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This is the last day of Hope's Peak Academy...the first academy I have ever promoted in to and graduated from there. It's been three whole years; three years where we had fun, we had despair...
...but at the end...hope always wins, doesn't it?
And I had the best three years in my life. Sure, there were some weird classmates here and there, but I didn't hesitate to meet them whatsoever. All I wanted to do is to meet new classmates...and have these three years the most greatest ones.
Even though I am a Reserve Course Student...it doesn't matter so much, that's what Chiaki told me.
As I woke up, feeling pretty freshed - but also kind of nervous because I'll graduate from Hope's Peak Academy - I went to do my needs and so on. I put on my uniform, thinking on how my classmates will react now that they're going to graduate.
As I step out of my bedroom, I head to the gymanisum, where I think every classmate would be, just to wait for our headmaster Monokuma.
"Man...when is Monokuma gonna come...?" I hear Kazuichi mumbling right after coming to the gymanisum. Everybody waits for Monokuma to come...but for what exactly?
Kazuichi turns around and notices me. He waves at me and I wave him back too.
"Hey, Hajime! How are ya doing?" He said, sounding pretty cheerful. I smile.
"I'm fine, thanks..." I look around and see some of my classmates talking or just straight up waiting. "...what are we waiting for, exactly? I-I know we're going to graduate today but still." I stumble a little bit on my words, since I am super nervous on the inside
"For Monokuma to show up and tell us somethin' I guess..." Kazuichi groaned at the end; it clearly looks like he's very bored. Peko notices his boredom too. "We just have to wait, don't be so impatient." She stated seriously as always. Kazuichi glared at her.
"I know, but we've been waiting for like- an hour now!"
"Actually, for 45 minutes." Peko corrected him. I start to wait for Monokuma too and look around. I see a focused Chiaki, playing on her Nintendo Switch. And a curious Nagito who watches Chiaki play. I went to them to see what are they up to.
"Oh, hey Hajime!" Nagito greeted, and Chiaki just waved me while she was playing. I lean on Nagito and whisper, to not nag her. "Wich game is Chiaki playing?"
"She's playing Floppy Bird." He replied, always with a warm smile on his face. Oh, I know Floppy Bird! I used to play when I was a kid; I always failed at playing it.
As I and Nagito watch Chiaki play the game, Monokuma out of nowhere -finally- shows up, and Chiaki failed on her 20th level as a GAME OVER screen shows up. She said a faint "oh" and started to pay attention to Monokuma.
We all started to pay attention to Monokuma, waiting for his response.
"Heeeello my beautiful students! Er... I mean..." He started sniffing and tearing dramatically. "...sniff, my young adults...!" Young adults? Kinda weird, coming from Monokuma. But he's right though, we are going to graduate after all, and that brings me shivers down to my spine...
"Y'all know that ya are going to graduate, yes?" We all nodded and said yeah. I hope it's something good coming from Monokuma...
"Well...I have been thinking that we all should a...graduation party!!!" Monokuma said, all exicted for us. We all became surprised, and later on we all cheered. I mean, who doesn't like parties?
Although...graduating from this academy is like I achieved something so important: hope. I may have no talent at all, but I hope myself I'll found one...I guess.
"Hey, Monokuma!" Ibuki shouted. "Caaaan Ibuki do a concert for this super awesome party?!" She asked, with sprinkles in her eyes. Monokuma stared at her.
"Hmm...let me think. Of course ya can! I don't teach ya anymore...but, it was fun while it lasted! Upupupupu~" Monokuma laughed.
I am glad that we're having a party, but I also feel bad because I am going to graduate, and who knows if I'll ever see my friends... but I don't need to be so pessimistic about that. Maybe I'll see my friends, who knows?
I noticed that Nagito is trying to study my face. "Hey, Hajime? Are you all right?" He asked me with a little worry. I suddenly get back to reality. Did I really just stand there and thought what I want to do with my life just now?
"Ah? Oh, uh, I'm all right... thanks Nagito." I feel Nagito's not convinced by my response. Of course he doesn't feel convinced, but shrugs it off anyway. I wish I could've replied with a more clear response.
I can feel everybody getting exicted like they're going to someone's birthday party or something. Don't get me wrong, I feel excited too, it's just...
"We'll all meet at 8 PM...sharp!" Monokuma said. We all understood and parted our ways to the canteen. Graduating already feels so early...but I had fun in this academy though.
Agh, what am I thinking about!? Why do I always have like this? I start to head to my own dormitory, lost in thoughts.
It's almost time to head out to the party! I look in the mirror one last time - just to adjust my bowtie and my hair. Speaking of myself...I look pretty nice. Well... that's what I think. Besides, I'm just gonna have fun, not worrying about how I am dressed.
As soon as I walk out of my dorm, I locked my room, and out of blue, I see Monokuma standing in front of me. I slightly startled.
"Upupupupu~ didn't exepect me to see ya?" He said, with a mischievous audactiy. I sighed softly.
"Y-yeah...I definitely didn't expect you to come here out of nowhere." I replied, feeling a little sinister. But why in the world is Monokuma here, anyway? Maybe...I am late for the party? No...I can't be.
"Did ya lock your room?" The bear asked.
"Yeah, I did." I replied, still feeling somewhat uneasy about him. Strange, coming out and check me...perhaps I'm not the only one who's been checked before going to the party.
"Did ya...bring any condoms~?"
He chuckles creepily. I start to blush so much, my face starts to look like an actual tomato. Why...did Monokuma have to bring this up...? It's not like I am going to...yeah, you get it already, don't you?
"I-I did not bring...!" I try to speak, but all it came out where only mumbles. "...any of those..." I mumbled sheepishly.
"Aww...how bad..." Monokuma grunted, feeling genuinely... sad...? I genuinely don't know...I think he's just trying to tease me.
"Welp, Hajime...what are ya waitin' for?! Go to the party, quick!!! Before Ibuki starts her long-awaited concert!!!" He shouted, and I nodded rapidly. I start running as fast as I can, without even saying goodbye to Monokuma.
Oh, Ibuki better not be starting her long-awaited concert without me...!
It took a lot of time to get here since I didn't know that there was a ballroom, so Monomi showed me around where it is. As I entered the ballroom, there were all the students, even my own classmates I know. I spot Chiaki and Nagito, and went along trying to get past of some students.
"Hey Chiaki, hey Nagito!" I greeted with a relaxed smile. The both spot me and smiled. "Hey Hajime!" Both Chiaki and Nagito said at the same time. And then I feel something at my back...agh! Of course, it's Ibuki...popping out of nowhere as usual.
"Hajimeeee! I've been waiting for you for soooo long!!!" Ibuki said, backing up after thrusting kind of hard onto my back; but I've been used to her behaivour. Ibuki once tried to chew my arm to test my strength...and it did hurt me. A lot.
I realized then that I am very weak, physically weak. But, I don't mind her, well...as long as she doesn't try to bite me again, that's for sure.
"Ah...so you haven't started the concert without me, then?" I asked in a little voice, even though everybody here is rambling and talking loudly all together. Ibuki made a confused face. "Whaaat? Of course not! Ibuki would never do such a thing like that!" She shaked her head and became even more enthusiasthic.
"Ooooh, now that Hajime's here, Ibuki can finally start her long-awaited ultra special concert for you all!!!" She shouted happily and then she stared at both Nagito and Chiaki. "Nagito, Chiaki, are ya ready too or nah?!"
"I am ready." Chiaki said, calmly as always. "Me too." Nagito said, scratching the back of his neck. He doesn't look very convinced, is he? I can already see by the look on his face; he awkwardly smiles and nods lightly.
Obviously, he doesn't tell some people when he's uncomfortable with one thing, because he thinks that it will make people sad. But he knows when he has the need to say no.
I'm overthinking as usual though, as I try to shake it off this thought and saw Kazuichi alone at the food table. I decided to go to him, since I'm curious what happened to him. As I was going to greet him, Kazuichi leaned over my chest.
Oh, I know what it is about. I know exactly what it is about.
Some days ago, he told me that he was going to confess to Sonia, even though Sonia completely knew that Kazuichi was in love with her. He asked me for some advices, since he believed I was Chiaki's girlfriend at the time...for some reason, wich that it totally not true.
I sighed, feeling kind of bad not telling him some advices before. "So, let me guess: Sonia didn't accept your confession, right?"
I started to feel my uniform soak with Kazuichi's big tears. Trying to back him over from my chest, his face is full of tears, like a waterfall to say at least. Now I really do feel bad for Kazuichi. He sniffled and nodded, putting his hands in his pockets.
"I even combed my hair to make it me look handsome for Miss Sonia!" He said in a loud voice, and then started to mumble something I didn't understand since everybody is talking over us. "Kazuichi, what did you say?" I asked him loud enough for him to hear me, but he shrugged his shoulders and started smiling.
"Oh well...this happened before, though."
Before? He had a crush before Sonia? And he never told me!? I mean...I'm not trying to pry anything, but that made me genuinely intrigued. Although, I don't want to jump in that topic. Kazuichi started sobbing again.
"I loved her...!" He hiccups through talking. I rub his back. Even though I can't relate to this, I still feel pretty bad for him. Damn it! I gotta say something to make him feel better!
"D-don't worry, you'll find another person who'll love you or vice versa!" I said, stumbling over some words -again- , since I'm not so good at giving love adivces. I've never really felt how it feels to be in love.
Kazuichi starts to look at me, with enormous tears rolling down on his cheeks, sniffling so loud, I can even hear from this rambling. I have no absolute idea what he's thinking about, but he probably thinks I did a bad job....
After a moment of silence, he began to chuckle, and takes off his glasses to scrub his eyes.
"Well...maybe Miss Sonia would change her mind one day for sure!!" He said, putting on his glasses back. I chuckled, Kazuichi sure does not give up so easily, huh?
"Ahaha...who knows..." I mumbled, most likely to myself.
Then, the lights turned off. The pop music turned off. Everything turned off.
All of us were confused, until one light was turned on at the stage, and that particular person is Ibuki! "Alright, everybody!" Ibuki caught everybody's attention. "Ibuki's been waiting for soooo long to finally start her long-awaited special concert for this night!"
She pulled the microphone more closely to her. "For today's concert, I'll sing y'all favourite song: I Squeezed Out The Baby, Yet I Have No Idea Who The Father Is!"
And so, the epic concert began.
Everybody seemed to love the concert. Huh, what about me? I loved it too, obviously! And so did Kazuichi, after he turned to his typical energetic-self. "Holy shit! That concert was soooo sick!" Kazuichi said, feeling all excited.
All of a sudden, I heard everybody shouting "Encore, encore!". I smiled and staring shouting too for more songs. Ibuki is definitely one of my favourite rock artists, and we are lucky to have her as both her fan, and a friend too!
Ibuki approached her microphone. "Y'all want more!?" She shouted. Everybody exclaimed cheerfully. Ibuki laughed and managed her guitar. "Aaaaallright! Let's sing number two out of my song list..."
I turned my head and saw Chiaki and Sonia talking about something. I can't quite hear what are they talking about, but I think that it's about Ibuki. And of course, Kazuichi saw Sonia.
"O-oh my gosh!!! It's...MISS SONIAAA!!!" He exclaimed, his eyes getting bigger once he sees her. Sonia turned her view to me and Kaz, and waved us. Chiaki so did too.
We both go to Sonia and Chiaki, until Kazuichi hugs Sonia all of a sudden. Why did he do that...?
"Miss Sonia...I'm sorry of being such a jerk to you..." He began apologizing to Sonia! Well, that's what I figured him to do anyway.
"I'm very sorry for all the...weird ass shit stuff I did when I was around you! Like drooling or and shit..." He stopped hugging Sonia, and looked away shyly. I've never seen him so shy like this! Where did all the confidence went, huh?
Then, surprisingly, Sonia hugged Kazuichi back pretty much heartwarmingly. They both back up and Sonia looks at Kazuichi's sincere sad face with a soft smile. "Kazuichi...I appreciate your apology..." She said, and starts to look away for a bit and continues
"...but I don't think that apologizing here is a great place to begin with. If you know what I mean!"
Kazuichi realized that me and Chiaki are staring at them, with our smiles fading into surprised faces. "It's nice how you realized what have you done, Kazuichi." Chiaki said, and I must agree with her: he really did.
Of course, I need to say something too! I can't just...leave it like this, I guess.
"Yeah...and sorry for staring at you two like that, heh." I said.
"Like what?" Chiaki asked.
"Uh... nothing."
I said as Chiaki shrugs, not knowing what I meant. It probably doesn't matter, anyway. I began to look at everyone: I see Akane stuffing with food as usual, Mikan and Mahiru talking, and...
...huh, I don't see Nagito anywhere. But he was here just now! I wonder where he went...why am I thinking about him all of a sudden!?
"I wonder where Nagito went..." I muttered out loud, even Chiaki heard me. She thought for a minute. "Who knows?" Chiaki finally spoke. "The last time I saw him was when Ibuki's concert began." While nodding, I'ma still thinking where he went.
But I shake my head and sigh softly. I guess I will find him by my own. I know all the aisles of this academy, after all. I may not...no, we may not understand each other a lot, and we may not be classmates, I still care about him.
I mean...uh, just...don't get the wrong idea, okay?
I started walking out until Chiaki grabs my hand. I stared at her, and she stared to me. "Want me to help you find Nagito?" She asked, trying to lend me a hand. I do understand that she wants to help me, but...
"I appreciate your help, but..." I mutter, but then I say clearly "...I can find him by myself. No big deal." Yeah, Hajime, no big deal.
Chiaki stared at me for a while and nodded. "Alright then." she replied. "I'll wait for you here, okay?" I nodded and went off to find Nagito.
I wonder where he went? This is our graduation party, and the last time we'll ever see...I think. I just... can't leave him like this.
No. Not anymore. He did distanced out of us a lot, but this time... he will not.
As I was going out from the ballroom, I head myself to the empty, notcurne halls. The moon was shining as ever, along with the cold, dark sky - filled with sparkling stars, dancing along with the dark atmosphere.
Anyway, I should head out to all the rooms. He needs to be somewhere. He must be somewhere. First off, I checked the music room, where the Ultimates who perform music - like Ibuki, as an example - but I didn't found him there.
Where in the world is Nagito Komaeda!? I checked everywhere. Well, except...outside. I ran outside as fast as I can, heading to the courtyard.
I start to slow down, and finally arrive to the courtyard. It is pretty spacious, in the middle there's a fountain with a bench in front of it. And around the courtyard, there are some big trees too.
While gasping for air, I'm looking up, and saw Nagito Komaeda sitting on a bench, gazing at the beautiful, dark sky. He notices me, of course.
I straighten myself up, and gulped soflty. We are classmates - more like, friends I guess - who we work sometimes together, or talk, or anything...but there's nothing special out of us.
Nagito says that I am similiar to him, but I don't really think so. The only similiar thing I can think of is that we both admire Hope's Peak Academy, and that's It. Understanding Nagito is a pain in the ass, but he's not acting like this on purpose. He's an...unique guy, if I had to describe him.
He distanced a lot in these years, especially the second year for some reason. Nagito doesn't talk a lot with us, because he fears that he will bring bad luck, if I remember correctly.
But this time, I will end it. I will make him feel reassured, make him feel like a normal human being. I know his traumatic backstory already made him feel bad, and that he always has a facade to hide his worries, but for now...I will try my hardest to understand Nagito better.
We realized that we've been staring at each other for a few minutes, and I nervously fix my bowtie.
"So, Hajime..." Nagito began talking, "...you noticed that I wasn't in the party, didn't you?"
"Well, yeah..." Drat it, this is getting awkward.
Talking with Nagito outside, with only the two of us - and now that we are going to graduate, I don't know how am I supposed to feel. Will Nagito be okay? Will he get better?
Anyway, shaking my head, I kept talking.
"Yeah, me and Chiaki noticed that you were gone after Ibuki's concert began." Finally feeling a little more confident, I began asking him a simple question, "Nagito. Did something go wrong? Are you...okay?"
Nagito looked over to the sky, and smiled. "Yes, I am. I just...don't like crowded spaces." I see that he fidgets his fingers. "And loud noises. I hate loud noises, it's giving me headaches."
Nagito sighed. "Although, I was kinda sad that I coudn't gather with you all, you know?" I nod, and say an audible "yeah".
"Why don't you sit down? Don't worry, I won't bite you!" Nagito said, with a little chuckle slipping trough his words. He's right. Why am I still standing here?
I went and sit next to Nagito. I can still feel more relaxed, just like the first time I ever met him, before knowing he's...well, mentally unstable. Nagito looks up to me.
"Speaking of gathering, how is the party going?" He asked, looking curious.
"Ah, it's pretty fun actually. But still..." My smile begins to fade into a frown. "It would've been more fun if you were... there, you know?"
For some reason, I started to blush lightly. I never talked like this... not with Nagito, for sure. He may be kind of weird, but without him, it just feels... off. Nagito stares at me for a second, and then smiles.
His smile. His smile makes me feel so much better. Like I am not the only one out of place... well, except he is an Ultimate student meawhile I am a Reserved Course student.
He is so lucky to have an Ultimate Talent. As if being lucky is a talent already... maybe it is, at some point.
"Really? Do you really miss a worthless scum like me?" He asks, but in a softer tone. I gulped soflty, and nodded. But... he's not worthless. And he is definitely not a scum.
That's what I think, I don't know what he really thinks of himself, but I know for one thing for sure that he is already worthy.
"Yes, Nagito." I admitted, feeling determined.
I do... miss him. I miss when he was there with Chiaki and me. His ramblings about hope were weird enough to make me uncomfortable but... Nagito really is a kind person. The worst part is that he doesn't mean to be... like that.
And his hope belief... where did he got it from? Only now I realized that there is something I want to really know. But I don't ask, I don't want to pry.
"Well... if you really say so." Nagito replies, looking surprised, yet confused.
"I think you're saying this just to make me happy. Don't you, Hajime?"
Ouch. That hurt.
"What...? No!" I raised my tone, but then I went more softer. "No... what I mean is that even I never really understood you, I still want to be friends with you. And no, this is not to make you happy. This is the truth, Nagito."
Nagito went silent. Silent as a mouse. He really didn't know what to say after I told him my truthful speech. He fidgets his fingers as if he wants to say something, but it won't come out.
I know how it feels.
The Ultimate Lucky Student looked up to the sky, and I did too. The stars really are pretty. We both went silent, I didn't know what to say too. But, being quiet is peaceful too. Well, not all the time though.
I moved my head to see Nagito. He really was invested at gazing to the stars. He almost looks like an astrologist. Nagito looks aloof, but he really is just a kind guy who tries to fit in. Or that's how I imagine, anyway.
Nagito sighed softly. "I always liked gazing at the stars," he began talking, still gazing at the stars. "Ever since I was a little hopeless kid, whenever I was sad, my father would drag me with him to gaze at the stars outside." Nagito then stares at me, with a smile I've never seen before.
A sad smile.
"I never told you this but," he lowered his voice down. "Whenever you're here with me... I feel at ease, you know... Hajime?" His cheeks blush with a slightly red colour.
Meanwhile I am there standing in awe by Nagito's words. Perfect.
"Nagito..." I really wanted to say something back, but saying already his name he knows already what I am about to say. Nagito reaches out to hold my cold hand.His hand is surprisingly warm.
We both stare at each other. We both don't know what to say... or rather, what should we say. But being in silence with Nagito isn't so bad like I thought. Nagito lowers his eyes for a moment, and sucks in air.
"Hajime. I really do want to stay with you." Nagito said out loud. "I really do. I think you and Chiaki are the only friends I could've asked for." I see he has some tears in his eyes, begging to come out.
Now that he mentions it... he is right. He won't live forever though, just for an amount of time. Thanks to his luck, he is still -somehow - alive.
"Even though we are going to be apart... we can still hang out together. Me, you and Chiaki. Just like the old times." I said, hoping I can make Nagito feel better. And understand him better.
I do care about him. Me and Chiaki care about him, and he should know that he is not alone. Again, we sat in silence. It is getting kinda dark for now- well, it is already -as we are stargazing the stars of the midnight sky.
Nagito bites his lips, and looks at me again. "Hajime... can I tell you something?" He asked, wishing for me to answer.
"Yeah, of cour-"
Before I can say anything, Nagito kisses me, with a pure, passionate feeling. He caresses my hands, with his warm, pale spidery hands.
I never expected my first kiss would be a boy.
A misunderstood boy named Nagito Komaeda.
He really wanted to kiss me. No, he needed. I don't know what to do; should I kiss him back? This feels so out of place, and I can't think straight anymore. But without thinking just like I usually do, I kissed him back. Nagito widened his eyes as a reply. But then, I broke the kiss. This is too much for me. For both of us.
We were panting. I was panting the most though, I really forced that kiss. Nagito chuckles for no reason whatsoever.
"You're good at this stuff, Hajime," he said trough short breaths. I simply just nodded. I never knew I wanted to kiss him that bad. Wait, what am I thinking of? What is this!?
"This is... for the first time ever." I replied, staring away instead at Nagito. We both were confused as hell. Do I really love him without knowing? No... it can't...
"Really? You sure?" Nagito asks, with a smirk plasted on his face. I turned my head to him, and nodded. Oh, yeah. He's joking. He can be so jokey sometimes, but most of his jokes are bad. But I still laugh at them.
At this point, I love him. I was unsure if I do love him or not, but I do. I love him and care about him. And I wish him the best help and support he has. We both smile like stupid boys we are.
Two boys who don't know their future yet.
I want to know Nagito better, and he feels the same way I do. But there is one question I want to ask.
"Nagito, why did you kiss me?" I asked, hoping he would answer. The pale boy looked away, looking kinda shy.
"I have always loved you. I don't know if it noticed already, but everytime you come, I feel much happier. Like I am not the only one who doesn't have a talent. And you are always so... helpful." He eventually admitted his love to me. I can't help but smile wider.
"Nagito..." I am at loss of words. I am speechless. Of course he was in love with me, but I never noticed it until now.
"I am so sorry for being so rude with you. I truly did not mean it."
"It's alright. I am used to it."
"... please, don't make this worse, Nagito." I hate it when he says that. Nagito laughs happily. He knows I love him.
Hell, even the party finished. It was nice knowing Nagito though. Me and Nagito look over the academy. I will sure miss this place a whole lot. We are holding hands, but I don't mind it.
"I wish you the best, Hajime." He said, with tears in his eyes. I gaze at him, and wash off his tears. "Me too. And don't forget that I will always care about you, okay?"
He nodded. And then, we saw our classmates walking out from the academy. I've seen Chiaki and Sonia together. Chiaki smiles at both of us. Oh, does she know what we did?
And alas, this is the last day of Hope's Peak Academy. And meeting and Nagito Komaeda.