza.

“Peko, lay off. It doesn’t sound like… anything bad for now. We can interrogate them normally. Seeing as spiky hair seemed to be her friend.” In complete contrast, the boy seemed more melancholic and calm. “Come with us.”

Hinata exchanged a glance with Komaeda. Tightening his grip, they followed the two Ultimates quietly to an abandoned classroom. This was, likely, a very dangerous situation they were getting into but it wasn’t like they had much of a choice.

Once they had entered the room, the swordswoman - Peko, as Kuzuryuu had called her - stood guard looking more emotional than Hinata had ever thought possible of her initially.

“Alright, tell me everything you know.” the boy demands, seemingly getting himself composed. The steady eye contact, the stiff posture and the gruff command.

So, this was the Ultimate Yakuza in all his glory. He was shorter than Hinata had imagined, and his baby face didn’t entirely suit his image but...he certainly did look like Natsumi’s brother. The type of person Hinata could imagine as being a doting if slightly overbearing brother, the kind that inspired his little sister deeply.

“What do you want to know? My impression of her or…..” Hinata asks, a little confused.

“Everything you know about her from the moment you met her until…” Kuzuryuu looked away, refusing eye contact.

“Right.” Hinata sighed, before getting his bearings. He owed it to her. He owed it to the Kuzuryuus, but it was still fresh in his mind. Like a wound that would only scar uglier with time.

“Well, when she first introduced herself as the new transfer student she made it clear that she didn’t plan on staying in the Reserve Course for long. She was...foul-mouthed, but honest. That was my first impression.” Hinata recalled, finding himself smiling a little fond.

Kuzuryuu seemed to think similarly, snorting a little. His eyes were watery. Hinata quickly looked away as he continued.

“I don’t know why she approached me, but now looking back I guess she saw in me a kindred spirit of sorts. I was staring at the Main Course too...I had dreams of being in your ranks as well. She quickly called me out on being a loner, staring at a dream doing nothing. She said she was different from the rest of us. She would become an Ultimate no matter what, and she’d do anything to get there.” he explains, staring at his shoes still.

He can hear his choked sob, but he cannot bear to see his pained expression. Would his heartbroken, desperate face look like Natsumi’s, way back then?

“That’s when….” Hinata wasn’t sure if he should speak on this.

“Tell him.” Komaeda interjected, snapping Hinata’s full attention to his boyfriend. He looked strangely convinced, and Hinata could guess that he had some intuitive understanding about the most favourable course of action. “About Sakakura, too. I think...just trust me on this.”

Hinata nodded, shakily.

“That’s when Sato interrupted. From what I understood, those two and Koizumu had some kind of history and Sato was sure Kuzuryuu was going to...harm Koizumi in order to fill in her place. From that moment on, there was a very strong tension between them. I think Sato was starting to lose it.” Hinata went on, watching Kuzuryuu stiffen.

Nagito and Hinata shared a glance.

Growing brave, Hinata continued. He had to see this till the end. It was the right thing to do, he was sure of it now.

“Later on, I caught them arguing and stopped Sato from punching her right in the face. Sato was saying a lot of cryptic things back then...looking back I should’ve noticed the signs sooner but I was more concerned for Kuzuryuu.”

“When I found she was crying as she stared at the Main Course. She confided to me that the reason she was so desperate to get there was because she wanted to stand by your side as an equal desperately. She truly believed that… the only way for her to be worthy enough to be your equal is if she herself was equally as talented. I tried to tell her that none of that mattered, that as long as she and her brother cared for each other you could create precious memories together all the same but….she truly wanted what was best for you. And, in order for that to happen she desperately wanted to become the best at something….and she had set her sights on becoming the Ultimate Little Sister.” Hinata laughed, but it was watery. “She had so much hope, but the next thing I know she was gone.”

Broken.

Kuzuryuu looked away, similarly torn, more tears building in his eyes. He looked so pained.

“Goddamnit!” he yelled, his body racking with sobs.

“I think we should go now.” Nagito whispered as both boys tried to turn away from the man’s grief with respect, only to be stopped by Peko.

Her eyes looked similarly tortured, but she put on a brave face.

“We are not done yet. You seem to have a great distrust of Miss Sato, and you also mentioned a Sakakura. Tell us everything you know, and you will come away from this unharmed.” she demanded, eyes furious but intent.

Nagito chuckled nervously, scratching the back of his head. Looking around the room for some way to escape, but at this point Hinata had made up his mind.

“Fine. I will include my suspicions on Sato as well as that incident with Sakakura since it was related to Kuzuryuu-san. However, anything more than that can only be discussed or shared if Yukizome-sensei allows it. Do we have ourselves a deal?” Hinata declared, puffing up his chest with false bravado.

Nanami and Nagito were already informed anyway. Having Peko and Kuzuryuu as potential allies would offer them all a better layer of protection.

“Yukizome-sensei? What do you mean?” Kuzuryuu questioned, seemingly finding his bearings.

Hinata found his gaze softening. He really was as sincere as his sister.

“As you’re probably aware of, the school does try to hide or push down any incidents that happen. They don’t want to take accountability, and I have more than enough reason to believe that there are more sinister things brewing behind the scenes. If you are curious to get involved in that regard, it would be better to speak to her directly.” Hinata explained, Nagito’s hand tightening in his.

He was taking a huge risk here, but that seemed to ease Peko as well.

“Very well, then. Please tell us more about what you know about the situation at hand.” she sighed, looking more worn than angry now.

“O-Of course. Anyway from what I told you earlier, I had more than enough reason to believe that Sato was acting strange. The day Kuzuryuu-san’s body was discovered, I overheard Koziumi and Sato talking. Koizumi asked Sato if she had killed Kuzuryuu, and she denied it. Koziumi took her for her word, but I didn’t believe her for a second. After she left, I cornered Sato myself and her behaviour turned more erratic. She ended up screaming at me for interrogating her and tried to convince me Kuzuryuu had ….killed herself after giving up on the Reserve Course, but I knew better than anyone that was bullshit.” Hinata sighed.

“I planned on questioning her at a later date, but the next time I saw her she was dead too. And since I’m being honest, I’ll assume that was your people’s doing at the very least. I don’t really care about that, though. It is what it is.” Hinata shrugged, staring at his hands tiredly.

“Anyway, during that time I had more questions and I felt partly responsible for everything that happened. I had tried to talk to Koizumi in the Main Course but…” he suddenly felt his throat get dry.

“But, the security guard and ex-Ultimate Boxer Juzo Sakakura refused to allow him in. They ended up fighting physically, and some kind of statement about how Reserve Course students were ultimately destined to serve and become slaves to the desires and needs of Main Course students came up. That man insulted Hajime as well as the Reserve Course students and probably would’ve beat Hajime until he blacked out if Yukizome-sensei hadn’t interfered.” Nagito finished, tightening his grip on Hinata’s arm.

“What was it that he said to you?” Kuzuryuu demanded, looking righteously angry. It was almost stange.

“He said… that Reserve Course kids like me were a burden in life and a hassle in death. And said some shit about how the best we could hope for was to find an Ultimate that would become our Master so we could finally be used properly.” Hinata stated grimly.

“That bastard! How dare he talk about her that way. They were completely fucking useless in the end, weren’t they? What’s the point of being the Ultimate Boxer or a security guard if you don’t actually protect anyone? And instead, attack the people you’re supposed to keep safe?! Hell, your talentless ass has more balls than him!” Kuzuryuu yelled, looking exhausted with the information he had been told.

For some reason, that got Hinata to laugh. Which made Nagito laugh too, and at that point even Peko cracked a grin.

Kuzuryuu scowled, though his face was slightly flushed.

“What’s so funny, you bastards?!” he demanded, glaring heatedly.

“A-Ah, sorry Kuzuryuu-san. I didn’t mean to take your words lightly, just...thank you, I guess. For hearing us out.” Hinata explained, feeling strangely light hearted about the confession. “I’m sorry we can’t tell you much more than this, but this is everything that involved your sister in any capacity.”

Peko nodded as this, and Kuzuryuu and the woman seemed to share a glance.

“Actually, it is I that must thank you. As you probably would have guessed, I am sworn to protect Kuzuryuu-san’s wellbeing. Thank you for your attempts to find justice for Nastumi Kuzuryuu. It is most appreciated, even if she is no longer with us at this end. I know that having heard your words, Kuzuryuu-san will at least find some closure as to why his sister had followed him to Hope’s Peak in the first place.” she explains, bowing to the both of them. “Thank you for giving my Master some peace of mind.”

Both Hinata and Nagito scrambled forwards to stop her, and looked to Kuzuryuu for help only to notice that he too was bowing deeply.
“Peko, you don’t have to talk for me. I...am very grateful for this opportunity. And I’m also sorry you were assaulted on behalf of finding the truth for her sake. In exchange for your loyalty to my late sister, I’ll offer you my protection when you so desire. And also, for the future please call me Fuyuhiko. It will save us both...from further grief.” the Ultimate Yakuza explained as he straightened up.

Hinata stared at Nagito shell shocked.

What the hell?

“As a part of that protection, and on behalf of Natsumi as well, we would also like to be involved in the unmasking of Hope Peak’s sins.” Peko informed as she stood by her Master’s side.

“For real?” Nagito grinned, looking enthusiastic at the information.

“We might’ve gotten the revenge needed, but the way Natsumi would’ve been treated here is horrible. And it is for you as well. In a way, the reason she was killed anyway has a lot to do with the weird segregation Hope’s Peak has got going on. That isn’t gonna settle well with me anyway, so this is just taking two birds down with one stone.” Fuyuhiko shrugged nonchalantly.

“O-Oh. In that case, uh, that’s cool. Thanks.” Hinata sighed in relief, as Nagito slung across his shoulders.

“I apologize if I’m interrupting, but if you don’t mind me asking, Komaeda-san why are you here?” Peko asked, raising an eyebrow and eyeing their hands pointedly.

Nagito froze, but Hinata was way ahead of them.

“Nagito is my boyfriend, and probably the only reason I’m even here right now. If it weren’t for him I would’ve given up on everything already.” Hinata replied honestly, causing the Lucky student to flush furiously staring at Hinata in awe and pleasant surprise.

Fuyuhiko whistled appreciatively.

“Damn, you must be one incredible guy. Komaeda’s been ‘anti-Reserve Course’ since the very beginning, but I guess you don’t care about stuff like that anymore, huh?” Fuyuhiko smiled, his face genuine.

Hinata flushed that, with Nagito nodding along instead this time.

“Despite not being a Main Course student, Hajime has the most hope I’ve ever seen in a person. He’s truly a wonderful person.” he agreed, hugging Hinata around the waist making Hinata even more embarrassed.

“Well, you must be if my sister really confided in you. You seem like a reliable, trustworthy sort of guy. Don’t fuck it up.” Fuyuhiko grinned, before turning around to leave the room.

“If you urgently need to contact either of us, here is Master’s cellphone number and my own. If you need us, don't heistate to call. For now, it’s best we all take our leave now, and not cause further suspicion.” Peko explains, handing Hinata a slip of paper before taking off after him.

“Well, that was exhausting! We should head back now, we barely have enough time to eat togethe-” Nagito started.

At that very moment, the bell rings and the two boys exchange an exhausted glance.

Guess their luck had run out for the day.

Chapter Text

The next few days pass without much events. It is for this reason that Komaeda almost falls into a sense of ease. The first and last thing he sees everyday is Hinata huddled in his arms. Each day feels precious, feels valuable and it had been so long since Komaeda had been allowed to live like that.

Like he could actually be happy. It felt wrong to think like that when so much of his life was spent trapped in a repeated cycle of extreme misfortune and extreme fortune.

Instead, now it was just...uneventful bliss.

Never had he ever imagined himself to be in a loving, mutual romantic relationship with anyone. He had been without even real friends for so long that romance felt like an unattainable fantasy at best.

And now he was held, kissed, adored every day.

In some ways, Komaeda wondered if should’ve been more resistant to Hinata’s affections. He was grossly unprepared to truly care for another, since he was so lacking … but these days thoughts like that felt so far away.
It was obvious to anyone looking at Hinata, that the serious burdened expression he wore on a near constant basis always melted away whenever the boy was in Komaeda’s presence.

And in private, especially. Hinata smiled so beautifully when they were alone together, and Komaeda was a selfish man. That tender, relaxed Hinata was his to treasure. He never let his guard down that far for anyone else.

There was really nothing in this world that would convince Komaeda of leaving his side at any point.

And the joy of knowing it was mutual...he never even needed to ask. The way Hinata visibly brightened in his presence was obvious.

Like, right now.

The two of them had taken to meeting up at the library after school, and while Komeda had been trying to finish up some work Hinata would always glance up every now and then and smile softly at Komaeda, when he thought he wasn’t looking.

Hinata was unbearably cute, it was actually unfair.

Souda had tried prying details of the nature of their relationship, and whenever Komaeda tried to express how tender and gentle Hinata would be with him nobody seemed to truly believe him.

Well, not that he could fully blame them. Hinata was definitely making himself known to their class. First, the shock of realizing that Komaeda of all people in their class was the first to be in a romantic relationship of any manner.

On top of that, the class had been shocked to see how warmly he and Fuyuhiko interacted with each other. They were both the more serious, rough around the edges type.

That made everyone’s curiosity peak. These days, Hinata’s interactions with his class were often more frequent than Komaeda’s. Sometimes his boyfriend would act as a sounding board for Mioda’s ideas for new songs. Or assist Tanaka with his hamsters. Or oversee Owari and Nidai’s sparring matches.

Sometimes Komaeda would get a bit jealous, actually. Watching how seamlessly Hinata seems to fit in with all the other Ultimates, despite not even being one. He was well-liked and adored by basically anyone he met, and in some ways it was so frustrating.

Well, at first. To be completely honest, Komaeda’s own desire to be praised by his classmates had been greatly reduced once Hinata had shown him that hope was within himself. The desire to be a stepping stone, or bend over backwards to convenience them blindly.

And somehow, as if they all knew Komaeda’s previous stance on them had been flawed, the other Ultimates had slowly started warming up to him too.

So now his jealousy was mainly at the others for stealing precious time with Hinata from him.

Which was probably stupid, seeing as Hinata still spent most of his time with Koameda. All their free time was spent together, and they spent every night together.

Still, Komaeda would really like to be spending more time with his boyfriend in the daytime. On a date, or something.

He wasn’t really sure how to go about it though. Hinata already spent literally all his time with Komaeda, and was a bit paranoid these days.

It was a little ironic actually, out of the two of them it used to be Komeda that worried about the misfortune of his luck cycle. Hinata’s paranoia on the other hand stemmed from the fact he believed the school would be out to get them.

Komaeda sensed that this was probably the reason Hinata glanced at him so often. As of checking that Komaeda was really there, safe and sound. Within reach if necessary.

It wasn’t like Komaeda minded, but he did worry for a circumstance in which they would be forcibly separated for even a day.

“Nagito?” Hinata called, snapping him out of his thoughts turning to see his boyfriend biting at his lower lip in contemplation.

“What’s up, Hajime?” he asks, peering over the Reserve Course student’s shoulder.

He pursed his lips, scanning the book he was holding before slamming it closed. He instead got closer into Komaeda’s personal space, and while Hinata wasn’t usually the biggest fan of PDA, Komaeda leaned forward to press their lips together and hopefully -

“You used to be really confident in the way your luck cycle operated right? And you divided these concepts into hope and despair. Absolute good and absolute bad. And you can...like sense it right? You’re naturally pretty smart and intuitive, and so you can sense or like … predict hope and despair to an extent, right?” Hinata asks curiously, his breath barely a whisper.

Komaeda felt all of his brain matter melt into a puddle. Hinata in close proximity often did that to him, absolving him of too much thought. In some ways, it was nice because he prevented him from overthinking a lot these days. Which in turn made him feel more confident, but in situations like this made it very hard for him to concentrate.

“Uh, um. What?” Komaeda answered very intelligently.

Hinata raised an eyebrow, probably surprised that he hadn’t immediately jumped on the subject as he might’ve in the past. That’s when his boyfriend seemed to notice his expression, and the seriousness in his face melted away as he leaned over to give a quick kiss to Komaeda’s mouth.

Komaeda pouted. Hinata laughed again, before dipping forward to kiss him a bit deeper for a few moments before swatting the back of the Lucky student’s head fondly.

“I asked if you think you think you can detect hope and despair in people better, because you’re used to trying to predict your own luck cycle.” Hinata repeated, eyes crinkled in mirth. The softness of his gaze, the crooked grin and the tiny dimple at the corner of his mouth.

Hinata took his breath away.

Slapping his own face to concentrate, Komaeda tried to focus on Hinata’s words.

“Uh, yeah probably? Why do you ask?” he asks the brunette curiously. Hinata’s face grew solemn again as he crossed his arms, chewing on his bottom lip again.

“I just find it interesting that you detect a higher amount of hope in me, despite the fact that I’m supposed to be average. It makes me wonder if that’s why I was selected for the Project in the first place. And if hope is actually quantifiable in some way. And if that’s the case ….if there’s supposed to be an Ultimate Hope then Ultimate Despair must exist somewhere as well.” Hinata explains, eyes skimming over the range of novels spread across the table they were sitting at.

Komaeda pauses. To be completely honest, he hadn’t ever thought about a single person embodying despair and if there was he had assumed it would be someone like him...with grave misfortune they could not control. But when he thought about how Hinata was supposed to become the Ultimate Hope...it was because Hinata was actively trying to seek it out and find it.

Which meant…. the reverse would likely be true as well.
“Maybe. But if such a person exists, I haven’t seen or met them before. At least not at Hope’s Peak. If the Ultimate Despair is meant to be anything like the Ultimate Hope the school plans on creating…. I don’t think I can think of such a person.” Komaeda replies uneasily, trying to remember if he felt such malice brewing in anyone who he had encountered thus far.

“I’d assume though, that such a person would probably find their way here eventually. Hope does attract despair and vice versa I guess. So...if that is the case. If there is either someone here that is interested in that, they’re either lying in wait for the Project to be complete and be involved….or they’ll try to time their arrival to profit off of it.” Hinata muttered, scribbling furiously into a notebook Komaeda hadn’t noticed before.

Komaeda stared at him, mouth slightly agape. Hinata was implying….

“Do you really think that? There’s someone...preying on the entire Academy hoping to plunge us all in great despair?” Komaeda breathed, feeling an intense wave of fear.

“I can’t really know for sure, since this is just speculation. What we do know is that there are a lot of sketchy things happening at Hope’s Peak. That’s a fact none of us can deny anymore, and if the wrong person gets their hands on this sensitive information…” Hinata trailed off.

“They can definitely monopolize the administration. And profit off the school’s lack of transparency and thus capable of inducing any amount of despair as they please…” Komaeda finishes, feeling nauseous.

Hinata nods grimly.

“H-How did you even start considering this?” Komaeda asks, slightly disbelieving.

When they had met for the first time, Hinata hadn’t even seemed slightly amused by Komaeda’s fascination with hope and despair. And now here he was, not only taking Komaeda’s words seriously but considering it as… an actual tangible puzzle piece of the mystery that was Hope’s Peak.

“Well, Yukizome-sensei asked me to seriously consider why the school would even want a multipurpose talent being enough to invest so much time, energy and resources into making it a reality. Of course, part of it could be purely research but… when I started thinking about it more critically there’s some aspects of this that don’t line up. Especially with the personal anecdotes Yukizome-sensei and I have gathered about Hope’s Peak Academy’s higher ups.” Hinata explained, moving his notebook for Komeda to read.
Komaeda had often seen him scribbling in the notebook and had assumed it was for one of the many classes that Hinata was taking.

That wasn’t at all the case.

Within the notebook were profiles of various Hope’s Peak higher ups. Included was the headmaster of Hope’s Peak, the school’s advisor, and the scout. Followed by that was a group of four men.

These men had no identified names - but were instead titled as one entity. This itself put Komaeda on edge.

The Steering Committee.

All the other individuals had names, birthdays, positions and even stance on the ‘Kamakura Project’ labelled and explained.

Even stranger was that it seemed that both the current and previous headmaster were uncomfortable with the project. In fact Tengan-sensei seems completely opposed to it.

On a personal level, this gave Komaeda a huge sense of relief. So, it wasn’t wrong of them to oppose the Project. In fact, it meant that what they were doing was definitely on the side of hope.

But, then?

“Wait, so why are we still doing all this in secret? I just don’t understand why they’re going through with this if even the Headmaster is against it.” Komaeda breathed, reading over Hinata’s notes.

“It’s that committee. They aren’t actually well known to the public, but they're the main scientists researching human talent. I’ve actually conducted a few tests for them to see if I would be a worthy host for this project and that’s the only reason I even know of them. Apparently not even Munakata-san was aware of their existence until I mentioned it offhandedly when he called me once.” Hinata explains crossing his arms, as Komaeda reads through the little information about them.

There were only brief physical descriptions about them.

The tallest man was described to have dark skin and hair, with eyebrows that were larger than average. Another one with grey hair and grey beard who would ‘talk strangely, questionable emotional/mental stability’. A short man with a heavy build and glasses, and finally a man with long hair and sunglasses.

Nothing super concrete to work with, but it most certainly was a start.

“These four were the most...motivated in convincing me, and I was blinded enough by my own inadequacy to take the bait. So they’re the most suspicious individuals for sure.” Hinata explains, sighing into his hands.

“But what does that have to do with Ultimate Despair?” Komaeda wonders aloud, looking confused.

Hinata shrugs. “I don’t know yet, maybe nothing at all. But, if Ultimate Despair does manage to make it in here somehow I’m sure these guys will be the reason it slips by us unnoticed. They’ve been skewing a lot of information in many legal documents as Yukizome-sensei has discovered. So basically, if we see that they’ve manipulated or tried overriding the admittance of students at Hope’s Peak…. We have reason to believe that there is something suspicious regarding those people.”

Komaeda gulps, but nods before placing a hand on Hinata’s back.

“If you….if we had never met, what would you be … doing right now?” Komaeda asks, half fearful but already knowing the answer. He wants to hear it, no matter how painful.

“I would’ve played straight into their hands. Nagito, I was so desperate to be something. To be the hope of the school was … all I could ever ask for. I never imagined how…” Hinata broke off, voice choked up. “These guys are probably the reason they tried to cover up Natsumi’’s murder. They have an image to maintain, after all.”

Komaeda felt his heart pound. If, for whatever reason, the surgery wouldn’t have been a success, they would probably hide that information too. As if Hinata had never existed.

He pulls Hinata onto his lap, uncaring of the strange looks a couple of people in the library still shoot at them.

Hinata doesn’t even protest, incredibly telling of how much this was shaking him up.

Ugh, it was his fault that he was getting like this. Komaeda needed to change the subject and fast.

“So, what do you think the plan is?” Komaeda asks, doing his best to keep Hinata’s mind off the previous alternative.

“Oh! Well, besides keeping in contact with Munakata-san and Yukizome-sensei, it looks like Fuyuhiko’s people are gathering information as well. I think right now, they’re looking into shutting down the project before it even starts by taking those guys into custody. They’ve been doing a lot of illegal stuff, but honestly just making this information public would be enough in some ways.” Hinata explains, his eyes getting all concentrated as they usually did when he was trying to solve a problem.

It was unfairly attractive. Really, it was.

“Do we need to do anything?” Komaeda asks, scratching at the back of Hinata’s head. He almost seemed to purr when Komaeda did that. He was so cute.

Hinata predictably melted against him before shaking his head.

“No, not yet anyway. In the meantime, Yukizome-sensei said I should take a self-defence course, though.” Hinata grumbles, hiding his face in Komaeda’s shoulder.

Komaeda frowned. He really did not like the idea of Hinata being placed in any kind of danger, but...he supposed that was the reason his teacher had suggested it in the first place.

If Komaeda was alone, he at the very least could rely on his luck to save him now. Hinata’s method was actually viable and it made his power actually useful in a meaningful way now.

Hinata on the other hand...maybe it was a good thing Hinata was paranoid all the time and stuck by him. In doing so, it meant he was unknowingly being protected by Komaeda’s luck as well.

“That’s not a bad idea. If it keeps you safe, it’s better you try it out.” Komaeda points out, playing with Hinata’s hair. He always had one tuft of hair that always stuck out. Often, Komeda had the childish urge to pull it.

“I don’t have the time or the money to sign up for one, Nagito.” Hinata almost whines, dismissively. He opens his mouth to continue, but Komaeda closes it instantly.

“I thought I told you, I don’t mind paying for any expenses regarding your wellbeing. Or even otherwise, Hajime. Money really isn’t a problem -” he began.

“Well, I don’t want to do that. It’s already bad enough that I’m forcing you to pay for me even being here and I don’t even know how to start repaying you for that so-” Hinata interrupted, pulling Komaeda’s hand away from his mouth.

“So you’ve decided! You’ll really stay?” Komaeda grinned excitedly, as he interlaced their fingers.

Hinata huffs in embarrassment but does not object.

“I...don’t want to leave your side if I can help it. I’m not gonna just let you do that without paying you back somehow but…” Hinata trailed off. “I refuse to take advantage of your kindness.”

Komaeda rolled his eyes but smiled down at his boyfriend fondly anyway.

“If it matters to you so much, just think of it as compensation for having to sleep with me every night.” Komaeda teased lightly, only to see Hinata freeze above him.

Had he said the wrong thing? It was meant to be a self deprecating joke but...

They shared a moment of very tense silence, and just as Komaeda starts to apologize, Hinata bursts out laughing. Bright, bubbling giggles seem to come out all at once. It’s a rather beautiful sight, actually. To take in his incredibly beautiful boyfriend smiling like that on his lap, in the school of his dreams. In the library too, his safe space.

At this very moment, Komaeda is content to just exist with the love of his life in his arms. Sometimes, before he fell asleep Komaeda had considered the idea that perhaps all the misery in the earliest part of his life existed solely he could meet Hinata who - even if temporarily - made him feel alive and happy every moment they shared together.

“K-Komaeda, am I supposed to be a - hah - a hooker or something? Is that what you were suggesting?” Hinata laughs teasingly as he wraps his arms around Komaeda’s shoulders sweetly.

Realization dawns on Komaeda all at once, and he feels himself flush rather darkly.

“T-That’s not! I didn’t mean to imply…!” Komaeda informed urgently, hoping his boyfriend understood. Hinata nodded, attempting his very best to stifle the peals of laughter that were threatening to overtake him.

“I know, I know. You’re too sweet to say something like that anyway. You’re too good to me.” Hinata admits affectionately, soothing his hands up and down along Komaeda’s spine consolingly.

Komeda opened his mouth to argue, but found the embarrassment from earlier left him a little breathless.

Hinata smiles at him warmly and kisses his forehead before straightening up.

“Anyway, about the self defense lessons. I think I’ll just join in on Owari’s and Nidai’s sparring during lunch every once in a while. That should help.” he sighs, absentmindedly running his fingers through Komaeda’s hair.

Komaeda shuddered at the thought.

“Uh… are you going to be okay? Those two can be…” Komaeda frowned, thinking mainly about the one time they had fought so intently there had been blood covering Owari. Those two could be very intense when they wanted to be.

“I’ll manage. The better my training opponents the better off I’ll be, right?” Hinata smiled softly as he climbed off Komaeda’s lap. “I’ll figure it out eventually. Let’s go eat, or they might not leave anything for us.”

Hand in hand, they walked together to the cafeteria. Komeada rambled a bit about the current happenings of their class, the mystery book he was reading, and what he was looking forward to in the coming year.

Hinata listened to him with rapt attention, nodding at him at all the appropriate places. Asking questions when he wasn’t sure about things, and genuinely interested about all the little details he shared with his boyfriend.

It was one of the many reasons Komaeda had found it so hard to resist Hinata, especially in the beginning.

He was always thoughtful, attentive and genuine. Hinata spoke with everyone with a kindness he probably didn’t realize. A curiosity to truly understand people the best he could.

Komaeda believed that there really wasn’t any other person in the world he would have truly fallen for, beyond his superficial admiration in talent.

As they approached the cafeteria, Komaeda noted that both Owari and Nidai had already arrived.

Hanamura was slaving away at the kitchen, and an Ultimate who Komaeda had seen around before - the one who made cookies or something. Sounded like a pretty weak talent but whatever.

Komaeda noted that the Ultimate Pharmacist and the Ultimate Blacksmith were within vicinity as well.

What an interesting group of individuals. Both most striking of all was the presence of the Ultimate Neurologist, who was well known amongst their midsts as a genius amongst genius.

Yasuke Matsuda. He was in their grade, but even amongst Ultimates he carried himself with a certain grace. Komaeda couldn’t look away.

The man generally kept to himself or the laboratories, so to see him outside of his element was something of a miracle.

Hinata tugs at his arm curiously, looking from Komaeda to the Neurologist.

“Nagito, who is that again?” Hinata asks curiously, staring at the guy as well.

“Yasuke Matsuda, the Ultimate Neurologist. He’s pretty impressive, even amongst Ultimates.” Komaeda explains as they find trays together.

Hinata hums in what appears to be agreement before his eyes narrow.

“Ah, that’s why he looked familiar. He’s pretty popular among the Reserve Course girls for being handsome.” Hinata notes offhandedly, before finally collecting his food onto the tray.

For some reason, the statement sparks a bit of jealousy. Hinata didn’t usually comment on good looks much, so to hear it directed towards another man kind of rubbed him the wrong way.

“What, you’re into tall beanpole sleep-deprived pretty boys now?” Komaeda grumbled, apparently startling his partner with the vitriol emanating from his voice.

Hinata actually laughed at that, pulling Komaeda by the collar to quickly kiss his mouth.

“Yeah, mine’s right here.” Hinata grinned up at him, teasingly.

Just hearing that melts all of Komaeda’s worries away. Mine, he had said. While it did sound slightly possessive in nature the reassurance was welcome as Komaeda leaned in to kiss him again.

“Good.”

The two of them separated before they could be caught with their excessive PDA, but before they could join Owari and Nidai an unexpected voice call after Hinata.

They both turn around and are surprised to see Matsuda staring at Komaeda’s boyfriend intently.

“You’re Hajime Hinata, right?” the man asked, face bored but voice betraying some kind of interest.

It immediately caused Komaeda to tense.

“Yes.” Hinata responded curtly, surprisingly cold even for him. “Is there a problem?”

Matsuda pursed his lip, and Komaeda noted with some satisfaction that despite his soft looking dark hair, pretty blue eyes and long lashes his lips were thin and unmoisturized.

Komaeda always remembered to moisturize his lips.

“Nothing that is vast enters into the life of mortals without a curse. You’ll do well to remember that.” Matsuda tells him cryptically.

They both freeze. What could that be implying - ?

“A man, though wise, should never be ashamed of learning more, and must unbend his mind. My purpose … is only to do that much, in this school full of Ultimates. What do you think of that?” Hinata demands, and Komaeda stares between the two of them.

He recognized the work, Antigone. They spoke as if it were another tongue, like paraphrasing the text was some kind of code. Komaeda wondered if it was to absurdly throw off any eavesdroppers, or perhaps instead simply to show off.

“All men make mistakes, Hinata-san. But a good man yields when he knows his course is wrong, and repairs the evil. The only crime is pride. Are you a prideful sinner?” he asked, disturbingly charming.

Hinata paused. He looked to Komeda, and then the security camera before turning to face Matsuda again.

“Only time will tell.” he sighs, before pulling Komaeda along to eat with their most active classmates.

Matsuda had taken his leave, and Komaeda watched as Hinata uncharacteristically shoved food into his mouth. There was tension in the air, between them but also in general.

And it was the kind Komaeda had come to appreciate. Not at all.

Chapter Text

It was late by the time Hinata finally got back to Nagito’s dorm. Pekoyama had finally given him the file with the information he needed at last. With each step they took, closer and closer to the dorms the weight of those papers in Hinata’s bag seemed to get heavier.

Nagito was definitely catching onto his somber mood, his hand tightening.

These days, Hinata felt like they were teetering on the edge of peaceful bliss when they were allowed to be solely wrapped up in each other or a slow tortuous dread as they worked through newer and more concerning information regarding the Kamukara project.

“Hajime. What’s got you so worked up? The thing Pekoyama-san gave you, or that thing with Matsuda-san?” Nagito asks, gently nudging Hinata’s shoulder as they enter his bedroom.

Hinata sighs before pulling out the file.

“You’ll see.” is all he tells his boyfriend as he sinks onto the couch. The manila folder before him feels so ominous, but they are no longer at a point to hold back.

As Nagito takes a seat beside him, Hinata gently opens the file before handing over a couple to his boyfriend.

“Basically, I’ve asked Fuyuhiko to get his people to look into the layout of the school and map out every bit of information we could get our hands on. And surprise, surprise when one of his hackers looked into the blueprint of the school there are areas that are not exactly publicly known.” Hinata explains tiredly, rubbing at his left eye.

He had figured as much. In order to conduct the experiment, there needed to be a laboratory that was closed off to the general public and the rest of the students as well.

Looking at the meticulous file, a lot of information wasn’t new. The campus was more or less the same layout. The East side contained classrooms and other facilities for Main Course students, the North contained the old school building and the West contained all the Reserve buildings. The South, of course, contained the Main Course dorms as well as facilities such as bookshops and convenience stores.

However, there were areas of interest in various places. Hinata collected a highlighter from his bag as Nagito leaned over his shoulder.

“There’s apparently a secret basement in the Old School building that not many people know about. Right now, me and Munakata assume it’s because that’s where the Kamukura Project is likely to take place.” Hinata explains, writing directly onto the paper. “Yukizome-sensei has tried exploring that area but there’s heavy security there for seemingly no reason… and there’s some other weird things going on as well.”

This time, Hinata flips to the page with the New School building. Where the Main Course students usually resided.

“Matsuda basically confirmed that he’s definitely involved with the Kamukura Project to some capacity. Which does line up with an area of expertise to a degree as the Ultimate Neurologist. This also means that looking into his lab would probably be a good idea, and judging by our interaction … he’d let us do it.” Hinata notes, making sure to write his thoughts onto the paper here as well.

Nagito hums beside him in agreement, peering over his shoulder before pointing at something.

“There seems to be a difference between the Biology building and the Neuroscience institute … that’s something to look into as well.” Nagito frowns, contemplating their options seriously.

“But, that’s not at all. These faculty buildings over here…” Hinata narrows his eyes, circling the area on his page in bright neon yellow. “Students are specifically told not to enter these grounds without special permission… which definitely raises suspicion. And more than that, Fuyuhiko’s people found that the four men that matched my description… The Steering Committee, as we call them, have been sighted here multiple times. They’re definitely shady people and looking into their backgrounds will be a necessity at some point soon.”

Nagito stared at the papers before him and nodded. Looking through the papers until he came across the one paper Hinata hadn’t checked yet.

“Is...this? The 78th Class of Hope’s Peak Academy?” Nagito gasped, looking over at the names. Underneath that paper was the next year list of students attending the Main Course listed in alphabetical order. “Why do we have this?”

Hinata pursed his lips.

“It’s more for my comfort than any real reason pertaining to this specific issue but… Munakata agrees. If Matsuda-san is already working on the Kamukara project, we have reason to believe that there are students as well that are vaguely aware of the nature of this project. The students at this school are brilliant, but that also means that...it’s very much possible that someone might take advantage of that.”

Nagito freezes.

“Is this… about the Ultimate Despair issue again?”

Hinata nods.

Nagito laughs bitterly.

“To think that… the good luck of meeting Hajime. The bad luck of the Kamukura Project. The good luck of having you as a boyfriend. The bad luck of having my twisted, pessimistic worldview taint you’re shining hope so deeply that you -” he rants, his eyes getting that glazed look as it did whenever his self-loathing rants got the better of him.

Hinata carefully took Nagito’s face in his hands.

“Nagito. Please breathe with me.” Hinata whispered, letting his boyfriend put a hand on his chest to feel his lungs expand and detract. Allowing him to do the same.

Only once his breathing was back to normal again did Hinata speak. He cupped his hands around Nagito’s face and kissed his forehead gently. Doing his very best to be reassuring.

“If I’m going to be honest, Nagito, the only reason I’m still here right now is because of you. The only reason I had the courage to seek out the truth… and have enough confidence to go through with this is because I know you have my back. You’ve only made me stronger, and I can only hope I’ve been the same for you.” Hinata smiles, watching Nagito’s guilty expression melt into a look of resigned fondness.

“Hajime.” Komaeda breathes, as if Hinata’s name was a prayer on his lips. The reverence and quiet awe in which he often said it in might fool some into thinking that it was.

His boyfriend pulls him into his arms, and Hinata always melts into his touch. Letting their warmth merge, as he breathed in Komaeda’s scent of nutmeg and musk. An elusive but sweet scent that wrapped him up in soundly.

Often, Hinata felt like Nagito was out of reach for someone like him. Something about him had always seemed mysterious and far away, like he lived in a different world. Sometimes, Hinata felt like even when he reached his hand out to grasp at Nagito, he’d slip through his fingers once again.

And now, he was tangible. Nagito was somehow soft but reassuring. Despite his scrawny albeit weak appearance, Hinata always felt protected in his arms.

“Hajime, I just really...really don’t want to lose you. I keep thinking that all the misery in my life would be worth it because I’m allowed to be with you but...if for whatever reason you’re taken away from me. I… I really don’t know what I’ll do.” Nagito confessed, eyes looking so vulnerable and open and afraid, Hinata’s heart ached.

“Then, I’ll have to work to keep staying by your side. I don’t plan on leaving you alone, even if you do start calling me a worthless Reserve Course kid.” Hinata promised, cracking a small grin.

Nagito didn’t even take the bait, instead beaming broadly.

Hinata leaned in to kiss him full on the mouth, hoping to hide his own hopelessly enamoured expression as their lips met. Wrapping his arms around his boyfriend’s back, Hinata shifted so he was straddling Nagito completely as they made out. Their chests flushed together, and hands wandered everywhere as their kiss deepend.

They kept like that for a couple minutes at least, Hinata’s hands clutching at Nagito’s shoulders, nails slightly digging into him through his shirt. Komaeda’s fingers were tracing shapes into his abdomen, the cool touch at Hinata’s heated skin driving him crazy.

Nagito had fully shoved his tongue down Hinata’s throat when his phone rang.

His boyfriend whined as Hinata pulled away in search for his phone, complaining about being teased mercilessly for the past couple days now.

Rolling his eyes, Hinata snatched his phone before returning to the couch seating himself in his boyfriend’s lap so he could bask in Nagito’s affections.

Pressing the ‘accept call’ without thinking too deeply, Hinata pressed the phone to his ear as Nagito decided to kiss at the back of his neck nipping at the sensitive skin there.

“Hello?” Hinata began, silently regretting his decision to sit on Nagito’s lap. Neither of them were the best at self-control.

“HINATA, IT IS I, NEKOMARU NIDAI!” the voice on the other end of the call screeched. Both Hinata and Nagito winced at the volume, but continued forward after a beat.

“Hi Nekomaru, what’s up?” Hinata asked, praying he sounded casual. Nagito had slipped his fingers under his shirt again, and he was really fighting the urge to shudder pleasantly.

“I have confirmed with Yukizome-sensei to book the gym in the old school building for lunch! Our self-defence lessons will include the participation of Akane and a few others of Class 77, if you don’t mind!” the rambunctious man informed, voice booming as if he were on speaker phone.

“AH! Um, that’s gr-EAT, Nekomaru. G-Guess I’ll ME-AH-AT you t-then.” Hinata stuttered, as Nagito practically started biting at his neck.

“Alright then! Make sure to eat and hydrate well before then, I won’t go easy on you.” Nekomaru reminded cheerfully before hanging up. “See you then!”

Once the call ended, Hinata turned in his boyfriend’s lap glaring at Nagito’s faux innocent expression. They were lucky that Nekomaru was blissfully dense when it came to these things.

“You did that on purpose, didn’t you.” Hinata stated more than asked.

“Whatever do you mean, Hinata-kun?” Nagito teased, a shitting eating grin on his face.

Hinata had definitely been spoiling him too much lately. That’s why his boyfriend was so insatiable. They already spent way too much time together and he was still greedy for more.

Pinching his nose, Hinata got up to search through Nagito’s drawers.
They had to get back on track, Hinata was also too good at getting distracted by his unfairly attractive boyfriend.

Nagito whined about needing more Hajime time but quickly shut up once he saw what was in Hinata’s hand.

“Are we going to interrogate ghosts now?” he asked in confusion as Hinata crawled back into his lap (completely unable to resist him, go figure) and opened up the board to its completion.

“No, I’m going to interrogate you. Or, more accurately your luck.” he explained as he opened up the Ouija board.

Nagito’s mouth formed a small ‘o’ in understanding as they sat facing each other. Placing the board on their joint laps, Hinata quickly scanned the instructions on the back of the box.

“Shouldn’t we light some candles or something? Get into the mood?” Nagito suggested, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

Hinata shot him a look, knowing that the atmosphere that Nagito was thinking of was completely unlike what he was suggesting.

Despite that, Hinata found it hard to deny Nagito anything and went to look for the wax candles they had leftover from a botched romantic dinner they had attempted once.

Hinata got up to lower the lights and then searched for the candles.

Setting the candles on the table and lighting them, Hinata went back to the couch again and started getting familiar with the planchette.

“We’re going to be using this board a little more differently than it’s supposed to be used, so I guess there’s no reason to follow the instructions to the ‘T’. The overall concept isn’t too different though. I’ll be acting as the questioner, and I want you to concentrate on whatever pull your intuition gives you.” Hinata explains, lacing their fingers together. “Is that okay?”

Nagito nods thoughtfully.

“This would be a pretty unreliable process if I had done something like this before we worked on my talent but now… I guess luck can really be helpful.”

Hinata grins at that. It was such a stark difference between the way he spoke before.

“Luck can help us get closer to the truth...and only from truth can we determine things like hope and despair. At least, that’s what I’ve come to believe.” Hinata explains, before moving to gather a scrap piece of paper and the highlighter from earlier to prepare. “Anyway, are you ready to start?”

Nagito beamed, before schooling his features and closing his eyes.

Taking a deep breath, Hinata began.

“Does the Ultimate Despair already attend Hope’s Peak Academy?”

Slowly, Hinata watched the planchette move.

N.O.

Alright, so far so good. Nagito’s eyes remained closed, his face rather passive. He knew the answer as well, and he was relieved.

“Does the Ultimate Despair have affiliates that already attend Hope’s Peak Academy?” Hinata asked, feeling dread build up in his gut.

Once again, the planchette began to move.

Y.E.S.

Hinata sucked in a breath. And despite having his eyes closed, he could see the tension in Nagito’s posture too.

“Will the Ultimate Despair be at Hope’s Peak in the coming year?” Hinata asked finally, thinking of Hope’s Peak Academy’s 78th Class.

And sure enough, the planchette moved again.

Y.E.S.

“Alright. That’s enough then, goodbye.” Hinata finished curtly, as Nagito slowly opened his eyes. The two of them silently folded up the board, unable to ease the air completely.

“You know… I don’t think anyone is going to believe us, y’know. Not everyone trusts in my luck as much as you do. In the beginning, I didn’t even trust it either.” Nagito points out as Hinata blows out the candles.

Hinata nods, contemplative.

He couldn’t deny that nobody would really take them seriously, seeing as most people were only familiar with Nagito’s extremely erratic luck cycle.

That being said, there was one more question that needed answering.

Hinata picked up the class list again, looking through the names. An idea came to mind, another way for Komaeda’s luck to give them some direction under these circumstances.

Hinata checked his pencil case, and upon finding his scissors started folding the page into even squares before cutting along the folds as evenly possible.

“Hajime? W-What are you doing.. - oh!” Nagito watched, as Hinata sorted each name and description into a set of what could even be called cards. Spreading the deck of names, Hinata offered the list of names to his boyfriend.

“Who from Class 78 of Hope’s Peak Academy, is the Ultimate Despair?” Hinata announced between the two of them.

Nagito gulped, but brought his hand forward and selected it at random. And, not even a second later a second card jumped out at him.

“In tarot, they often say cards that jump out at you are equally as important. You can’t ignore them.” Nagito whispered, before collecting the two cards and flipping them over.

The first card was titled Junko Enoshima. The second, the one that had jumped outwards was titled Mukuro Ikusaba.

The Ultimate Fashionista and the Ultimate Soldier. A very unnerving combination.

Hinata sucked in a breath.

“The Ultimate Fashionista, huh? Who would’ve guessed…” he contemplated, looking into her profile listed in the file, skimming the information gathered there.

“It’s...not exactly as surprising as you’d think. It would make sense that she was disguising herself in something unrelated to obvious danger, but still involved in a cutthroat industry. Her charisma would make her wildly influential too.” Nagito noted, his voice sounding far away.

Hinata hummed in agreement before pausing, nearly dropping the file.

“N-Nagito, come take a look at this.” Hinata breathed, feeling a little panicked. His boyfriend rushed over, peering over the couch to take a look at what he was talking about.

The Steering Committee had specifically recommended both Enoshima and Ikusaba. While the reason remained unknown, all this information would be trouble.

“This isn’t a coincidence at all then. We’ll have to tell the others. No matter how you look at it...the fact that those two were specifically selected by them while the others in their class were all scouted normally…” Nagito breathed.

Hinata nodded silently, putting the file away while Nagito started texting in their private messenger urgently.

The one with Yukizome-sensei, Munkata, Sakakura, Peko and Fuyuhiko. This was crucial information, and if they could find anything more and either of the two, it would be worth it.

As his boyfriend updated the rest, Hinata took the list of current Ultimates at Hope’s Peak. Slowly but surely he cut out each thin name, and placed it on the table one by one.

Nagito upon understanding Hinata’s final test, waited patiently as he cut them all. Then, Hinata placed the names into the hat asking Nagito the final question for the day.

“Who, at Hope’s Peak, is the affiliate of the Ultimate Despair?” Hinata asks, though he feels like he does in fact know the answer to this question already.

They wait in bated breath as Komaeda selects the name from the hat.

The name Yasuke Matsuda doesn’t even surprise them. They sit together, in silence for a moment before Hinata buries his face into Komaeda’s shoulder and screams as quietly as he can.

Nagito tiredly strokes his hair, though he can’t seem to bring himself to say anything either. Hinata falls asleep in his arms eventually, though his sleep is far from restful.

At some point, Hinata registers that Komaeda had changed his clothes for him. The thought makes his face go pink, realizing that he had somehow managed to take Hinata’s binder off for sleep but Hinata is a little surprised with himself for not minding in the slightest.

There wasn’t a lot Hinata could fully trust these days, but Nagito would always be the exception.

Hinata wakes up way earlier than he usually does. He’s restless, unable to get rid of the feeling that he is supposed to do something right now.

Nagito’s still fast asleep, his chest rising and falling gently. There were no night terrors for either of them last night. Perhaps their mental exhaustion had caught up with them and decided to give them a break.

The restlessness doesn’t leave him. Not after a shower. Not after brushing his teeth, changing back into his uniform and not even after eating a snack.

His gut is telling him to corner Matsuda. While he still can. Before this school year ends, and after the next year starts.

While they are still free from the direct influence from the Ultimate Despair.

It would be reckless to do so. Without any planning, without having informed anyone. It could mess up everything.

But his gut was telling him this was important. That this was right. That this would be the way to getting closer to the truth.

Making up his mind, Hinata leaves a note for his boyfriend. Vaguely telling him he needed to go on a walk or he would lose his mind.

He also makes sure to text Fuyuhiko - the most likely to chew him out while swearing, but also the most likely to sympathize. Hinata makes sure to provide the timestamp and location before texting ‘i’m gonna do something reckless, please don’t stop me’ before making his way to the lab.

Before he even knows it, his legs are leading him to a place he’s never been for. The Main Course building is guarded by Sakakura once again, but he easily lets him through without question.
They are fighting for the same cause now, after all. That still doesn’t stop the man from sending him a warning look, but Hinata ignores it.

He instead approaches the lab.

And surprise, surprise Matsuda was already there. The man noticed his presence immediately, raising an eyebrow at his presence.

“Uninvited guests seldom meet a welcome. And I am not a hospitable person.” Matsuda states, as Hinata lets himself in.

“I only expect to be welcomed when I leave. But before then, may I ask. Are you aware of Junko Enoshima and Mukuro Ikusaba’s positions as Ultimate Despair?” Hinata asks, getting straight to the point.

That is when Matsuda’s expression changes, a thousand emotions at once and then nothing at all.

“How do you know those names? Why do you think I am involved with them?” he demands, dropping all pretense.

“Call it a lucky guess, but you’ve basically confirmed to me that you are involved with them. There’s no need to deny it. But are you aware of their desire for despair?” Hinata shrugs with a nonchalance he truly does not have.

Matsuda opens his mouth, as if to deny it before closing it again.

“I am….somewhat.” he says, strangely quiet for a clever man like him. It’s as if all the intelligence and wit had been sucked dry by simply mentioning a name.

“And isn't it interesting, that they wish to come here to see the birth of some true hope? Because of the Kamukura Project. What kind of despair will they experience when it’s cancelled and done with, before they even get here?” Hinata bluffs, as Matsuda’s expression morphs.

Strangely enough, his eyes look hopeful. So, he is hoping to protect her from herself. He likely doesn’t want to see her fall into despair either.

“W-What are you suggesting?” the man says instead, looking at him as though searching for answers.

The fact of the matter is, Hinata doesn’t have any answers at all. But, if he speaks it into existence perhaps the truth can be created.

“If I can assume that they truly are the Ultimate Despair, the first step would be to expose Hope’s Peak for all it’s flaws first. To expose the dirty truth in itself is probably a despair like no other, for everyone. The people desperate to hide it, the blissfully ignorant, those that were scammed but wanted to pretend otherwise and those who look up to Hope’s Peak. It would be a horrible situation for all. And by doing that, they could likely capitalize off the danger, distrust and disorder for their own means. That way, if what she seeks is true despair - like for entertainment or pleasure it will feed in on itself.” Hinata explains, the man in front of him looking on with rapt attention.

“Yes, but this is all...speculation.” Matsuda tries to defend, sounding half-convinced.

“So you’re saying they absolutely wouldn’t do that? You know at least one of them personally after all. Is this an uncomfortable truth or a comfortable lie for you, Matsuda-san?” Hinata asks, his interrogating skills seemed to be strengthening.

The man is silent. Just as Hinata expected.

“Well, it’s not like any of that is going to matter anyway. The Kamukura Project as it is will not come into fruition in the way it has been planned. That much I guarantee. But now, I ask you, how will she react upon learning of this information? Her spotlight will be stolen, she wasted her time. It’s possible she can get her hands on the material and have her way with it. The despair within her is still an issue.” Hinata sighs, stretching his arms.

Matsuda’s eyes lit up.

“And you have a way to rectify that?” he asks curiously.

“Sort of. She craves despair, so the only solution I can think of is convincing her that she should go through with experiment instead. What’s more despairful than getting rid of both despair and hope completely?” Hinata smiles, feeling a little too melancholic and cruel in this moment.

Matsuda gapes. Like either he can’t believe it, but also like he thinks it’s genius.

“She's already highly analytical and her talent would throw off the Steering Committee assholes but… there should be a way to tamper with her brain a bit… having the added talents would mean erasing...wow. That just might work.” Matsuda agreed, reaching over to his laptop and setting aside the manga he had been reading.
Then he paused, as Hinata moved to get up.

“Why...why did you tell me all this? What do you gain from...letting someone like Junko take away your one shot at having talent? At being special?” Matsuda wonders, staring at Hinata like he can’t comprehend him.

Hinata shrugged.

“To be honest, from the very beginning a lot of the details hadn’t been told to me regarding the Kamukura Project. I didn’t even ask for it, because I was desperate to do and be something meaningful. So I didn’t care about what it cost at that time. But...I’ve somehow managed to do that without a talent, so I’m okay with that now. I’ve made peace with it. It’s probably better for an experiment as extensive as that to be used to stabilize someone who can… actually benefit from it. And it’ll make society better for it, too. Probably. I’m fine with a legacy like that.” he admits, as he turns to leave.

He had been content to leave it at that, but….

“Since you’ve helped me I might as well return the favour. You do realize that you can’t actually make talent out of nothing, right? You need to have the specific ability to have potential for it. Part of any talent and skill is also something that happens with the right conditioning, environment, experience and guidance too. If they had properly explained it too… you’d be like the Ultimate Reserve of Talents. You have the potential, with the right amount of training in an area you so chose to be the Master of All. So to speak. It would just take a lifetime and more for you to achieve that naturally.” Matsuda confessed, stopping Hinata in his tracks.

What. What? WHAT?!

Well. It’s not like that mattered now, but.

“Thanks for telling me, Matsuda. I guess I would always wonder about that but… I’m content staying in the Reserve Course as I am. I don’t need a shiny title to tell me what I’m capable of anymore. I don’t think anyone should.” Hinata finds himself saying honestly.

“Good for you, Hinata-kun. And good luck.” he smiles, though it looks sort of awkward on his face.

Hinata smiles back.

“I’ve already got all the luck I need.”

Chapter Text

These days, Komaeda is always waiting for the other shoe to drop. He can’t help it, afterall. A lifetime’s worth of bad habits; mind reading, fortune telling - overthinking has left him high and dry off of his own luck cycle.

And really, he can’t help but wonder where all these silly ideas of romance, contained luck and reliable hope even come from. Happy endings only existed for the best of the best, like Ultimates and yet… he could no longer deny that he too deserved that good ending.

But that didn’t stop him from being surprised when he woke up every morning with the love of his life in his arms. It had been that way for more than a month now, and even Komaeda’s memory foam mattress had Hinata shaped space in it. Like he had belonged right there in his bed, his heart, in his home all along.

Honestly, that Komaeda of the past might have even tried to rationalize Hinata’s importance in his life as the good luck and fortune that made up for a lifetime of trauma and misfortune.

But what novels and movies always failed to tell people about is how falling in love wasn’t actually as blissfully hopeful as one might think.

Love - Komaeda was starting to realize nothing was purely good or purely bad. Especially romantic love, which he had never once thought would be an issue for him yet…

Having Hinata was like constantly putting a target on his back. A weakness so obvious to anyone who ever observed the two of them for more than a moment. Komaeda wasn’t a fool, he knew that the two of them hadn’t done the very best job being subtle and...truly Komaeda didn’t want to be but it never escaped him that something or someone who use that against them one day.

And he really did not want to be helpless to stop it.

Love - was hope and despair wrapped into one. The absolute bliss of being held in your lover’s arms vs the crippling realization that one day you or your beloved will leave (through death or by other means) and both will suffer the consequences of this, because that is the pain relationships sign you up for.

He is reminded of this terrifying thought the moment Komaeda wakes up alone this morning. It feels so bizarre. Hinata never wakes up and gets far from him this early in the morning.

His side of the bed isn’t even warm anymore, and the very thought that his beloved could be danger sends chills down his spine.

Komaeda takes a deep breath. He thinks of the grounding techniques the Ultimate Therapist had run him through.

Five things he can see. Four things he can feel. Three things he can hear. Two things he can see smell. One thing he can taste.

Right. There was his bookshelf, the couch, the coffee table, a bright neon green sticky note, the manila folder from -

Wait. A note?!

Hajime.

Of course, he would leave a note. His boyfriend might look uncaring and cynical on the outside, but really Hinata was always a thoughtful person deep down.

And Komaeda really did like him a lot. Probably an unnecessary amount, but it worked fine for them.

Scrambling out of the sheets, he collected the sticky note from the table to see what had happened.

“Had a nightmare. Went for a walk. Be back soon.”

Short, sweet and straightforward. Well, what else did he expect from Hajime of all people?

It was frustrating, sometimes. To watch the paranoia settle into Hinata like that. He was generally a more skeptic person by nature, but he could also be so serene. Gentle, and thoughtful. Just being around him gave people a sense of peace and calm not many had these days.

Now it seemed like Hinata was often trapped in his own thoughts, slightly tortured by the burdens the school had been placing on him. And while Komaeda had done his best to be as involved as he could be, he knew there were still some things Hinata tried to shield him from.

He wasn’t stupid, though Komaeda did try to downplay his own worries to the best of his abilities.

There were things Hinata definitely wasn’t telling him everything about. Like when he would be forced to drop out, how the expose of the Kamukura project would play out….

Of course, it was likely he didn’t have all the information either, but now if he was going to talk walks all on his own without Komaeda around to protect him. It rubbed him the wrong way, that Hinata was in this position to begin with but he was also powerless in that he didn’t even have an Ultimate like ability to protect -

At that moment, Hinata entered the dorm phone to his ear.

“Enoshima-san, regardless of how you got my phone number I would appreciate if you could respect the privacy of...oh nevermind. Yes, yes it was my idea. I’m no longer interested in being a host for that. Yes. Good luck then, Enoshima-san. I hope the project will fix your desire for despair for good. Have a good day.”

Komaeda drops everything.

Enoshima. Like Junko Enoshima. Like Ultimate Despair Junko Enoshima.

Why was his totally normal Reserve Course boyfriend talking to a high profile cunning Ultimate Despair?

If anything, Hinata should never even have to interact with someone so horrifying.

Yet.

As soon as his boyfriend hangs up, Komaeda sends him a stern look. Hinata smiles sheepishly and instead of responding dives into his lap.

Komaeda kind of wants to groan, because he knows that Hinata is aware of how much physical affection like this always distracts him, and Komaeda was...a bit upset with him.

“Hajime, what did you do?” he asked, though he already had a bad feeling. Hinata continued to grumble nonsense into his neck, as if hiding in Komaeda’s lap was going to somehow help him get away with his pointless secrets.

“Hinata-kun.” Komaeda warned, looking down at his boyfriend in disappointment.

Hinata made a sound that was something between a groan and a whine before sitting up properly, pouting a bit.
“I convinced Matsuda-san to have Junko Enoshima replace me in the Kamukura Experiment.” he finally spit out refusing to make eye contact with Komaeda.

Part of Komaeda wanted to be in a numbed state of shock. The very idea was out of his comprehension and quite frankly, contacting Matsuda like that with very little evidence and just complete blind faith in Komaeda’s luck was…

On one hand it was reckless and stupid of Hinata to do something like that with very little proof. It was actually pretty out of character for him, seeing as he was a generally skeptical person.

Which meant that Hinata completely, fully trusted and believed in Komaeda. And his luck. Deeply.

Enough for him to take that chance. Enough for Hinata to test his luck as well.

“I don’t know whether to scold you for being reckless or praise you for being brave.” Komaeda sighs, eventually deciding to simply wrap his arms around Hinata’s waist and hold him close.

“Well… to you, it’s a matter of whether or not I had hope in my heart, right?” Hinata smirks slightly, a knowing glint in his eyes. “You already know the answer to that, right? It’s why you chose to involve yourself with me in the first place.”

Komaeda can’t help but smile. It was strange, for so long he had been surrounded by people who were either disgusted by him, didn’t acknowledge him or were unable to understand him at all.

And now, here was a Reserve Course boy who adored him, noticed him and understood him better than anyone else had ever understood Komaeda.

How was he not supposed to fall for him?

“And what did Munakata-san have to say about?” Komaeda says instead, trying not to derail an important conversation just because he couldn’t keep it in his pants for long enough.

Hinata shrugged.

“He sent me a wall of text that I didn’t actually read because he was scolding me, but he basically said that they could actually work with this for the whole ‘Hope’s Peak: Steering Committee Expose’ thing because Matsuda-san is fully willing to work with us now.” he explained offhandedly. “It all worked out in the end, so let me sleep on you!”

That wasn’t hard to believe, Komaeda supposed. Matsuda had seemed iffy with the project to begin with, but if he was affiliated with the Ultimate Despair why did he encourage her too…?

“I can almost hear your thoughts, you’re thinking too loud. Basically, what it all comes down to is that Enoshima-san wants to maximize her personal experience with despair to begin with anyway. Despair that has nothing to do with you, similar to the way hope for someone else’s ideals is never as attractive as Personalized Despair. And, for someone like Enoshima who is already the Ultimate Despair...what is more despair inducing for someone like that than becoming the school’s mascot for hope? Also, because she’s a well known figure more people will care about human experimentation on someone like that than a random nobody like me anyway. A much more dramatic and important reveal.” Hinata explains more seriously, the little tuft of his hair that always stuck moving around excitedly with him.

Komaeda always found that detail rather cute. Every time Hinata was heatedly explaining some detail his ahoge would dance along as if also enthralled by his passion.

“So what you’re saying is that you made a bunch of half-assed assumptions about Enoshima’s character before ever interacting with her in person just by extrapolating from a result of my luck?” Komaeda demands, still a little unbelieving of Hinata’s complete faith in him.

“Yup. And it worked!” Hinata grinned before hiding his face in his shoulder again.

“Are you...serious? You believe in m-me enough to go do all that?” Komaeda breathed in surprise.

Hinata’s face grows serious again all of a sudden. The stern look in his eyes, the pinched expression, the bottom lip caught between his teeth.

“Nagito...now that things are settling down, I can finally take the time to say this like I’ve been wanting too.” his boyfriend began, looking raw. Vulnerable.

Hinata hated being looked at that way, he put up a strong facade at times to seem less sensitive and soft than he really was.

And when they were alone like this, he would always knock those barriers down. He made sure to put Nagito’s wants above Hinata’s own needs sometimes. His overwhelming affection in private and his nonchalant attitude in public.

All those things, Komaeda deeply loved about him. Every piece of Hinata he discovered was something he cherished more than anything else.

“Before meeting you… I always kind of believed that the only way my life could have meaning or purpose would be if I had some kind of talent...something that would make me special so I could be needed.” Hinata sighed, fiddling the collar of Komaeda’s shirt.

“Obviously, you know this already but…. I was willing to give up everything that I was to become someone better. I didn’t care about the cost or the consequences, because I had thought to live for but I had nothing to die for either. I thought ...if they could make a worthless thing so precious that would truly be the best thing that could ever happen to me. I was convinced of that actually but then...but then I…” Hinata breathed, shifting on his lap looking uncharacteristically nervous.

“But then you met me…” Komaeda finished, kissing the top of Hinata’s head. Doing his best to hide a smile in his boyfriend’s hair.

“But then I met you.” Hinata agreed. “And I’m not exaggerating when I say meeting you felt like destiny. Well, looking back on it anyway. When we first met, you were nosy and invasive and I felt like you were always looking down on me for being a Reserve Course but.... your convictions, your ambitions. Your difficulties and your accomplishments. I wanted to understand it all, I want to see how you grow, and who you become everyday. And suddenly, I had this horribly selfish insane wish to be worthy enough to stand by your side and watch it happen.”

Komaeda feels his face warm at the confession. Despite being more reserved, Hinata did have a habit of being rather straightforward and blunt. And at times like this, when he was earnestly pouring his heart out for Komaeda to see, it absolutely took his breath away.

“You’re not selfish for wanting to be with me, Hajime. I’m the lucky one, so really it’s the other way around.” Komaeda murmured, running his hands up and down Hinata’s spine.

“Maybe. But… if I’m not selfish for wanting to be with you… why is that I continue to sleep in your bed every night when I have my dorm? Why do I seek to monopolize your time and energy at any given time? Why is it that after nearly a month of being with you, I still want more. I want to be with you always, because there is no bliss or happiness that will ever come close to holding your hand and walking side by side in silence.” Hinata confessed, his voice taking on a breathier quality as kept going.

“And these days, I think I keep taking too much for you. That maybe a Reserve Course leech, taking up all your time and energy. Sharing your bed, your clothes, your shower. I keep wanting from you, so selfishly when really you could be with someone so much more than me. Someone taller, stronger, someone who could match your looks and intellect and big heart.” Hinata continues, but somehow the seemingly sweet explanation is tinged with something bitter and heartbreaking.

“I think about what….about what Natsumi said back then and I can’t help but think she’s right. No matter how much I want you, adore you, cherish you or love you. You deserve the absolute very best by your side and even if that person isn’t an Ultimate...is it really okay for someone as plain and despairingly average like me to say….” Hinata’s voice seemed to choke up, and his eyes were growing misty.

Komaeda immediately shifted to wipe them, but Hinata stopped him by the wrists.

The helpless, lost and completely terrified look in his eyes really breaking Komaeda’s heart. If Hinata really is about to break up with him for something as shitty and awful as ‘I don’t deserve you’ right now, Komaeda is going to lose it.

Just as he’s about to open his mouth to say as much -

“I don’t know if someone like me is really allowed to say it to you, but I figured you definitely deserve to know. So, here goes nothing.” Hinata began, and the dread that settles into Komaeda’s skin starts unfurl but -

“I love you.” Hinata stated, as if it were a concrete fact of life. “Y-You definitely don’t need to say it back or anything, and I-I know it’s a little early to be saying it but I really do mean -”

Komaeda doesn’t even stop to listen to the rest as he presses their lips together. The relief at realizing it wasn’t as he feared, that this wouldn’t be the start of his luck cycle wreaking havoc on him for the unnatural amount of good luck they had endured thus far.

He feels tears in his own eyes, as he presses Hinata firmly onto the couch. He wants to melt into Hinata’s skin, his palms cupping the face of the boy he adores. Komaeda has never known anything like this, more than just affection or admiration or reverence.

Knowing Hinata really saw him, in his entirety. And having seen Hinata in his entirety too, and still choosing everyday to be by each other's side, come hell or high water.

Komaeda kisses all the oxygen out of Hinata’s lungs, holds him warmly to his chest. Entangles legs, intertwined fingers, a mess of limbs.

“Hajime.” Komaeda calls affectionately as they break apart for air, only a moment before he dives back in.
“Hajime,” he repeats feeling his heart soar, “I’m selfish too. I’m selfish when I keep you in my room, and steal you away at lunch. It’s mutual, you know. Everything that we are, we are together. I’m surprised you didn’t know already, but you are very dense when it comes to these things so… so I’m gonna have to spell it out for you, right?”

Hinata stares, eyes a bit hazed before his mouth makes a soft ‘o’ in surprise. His lips are bitten red and spit-slicked and there’s an enticing pink flush that reaches past his face down to his chest.

“Huh?” he blinks, eyes wide and confused like not a single word Komaeda is saying is getting through to his head.

Komaeda bites back a laugh, as he instead presses their forehead together gently.

“Hajime. My Hajime, I love you more than you can know. You are more than worthy, far greater than you give yourself credit for. From the moment I laid eyes on you, I was entranced by the hope sleeping inside you.” Komaeda smiled, watching the pink of Hinata’s face turn darker.

“I-Inside m-me?!” Hinata demands, unexpectedly.

It gives Komaeda pause, a little surprised before he realizes that Hinata is getting distracted by their intimacy. He is unpredictable in the most bizarre ways, and yet Komaeda cannot help but be endeared by his boyfriend’s antics.

“If that’s really what you want, that can be arranged but -” Komaeda chuckled, before Hinata suddenly sits up nearly bonking their heads together.

“Y-YOU! You said you love...me?!” Hinata exclaims, his brain finally coming back online long enough to fully comprehend Komaeda’s words. “A-Are you sure?”

Despite his boyfriend’s silliness, Komaeda thinks back on his life up until this point. Earlier that same year, he never would’ve imagined some Reserve Course student would ever change his life like this.

That some regular person could overcome the issues with his luck cycle, befriend him. Forget falling in love with him. All of these things had been impossible, inconceivable fantasies at best for someone like Nagito Komaeda cursed and blessed with the extremes of luck.

And now, he had a miracle in his lap.

Someone who trusted him, cared for him … even loved him.

He kisses Hinata, again and again. They move to the bed, and Komaeda presses him into the mattress. Hinata’s legs wrap around his hips. Their hearts are beating in sync, and the warmth that they share in this room grows hotter. Impossibly so.

Hinata’s fingers tug at his hair, while Komaeda caresses his arms and sides and hips. They embrace, and fit into each other perfectly. The Reserve student could easily press his face into Komaeda’s neck, his shoulders, his chest.

The selfishness of love, their love - that was blissfully sweet but also somewhat possessive. That made Komaeda’s toes curl and strengthened an impassioned warmth in his abdomen.

The two of them, luck and hope are made for each other. Komaeda is almost certain of that, but he knows Hinata is less secure by nature and he’ll do anything to prove that to him.

That morning, Komaeda realizes that he’s become the luckiest he’s really the luckiest man alive.

Months pass by, and while their second year at Hope’s Peak is supposed to begin they are not attending school just yet.

As recommended by Munakata, Yukizome-sensei and eventually even Headmaster Kirigiri the two of them are told to take an extended vacation. Away from the brewings of Hope’s Peak as things reach the climax.

In the time their now viral exposing video circulated around the internet, Hinata had gone through top surgery and recovered, they’d taken a cruise to these islands Chiaki (no longer Nanami-san!) had told them about a nice getaway trip.

They had filmed the last of Hinata’s footage over the summer. An interview, headed by Mahiru Koizumi as Hinata was told to share his story.

With the consent of Kuzuryuu as well as the Satos, their story was explained. Hinata told the tale of the Reserves who had deserved better. He spoke about a school who shone so brightly with hope, overcome by the darkest shadows of despair in private.

He also spoke about his own story. The Kamukara Project - human experimentation at the cost of all the Reserve Course students fees. Hinata explains the difference between the image of hope that shone so brightly like the sun, the harsh reality of mediocrity that threatened to drown him like the sea. And that he had become Icarus, desperate to touch the sun at any cost.

He also speaks about love. Of how it saves him. Hinata talks about purpose, about how Hope’s Peak can only amplify what is already there and should stick to that instead of playing God.

Hinata talks about what it means to find and figure out one’s own desires. About learning to be proud of yourself, and shifting away from the image of success that Hope’s Peak had started to produce en mass.

Because that’s all it was, an image.

Then he spoke on mental health, the shocking amount of pressure and other issues and trauma that many ‘so called, untouchable’ Ultimates face.

Following this there are testimonials, as one by one 77-B students come forward with their personal issues and grievances. How their mental health needs were never being met.

This video had a variety of components aside from Hinata’s bit. It first began with an introduction by Munakata himself, talking about the Steering Committee's corrupting influence in the school.

It began with findings by Jin Kirigiri’s daughter Kyoko. She dug up information from in their past, human experimentation, shading dealings with underground organizations, money laundering etc. How unfit they were for leading any kind of project at a school like Hope’s Peak.

Then went into a segment from Matsuda, explaining his main projects related to the school. Cutting edge therapeutic technology with the help of the Ultimate Therapist and the Ultimate Programmer. Contrasting to the Kamukara Project, listing off details of its conception.

And then the ‘shocking’ public revelation that Junko Enoshima had undergone the surgery. Going by a different name, becoming amnesic patient but technically having all the power in the world. Yet, being unable to use any of it.

This information of course, is what gets their little video on the News. Of all the other information provided, that’s how they garner the public’s attention but it works.

The Steering Committee is being taken under custody, and the mysterious basement has a wealth of horrifying evidence. Old bodies of failed experiments. All kinds of illegal equipment and unapproved substances.

However, by mitigating the issues involved solely to the Steering Committee the school itself wasn’t in complete ruins. After all, those four had been the main puppeteers for all the misfortune and shady dealings surrounding the projects, deaths and the Reserve Course itself.
Tengan resigns.

And as for Hajime and Nagito, well…

For now they were biding their time touring Jabberwock Island. Just the two of them. While the suggestion for a vacation had been approved by higher authority, this had been completely Komaeda’s own doing.

If they had to stay away from Hope’s Peak for the time being, they might as well enjoy it to the fullest.

Once upon a time, vacations were never relaxing or enjoyable. Not for someone like Komaeda, who’s luck had never let him be at peace for too long.

Now, however… his luck was a tool at his mercy. Instead of the other way around. There was no fear, not let down, nothing. The thing that once made him feel like he was bound to some hellish torturous fate, was now his weapon. Luck could no longer use him, not when Komaeda could now confidently use luck.

Though, these days he rarely has to.

Travelling with Hinata is so much more fun than travelling on his own. It’s likely to due to the fact that Hinata hadn’t really gone places that much compared to him. A lot of the novelty of wandering foreign streets had worn off over time.

Yet, with Hinata there it was so much more. There were a total of six islands, all of which were vast and intriguing. Personally, Komaeda liked the first island the best.

While he wasn’t the biggest fan of the ocean, having picnics on the beach were rather nice. The two of them often set up a blanket, and Hinata would occasionally cook bringing a basket worth of food for them to share.

Sometimes Hinata would go in for a swim, always excited to take shirt off without feeling any sense of shame anymore. Though he did occasionally get a little sensitive about the scars, he was still a lot happier these days.

He had filled out a lot too, since starting self defence classes with Nidai and Owari. His biceps are a lot bigger, and his legs beautifully toned. Komaeda liked to admire his figure often.

As for the lessons themselves, the three of them usually ended up sparring more often than not, no thanks to Owari.

Then they would make sandcastles, and Hinata would secretly collect shells to give him later since Komaeda had once offhandedly mentioned he liked ‘collecting pretty things’.

Nevertheless, it was very thoughtful.

The second island contained a couple interesting venues. The library and diner, mainly but also a pharmacy. Komaeda always gravitated to libraries, and he could get lost in them really. Hinata himself was something of a nerd, so there was never a lot of protest on his part. The diner was also rather nice, quaint and retro. They had shared a milkshake together there, as Komaeda had often seen in the movies and was happy to report that even if the drink was too sweet for his liking, Hinata’s bright smile afterwards made up for it.

The third island was a bit more run down. Complete with a rowdy music venue, a small movie theatre and a hospital. Komaeda wasn’t really one for noisy places and Hinata didn’t seem that fond of them either. They had tried to go once, just to see what it was like but the pungent smell of alcohol and cigarette smoke was too much on Komaeda’s constitution so they had taken to avoiding that area since then. The movie theatre was nice, but offered only a small selection.

The fourth island on the other hand, was a place they definitely spent too much time at. As a child, Komaeda had been too anxious of amusement parks fearing his luck would ruin the rides.

This time, with Hinata by his side, they had screamed together in ecstasy during every roller coaster and ride they went on together. Though it would often leave him breathless, Komaeda enjoyed the experience.

There were also other things, a haunted house that did little to spook Komaeda but had Hinata clinging onto him. Komaeda supposed he could only ever enjoy that if he went to Hinata, because otherwise there really was no real entertainment or enjoyment for him.

And a rather strange funhouse. Hinata had said the place gave him an uneasy feeling, and they had avoided it since then.

The final island was rather interesting. Hinata had really enjoyed the vendor streets, and while it was slightly on the noisier side for Komaeda had enjoyed it fully, as they passed by a warehouse all the blood from Hinata’s face seemed to drain.

All-in-all though, the trip had been very refreshing. The two of them easily fell into a domestic routine, and getting to spend more time like this was incredible. They could be as obnoxiously affectionate as they want, sleep in or spend time making out as they wanted with leisure.

But their time messing around like that was drawing to a close, and soon they would both be returning to Hope’s Peak.

Thanks to Hinata’s contributions regarding the ‘Exposure of The Steering Committee’, Jin Kirigiri offered Hinata a position at the Reserve Course free of charge. In exchange, Hinata was to oversee a new and upcoming project.

Fostering Hope: Operation Talent Reserve

Hinata would help students looking to pursue or work in various fields study under particular Ultimates to gain better insight and knowledge. This program would be meant to create better and more interactions among Reserve Students and Ultimate Students.

In this way, Ultimates and Reserve Students could interact and freely and would hopefully lessen animosity within both groups.

It was going to be an interesting change of pace, that much Komaeda was sure. Once upon a time, he would’ve been vehemently against but… that was no longer the case.

Often Ultimates could get caught up in their own world, and needed to be grounded by someone who didn’t only dedicate their life to one specific thing.

Komaeda had certainly learned his lesson. Hope could be found anywhere, by anyone. But it would only shine most on those courageous, bold and audacious enough to look and search for it at every opportunity.

When they came back to school, there were whispers of awe as they moved together as a unit.

They had become Hope’s Peak symbols of Hope, somehow. It made Komaeda want to laugh, he never would have imagined this for himself.

They called Hinata the “Ultimate Reserve Course Student” for all the time and effort and responsibility he had taken upon his shoulders. A leader, a visionary.

And Komaeda’s sudden expertise at using his luck had been commended by Jin Kirigrii himself as ‘an excellent development in his talent’. And that too, was thanks to Hinata.

It was a little strange to realize fully, however, that Hinata is now truly seen by their entire school now. The entire world, maybe.

It was one thing knowing Hinata was well-liked and popular just among his classmates and friends, but it was quite another to see articles on the internet questioning his boyfriend’s virginity or theorizing his favourite date spots.

Was this good or bad luck? There was quite a bit of attention on him, and Komaeda wasn’t sure how to feel about it.

And privately, he kind of wished he could’ve been filmed more too. They had mentioned him in passing, but there hadn’t been much need for his face to be posted everywhere.

Mostly because his parents had been wealthy and drawing any more attention to himself was probably a bad idea he wouldn’t really benefit from in the long run.

Still, these days he wished he could somehow mark his territory better. While on school grounds he’d sling an arm over his shoulder, or hold his hand it had become harder to keep others away.

He knew that it was rather possessive of him, that perhaps he was being too bold.

And yet, one morning upon seeing the amount of hickies he’d (not so) accidentally placed around Hinata’s neck he found himself more than a little pleased with himself.

Even better was when he had managed to get Hinata to wear his jacket. While it was loose on his, the sleeves were snug on his arms and suited his olive complexion nicely.

Hinata seemed to understand what it was he was going for, but besides rolling his eyes never made any move to oppose Komaeda’s ideas.

Which is why Komaeda is so surprised when it happens.

Hinata had been looking a bit giddy all day. He refused to let go of Komaeda’s hand until they had been forced to part for their respective classes, shot him these knowing charged affectionate looks, and he kept fiddling with something in his pocket.

They’re both back in their favourite spot in the school’s library, an advanced functions worksheet left untouched as Hinata excitedly rambled about a first-year who would be working with Tanaka so she could one day start a veterinary clinic.

It was really nice to Hinata so genuinely happy. It warmed Komaeda’s heart.

Then, in the middle of finishing his story, he paused staring at Komaeda’s hand for a moment too long before suddenly flushing.

“Hajime, you’ve been pretty strange all day. Is something wrong?” he finally sighed, not wanting to draw this out too long. Hinata’s flush darkened, and Komaeda wondered about what exactly he was thinking to work himself into such a flustered state.

“N-Nothing! Well… there is something, but it isn’t bad or anything. L-Like, nothing is wrong but it could...go wrong? Well, its probably not a big deal but I wanted to, uh…” Hinata scratched at his cheek nervously.

Komeda pried his hand off his face and laced their hands together with a reassuring squeeze.

“Whatever it is Hinata-kun is worried about, he can tell me. That’s what I’m here for, after all.” he nudged gently.

And with that Hinata, after stealing a breath began.

“Um, I know the past few months have been … a lot. And that we don’t get to spend as much time together as we used to before this school year but I need you to know that… I mean, I guess you already know that I love you but sometimes I wish there was a way to remind you all the time. I know it must be hard, liking someone like me that isn’t so publicly affectionate all the time but I still… I still need you to know at all times I…” Hinata groaned, hiding hid face in embarrassment.

Komaeda wants to coo, looking at his boyfriend getting all worked up. It was unbearably cute, but also incredibly thoughtful. Like he always tried to be.

“I know you do, don’t worry about that.” he informs gently, rubbing at the back of Hinata’s hand with his thumb. “You’re a very good boyfriend.”
“T-That’s - ! What...I’m trying to say is, um. H-Here’s a token of...my love for you, I guess. S-So you don’t forget! Just in case!” Hinata sputtered before pulling something out of his pocket and folding it into Komeda’s hand and turning away.

The shape of the object was round, with some kind of...oh.

Opening his palm, Komaeda couldn’t help but stifle a gasp.

To be honest, it’s only a Hope’s Peak Ring. It was usually given amongst friends to immortalize the friendship of people who spent their youth together. Except it’s a little different. Since, Hinata had somehow managed to get his birthstones into the crest.

“How much did that cost you?” Komaeda demands almost immediately. His birthstone was a diamond, for Hope’s sake what on Earth had Hinata had been thinking.

“More or less the reparation money for Hope’s Peak Academy offered me for the entire Steering Committee fiasco. Apparently, the school would’ve been in ruins after some of the things those guys had planned.” Hinata shrugged nonchalantly, his nervousness from earlier seemingly washed away.

Komaeda wanted to scream in his face.

“Weren’t you the one worried about money? Why are you wasting it on this, you know I’m not someone who needs expensive gifts or anything why -”

“But you like pretty things. And thoughtful gifts. So. Do you like it or…?” Hinata asks, completely ignoring Komeda’s concern.

“Of course I like it! It’s a gift that Hajime gave me, and it’s beautiful but I should pay you back -”

“If you want to pay me back just promise to wear it. And never take it off, unless you have to.” Hinata grinned boyishly, making Komaeda’s face and chest warm. There was no way he could ever reject him.

“Fine. But I'll make you a matching one, and you can never take that off either.” Komaeda grits, before slowly putting the ring on his finger.

“W-Wait but then people will think that these are…” Hinata flushed, as Komaeda grinned.

“Oh? That wasn’t your intention? Was this not a proposal, Hinata-kun?” Komada teased, just to see his blush get darker. He loved teasing him, Hinata was way too easy to rile up. In more ways than one.

“Of course, not! If you really thought a shitty speech like that was a proposal, you really need to rethink your standards! I didn’t even go down on one knee, it’s obviously a promise ring. I’m not financially stable enough to even consider that yet, so you’re gonna have to wait a couple more years before…!” Hinata rambled before pausing upon seeing Komaeda’s expression.

The way Hinata said all that. Komaeda had always known he was the devoted type. Hinata was very serious about most things, and fiercely loyal too. Still, even knowing all that, even knowing that Hinata loved him still didn’t prepare him for this.

Hinata truly believed, from the bottom of his heart, that they were in it for the long run. That they would even get...married one day. Such a thing, Komaeda had never even allowed himself to dream of but here Hinata was saying that so casually. Like he already had it all planned.

It made Komaeda unbearably happy.

“W-Wait, why are you crying? Did I say something wrong, I didn’t mean to make you cry. I can take it back if you -” Hinata panicked.

Komaeda bowled him over in a fierce hug, completely overwhelmed.

“You can’t take that back! I won’t let you!” Komaeda whined, trying to hide his tears in Hinata’s hair.

Hinata wrapped his arms around his waist and laughed, a watery yet happy sound.

“But this does mean you’re stuck with it for the foreseeable future. Are you really okay with that?”

“I can’t think of a more hopeful future than that, Hajime.”