Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Hajime likes to pretend he has a happy family.  A caring mom, a proud dad, an introvert twin, and... Well? The younger brother doesn't see himself as part of the family portrait sometimes.

Sometimes, Hajime considers obeying his dad - walking out of the house to never return. Sometimes, Hajime agrees with his mom's words about being an inadequate ordinary child - always being compared to his genius twin and never assisted when he needed her the most. Sometimes, Hajime listens to his twin's words, but it doesn't reach him. Sometimes, Hajime debates on how to end it all without hurting his twin. Sometimes, Hajime searches for reasons to stay in this household - the list shortens itself every passing day.

Hajime pretends everything is all right. A lovely mother, a hardworking father, and a popular brother. The brunette finds himself slipping off the edge just to capture the lovely photos nowadays.

Nowadays, Hajime lets his mother talk nonstop about how difficult it is to take care of two different kids, debating outright if she should send the younger child to her grandparents. Nowadays, Hajime's efforts to connect with his father backfires, getting punished for not being as perfect as his real son. Nowadays, Hajime keeps quiet and stays in the library, so his brother will spend more time with his friends and worry less for his safety. Nowadays, Hajime finds reasons to hate himself for even trying to do anything.

Hajime is tired of pretending. A perfectionist woman married a cynical man, bearing a talented son, and... The reject fell off the pedestal after uncovering the painful truth.

Hajime no longer finds interest in his brother's activities, staying away just so his brother can tolerate his presence. If his brother needs him, he'll definitely visit his room or send him a text message. Hajime no longer feels joy when his mother drags the family to expensive trips, forcing himself to care to satisfy her ego. If his mother cared about him, she would respect his decision and stop forcing things on him.  Hajime no longer responds when his father insults him at parties, regretting nothing since he never had a reputation in the first place. If his father wants to humiliate him, he will have to exert extra effort because Hajime doesn't give a damn anymore.

Hajime is fine. AXSXXIXTICXXOXHERXXXXCOWXXDXXXXATXXXXXANDXHISXCONXEXNEDXXLDERXTWIN. He truly is.

Hajime learns to stop caring too much - everyone and everything is not worth the heartache. Hajime exercises just the right amount of effort expected of him - he finds it easier to be like the rest. Hajime finally feels safe and comfortable in his own skin - he is finally good enough to be content with himself. Hajime chooses not to blame anyone - This is his desired inevitable ending. Hajime isn't dead, but he isn't living either. Hajime acts the same as who he is without eyes staring at him. Hajime is content being a background character, aware no one will save him even at his lowest.

Hajime pretends... XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX He sees a happy family.

The family's future seems brighter when he's not present. His parents won't miss him. They only notice when they need him, which is funny because the adults already established his insignificance. When his sibling realizes something is off, Hajime decides to play along to make the former feel better. Talent is the answer to everything, isn't it? Hajime isn't worth the effort and time, already giving into the concept of giving up. The hardest thing is the truth - that no matter how much he tries, he'll never be good enough for society.

'This is all he is...'

[A NOBODY]

The pain of separation no longer bothers him, not when Hajime's already in fragments.

Then he met her...

"Will I see you tomorrow?" The female wondered, getting off the bench with her game girl.

It's been years since someone made him feel differently.  It has been a while since someone considered him as someone who matters.  Hajime wants to know why a stranger is treating him like an equal.  No explanation is given.  This girl calls herself Nanami Chiaki, offering games and food every time they meet up and is strangely satisfied with his company.

"I missed you." This girl with pale mauve hair mumbled, resting her head on his shoulder.

'But why would you?' The boy looked away, confused with her words and his feelings.

Hajime wants to hate her, but he can't. Because of the gamer, he's starting to remember the feelings he's long buried in the past. Denial is no longer an option, and an explanation is imminent. No matter how harsh Hajime rejects Chiaki just so she'll go away, he finds her coming back without fail the next day.  She deserves better, but here she is by his side with that dopey smile.  Hajime wants her to judge him, to tell him the truth and not this friendship BS. However, Chiaki admits she likes him better without the mask. ' Whywhywhy?'

"Hinata-kun. Could you stay with me a little bit longer?" Chiaki whispered, resting on the grass beside him as they watched the fireworks.

"It's going to be dark soon..." Hajime pointed out, but Chiaki refused to sit up. "I have class tomorrow."

"Please?" Chiaki pleaded, squeezing his hand. Hajime didn't answer, but he squeezed her hand back.

Hajime eventually learns of the girl's parents  - A police officer father and a scientist mother. Chiaki doesn't have a lot of friends in her school. In fact, she recently dropped out after a bullying incident. Her parents support anything she does, but Chiaki wishes she can help out with the finances. It's why Hajime met her near the arcade playing games to grab the stuffed toys and money. Chiaki admits to always wanting a friend to play games with, and Hajime mistook her admission as a love confession with how flustered she acted. They keep meeting, Hajime eventually helping her in her mother's online classes.  One day, Chiaki asks Hajime why she didn't cry at her mother's funeral.

"Why are you like this?" Hajime mumbled to his fatigued friend, staying in her bedroom to keep her company.

"I want to understand you..." Hajime combed her hair with his fingers, the same way he calms down his twin in the past.

"I want to make you happy..." Hajime hummed, looking outside the window.

'What do I do?' Hajime wondered, 'What do I have to do to make you happy?'

Chiaki's father became an alcoholic after his wife's death. Out of concern, Hajime made a deal with his guardian to maintain his grades, so he could stay in a friend's home.  Hajime had to stop updating his twin, needing to focus on his friend. Chiaki couldn't cry on the loss of her mother, but her focus on games intensified to ruining her health. Thankfully for her, Hajime stayed by her side, no matter what she told him. Hajime saw both sides to this love-starved girl. Hajime finds himself truly caring about Nanami, exerting the same effort he did with his... Hajime won't deny he might be repeating his mistakes, but he'll keep moving forward because she's different.  Hajime was right. Chiaki's life changed for the better with the letter from  Hope's Peak Academy.

"You don't have to pretend to keep me by your side." Hajime peeled the orange as he sat beside Chiaki. The confession she told him felt forced, almost desperate. It reminded him... Of not so nice memories.

"I'm sorry..." Chiaki hugged her bunny doll, crying about their eventual departure. "I just don't want to lose you."

"I don't want to lose you either..." Hajime munched on an orange piece, waving the knife he used for the peeling process.

"But can we just... pretend we love each other to make everything simple?" Chiaki asked.

"The type of love you want is going to hurt us both," Hajime warned, but it seems his friend didn't care. She wanted love, the love her mother gave her.

Hajime knows how to pretend and work hard, but whatever Chiaki asks from him now might be too much, but he has to do it, right? He has to do it for her sake. His friend is too consumed with a similar emptiness like his twin. The only difference is that Chiaki presented a solution to her dilemma. Hajime needs to help her. He wants to make her happy. He doesn't love her as much as he loved his twin, but he can change.

'Izuru doesn't need me anymore.'

(Chiaki does.)

The fear of separation bothers him greatly. Hajime doesn't want to break again.

How does a happy couple look like?

When he received a call from the Ultimate Gamer, Hinata Hajime applies to the Reserve Course Department of Hope's Peak Academy.

Chapter Text

As soon as she laid eyes on the new transfer student, Sato knew something was odd about the brunette. She didn't understand why she felt this way, but Sato pushed her concerns aside when she saw Kuzuryu Natsumi actively interacting with the student. Natsumi had a hold with the darker side of the department, and everything that blonde does is bad news. It's not helpful how so many guys simp for that bitch. Sato didn't want another unfortunate student getting into trouble, so she waited for the bell to ring to pull them apart. Maybe the reason why she mistook Hajime as a bad person was because of the sudden transfer?

'It's not normal for someone to transfer a week before the exam.' Sato twirled her pen, staring at the teacher lose focus once more. Before this teacher came in, everyone checked their phones or had a quick chat with the brunette on how he did it.

"..." Hajime's statements matched the forum since the Board of Trustees opened a sudden Entrance Exam in the middle of the night. He merely took the opportunity just like the rest of the other handful of new students that applied. Relatable.

'Everyone seems okay with him...' Sato bit her lower lip, unable to decipher why she's getting this queasy feeling. She must be worried about the fact Hajime's sitting beside Natsumi. Of course, that woman would be the issue! Sato would have to talk to their homeroom teacher later to rearrange the seating arrangements-

"?!" Sato heard her name, looking up just in time for the teacher to say her partner for Physics. [ Hinata Hajime. ] The new student held an ordinary name, but her classmates are making a fuss about it.  What are they talking about?  Sato could check her phone right now, but she might get distracted by reading Mahiru's message.

'As long as Mahiru is safe.' Sato thought, writing down on her notebook the formula on the board. When the students were allowed to stand up, Sato's friend Akemi whispered to her.

"Hey, Sato-san. Ask if he's related to Kamukura Izuru." The brunette told her what everyone wanted to know. Whether the transfer student is related to Kamukura Izuru, the Ultimate Hope in the Main Course Department.

"Isn't it obvious from the surname?" Sato stood up. She didn't understand the connection between the new student and that no-good Ultimate, but she has to. 'It could be important.'

"Didn't you check the forum?" Akemi showed Sato her phone, "He shares the same birth date with Kamukura-san, January 1. Also, he sounds very like the guy. They have to be related."

"O-oh." Sato didn't know that. She only knew Izuru is a lazy slob from Mahiru, never exactly meeting the man in person.

'Is he here because of that man?' Sato glanced back at Hajime, then towards her friend. "I'll try. He's new here, and I want him to feel welcome."

"If you say so~" Akemi teased, nudging her friend's shoulder before heading to her partner.

'Kamukura... Hajime?' Sato tried to combine the name, feeling even more uncanny than when she heard Hajime introduce himself. He's an ordinary person, just like the rest of them. It's only because of the circumstance that he sticks out. 'So what if he made it to section A?'

'I'm here, and I'm not that smart either.' Sato reasoned, walking towards Hajime's area. 'And why should I care if he may or may not be related to an Ultimate? They have different surnames, so something bad must have happened between the two.'

"Hinata-kun?" Sato called out and realized she made a mistake. She wasn't close to him or anything, but it came out naturally. He made her feel wary but also comfortable.

"?" The brunette looked up, olive green eyes staring right into her. Sato felt a chilly breeze pass her. However, that's all in her head. It's a hot and humid day, after all.

"Hello." Hajime greeted, and Sato had to double-check if something is wrong with her. She can proudly determine whether a man is gay or not, but this one gave her a different vibe. He was...?

"If you were listening, our teacher assigned us to be partners." Sato scanned the male from head to toe if she can call him a male. Hajime doesn't give that harsh feel like how she felt the other men gave off. One of the reasons she heavily disliked Natsumi is that that woman tries so hard to embrace the masculine culture to the point where she's hurting everyone for her selfish gains.  Hajime felt... more feminine than most men.

"I've never had a partner in a test before." Hajime hummed, staring down at the test paper. Sato found herself thinking hard. Hajime wore the male student uniform, but the clothes don't fit him that well.

"Uhm..." Sato doesn't want to be rude or be sexist, but she wants to know what Hajime is. Hope's Peak Academy isn't exactly a liberal place, but they're not discriminatory in accepting people with money in the Reserve Course or talent for the Main Course.

"Hm?" Hajime blinked, twirling his pen as he finished the first question.
 

"Are you okay?" Sato couldn't do it.  It's too shameless. Too private . She'll have to gather the evidence before getting a confirmation. Sato pointed out another thing she noted on the student, "You have huge eye bags. You should sleep after this, okay?"

"Tonight." Hajime chuckled, sending her a smile that was too soft for a man. Sato really feels Hajime isn't truly a man. Is this what Natsumi saw in him-but-also-her? The more I have to protect Hinata-san from that yakuza bully! Sato barely knows this student, but she knows Hajime has to be protected.

[And if Hajime is related to an Ultimate, maybe they can protect Mahiru together!]

[But if he dares hurt Mahiru then]

"I'm assuming there's no air resistance to these word problems?" Hajime snapped her back to reality, looking at her for answers.

"I-I'll ask." Sato stood up, offering him another smile. She walked towards the teacher, feeling his gaze as she held their paper. 'But is he related to the Ultimate Hope?'

When the bell rang, Sato realized Hajime didn't return from his bathroom break. She stood up, passing their test papers before walking out of the room. She talked with some of her classmates to keep Natsumi busy, especially when they noticed how moody she acted when the teacher refused to make Hajime her partner.

'That would give me enough time.' Sato thought to herself, walking down the stairs and scanning the corridors. Hajime must have gone down to buy food. Sato went down even further, seeing students clump close to the new students. They're all so boastful, or the best term, cocky, which makes Hajime stick out even more.

'Where is he?' Sato knew her classmate wouldn't visit the bathroom, not seeing him drink anything. 'He's not in the cafeteria, so he has to be outside!'

"There you are!" Sato thanked her insight and walking speed, exiting the Reserve course department to see Hajime stopped by one of their Ultimate teachers. Mahiru said Yukizome-sensei is a nice person, but her friend's teacher is not much of a teacher and more of a confidant. Sato knew Mahiru liked this teacher very much, always hearing about the woman and finding out the woman taught her friend to make meals.  It made her heart flutter when eating Mahiru's food.

"?" Hajime turned to face her, and Sato wondered what he gave to the teacher.

"Sato-san!" Yukizome smiled, adjusting her clothes to hide the paper given to her. "Are you friends with Hinata-kun?"

"Yes." Sato walked towards their side, glancing back to Hajime then Yukizome. "I was thinking... If he'd like to visit the Main Course."

"Isn't the reserve course not allowed to visit the main campus after the last incident?" Yukizome frowned. "As your teacher, I should tell you off."

"But?" Sato smiled, aware how much Yukizome misses her students there as well.

"But! I'm sure if we have Hinata-kun, we can go off the hook." Yukizome-sensei cheered. "New students do have the privilege to check the school on their first week in Hope's Peak."

"Let's go." Hajime agreed to be used as an excuse, pocketing his wallet as if preparing for overpriced food items. "You don't mind if we visit Class 77-B, right? I have someone special I need to see there."

"What a coincidence? That's the class I used to teach." Yukizome-sensei walked beside Hajime while Sato went ahead. "Who's the lucky girl, or is it a guy?"
 

"Can we change the topic?" Hajime pleaded instead, and Sato heard a loud smack on the back. "Ow!"

"Don't be shy! I'm sure she'll be overjoyed seeing you." Yukizome reassured.

'Who's the girl?' Sato wondered, staring up ahead to their next destination. 'Surely not Mahiru.'

Chapter Text

Yukizome Chisa was surprised to receive an order transferring her back to the Main Course department. No one expected this, and she knew it had something to do with the mysterious entrance exam hosted by the Steering Committee. The Steering Committee is the most unpredictable entity in the school, but the main four were the main focus. Those four held the most control.  Maybe even more control over the school than the principal himself.

The test started at the stroke of midnight, categorizing 6 students as talentless and the remainder as Ultimates as official students of Hope's Peak Academy at 4 AM.

The arrangement worked in her favor, shocking enough. Chisa was notified about the sudden departure of the student council to a field trip, wanting to investigate what exactly occurred during the time she was gone. Chisa also wanted to understand what triggered the Steering Committee to actively bend its rules for these 12 students. She already obtained the profile of the six students in the Reserve Course, finally on her last student.

"You can keep it, I guess?" Hinata Hajime gave her the signed waiver given to them by the Administration before entering their new dorm rooms. "But don't show it to anyone else. I don't want to get kicked out just yet."

"This is an awfully long form.." Chisa remarked, skimming the pages before seeing an additional disclaimer clause.

Someone had blackmailed the Steering Committee to let anyone awake and checking the school's forum take an entrance exam to enroll into Hope's Peak Academy.  This person has ties with the government and has knowledge of the whereabouts of the Student Council.  Whatever happened to the Student Council must be wrong if the quartet agreed to a stranger's terms and conditions. Chisa learned that Hajime was checking the site and never expected to get an appointment.  Failure to attend will merit sanction.

"There you are!" A female student called out, interrupting their conversation.

"?" Hajime turned to face the girl. Chisa recognized the girl to be Mahiru's friend, Sato.

"Sato-san!" Yukizome smiled, adjusting her clothes to hide the paper given to her. "Are you friends with Hinata-kun?"

Although the order was sent a few hours ago, Chisa knew Koichi already alerted her class. Chisa didn't meet them this morning because she had to pack her things.  This was short notice.  Chisa walked beside Hajime, teasing the brunette who clearly enrolled in the school because of a childhood friend.  He seemed really protective over her, and Chisa has a good feeling this is  Nanami Chiaki.  Her Class representative had been giving hints of having a loved one, frequently rejecting males who want to take her on dates. There was even one time where Chiaki gently let down someone's proposal.  Brutal, but honest . Chisa didn't press any further, aware Hajime will visit the class frequently for the sake of the gamer.

"How do you know she's coming, Nanami-san?" The Ultimate Princess inquired, helping the class representative with decorating the blackboard.

"A gut feeling!" The Ultimate Gamer answered, turning to face her friend. Being the one who called her classmates to prepare a party, everyone consented out of the absurdity of it all. Chiaki sent the message at 8 AM. They later learned from Kizakura-sensei about Yukizome-sensei coming back around 9 AM.  If they heard of this at 9 AM, they would have to pay a lot for the fast delivery of the ingredients.

"What are you reading, man?" The Ultimate Mechanic bonked the Ultimate Hope's arm. "Help us out here! Origami's a talent, right?"

"Yes, and that talent is boring..." The raven answered in turn, too busy reading about something.

"Leave Kamukura-kun alone, Souda-san." The Ultimate Lucky student called out. "I'm sure whatever he's doing is in the name of hope."

"Just drop it before our ears bleed from the Hope speech." The Ultimate Yakuza warned his comrade, setting the plates on the table.

"♪" Nanami Chiaki hummed, smiling at the inevitable arrival.

"I just realized we're intruding on a reunion..." Hajime conversed with Sato while they waited for Chisa to talk with the head of the security team. The brunette seemed bothered with Juzo, definitely because of his antisocial appearance.  Chisa knows her friend's just a big softie inside.  Hajime suggested, "Maybe we don't go?"

"We would stick out..." Sato agreed, a little crestfallen on the revelation.

"I have to go." Chisa pats her friend's arm, heading over to the students. She left Hajime and Sato alone for five minutes, and he's already turned Sato to his side.  Also, she didn't tell Hajime she's back to being a Main Course teacher. Why would he say such a thing-?

"The school forums can't keep a secret, and the way you walk to the Main Campus screams happiness," Hajime answered the question in her mind, looking at her with a knowing look. "I bet they're preparing a surprise party for you."

"I know they will! Mahiru never stops talking about how great she is." Sato bumped Hajime's arm before looking back at her. "Don't tell her I told you that, okay? Mahiru is really shy about this stuff.."

"Why should she be shy about showing her appreciation for her homeroom teacher?" Hajime wondered, and Chisa can see the ahoge tilt down. "Is it weird showing one's appreciation in this school?"

"Uh.. No, but... I tend to overdo it." Sato blushed.

"Enough to commit murder..." Hajime mumbled to himself as he nodded.

"Okay, you two!" (Un)fortunately, Chisa has met very eccentric students in her time to take notice of this. yelping when Chisa dragged his arm. "I'm sure they won't mind if you two come over."

"You are friends of their friends." Chisa dragged both Hajime and Sato by the arms. "And think of it as compensation for being good students for this semester!"

"He's only been a student for a few hours!" Sato accused, but the teacher can almost feel the brunette roll his eyes.

"The qualifications for participation is being a registered student of Hope's Peak Academy possessing good moral character. I fit the bill." Hajime hummed. If Chisa didn't know any better, these two are good friends. Sadly, she knew better. Hajime's  really  friendly. She's heard Mahiru talk about her friend. Sato doesn't take boys kindly, which is the same attitude Mahiru displays in the classroom.

'Hinata-kun can't be the one who blackmailed the Board, would he?' Chisa didn't know what to think. Hajime showed nothing special about him other than being very dedicated to Nanami Chiaki. 'Long-distance relationships are hard to maintain.'

...

When she opened the door, Chisa didn't expect the overwhelming scent of food or all of her students to be there. It's pretty embarrassing. Chisa is most of all proud of her class representative. It must be so hard keeping this class together, but Chiaki pulled through! It put tears in her eyes just realizing how the gamer has grown so much!

"Sato-san?" Mahiru was the first to notice the reserve students waiting outside the door, moving away from Hiyoko. The Ultimate Photographer wondered, "What are you doing here?"

"They wanted to see their friends, so I helped them out-" Chisa didn't finish speaking when Chiaki ran out of the room.

"Hinata-kun!" Chiaki cheered, lunging at the surprised brunette. Hajime managed to catch her, taking a step back to maintain balance. Chisa glanced back at the room, listening to Chiaki's giddy laughter, and noticed someone not looking very happy.

"You really came.." Chiaki let go, only to hold both of his cheeks. "How?"

"Can I skip the convoluted scheme and say  my love for you  pulled me through?" Hajime teased, and Chiaki laughed at his remark.

'This is so cute.' Chisa hasn't seen Chiaki act so cute to a boy or anyone in a short span of time. Maybe when the gamer partakes in sake, but this is a whole new level. They're like two lovebirds reunited after a tragedy. Chisa glanced back to see a specific student walking towards the duo. 'Why is Kamukura-kun mad?'

"Is she the reason you cut contacts with me for five years, Hajime?" The Ultimate Hope inquired, and the couple looked at him.

"???" The rest of the class shared looks, confused about what's going on. That was something Chisa didn't expect. She was hoping for a casual reunion or a hearty one at best-

'Wait a second!' Chisa doubled back, quickly connecting the dots. 'This reminds me of a telenovela plot.'

Chapter Text

Hajime didn't expect Izuru to be here.  He should have asked Chiaki first, but he didn't want to sound paranoid about who she's with.

His relationship with Izuru was... odd. Odd might not be the proper term. Experimental? Not quite, but Hajime had admitted to Chiaki he and his twin had tried some activities in the name of curiosity. Career-oriented? Not the word either, not when Izuru craved to assist him in any internal or external issue at hand. Validation? No, Izuru does things because he's bored. Hajime might as well stick with complicated. They're twins with motives that never intersect. Success gearing to a bright future must be prioritized before anything and anyone else. Hajime couldn't perform his objective efficiently, so his parents had moved him to their grandparents with lower expectations.

Hajime knew his departure will cause momentary longing and isolation for his older twin, but not to this extent.

"What the hell, Izuru?" Hajime hissed, getting dragged out of his bathroom break after Chiaki confirmed they're a couple. Everyone was happy at the news, but very few were disapproving. One of them being his twin. Hajime thought he could get away, but older brothers were always intrusive.

Izuru was usually the calm and collective one between the two, but it seems the reunion caused an imbalance. He didn't know what ticked Izuru off. Was it the fact Hajime gave up on making things work? At least he tried, and now he knows better.  A waste of time. Was it the fact Hajime was ignoring him? Hajime isn't a part of his life anymore. Izuru should already be used to being considered an only child. Was it the fact Hajime focused all his attention on his girlfriend? Izuru knows how he works. Hajime gives his everything to accomplish his task. It's an all-or-nothing gamble. There are so many reasons, and Hajime didn't have the brain to pick which one to piss his twin the most. 

"You don't love her," Izuru stated after he pushed him into an empty AVR, closing the door behind them.  Izuru knows Hajime the most and vice versa.  However, five years have passed since then...

"You're wrong." Hajime took a step back when he saw Izuru took a step forward, confused why his twin reached such a blasphemous conclusion.   Hajime wants her to be happy, no matter the cost.   Hajime will do anything for Chiaki, and she will do the same, even if he doesn't want her to do anything in turn.

"You can pretend all you want, but that doesn't change the truth." Izuru analyzed him. His crimson eyes glowed in this dimly lit room.

"I'm not pretending." Hajime grimaced.

"The relationship developed after the death of Nanami's mother."

"..." Hajime couldn't refute.

"You spend all your time with her, disconnecting with the rest of your peers."

"..." Hajime didn't like this game.

"Now you're mirroring her affection."

"..." Hajime was at the end of his line, back pressed against the wall.

"You enrolled in this school because she asked you to."

"Is that what you consider love?" Izuru was several inches away from him, resting both hands on the wall beside him. Hajime squirmed under his twin's focus, unable to find an escape from his unwavering gaze. Izuru was acting differently from his memory. The Izuru he knew would inquire and give advice. Izuru wouldn't interrogate and provide him with uncertainty...?

"That's... Wrong." Hajime breathed out. The love he has for Chiaki is steadfast and undeniable, just like his loyalty to his family. However, the truth he learned from Chiaki made him understand his worth  as opposed to the past. 'The love I have now is a warm breeze compared to the soft flame by the campfire. Whether I want it or not, Nanami pieced me back together. The process we participated in has created love as a byproduct. Why would you question my dedication...?'

"Are you jealous, Onii-san?" The brunette asked, raising his hands so he can cup his brother's face. Izuru doesn't flinch from his touch, his stance relaxing as Hajime leaned close. Hajime observed him, stating. "The love I have for you is different from Nanami. It falls under the same term, but it's different."

"You abandoned me for another without warning." Izuru refused to answer his question, and Hajime expected the baggage. "Your inept ability to distribute your attention made me experience emotions I...  detested. You are a part of me, my other half who accepted and understood the realities unfavored by logic. I know you did the best you could to stay by my side, but I wish you hadn't stopped after learning the truth."

"I had to go, or I'd break," Hajime explained, pressing his forehead against the other. "Things had to change for the future for both of our sake."

"The future is bleak and predictable right from the very beginning. Mending you repeatedly wouldn't be a chore." Izuru sighed. "And whether you were broken or not, the future was tolerable when you were by my side."

"You say all those words despite having it all. You simply haven't met the  one ." Hajime teased, pulling away from his exasperate twin.   At least he's calmed down.   Hajime knew physical contact and reassurance were needed to keep his twin in line. His older brother had done his best to protect him, but Izuru's empathy worked differently from his. He saw things too cold and distant.   It was easier to comprehend but difficult to apply for the desired effect.  Hajime was an inverse to the solution.

"I have encountered more than you can count to recognize the patterns," Izuru responded, changing his stance from resting his hands on the wall to his lower arms pressed on the wall. "You completed me, but you left. No one has filled the space you left in me since then."

"Don't blame me for your new title, Mister Ultimate heartbreaker of Hope's Peak Academy." Hajime removed his hands off his twin's face, but Izuru was too close, so he rested his arms on his twin's shoulders. "The system we created to survive was detrimental. Codependence isn't effective in the long run... Which begs the question of why you're performing one-night stands. That won't solve the issue either, Izuru."

"I crave for any positive or negative stimulus. If nothing motivates me, I find myself debating whether to toy with life or dance with death," Izuru answered, resting his knee on the wall which is right between Hajime's legs.  Hajime didn't answer, not when this is not his concern.  Crimson eyes gained a dark tint, attentive to his counterpart. "It seems I failed to change your mind. I should have known better than to respect your boundaries."

"You're not the type to regret. Whoever you've befriended recently has twisted your sense of morality and taste." Hajime remarked, reaffirming his stance. "I came to this school for Nanami's sake, nothing and no one else."

"You've utilized my privilege and hacked into the school database to create your blackmail." Izuru learned the truth faster than he anticipated. "You have the Steering Committee on a leash but decided it was best to give them confusion and paranoia. The school is buzzing exactly as you wanted."

"Had I not known your spontaneity and efficiency, I would have never suspected you as the primary culprit. It would be unfortunate if I were to report it to the authorities." Izuru drawled, and Hajime glared at his passive-aggressive twin. Izuru is akin to a psychopath but with an extremely unhealthy urge to satisfy his curiosity. "What are you planning?"

"You already know." Hajime won't give Izuru the pain of knowing he's right nor the pleasure of learning he was wrong. "Is this impatience or boredom?"

"It depends whether you conform to my predictions." Izuru's thigh brushed his twin's lower region. "Is it that much interesting in the Reserve Course Department?"

"Who knows? I just got here." Hajime smiled. "It's strange. You and Nanami show love in your own twisted way. I can barely keep up. I wish you two could get along."

"You expect me to be supportive?" Their parents have driven them to the path of so-called perfection.  Izuru and Hajime shared everything and everyone. Clearly, no one is allowed to have Hajime in the Ultimate's eyes because then they'll own him as well.  They were a two-in-one package. Hajime disagrees with the sentiment, but the Ultimate Hope has decided.

"Albeit," Hajime whispered, their faces a couple of inches away. "Will you spectate or participate?"

"It depends if you need me." Izuru probed, his breath smelling like orange.  The reserve dorm has a lot of orange juice, now that he thought about it.

"I wouldn't be here talking to you if I didn't." Hajime disclosed. It was a younger sibling perk, being able to rebel against your older sibling because it's something innate. The same holds true with complete loyalty and obedience, but everyone has a threshold. "Shouldn't I ask the same for you? It's been five years, Izuru. This may go in conflict with your other plans."

" Hajime.. " This time, it was Izuru who pressed his forehead against his, their nose grazing. "I always have free time."

When Hajime went to the bathroom, Hanamura Teruteru found it strange to see Izuru follow suit. He didn't want to point it out, but it's been more than fifteen minutes, and no one had noticed their absence except for him. Excusing himself, Teruteru ventured out in the excuse of the bathroom to take care of his loins. (No one ever questions his reasons.)

'Now, where are they?' Teruteru wanted to know where they are. He noticed the tension between Chiaki and Izuru, but he took great surprise to see the look in the raven's eyes when watching his younger brother.  It didn't feel familial.  Teruteru himself had siblings, and he wouldn't give them that look. 'In fact, it was very...'

Teruteru has goosebumps from thinking about it. The Ultimate Hope wasn't exactly romantic. In fact, Kamukura Izuru looked like a horror movie character. When Hajime came into the classroom, the Ultimate Cook was shocked to see Izuru fix his posture and everything.  Why?  Even someone as easily distracted as Akane noticed his attitude switch- Why is the AVR room open?

"?" The Ultimate cook peeked inside, seeing the duo speaking softly in the dark. He didn't know who those two were, but they were too close. It's almost like they're making out, which is scandalous. He never witnessed any sexual conduct in school, especially not in a dark room during class hours. Teruteru ventured closer, needing to know more. He isn't a peeping tom if he's searching for his classmate, right?

"It depends if you need me." (Without a doubt, that's Izuru.) The male's question held such adoration, his voice just the right level to make the peeper feel warm and tingly. Teruteru should really evaluate his taste sometime. Constantly surrounded by too many attractive individuals has made him soft and tender.

"I wouldn't be here talking to you if I didn't." (The other voice actually sounds the same as the other, but the context and mood made it different.) A teasing individual luring his listeners close. "Shouldn't I ask the same for you? It's been five years, Izuru. This may go in conflict with your other plans."

'I can now fantasize a twin threesome.' Teruteru covered his nose as he identified the twins.  They were too close to be considered not sexual!  He doesn't know Hajime very well, but the guy's giving him strong switch vibes. 'Since he's brothers with Izuru, he's gotta be down to experiment!'

'The possibilities~' Teruteru suddenly realized he should give Chiaki tips on what to do in case a threesome does happen. 'That lucky gal!'

" Hajime.. " (So Teruteru is correct to assume Kamukura is the top of this relationship.) " I  always  have free time. "

'That sounds ominous.' Teruteru decided when he saw Hajime's green eyes (glowing eyes must run in the family) stare in his direction to get out ASAP.  Hajime wouldn't be able to identify it's him, right?  Teruteru doesn't understand what's going on, but he's gotta keep this a secret. 'It's not like those two are planning something? They're just... vibing?'

'Maybe I can ask  him  how the Kamukura family works.' Teruteru re-entered the classroom, thinking when he'll talk to Nagito.  Teruteru has siblings, but he doesn't act that touchy-feely with them . 'If this isn't a culture thing, Nanami got herself a job to get her own harem.'

Chapter Text

"So if an Ultimate dies, they won't get anyone in the reserve course to replace them?" Hajime tilted his head, a bit amused and confused. "Why have the reserve course in the first place? I thought the term  reserve  meant  back-up . You know, in case someone dies?"

"I thought so too, but no one cares. It's not like anyone's going to die there." Natsumi sighed. "Top security, close-knit community, and high-tier privilege. Why would anyone die there?"  

"I guess that's why they wouldn't let any reserve course student enter the building." Hajime hummed, his elbow slightly touching her arm since the teacher wanted Natsumi to help him catch up on his studies.   The guy didn't need it.  The new student humored, "But what if someone does die?"

" I guess they sweep it off like there's no issue." Natsumi shrugged. "That's what they do to the other reserve students."

"That's... odd," Hajime noted. Natsumi agreed with him. He mumbled to himself, somewhat deep in thought. "The only talent that can enroll in the school simultaneously would be the lucky students... Luck... I can work with this."

"You can't apply in the raffle once you're in the Reserve Course, you know?" Natsumi nudged his arm. Hajime chuckled, and she couldn't help but smile at the light atmosphere. "You're stuck with me for the entire year, got it? As if you could ever get out of here."

"Thanks for the confidence." Hajime laughed.

...

Kuzuryu Natsumi knows Hinata Hajime isn't like the others. The brunette had a glint in his eyes that awfully reminded her of her past self. However, she learned the truth.

Those in position lied to everyone in the Reserve Course Department.  No one is ever going to get promoted to be an Ultimate.  Natsumi did everything! She spent so much time pushing her skills, but all for nothing?!  Why... WHY?!  Then, if her life in this hellhole wasn't bad enough, there was that dumb Jane Sato who couldn't take a hint.  Natsumi already got berated by her brother for scheming to kill Koizumi, so can this bitch stop whining already?!

Natsumi couldn't get along with most of the students, having to use her natural skills as a yakuza heir to get the guys to keep her safe. Girls are the worst in this school. She didn't report it because nothing ever happens whenever someone reports it. [Harassment, vandalism, disappearances, etc.]  Who knew someone would aim to kill her at the end of her first semester?  She almost died if it weren't for Peko. Nowadays, Natsumi has at least one guard by her side. It's either Peko when she has free time or someone her dad hired to enroll in the Reserve Course.  It's annoying but necessary.

'After all, how can I be useful to my big brother if I'm dead?'

"?" Natsumi stopped on her track, recently escaping her dumb classmates and obviously losing her bodyguard to hunt down where the newbie would go. She knew he wanted to go to Class 77-B. He did ask if she knew who Nanami Chiaki was. Natsumi knows everyone in her brother's class.  Of course, she knows who that girl is!

'I wonder how they got together?' Natsumi pushed down the thought in her head, annoyed why she's interested to know something as personal as that. She barely knew this sleep-deprived spiky-haired male. They made small talk and exchanged notes.  Nothing is going on between them except as seatmates.

'He's easy to tease, also helpful and nerdy...' Natsumi reached the Main building, looking up to where her brother's class would usually be. 'He could make life easy. He also looks pretty fit...?!'

'Oh god. Am I crushing on him?!' Natsumi covered her face, shaking her head. 'No way! That's dumb. It's probably because I rarely see any handsome guys in my department! That must be it! It's so hard to find a reliable person nowadays!'

"HEY! What's a reserve student doing here?" A guard yelled out.

'God damn it!' Natsumi dropped her hand to slowly turn around to see the security guard. She almost forgot how brutal the guards can be. They don't know they're getting their damn paycheck from the Reserve Course. They paid millions to get in this damn institution.

'Whatever!' Natsumi feigned to surrender but made a mad dash into the main entrance. The good part about these guards is that they're slow as hell. The best ones patrol during school hours, not break time.

'Now, where is he?' Natsumi scanned the lounge, ignoring the confused and irritated stares from the Ultimates. She hates being a reserve student. She isn't like her depressing classmates, but she sadly has no talent. Natsumi knows she is better than most students in the Reserve course, but she isn't accepted here because of the lack of talent. 'Forget it. It's not like I had a chance, to begin with.'

'Ignore the looks. They may have talent, but I'm infinitely better than half of them.' Natsumi walked forward, searching for her classmate. She knew Hajime is probably with Sato, and it's highly likely they're upstairs. 'The elevators are broken again?!'

'I bet it's Komaeda again! He always breaks them.' Natsumi lets out a sigh, walking towards the stairs. 'I can't believe Onii-chan befriended that guy. I wonder how that happened?'

"..." Natsumi was about to take the first step when she heard something or someone falling down. She quickly took a step back, eyes wide in surprise as something rolled down to the stairs. The school had a square-shaped frame so the object could have fallen from the previous floor. The last time something like that happened, it was a prank and a reserve student got a broken leg and stayed at...?!

"What...?" Natsumi took another step back, eyes widen in horror as the thing that fell was a circular barrel-looking container. It was a prop for a magic trick, but it was leaking blood and-and..

'This.. This is a prank, right?' Natsumi fell to her back, watching the barrel miraculously still in motion. The magic room laboratory is on the fifth floor, east wing. The blood dripping from the barrel is still pouring. 'This is...'

[The Ultimate Magician]

'Murder?' While people panicked and talked behind her, Natsumi stared right at the horrified expression of the male as he was unable to escape the barrel.  It's how the barrel managed to keep moving.  The barrel had a device attached to it, probably the thing that's causing the blood and water to stay in the barrel. Long metal pins were stabbed into the barrel.

A digital clock on the side states [0:01], the dead man's right arm sticking out has been beaten and torn from the fight of stairs.

'This can't be right.' Natsumi didn't understand why she felt woozy. She's seen tons of death, but... This was right in the supposed safest school.

"Natsumi!" Someone called out. Natsumi couldn't hear them as she fell into this person's arms. She focused on the fear in this man's face and how the timer reached  [0:00] . Someone covered her eyes, but Natsumi's other sensory to enhance.

The barrel exploded. The screaming worsened. The person who held her moved her body to the side, taking the brunt of the liquid splashing from the bloody prop.

[The Ultimate Magician has been murdered.]

The school bell rang. Lunch time is over.

Chapter Text

When Peko received word from the bodyguard assigned to Natsumi that she went missing, the Ultimate Swordsman had to excuse herself to find her. Fuyuhiko came with her, curious why Teruteru is in deep thought, walking back into the classroom as they did so. They quickly went down to the stairs, but it refused to work. They then took the West wing staircase since their classroom is closer to this section. Walking down was a hassle, but staying under Nekomaru's exercise regime has improved their stamina. They reached the ground floor, exiting the building to search for her.

The young master is definitely around the school grounds, somewhere nearby. They split up to cover more ground. However, Peko received word from a security guard about a reserve student entering the premises. She quickly threatened/reassured the security guard as she called Fuyuhiko to return to the Main Building.
 

"This wouldn't have happened if she had answered her phone." Fuyuhiko cursed, entering the building with her. They scanned the lounge, walking inside to examine the crowd if Natsumi talked with some of them. Peko found the new school building problematic. There are too many openings, and the risks of getting caught off guard are high. Fuyuhiko's voice pulled her away from the chattering students, "There she is!"

"..." Peko trailed right behind Fuyuhiko, glancing at Natsumi's figure. The blonde was debating whether to walk up the main staircase. The school had three known stairways - Main, west, and east. The elevator was near the main staircase, and Peko has yet to explore the secret passages. Students are advised not to study in certain sections of the school.

*Thudthudthunkthunkle*

"What?" Peko could hear something dropping down the stairs, quickly rushing faster than her companion. It was usual for Main Course students to trick reserve course students for unknown reasons. Peko wouldn't want Natsumi to get into any harm.  Not again. Thankfully, Natsumi had common sense and take steps away from the inanimate threat.

*Tictictictictic*

'It's dangerous!' Peko didn't even speak her thoughts, now in full sprint as she heard the familiar ticking of a bomb. She didn't care what the students were whispering about. She had to reach Natsumi and get her away from the area pronto. 'But with how fast the ticking of the bomb, I have to slice it!'

"Natsumi!" Fuyuhiko called out, surprising Peko when he managed to keep up and even overtake her. If a young master is here, she only has to worry about slicing the bomb inside the barrel. She grabbed ahold of her weapon, unsheathing it.

"!!!" Peko finally reached the ticking threat. A cylindrical container with large metal pins inserted into it. There's obviously a corpse inside it, the victim. If she doesn't destroy the bomb inside the barrel, the nails will presumably be pulled out and damage those in the periphery.

 [0:00] 

The barrel has reached the ground, and the cacophony in the hall has reached its peak. Peko revealed her blade, needing to destroy it and minimize the threat. Based on the way it fell down the stairs, the bomb is at the center. It's attached to the corpse's chest.

"!!!" Peko raised her sword, slicing down to cut the barrel at the side. A clean-cut before the timer ended. She quickly withdrew her blade, taking steps back but still getting her uniform tainted with the human chunks. Apparently, there were other bombs implanted in the corpse itself.   Bombs that trigger once exposed to light.   The man was thankfully long dead as he was ripped to shreds from the attached bombs around him, leaving only a bloody mass.

*DINGDONGDINGDONG*

'What in the world?!' Peko gripped her bloody sword, staring at the barrel, now releasing its dead prisoner. The blood had dyed the water, pushing the chunks out. Sadly, the body stayed in an irregular position despite the decrease of pressure and bomb detonation due to the metal pins fastening him in place. It was a horrific sight. Peko slowly looked at Fuyuhiko and Natsumi, unsure what to tell them. 'This wasn't a threat.'

'This was... a warning.' Peko mistook the noise for something else. This wasn't to physically injure those around them. This was a psychological attack, and it worked. Peko could barely hear Fuyuhiko comforting his sister as the students around them scrambled in fear.

"Natsumi! Answer me!" Fuyuhiko held his sister, who refused to respond. She seemed to be in a daze, being the first one to see the prank? Threat? Peko doesn't know what to consider it anymore.  It was ominous.  Whoever did it is definitely in the school building, and that worried her. [There is an active killer in Hope's Peak Academy.]

"Peko. Help me out here!" Fuyuhiko urged, and Peko finally moved. They were both bloody from the explosion, being the closest one in the scene. There were also a couple of students who curiously went close and also got tainted with blood.

" What the hell is going on here?! " The head of the security team arrived at the scene, more than a dozen of them. Half already tasked to calm down the worried students and the others to the crime scene.

"Everyone..." Peko noticed her class also reaching down from the west staircase. However, they were all guided by Yukizome-sensei. Judging from the fear and concern etched in their faces, it seems something had also occurred while she and Fuyuhiko were outside.

"No one is leaving the building." Someone announced as she assisted Fuyuhiko to a nearby seat to rest the surprised blonde. The security team is analyzing the bloody scene, debating with each other. Peko focused back on her classmates, finding all of them to be there.

"Do you remember what happened?" Yukizome-sensei asked them personally, and Peko allowed Fuyuhiko to talk. He was better at evaluating and stating the necessary facts of the situation. He might even know more than she does when it comes to intimidation.

"There's probably another guy that died recently." One of Fuyuhiko's statements surprised her, but he seemed undaunted at his own findings. "The timer didn't match with the time of the explosion. It reminds me of a heist done to a bank our clan vowed to protect last month. If it's a copycat, then that thing's the intro. However, they could do an inverse, and  this  is their final act."

"These are one of the times I remember you're a yakuza heir," Kazuichi mumbled, and Fuyuhiko glared at the mechanic.

"What did you say?!" Fuyuhiko growled, and the pink-haired mechanic raised his hands. "Tsk. I'm surprised that bastard has the balls using the main staircase."

"Indeed." Peko watched Yukizome-sensei talk to Sakakura Juzo. The school staff and teachers frequently use the main staircase during the daytime.  For the act to be committed in broad daylight of all times?  Someone should have prevented it. Someone should have seen it, but there were no alerts. It was all spotted minutes before the bell.

"I received a message from our fellow class representatives to head down to the ground floor. Another body was spotted in the Art room. The  Ultimate Artist  has been murdered, ironically becoming part of his art." Chiaki told them, clutching her game console while her boyfriend stood beside her. Hinata Hajime had one arm around her back, keeping the Ultimate Gamer steady. "Everyone's wondering where the Student Council are. They should know what to do..."

"I'm sure they aren't the targets of these heinous crimes." Sonia comforted them, trying to keep everyone on their feet. "I feel the next precaution the school will take is to keep the students in groups as they investigate the incidents."

"I wonder what the culprit's motives are..." Nagito covered his mouth, debating on why this is happening of all times. "The timing of the 12 students enrolling into this school coincides with the murders. However, one of the victims is enrollees. What a mystery..."

"I don't get what's going on, but does that mean class is suspended?" Akane scratched her head. Peko knew about the Ultimate gymnast's past.   Death, famine, violence, sex, and plague were common in the brunette's birthplace.   It made sense for her to be calm.

"I don't want to get pulled out so soon!" Teruteru panicked.   His expression is candid.  "I still have so much to experiment with to make my momma proud!"

'Suspend operations now to protect the population, but face judgment and criticism from the masses.' Peko tried to look at it from the school's lens. 'Or move forward and risk a killer in our midst?'

"They'll continue operations," Izuru answered her thoughts, staring at the scenery with a deadpan expression. Peko also noticed the Ultimate Hope having a green tie for his hair, tying his hair into a ponytail. Ibuki would have made a fuss about it if not for the current situation. "This is Hope's Peak Academy."

Chapter Text

Souda Kazuichi liked the new guy. Hajime could easily vibe with anyone now that the Ultimate Mechanic thought about it. The problem here was the fact Hajime was giving him ominous feelings. Don't get him wrong. Kazuichi ain't like Nagito, who thought Hajime's some sort of parasite (being lovers with Chiaki and related with Izuru). However, Kazuichi can't fault himself for feeling some foreshadowing when around the brunette. Maybe that's the reason why Chiaki and Izuru like being around Hajime?

Chiaki was as high as a kite being with her boyfriend. She talked more, always gravitating to Hajime and just being so happy.  It's tooth-rotting to see the two interact. Kazuichi will admit it's the first time seeing Sonia pout at the loss of her friend, but Hajime knows what to do to make things better. It's why Kazuichi knew Hajime had that natural pull, which is similar but very different from the mysterious aura of Izuru.

Speaking of the bored genius, Izuru would inch closer to Hajime's area. It wasn't evident at first, but Nagito made him pay notice. Hajime was constantly moving, actively avoiding the inevitable encounter and brotherly conversation. Chiaki did most of the talking on the duo's status, but everyone knew Izuru was passive-aggressive pissed. Poor Hajime. Of all the siblings he had to have, it had to be Izuru.  Kazuichi asked Teruteru if this (keeping secrets) was a sensitive topic between siblings, and the Cook can confirm it's a big deal. Akane, on the other spectrum, was chill with her half-siblings.

It was weird how Teruteru randomly suggested to Chiaki about a possible twin threesome. It made Nagito choke from his drink, which led to Nekomaru performing a Heimlich maneuver.  Chiaki was blushing like a tomato while Sonia had that surprised Pikachu face. No-one stopped Hiyoko when the Ultimate Traditional Dancer smacked the Cook with her paper fan. While everyone wanted to bleach their brain from Teruteru's vivid description, Hajime and Izuru came back into the room simultaneously.

"Sorry. I got lost along the way." Hajime apologized. Innocent until Kazuichi noticed Izuru's hair tied to a ponytail with Hajime's green tie.  Hajime doesn't have his tie anymore.

"Oh là là~" Teruteru wiped his nose, and Kazuichi's dirty mind came up with an alternate explanation.

'My brain! NOOOOO' Kazuichi tugged his beanie to try and cover his eyes, not wanting to think badly of Chiaki's boyfriend but daaaaammnnn!

Kazuichi was about to ask what happened to clear the air, but the school bell rang. Actually, it rang longer than need be? Kazuichi was just as confused as everyone when the bell kept ringing. Thankfully, Chiaki, Sonia, Nekomaru, and Yukizome-sensei were there to keep everyone together. Kazuichi couldn't find Fuyuhiko and Peko, but he remembered the Yakuza saying something about finding his sister. Yukizome-sensei and Chiaki then talked to each other before they all went down. Kazuichi wanted to speak to Hajime, but he got distracted by Sonia and Chiaki's talk about the  Ultimate Artist  being found dead in the art room.

Before he knew it, they were on the ground floor before learning four Ultimates have died  very  recently in a span of an hour. [The Ultimate Artist, the Ultimate Magician, Ultimate Inventor, and the Ultimate Tennis Player.] Instead of suspending the school for the sudden deaths, the school opted to continue operations just like what Izuru predicted. However, the administration wanted to catch the killer and kept all possible suspects within the school compound. In short, a sleepover is in order.

Chiaki + Akane + Sonia + Peko

Hiyoko + Ibuki + Mahiru + Mikan

Kazuichi + Nekomaru + Ryota + Teruteru

Gundham + Fuyuhiko + Nagito + Izuru

Since the room provided for each student can fit 5-6 students, Yukizome-sensei chose the class to be grouped in 4s. An issue presented itself when they needed to include Natsumi and Hajime into the grouping. Yukizome-sensei had to reconsider her options very carefully. Natsumi would be best left with either Peko or Fuyuhiko, based on the student's current state. Their teacher probably didn't know what to do with Hajime.

Chiaki would be the ideal choice to be the brunette's guide, but things could get frisky between the duo since they're a new love couple. The usual safe answer would be to get Hajime to stay with his older brother, but everyone recognizes the chemistry between the two. So although Izuru would be very compliant to any instruction if it's to have his twin with him, Yukizome-sensei decided it was best to have the brunette stay in a friendly neutral party...

"I'm trusting you to take care of him, okay?" Chiaki pat Kazuichi's shoulders, looking at her friend in the eyes. Kazuichi felt flattered and happy the Ultimate Gamer chose to rely on him instead of Nekomaru. Ryota and Teruteru were out of the question, considering the former was a recluse and the latter was a pervert.

"You can count on me, Nanami-san." Kazuichi gave her a thumbs-up, ready to take on the task. "I won't let any harm fall on your man."

"I'm just worried..." Chiaki retracted her arms, glancing at the brunette. "It's his first day, and then this happened. I don't want him to feel overwhelmed."

"Izuru. Stop scaring him. He barely did anything." Hajime warned, tugging Izuru away from the petrified Ultimate cook.

"I'm merely setting the rules," Izuru defended, looking at his brother as if he was exaggerating things. "What?"

"You're going all overprotective again," Hajime crossed his arms. "I can take care of myself."

"The same person who skipped sleep to enroll into this school," Izuru retorted in turn.

"Can't you chalk it up as one of your good lu-aaaaaHH?!" Hajime pointed out but was midway unable to speak when Izuru pinched his cheek at random.

"I think he's adjusting pretty quickly," Kazuichi remarked, watching the brothers argue.

"Hm.." Chiaki continued staring at Izuru, contemplating something. Kazuichi can't blame her. Those two are  pretty  close.

This was Kazuichi's first sleepover, and he quickly realized he didn't know what to do in a sleepover. He also didn't know what to do when Hajime admitted to not fully transformed into being a guy when refusing their offer to go to the swimming pool hours before curfew.  Yeah... That explained the curves and maybe Izuru's protectiveness.

'Wait. If Hajime doesn't have a dick yet, does that mean Nanami-san is a lesbian?' Kazuichi debated, walking to their room. Nekomaru and Ryota are helping Teruteru with the food selection for their movie marathon. They say that's a staple for all sleepovers.

"Hey, Hajime-I DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING!" Kazuichi looked away after opening the door, accidentally seeing a faint trace of skin from the brunette. He already heard Izuru's threats from Teruteru. The Ultimate Hope can go one-eighty murderous if need be.

"Way to improve my ego, Souda." Hajime sounded hurt, and Kazuichi looked back to see Hajime's chest already covered by something.  It looks like a bra but not? Undershirt???  Also, Hajime's more built than he thought, which hurts his ego for some reason.

"U-uh..." Kazuichi opened his mouth but closed it. He didn't want to sound sexist. He's damn sure his parents are sexist. Would it be rude to ask what he does to get that bod? 'I should ask Nidai instead. Surely, Sonia-san likes abs.'

"Now you're embarrassing both of us." Hajime played the awkward silence off, grabbing his shirt to wear over his body. "You can use the bathroom now."

"Shouldn't you uh.. not like showing your body?" Kazuichi is trying his best to ask his question. He's heard a lot of stories online about the other sexes(?) genders(?) His dad would beat him up if he were to befriend those types of people. However, he's in Hope's Peak Academy, and everything goes. 'Besides, Hajime's not just a guy. He's my soul friend. It's like our friendship's written in the stars.'

"Can't do anything about it, can I?" Hajime scoffed, but he didn't sound mad. Instead, the brunette went close to the TV, already setting the room for their grand movie marathon. "I can't undergo any SRS because of my parents. However, my grandparents were nice enough to allow me to undergo hormone therapy."

"You still look pretty feminine, though," Kazuichi pointed out, and Hajime turned to squint at him. "What?"
 

"Maybe that's why you never landed a date with Nevermind?" Hajime teased, giving that cheeky smile.

"Hey!" Kazuichi crossed his arms. At least Hajime isn't easily offended, but damn that hurts.

"It's a joke." Hajime laughed, sitting on the couch. "You know the stigma in our country. The only clinics willing to take my case would be narrowed down to a handful. It would only take minutes for my family to find out about my appointments."

"Huh... I thought they disowned you or something?" Kazuichi walked down and took a seat on the couch as well, watching Hajime fiddle with the remote.

"I am disowned. Sadly, the only time my biological parents will stop minding my business is when I'm dead." Hajime exhaled. If Kazuichi looked at Hajime long enough, he'd notice some bits of femininity. It's probably the way Hajime acts and behaves that made him so guy-like.

"So why don't you let your bro handle the surgery?" Kazuichi looked back at the TV, staring at the genre. [Horror, comedy, action.]
 

"Izuru? He and I have our disagreements on the matter." Hajime glanced at the door, then back at Kazuichi. "I think the world just decided to fuck me over and place a guy inside a girl's body."

"Pft! Yeah. Everyone did see you like a guy." Kazuichi didn't see a single person looking at Hajime in disgust. It's way different from what he expects a trans to experience in a school. "Wait. That is weird."

"I know, even my birth certificate had to be corrected because the maid noticed I got no penis." Hajime huffed, connecting the screen to the internet to watch some gameplays. "Or maybe Izuru refused because he's into selfcest?"

"So you two did have sex." Kazuichi expected this, but he also thought he'd be more disgusted at the truth. Somehow, the behavior of Izuru already put him on edge.

"Curiosity's sake," Hajime didn't seem fazed on committing taboo. Kazuichi didn't know if that was a good thing or a bad thing. He knew Izuru was an odd guy, but to ask your sibling to have sex? Uh.. Hajime added, "Also to see if there's a talent involving sex."

"What the fuck?" Kazuichi shook his head, but he turned to face Hajime. "Is there?"

"I would be lying if I said no." Hajime scrunched his face.

"Condolence?" Kazuichi scratched the side of his face. What do you say to someone who had sex with a twin? Is it considered rape? What the hell should he feel about this?

"Nah. I consented to it and now deeply regret it. Nanami and Izuru might fight for the next few months because of me." Hajime pondered, watching the news. Hajime is giving him a lot of truth bombs, but he ain't mad? The mechanic actually doesn't know how to feel. Well. They are soul friends, and Hajime agreed he felt the connection too. But then, when do they cross the line of saying too much?

"At least you're not pregnant?" Kazuichi heard Hajime laugh.

"You really need to work on your speaking skills if you want a date with Nevermind." Hajime sounded annoyed and amused. Kazuichi wondered why he's watching fashion of all things. Hajime distracted him before he asked, "Being honest isn't a bad thing, but she might see you more like a citizen to her land than a potential love candidate. You have to amplify your empathy and ton down the simp levels."

"I well..." Kazuichi didn't think their sleepover would wind up into something deep. Though, it's also his fault. "You think that's Sonia-san's type of guy?"
 

"I don't know her exact type, but Nanami did say the princess likes friends-to-lovers movies." Hajime offered, and Kazuichi agonized at the sudden realization that one person could be on the potential lover's list.

"Gundham!" Kazuichi clenched his fist. "That sly-"

"Gundham isn't going to make a move." Hajime cut him off before his thoughts went to another path. "I'm betting on Sonia to make the first move. She is the same woman who introduced Nanami where we can buy sex toys."

"S-sex toys?!" Kazuichi almost fell off the couch hearing that. "S-sonia-san knows where t-to buy those?!"

"Yep." Hajime then watched Kazuichi fall on his knees on the floor. "You still pursuing her after learning all that?"

"Of course, I will! I love her." Kazuichi stood up, placing a hand on his chest. "I know we're meant to be together."

"If you fall on your knees after learning she has sex toys, maybe you should learn to be more accepting?" Hajime pointed out, and Kazuichi sat back down on the couch. "I'm not even surprised if Sonia-san's the one who taught Nanami-san sexting- You're blushing."

"I-I have an active imagination, okay?!" Kazuichi can't believe his soul friend is more knowledgeable in this than him. Not like that's bad or anything, but Kazuichi's actually thinking if he genuinely does know Sonia. He's classmates with Sonia for a year, but he didn't know anything to that extent. Kazuichi asked, "You... Do you think Nanami-san and Sonia-san are..? I mean... The sex toys and the sexting are... You're also not a full guy and..."
 

"..." Hajime hugged the pillow, his ahoge drooping. "You're the second person who pointed that out..."

"I have seen them always hang out, but I don't think Nanami-san would swing that way, but you're you, and long-distance relationships don't... Shit. I didn't mean to make you worry, man." Kazuichi apologized. He did hear the growing trend of girls preferring their same-sex over guys, but he didn't want that to happen in his class. Both Sonia and Chiaki are beautiful, and he can't blame if those two have a thing, but also NO. His fragile heart can't take the potential truth. He's also sad about Hajime, but that's an afterthought. "W-why did I ask?"

"One wrong move, and Nevermind will take Nanami from me..." Hajime slumped on the couch, sulking. "You know that feeling you want to trust your lover with friends that are way handsome than you? Yeah. That feeling. I want to believe Nevermind is straight, but then again, she did get jealous when I took Nanami from her."

"Nanami-san won't do such a thing, especially now that she has to go- Right." Kazuichi realized how wrong that is. Hajime wouldn't want to date his twin. That's wrong on so many levels. No wonder Chiaki was confident Hajime won't betray her. Chiaki, on the other hand, has a lot of admirers. "You could pretend to have feelings for your bro?"

"... I was thinking of pairing Izuru with Komaeda." Hajime frowned, changing the channel before the ads start. "Nanami really wants to pair those two together."

"I'm gonna take a step back and think about it." Kazuichi knew Nagito, even considered him a friend despite the number of bad luck every time they hang out. To pair Nagito with Izuru? Kazuichi tried to remember every single moment the two are together. "You know what? You have my support."

"I knew you'd say that." Hajime twirled the remote, already starting the first movie. "I'll do that right after I finish dealing with Nanami's admirers."

"Good luck." Kazuichi rests his legs on the coffee table. "Our class representative's pretty popular. Also, Hope's Peak Academy has this stigma over the Reserve course. So they're not going to take your relationship easy."

"You'd have my back, right?" Hajime asked, glancing in his direction.

"That's what soul friends are for." Kazuichi scooted over to sit beside Hajime. If they're going to do a movie marathon, Kazuichi prefers sitting beside someone who ain't going to talk lewd. It's going to be hella awkward hiding a boner to Nekomaru and Hajime. So he ain't risking it. Kazuichi yawned, growing bored. "Just don't go killing people or something.."

"How specific." Hajime mused, and Kazuichi closed his eyes, holding the cushion.

"Wake me up when they're here already." Kazuichi is gonna take a nap. "Don't wanna miss the sleepover."

"No prob." Hajime agreed to guard the fort, thinking of tomorrow's scheme.

Chapter Text

Nanami Chiaki has every right to be annoyed when she noticed the Ultimate Hope placing a hand on her lover's waist. But, don't get her started with the way Izuru looked at Hajime or how the former would offer a tiny smile or OR the green necktie!

To avoid additional bonding time between the twins, Chiaki sabotaged both of her and Izuru's reputation and let Hajime enter Kazuichi's group. Hajime shared one last look before heading over to the group, and Chiaki's left to question Natsumi's agenda.

The reserve student was still in a state of shock, confused why this would happen. Peko held Natsumi close just to give the latter comfort. Akane was back to her cheery self after learning the school will continue operations. Sonia was reassuring her parents that everything's okay. Chiaki didn't receive any call from her father. The one person who cared for her the most is right in this very building.

 Chiaki wouldn't even be surprised if Hajime were the culprit. 

Chiaki knows Hajime perfectly well for the past few years. Hajime always has a plan, never the type not to have a reason for his actions. Unfortunately, he's also the type to ignore his own needs over everyone else, leading to manipulation.

Ergo, Chiaki will watch his back for him. That's the least she can do for her player two. Right now, Chiaki knows Izuru is a thorn to their happy love life.

[Kamukura Izuru had his chance, and he failed.] Chiaki can't help but be thankful. If Izuru hadn't failed, she wouldn't have met Hajime. Had Izuru been more perceptive to his twin's needs, she wouldn't have encountered the most amazing person in her life.

'But...' Chiaki walked down the hallway to visit her boyfriend, frowning. 'Why can't I shake this feeling of envy?'

"..." Chiaki focused on her game girl, trying to rid of this nasty feeling. Hajime would never betray her.  He loves her.  Hajime wouldn't give up his scholarship and move closer to the school if she hadn't asked for his help. Hajime didn't even know his twin studied here. Hajime enrolled into Hope's Peak Academy for her sake, not him.

'So why am I feeling  this way?' Chiaki dislikes this feeling. This irrational, ugly feeling of doubt. Chiaki needs to see Hajime now. She doesn't want this feeling in her chest. 'Hinata-kun will be busy, won't he? He'll be busy helping me feel safe and happy...'

'But I don't want to lose him. I can't lose Hinata-kun.' Chiaki doesn't want to be truly alone. She may have friends by her side, but she doesn't know if they'll genuinely stay by her side. Hajime will always remain by her side. 'I won't lose him. Not to anyone-?!'

*Thud!*

"S-sorry!" Someone called out, and Chiaki looked up to see a small red-haired female wearing a magician hat. Chiaki remembered talking to Hajime over the phone before he agreed to leave first in the morning to enroll in the school.

"You are...?" Chiaki asked, standing up and staring at the shy female.

"Yumeno... Himiko." The girl seemed sheepish and hesitant. "Ultimate Mage."

"Ah." Chiaki nodded, pausing her game. "If you're looking for the cafeteria, head straight and then left."

"Thanks..." Himiko nodded and quickly went over to the area. Chiaki watched the new student walk away, tilting her head.

...

'Giving other students a chance to being Ultimates...' Chiaki turned back to her original destination, walking to discuss and learn what Hajime's plan for the semester is. 'Is this because of Kuzuryu-kun's sister? Is Hinata-kun experimenting?'

'At least Hinata-kun has a friend.' Chiaki is happy for Hajime to have a friend in the reserve course. Of course, it's not every day her boyfriend gets a new friend. 'Just as long as they stay as friends.'

When Chiaki entered the guest room, she found Hajime helping Kazuichi create a website of his own. That's very helpful of him. Chiaki knew Sonia disliked the excessive attention of the Ultimate Mechanic, for Hajime to give Kazuichi activities to focus on would be a great help. Kazuichi and Hajime's bond level has also increased, judging from the open body language presented to her in the past minute while entering the room.

"?!" Hajime looked up at her, green eyes almost sparkling at the sight of her. Chiaki couldn't help but smile back as Hajime stood up to give her a hug. "Morning."

"Morning to you too~!" Chiaki reciprocated his hug, giving a kiss on his neck, and exchanged a quick kiss on the lips. "I missed you."

"We're only a room away, Nanami." Hajime refused to let go despite saying that, and Chiaki may have shivered with how close he's speaking to her ear. He's not speaking aloud, but it's the way he told and how his breath tingled her nerves that made the gamer almost drop her game girl in her one hand. " Are the new students here? "

" Yes ." Chiaki gripped the back of Hajime's shirt, lightly clamping Hajime's leg. It's been a while since they did things together ,  and maybe she doesn't know how much she liked it after so long?

"Oy! I'm here, you know?" Kazuichi broke the moment. "Man! It must be nice having a girlfriend."

"Sorry." Hajime slowly let go, turning and apologizing to their friend. Chiaki did her best to cool her cheeks, embarrassed by how easily she got undone. Hajime talked in their stead, "since Chiaki's here, let's head out and eat."

"It's early, though..." Kazuichi sighed. Nekomaru probably left early to exercise while Teruteru went out because he needed to cook breakfast for the school. The Ultimate Cook did strike a contract with Hope's Peak to earn revenue.

"Yes, and Hinata-kun has classes." Chiaki reminded her friend. The Reserve Course starts an hour early than the Main Course. "And since he's new here, we have to show him around."

"Well... If you put it that way. Sure!" Kazuichi stood up, keeping his tablet in his bag, and stood up. "But no lovey-dovey stuff. I don't want to be a third wheel today."

"We'll try." Hajime's voice sounded like he was referring to her. Chiaki blew a raspberry noise at her lover, returning to her game. Hajime gave her a hug from behind. "You know I don't mean it that way."

"Hmph." Chiaki blushed when Hajime kissed her temple. It's tough getting used to something she received private in a public space. Chiaki grumbled, "You're forgiven."

"Now stop it." Kazuichi ordered, "you're making me blush."

"Someday, you're going to do this," Hajime warned. "And it'll be payback time... At your wedding!"

"That's... Bro! I don't know how to feel on that one." Kazuichi almost laughed at the threat. "Thanks? I guess? I mean. You could be my spokesperson during the reception, but that's it."

"If I didn't have a twin, you'd be my best man," Hajime warned, and it's really not a threat, but Hajime's trying to sound menacing. It's hilarious. "What are you laughing at? I'm serious here!"

"Don't bully him." Chiaki was released from the hug, giving a playful slap against the brunette. "Meanie."

"He had it coming." Hajime pet her hair, seeing some strands sticking out. "Did you come from your bed?"

"Hmm~" Chiaki was the last to wake up from her area, but the first thing in her mind was to visit Hajime. The brunette struggled not to smile.

"O-ok. Let's go! We're wasting time because of you guys!" Hajime moved away from the gamer and mechanic, trying to cover his slightly pinkish ears.

"..." Both Kazuichi and Chiaki looked at each other.

"That reminded me of Fuyuhiko for a second there..." Kazuichi thought.

"Hinata-kun is somewhat tsun." Chiaki found that trait endearing. Chiaki trailed behind the reserve student, happy to start a new school year with her boyfriend by her side. 'Happy school life.'

Hajime made the promise, not Chiaki. Sadly, Hajime knows she wants one-arm hugs so here they are. Chiaki could return to her gameplay, but she knew Hajime had planned something for the whole yesterday. [It didn't end last lunch time.] The question now is when the school will realize another killing had occurred.

'Dad would be proud of me.' Chiaki smiled, resting her head against his shoulder. If only her mother was alive, her dad would be so proud to learn Chiaki got such a loving boyfriend.

"Is it normal for girls to cry on corridors?" Hajime asked, observing females whisper and some wiping their tears for an unknown reason. Both students have a good feeling they know what's going on.

"Izuru." Kazuichi sighed, and Chiaki's smile dropped at the name. She's starting to feel jelly again. Hajime pressed a kiss on her head, calming her down. The Ultimate Mechanic didn't seem to notice the change between the duo. "I mean. We saw this coming, didn't we?"

"Saw what coming?" Hajime is smart in so many areas... Love is not one of those fields.

"Dudeee." Kazuichi groaned, and Chiaki gave Hajime a peck before he could ask for her input.

"Don't tell him, Souda-kun. We must maintain his innocence." Chiaki giggled when her friend facepalmed.

"I am very suspicious now." Hajime grimaced. Oh right. Hajime is familiarizing himself with the game board, preferring predictability over anything else at the moment. Only when everything is set does he sleep peacefully.

"It's nothing serious, I think." Chiaki hoped it won't affect his plans. Chiaki wants to spend time with her boyfriend before the year ends. They'll both be busy during college.

"I see..." (Hajime is very clueless.) "For a second there, I thought they discovered another body."

"Don't jinx it, Hajime." Kazuichi is the only one who doesn't know what's going on. Chiaki wondered what Hajime said to make the mechanic trust him. "We already got Nagito for that."

"Sorry." (Hajime wasn't sorry.)

"And here we are." Chiaki looked at the dorm cafeteria, a giant hall filled with too much noise than the normal days. "I knew Kamukura-kun was popular, but not this popular."

"Now, all we need to see is guys crying over him," Kazuichi added, scanning the area. "Nope. No one is coming out of the closet today."

"You two both need a lesson to improve your social skills..." Hajime sighed.

"So says the guy who doesn't know what's happening." Kazuichi snickered. Hajime elbowed the mechanic, but all that did was make Kazuichi laugh.

"So you're the freak who got Kamukura's interest!" The demanding voice made Chiaki flinch, and Hajime moved her away from the threat.

"You are?" Hajime asked, staring down at the incoming blonde.

"How could you not know her? You saw her on TV last night, the Ultimate Gyaru." Kazuichi spoke up.

"AKA, Enoshima Junko!" The female with piggy tails flicked her hair, and Hajime seemed unfazed with her or the Ultimate Soldier standing beside the woman.

"Hello..." Chiaki disliked this person, the same kouhai who can take her classmates away in a snap of her finger. It's why Chiaki called Hajime over in case Junko did just that. Chiaki chose to play a game, fingers tapping to skip the tutorial.

"Yeah, and why are you talking to a reserve course student?" Hajime wondered, and Chiaki looked at the same spot her friend is staring at. Ceiling? What's so special about the ceiling? Oh. Chiaki can hear a thunking sound coming from that area. Odd.

"Pay my respects, of course! It's not every day our resident genius decides to stop fucking around." Junko raised her hands together, trying to look cute for them. "Though, I never thought he'd be a siscon~"

"I guess he decided fucking crazy hot chicks isn't his thing," Hajime replied coolly, yet Chiaki can sense he's feeling exhausted merely by the woman's presence. Hajime could be considered an empath with how tired he is in handling other people's Bullshit.

"What did you say?" Junko's sister, also overprotective by the way, Mukuro pulled out a knife. However, Junko raised her hand, still sporting that smile. "Junko-chan."

"Let's chat later, ok?" Junko's words made Chiaki rest her cheek on Hajime's jacket. Everything about Junko is a source of chaos.

"Whatever," Hajime responded with a light squeeze to Chiaki's side, looking at the gamer with a soft gaze. Just when Junko and her sister left with the crowd following the duo, Hajime whispered to Chiaki, "And here comes the bell."

*DINGDONGDINGDONG*

*Crack*

"?" Chiaki looked away from her game when she heard the ceiling give way, staring in wonder as someone screamed and a loud crack was filled in the air. The person looks like a marionette, but he was clearly struggling to get out of the trap.

[Ultimate Adventurer]

"..." While everyone screamed around them, Chiaki and Hajime stood watching the new and bleeding victim. The deceased Ultimate will be replaced with someone better. Someone who wouldn't like the Ultimate Gamer. Hajime will make sure of it. 'Halfway to go.'

Chapter Text

It was problematic how the first killing game was a fail, having half of the student council refuse to kill and have basic survival instincts to defend themselves. Ikusaba Mukuro could only obey and listen to her sister's command, unsure how to go from here. Despite the apparent failure, Enoshima Junko and Kamukura Izuru were interested in the outcome. These two have similar cravings, much to Mukuro's annoyance.

[How dare he get close to Junko?!] The despair of watching her little sister having sex with this... This apathetic bastard! The thought that the relationship between the two isn't worth considering as an act of love is what grounded her. Junko is using him just as how he's using her.

"You're breaking up with me?" Junko repeated the sentiment stated by the Ultimate Hope, voicing the same surprise everyone around the fashionista felt.

"Yes." Izuru didn't even sound displeased at the slightest. This was the same Ultimate who preferred staying silent and watching the world burn on the sideline. For him to actively choose to cut ties with the one thing that interests him in this school is something to behold. Junko blinked and opted to do the most natural thing.

*SLAP!*

"Who's the lucky girl?" Junko asked after slapping the male, smiling eerily. Everyone thought she's mad and ready to exact hell on the one who took her lover's heart. Mukuro knew better.  Only she knew Junko inside and out.  The soldier knew Junko's upset she lost her compliant toy. However, Mukuro also knew her amazing sister sensed his decision based on yesterday's random killings. Junko's curious about the new threat entering the arena.

"It is none of your concern.." It is also the first time Izuru chose to evade a question, turning around and walking away from his once ally. Mukuro didn't know what to say about this behavior, but it seems Junko knew better. Junko always knows what's going on.

"Let's pay them a visit then!" Junko announced, but Izuru didn't flinch. Instead, the Ultimate kept walking, heading up to possibly the Principal's office to solve the mysterious murder incidents.

"Hm~" The fashionista marched out of the main campus, undeterred at the time. Mukuro hurriedly followed her twin, and several others followed. Everyone in the school knew Junko and Izuru controlled the Hope's Peak Academy after the student council vanished. Those two are the celebrities among Ultimates, popular and friendly Junko paired with mysterious and silent Izuru. Hearing the two break up is unfathomable.

"A-are you okay, Enoshima-san?" Mikan asked, the Ultimate nurse trailing behind them just like the others. Mukuro was fine with the nurse's presence, finding her useful in the future ahead of them.

"What do you think?" Junko snapped back, and the nurse froze for a short while before following once more. Mukuro stayed silent, aware her sister is analyzing the situation. Based on yesterday's events, Mukuro predicted the Ultimate Hope found the source of the tragedies and chose to pursue it.

'However, why would he...?' Mukuro didn't understand the benefit of breaking up with her sister. Junko could easily assist the Ultimate in whatever chaos entered the school. The student council killing game may have failed, but Junko could quickly come up with something better. 'Is this murder mystery case that interesting?'

Mukuro reviewed the cases given to Junko's simp last night. Four victims were killed in broad daylight. They were all males and are in different parts of the school. The Ultimate Artist died in the art room, dangling over grotesque portraits painted with his blood. The Ultimate Inventor torn to shreds while examining the generator in the basement. According to witnesses, the Tennis Player died in the courtyard outside the camera's view and as the last person to leave the field. The Ultimate Magician's death was the last to execute, having the victim's barrel roll all the way down to the ground floor of the school.  The culprit could not have been the newcomers.

The newcomers who entered the school were constantly monitored by the staff. Neither of the new transfer students would have set up an elaborate trap that would isolate the victim from help. None of the latest transfer students had the talent to come up with such schemes. Their background information was mediocre, and their midnight interview sluggish. Thankfully, Junko gave her orders to investigate the interaction of the students.

Today is the day she's supposed to interview/stalk the transfer students, but Izuru came over to break up with Junko. Mukuro couldn't leave Junko in such a frazzled state, so here she was following the fashionista.

*DINGDONGDINGDONG*

*Crack*

"Hm?" Both Mukuro and Junko looked up at the ceiling. They were currently inside the dormitory reserved for Ultimates. The place was highly guarded to the point Mukuro couldn't visit the reserve course student coincidentally inside the Main Campus at the time of the murders. To watch the ceiling gave way, hearing a man scream get cut short with a snap from his neck, Mukuro watched as the Ultimate Adventurer dangled in strings.

" Ultimate Anthropologist, Ultimate Child caregiver, Ultimate Pianist- A reserve course student...  Is it to derail the detectives or on purpose?" Junko spoke out, reading from her phone. Mukuro scanned the room while her sister scanned the state of the next batch of killed students. Junko raised her phone, snapping a shot of the male. "And finally, the Ultimate Adventurer."

"All simultaneous?" Mukuro inquired. She won't deny a small part of her fears for the safety of her own class. The Ultimate Pianist was from Class 79 and had close ties with the Ultimate Lucky Student. 'Why are you such a trouble magnet, Naegi-kun?'

"Of course not, dummy." Junko was flicking the pictures sent by her helpers, scanning the different murder scenes. "What are they, superhuman?"

"But that's what happened yesterday," Mukuro explained, trying to improve her reputation. "Assuming the traps were set during nighttime, the killer will have more time to sync the murders."

"Who said the killer cares about harmony?" Junko's words made Mukuro rethink. The killer would have increase fear within the student's hearts if they achieved the same mystery from yesterday. That would mean the killer is inside the school due to another motive.

"Come on. We're not going to be late for class." Junko walked out of the dormitory, and Mukuro walked behind her. The security guards ordered the students to leave the premises and attend class. The guard's harsh attitude will cause students to believe they're the ones who started the killings, but only prejudicial fools would believe that. Once they reached the exit, they trudged back to the main campus. Mukuro couldn't seem to find Mikan anywhere, but Junko didn't seem to care at the slightest. Her sibling was too busy deciphering their predicament.

"That's it! We're visiting Hajime at lunchtime." Junko declared, slipping back her phone into her bag. She added, giving a wide smile. "When I say we, I mean me because you're going to fuck Kamukura! Isn't that great? You older siblings get to hang out and express whatever sick fetishes you guys can come up with~!"

"I'll do my best." Mukuro didn't question her sister's deduction skills. When they learned Izuru actually had a disowned younger sibling through the files stored inside the secret archives, Junko was fast to point Hajime as the killer... Only to retract her statement after a second. The issue with this conclusion is that the brunette was not in contact with any of the victims. There was no motive  and method  this ordinary guy had to cause such a feat. That only means Hinata Hajime is either a passive manipulative player OR a smaller chess piece to the real mastermind. Someone without talent cannot orchestrate something this grandiose without assistance. This assistance, Mukuro feels, is what reeled the self-proclaimed Ultimate Despair to confront Izuru's sibling.

'Is Hinata Hajime an enemy or ally?' Mukuro reviewed the latest conversation they had with Hajime and his company. The reserve course student seemed to have integrated into Izuru's class section, awfully protective of the Class Representative and Ultimate Gamer, Nanami Chiaki. His attitude reminded her of Yasuke, in a way. The two of them finally arrived at the main campus entrance, walking past a multitude of guards.

"I understand that DICE is likely to have some involvement with the information leak, but I'm certain they have nothing to do with the murders." One of the junior detectives stated calmly, talking with one of the senior detectives. "And there's also the issue concerning the death of the Ultimate Child caregiver."

"Saihara-kun is correct. The death of the student is not from the same killer." The elder detective, probably related to the junior detective who spoke earlier, spoke up. He rested a hand on the teenager's shoulder, adding. "We have more than one killer in our hands."

"Killing students based on their own talents... Who could do such a thing?" Another detective shook his head, raising his hand and walking towards the campus. The male is followed by his secretary by its looks, the woman writing down every detail tossed within the group. "I'll submit the reports to the principal and his child. You guys hang tight."

'It seems the news has spread.' Mukuro expected police officers and various detective agencies, but the school would do its best to decrease police involvement in its private property. What the school did was hire several detectives across the country and grouped them together. It was clear from the first day that the killer aimed for  Ultimates . It took the said detectives hours to arrive and investigate the area.

"♪~" Junko's humming an original tune, already formulating questions and predictions to said questions this lunchtime. Mukuro's glad her sister wasn't that hung up with Izuru, but the soldier can never be too sure.

'And then there's Kamukura...' The Ultimate Soldier looked away from the detectives, needing to prepare (in all ways) for her incoming meeting with the Ultimate Hope. Knowing how mischievous her sister tends to be, Mukuro will need to prepare for an entire hour to fend off the apathetic prodigy.

Chapter Text

Saihara Shuichi knew the serial killer had a distinct motive to execute all the individuals within a given hour. The junior detective examined the execution method of each victim, determining the suspect to have obtained information from the school database and gained access to the security cameras. All of the execution had a deactivated camera at bay,

also planned in a short time frame because they managed to trace back the items in the crime scene to their origin. The shop keepers disclosed the time and location their items were delivered. Hours before the murders, the serial killer received the items at the front entrance of the school hours. The killer is without a doubt a student of Hope's Peak Academy, given the victim selection and motif choice.  There is room for speculation that the head of security is lying under his breath regarding the school rules. Shuichi did hear this prestigious school protects criminals for rehabilitation and development.

'However, Kirigiri-san did point out the deaths were due to struggle...' Shuichi walked down the halls of the school, scanning the rooms and the students around it. The school permitted him and his colleagues to enter the premises to gather information. The successive deaths of its precious students forced the administration to lessen the restrictions placed upon them. 'What do I focus on?'

"..." Shuichi chose to move away from his uncle, needing to see for himself how normal this school tends to be. So far, he's heard explosions and occasional screaming. Right now, he planned on visiting the new students that replaced the deceased. 'Akamatsu Kaede, Yonaga Angie, Yumeno Himiko, Shinguji Korekiyo, Harukawa Maki, Amami Rantaro, Iruma Miu, and Hoshi Ryoma...'

'Out of all the deaths executed, it was the Ultimate Child caregiver who deviated...' Shuichi knew the Ultimate Detective (Yes, he has placed his gloves in an evidence bag because he shook hands with the legend.) would be looking into Harukawa Maki, so he'll need to investigate elsewhere. He could first examine the latest Class 79-B, who was supposedly part of next year's Class 80, but that was already the plan of some of his colleagues before he left the group. 'I understand the professor Idabashi for inserting his creation, but I have no idea why the Prime Minister enrolled his daughter into this school at a time like this?'

[K1-B0 obtained the title Ultimate Robot]

[Tojo Kiruma accepted her controversial title as Ultimate Maid]

"It doesn't make sense..." Shuichi mumbled to himself, checking back his phone as he exited the new school building. The message made his blood run cold. It seems the killer killed more than they expected. 'The Ultimate Entomologist's corpse was found infested by insects in one of the school's botanical gardens while the Ultimate Astronaut found stuck in an active vacuum chamber for the entire night...'

'How gruesome...' Shuichi trudged down the path, choosing to check the main school building. 'All of the deaths happened everywhere, but the main site, yet Kirigiri-san pointed out that the control room in the old building connects with the rest of the CCTV. The Mastermind might have left clues there.'

...

'I wonder what DICE has to do with all of this?' Shuichi pondered, curious to see the slightly disarrayed state of a reserve student exiting the main building. He learned of the discrimination occurring in the school towards the Reserve Course department, but he presumed it wasn't this bad. 'Bruises on the wrists and odd injuries on the neck...?'

"E-excuse me!" Shuichi called out, and the reserve student stopped on his track. Shuichi hoped this stranger would cooperate when he asked, "Do you mind me asking what happened for you to turn that way?"

"S-stuff..." The student seemed wary (he had every right), and Shuichi realized this individual sounded similar to the one who toured him and his colleagues around the school.  Kamukura Izuru was it?  Shuichi decided this was important information for the future. Also, maybe a reserve student can give him another perspective of this glorious academy?

"I see. Sorry for the interruption," Shuichi apologized, slightly bowing his head. "I'm Saihara Shuichi, one of the detectives assigned to investigate the sudden killings of the school. Have you heard of any rumors in your department?"

"Hmm..." The student placed one hand on his hips, thinking. "Not really. I'm a new student in this school."

"A-at this time?" Shuichi couldn't believe that. Based on the schedule given to them by the secretary, the Reserve Course are already taking their midterm examinations. "Why would they?"

"I don't know, but a lot of us managed to get in," The male with green eyes chuckled. Shuichi suddenly connected it to the threat the Steering Committee disclosed, which forced the school to offer the exams. It may be a farfetched idea, but what if DICE is part of the Reserve Course Department? The reserve student asked, adjusting his collar to hide his neck bruises. "Is that all?"

"Yes, thank you for your cooperation. We will do our best to bring the killer to justice." Shuichi smiled but quickly asked before he forgot. "You don't have to answer, but may I know your name?"

"No problem. My name is Hinata Hajime," The student smiled back, finally turning his back to return to his class. He must have come here to get a medical check. "Good luck, Saihara."

...

...

'It makes more sense for the killer to be in the Reserve Course Department,' Shuichi entered the Main building, inserting his new findings on the incomplete puzzle piece. 'Although, the executions would equate to the serial killer having multiple accomplices. How else would the suspect manage to enter the control room without detection? Everyone but the Reserve Course students and Lil' Ultimates have IDs used as keycards to open certain areas. One of these areas is the botanical garden where the recent murder occurred. The doors also lock once one person enters.'

'I don't believe the killer managed to befriend the victims either. There isn't enough time for all this to happen,' Shuichi didn't believe there were multiple killers. Testimonies from various students point to some of the victims having zero enemies in and out of school. 'What ties them together?'

*DING!*

"?" Shuichi checked his phone. It seemed his colleagues decided to include the ones selected by the Ultimate Escort as possible suspects in the list. The culprit cannot be the Prime Minister's daughter, nor could it be the robot assisting the investigation. 'Ultimate Aikido Master Chabashira Tenko and the Ultimate Cosplayer, Shirogane Tsumugi.'

"????" Shuichi heard a strange noise coming from the nurse's office, choosing to check it out by slowly opening the door. It was an Ultimate (the Ultimate Nurse) who was making the noise. She seemed to be in a daze, drooling and moving her thighs together as she chanted in such a lewd tone the name of- wait. Hajime?

'Nope.' Shuichi closed back the door, his face feeling very hot at the strange sight. He- He's going to pretend he didn't see that. The detective took a couple of steps back before heading back to the 4th floor. 'I guess even Reserve students have secret affairs with the Main Course, or Hinata-kun's a player...?'

Chapter Text

Oma Kokichi was commissioned to steal certain documents and deliver unknown packages to Hope's Peak Academy. The Leader of DICE accepted the commission to uncover the truth about one of his members enrolled in this school.

[DEATH]

"Those bastards..." Kokichi muttered under his breath. It's technically the end of the second day in this school, and he's inches from starting a rebellion.  The Reserve Course could easily overthrow this school with the right mindset.  Thankfully for the adults, he had bigger goals than throwing the country into a state of chaos. A society without rules will drive people off the ledge, especially if that country is Japan. 'Perfection always casts shadows of deviancy.'

'He should be here...' Kokichi mused, reaching the floor where his client was supposed to be. In the beginning, Kokichi was known by his friends to be a  Phantom Thief . He and his group were kids abandoned by their parents, obviously leaving that shithole of an orphanage to obtain  Happiness . Sure, they weren't beaten to crap anymore, but they needed food, a place to stay, and others.  They had no choice other than to commit petty crimes.  Now, Kokichi wasn't sure how they gained more members... But he would admit he watched a bit of anime when thinking of his organization's name: D.I.C.E.  They reached more than a hundred that day.  He also knew his members gave him the title  Supreme Leader .  They reached more than a thousand at that special event.  Kokichi knew he could lie about the numbers of his organization because his friends [ love ] to recruit a child or teenager in need.

"You want to know more about the Reserve course, Phantom Thief?" A voice called him up that night. "Hear me out..."

'Hinata Hajime...' Kokichi didn't care about this so-called title given by Hope's Peak Academy. He had an enormous family to take care of and a certain detective to annoy.  The most important part of D.I.C.E is that everyone is having fun 24-7.  Adults hate his group, but the kids love them for outsmarting the cocky old farts every time. Now, he got roped into this mess because some of his members pleaded to enter the damn course. Truth be told, D.I.C.E has enough funds to place all their members into those fancy schools. It's their policy to pocket the goods when the authorities fail to decipher their heists.  That's why Kokichi is interested in Saihara Shuichi.  When one of his members fails to attend the annual meeting, Kokichi knows something is wrong.

'I wonder if he knows about Saihara-chan?' Kokichi reached the room, fishing out the key given to him by his new minions. Years of experience gave him enough skill to befriend even the dumbest and nastiest of delinquents, utilizing different masks to gain the trust of those around him. However, he couldn't figure out his client's actions at all. Just like the authorities, he checked the cameras, blueprint of the campus, manner of death, and theoretical execution of the victims. Hajime manipulated the Steering Committee to let random strangers into the system. Then, said brunette proceeded to slaughter the Ultimates, inserting new individuals to fill the space. 'Does this guy want to get arrested? Is he doing this for fun? His quick thinking could be useful in my organization... But he might not agree with D.I.C.E's motto.'

*Knock knock*

'Then there's that rumored assassin entering the scene,' Kokichi recalled some of the students in his class talking about an infamous Twitter post. 'A warning to the principal because someone ordered a HIT from a teenager being the potential ULTIMATE ASSASSIN. Sheesh. What's so good about those titles?'

*Knock knock*

'Then again, Saihara-chan might end up being the next Ultimate Detective if he can figure this mystery out...' Kokichi placed one hand on his hip after knocking once more, checking his phone once more to get a status update on several of his bases. His thirteenth base was a work in progress, situated in the US given their lax weapon laws. Also, he has a sister organization there. "What's taking him so long?!"

"You have ten seconds to let me in, Hinata!" Kokichi warned, pulling out his picklock. He was an impatient man for a good cause.  If he's wrong on his theory that Hajime killed all those people, then he should've brought a weapon on his being at all times.  Kokichi was indeed an extraordinary guy, but he wasn't good enough to dodge a bullet if it was literally aimed at him. To quote his friend: ' Our leader can be unlucky during downtime.'  Kokichi received no reply as he picked at the door, entering the room to witness...

?

"Hey..." A female playing a game girl in bed greeted him. Kokichi knew she was naked under the sheets, but he was more curious about where his client went. Sweeping across the room, Kokichi noticed the room to be bare.  A spare room.  The girl with somewhat curly hair continued, "Hinata-kun is in the bathroom."

"Ok..." Kokichi closed the door behind him, unable to find anything suspicious. No, the room itself is suspicious.  Too clean.  He knew the girl wasn't lying, hearing the showerhead being used. He could joke about his client's sexual ventures, but he had a feeling this girl wasn't in a good mood. "What's taking him so long?"

"Kamukura-kun interrupted us..." The woman answered with restrained annoyance. The name Kamukura spelled Hope's Peak Academy, so definitely an Ultimate. Kokichi looked at the girl again and confirmed she was also an Ultimate.  The Reserve Course mostly has a basic framework on their physical appearance- Wait.

"Kamukura and Hinata are in the same bathroom..." Kokichi also recalled researching his client's history on his first day in this privileged school, learning Hajime is the disowned child of the Kamukura family. Two siblings... Who are already teenagers... In the same bathroom...? Don't get him wrong. Kokichi considered D.I.C.E like family, but privacy is a thing... Regardless of the period of absence.

"Hn," The girl agreed, looking away from her game girl to look at him. "Anything you want to deliver to him?"

"?!" Kokichi heard Hajime gasp, cursing his mind for immediately visualizing what was happening in there. The woman chose to ignore the noise.

"Nope!" Kokichi took a step back, refusing to focus on the noise. "I'll talk to him tomorrow. See ya~"

'Nope, nope, nope,' Kokichi closed the door behind him. His hearing is heightened around this time, which is the reason he performs his heists at night. He hoped he misunderstood the situation, yet a part of him rationalized sexual favors to be an effective tool for gathering information.  Kamukura Izuru would know what's going on in this school.  BUT, THOSE TWO ARE SIBLINGS.

"Gonna need Panta for this," Kokichi shook his head, heading downstairs.

Chapter Text

"Were you two fucking?" Chiaki asked as Izuru went to the electric fan to dry his hair.

"No! What the hell, Nanami? Oh shit... Don't tell me someone came in..." Hajime groaned, wearing the only bathrobe in this bare room. Izuru offered his room for his twin to stay in, but the brunette insisted on using the space allotted by the school.  Apparently, new transfer students who didn't bribe the administration earned a storage room with a poorly-installed bathroom.

"Yeah, so why did you two take too long?" Chiaki set her game girl on the tableside.

"Because the bathroom broke on us, and Izuru wanted to fix it ASAP!" Hajime instantly threw him under the bus. It took five minutes to find the rumored spare parts and equipment, plus another ten minutes repairing the haphazardly implanted sink and toilet.  Why was the pipe system outdated in this building?  Hajime was chilling by the shower the entire time, which Izuru forgave when his younger twin agreed they'd wash each other's back.  Izuru cleaned more than Hajime's back, discovering his twin was inept in buying chest binders.

"Ok. What about the moaning?" Chiaki looked ready to laugh because Hajime was undergoing an internal crisis. Whoever left the room was important to his twin's scheme. Izuru can visit the building tomorrow to pinpoint the accomplice, considering he already narrowed down the list of his sibling's pawns.

"Hajime makes lewd noises when I wash him," Izuru answered in his twin's stead, having only a bath towel to dry himself. If Hajime continued to refuse his offer, Izuru should start placing some of his items in this room.

"I Uhm... Why?" Chiaki had a myriad of emotions over the matter, but confusion was the most prominent.

"To assess his condition," Izuru stated in turn. He might as well consider his younger sibling a masochist with the latter's frequent exposure to risk. Izuru erased the CCTV footage recently, needing to speak with Mikan before class starts tomorrow. Of all the people Hajime had to attract, it had to be one of Junko's admirers. Izuru can't blame them for liking his twin since they're technically falling for a palette-altered talentless version of him who unwittingly maxed his charm points. Izuru added, "My twin is ticklish."

"I am not!" Hajime denied it, and Izuru could elaborate on his statement to degrade his twin... Or stare at the unbound chest and reconsider his options on whether to assist or desist the transition. Despite the hormone therapy, Hajime still held large assets- Hajime called for help after failing to defend their previous activity, crossing his arms and unwittingly emphasizing said assets. Izuru calculated it was bigger than his ex-lover's chest size. "Izuru. A hand?"

"If you insist, we can fuck tomorrow." Izuru chose the worst answer on the list. It's been years since they committed taboo, and the Ultimate Hope gained enough experience to get his twin addicted to sex if he felt like it. As if reading his mind, Hajime gave him a judgmental expression.

"Stop joking around. I'm in a relationship," Hajime denied, but glancing in Chiaki's direction would spell the exact reason. Factoring in the number of individuals fawning over his Class representative, Izuru didn't consider the possibility that the Ultimate Gamer was possessive. It seemed an orgy was unfeasible at present.

"The offer still stands," Izuru set the proposal on the table, deciding to assist the chaotic relationship.  Chiaki is of no threat to him compared to Junko . As the older twin, he should test his twin's lover. 'And if she breaks him...'

"Ignore him, Nanami. He likes being weird to my friends," Hajime sighed, dropping his hands to walk towards the closet. Izuru remained standing by the fan, grabbing the tossed undergarment just in time. Hajime predictably worries he wants to have sex with Chiaki or, even more absurd, Chiaki gets allured to have sex with him. Five years and Hajime still fails to understand human sexuality. How predictable. Hajime glanced in Izuru's direction. "Bad news, I forgot to bring extra clothes."

"You were too excited," Chiaki giggled, and Hajime bashfully looked away. "It's cute."

"Stating the obvious is unnecessary," Izuru stared back at the white with pink cherry blossom pattern underwear.

"I guess we can wear the inner shirt of the reserve course uniform...?" Hajime theorized as Izuru donned the trunks. It unsurprisingly fits him.

"The AC is broken. We sleep naked," Izuru proposed, walking towards the bed. Chiaki made the wise decision to stay away from his side. "Get on the bed, Hajime."

"Why is the AC broken in this room-hey! Go sleep on the floor!" Hajime demanded as Izuru kicked a bolster to Chiaki's side. His twin, insecure over his upper body, wore a shirt contrary to his decision. However, the button-down only emphasized Hajime's well-toned thighs and ass if he turns- "Izuru! I don't know what you're thinking about, but stop it!"

"Come sleep in the middle," Izuru offered, ready to piss Chiaki further to the edge. 'This could be entertaining.'