Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Souda Kazuichi thought he hit the jackpot when his charismatic friends proposed that he could be their confidant. God. The Ultimate Mechanic should've wondered why Hinata Hajime sweetened the pot, receiving tips to improve his relationship with Sonia Nevermind. Kazuichi should've used his head on why Nanami Chiaki spent time in his research lab, happy that he wasn't alone.

One month.

After one fantastic month, Hajime pulled the curtains and shattered Kazuichi's happy high school life. Hajime considered his decision an act of kindness, pointing out that Chiaki's plan would influence the mechanic's life inside Hope's Peak Academy. The reason for the arrangement is that Hajime and Chiaki are schemers. They needed someone as an alibi, an accomplice to derail the detectives and chaotic third parties.

"I suggested we take Komaeda, but Nanami wasn't sure how his luck worked..." The reserve course student spoke to the mechanic, turning to face his friend after confessing his plan to make the reserve course department a 'FUN' program. "She didn't want him to ruin her plans, and I can't blame her. Komaeda is obsessed with talent, so it makes that his luck will manipulate his fixations."

"This... This isn't funny," Kazuichi fell on his knees, praying the brunette was playing an elaborate prank. The mechanic began to bite his nails, finally registering Hajime's words spoken to him while they transversed the latter's building basement. Kazuichi ignored the screams of joy and horror, wishing he'd never asked Hajime what he does as a hobby. "Quit it. It's not cool... Don't be crazy, man... That's impossible!"

"What are you talking about? Nothing is impossible for those willing to risk it all," Hajime humored him with several reserve course students scrutinizing Kazuichi's actions. Hajime offered his hand, smiling as he stood beside a grandiose throne with a rustic crown. "Come on. Let's be honest here. If Hope's Peak Academy doesn't give a flying fuck about the talentless, why should we keep playing society's damn rules?! That's right. I'll twist these rules and open everyone's eyes. We're making our future! It'll be fun, challenging, and dynamic. Don't you agree, Souda?"

Befriending Kuzuryu Fuyuhiko's sister, Kazuichi learned Hajime played kingmaker and constructed a student council within the reserve course. Kuzuryu Natsumi also praised the unofficial merit-based system for promoting skill cultivation, which was introduced to minimize the fixation of the students away from the main course and start their character development. Stumbling across Koizumi Mahiru's friend, Kazuichi eventually gave in and asked Sato how to utilize the controversial market setup within the reserve course department.

After all, the majority of the preparatory schools were either rich, above average in skills, or hardworking. The students were the future heads of their family's companies, utilizing their connections, wealth, and skills to remain inside the school. Hajime recognized the potential and made the department the hub of high society... All because Hajime lost admiration for Hope's Peak Academy and fell into a state of boredom.

"I'm glad Hinata-kun made the first move. His honesty and empathy is how I found him, an open book by the fountain waiting for that spark of hope..." The Ultimate Gamer explained, tricking Kazuichi into entering a secret passage somehow connected to her research lab. "I don't know if you're quiet because you trust us or shaken by the reforms Hinata-kun enacted, but I can only trust you to help me."

"Y-you can't be serious!" Kazuichi took a step back, rubbing his eyes at the next mind-blowing fact. He couldn't deny the truth, not when numerous monitors flickered open to reveal the different places within the entire school premises. Kazuichi took deep breaths, staring at the gamer tilting her head. "You can't just throw a truth bomb at me! I-I didn't ask for this!"

"I know, and I'm sorry. However, some people want to ruin our wonderful high school life!" Chiaki placed a hand across her chest, almost pleading for his cooperation. Kazuichi could also see the Ultimate Programmer typing by the side, conversing with the Ultimate Student Council Vice President. Hell! Kazuichi didn't expect Chiaki to also recruit the Ultimate Bodyguard. "Souda-kun. Please lend me your strength. If someone plans on manipulating our beloved school for their self-interest, then help me take the role of the villain and prevent this terrible ending!"

Kazuichi might be crazy, but he accepted the position Chiaki offered him. If Chiaki had spoken up before Hajime, Kazuichi wouldn't have taken the burden. Seriously, Kazuichi would take the lesser evil between his friends... Until the mechanic learned Chiaki's actions were extremely dubious. Monitoring the main course, staff, faculty, and even outsiders, Kazuichi wouldn't have learned about the underground and unethical human research facility. Fujisaki Chihiro was also a very amazing junior, who deserves the world... It's just too bad Chiaki labeled the guy as her successor.

Anyways, Ikuta Kotomi was the one who caused Chiaki to go astray, being the woman who discovered how easily it was for Hope's Peak Academy to plummet straight to chaos. The vice president made requests for improved security protocols and tightened outsider entry and substance control. Sadly, Hope's Peak was too busy with this mysterious [Hope Cultivation Project]. With the shady project taking and killing reserve course students one by one, the secret group formed out of necessity to prevent the fall of their school...

Chapter Text

"What did I get myself into?" Kazuichi spoke to himself, walking along the courtyard to clear his head. It's been three full months since he discovered the ups and downs of his new epic friendship trio. If Kazuichi could make a time machine, he'd go back in time to smack his past self for accepting the deal. 'Sure, Hinata won't be pinned as the culprit for causing the reserve course to become some dystopia... But those guys might be better than the staff due to their cut-throat attitude and lack of hesitation.'

'Now that I think about it, Hinata's system is better than Nanami-san's activities. Hinata ain't monitoring people without consent, but I'm the one working under Nanami-san!' Kazuichi clutched his head, realizing he got blinded by Hajime's strangely effective methods to improve skill, and took Chiaki's uncertain and dubious job. 'No! I didn't do anything wrong! Nanami-san is doing this to make sure no crazy person like Komaeda ruins our high school life! Unlike Hinata's plan, Nanami-san's job is temporary. It'll end once we graduate!'

"Yeah... I did the right thing," Kazuichi told himself, still debating whether to tell Fuyuhiko that his sister is unnaturally proficient with BDSM. Then again, he'd also need to disclose to Mahiru about her friend being part of the inquisition group for rule breakers.

"Arghh! Why is this so difficult?!" Kazuichi looked up at the sky, wishing he had all the answers. Hajime has an obvious reason why he's doing things, but Chiaki is merely preparing a theoretical threat. Kazuichi also feared his friend would utilize his creations for nefarious deeds. Kazuichi internally wished he could just spectate his friend's actions to avoid liability, but Chiaki had a point. 'Hope's Peak recruits those with talent, regardless of the crazy levels!'

"What the hell are you doing, Souda?!" A familiar angry voice made Kazuichi look at the source of the sound, seeing his class' new Class Representative walk in his direction. When Chiaki stepped down from her position, Fuyuhiko took the job and performed better than everyone expected. "And are you free? I need your help."

"Kuzuryu. Komaeda. Kamukura. What's up?" Kazuichi smiled, hoping he didn't ruin the reputation he built half the semester. The mechanic learned a lot of stuff from Hajime and Chiaki, building his rapport with others. Hell. The two offered and helped him get a date with Sonia Nevermind. Kazuichi was on cloud nine and went straight to purgatory because of his nosiness. 'Now that I know my friends are masterminds, I don't want to cause any more problems!'

"You know how to play poker?" Komaeda Nagito asked, dragged by the arm of the yakuza heir. Kamukura Izuru was dragging his feet, so this entire thing must be Fuyuhiko's plan. The Ultimate Lucky student explained. "Kamukura-kun won't come with us for this coming Summer camp unless we beat him in a game."

"And you think poker is the best game for that guy?!" Kazuichi pointed at the Ultimate Hope, the new transfer student of Class 77-B. According to Yukizome-sensei, Izuru is beloved by talent... Which meant he could perform all his talent. Tragically, Kazuichi connected the information he got between Hajime and Chiaki to discover Izuru might be... The first successful human test subject of the Hope Cultivation Plan. Knowing more than he should, Kazuichi shook his head at the futility. "I don't know man. If you need a win, ask Celestia."

"I can't. She's already out of the country to win big in Vegas. I've searched for our classmates, but they're probably preparing to sleep..." Fuyuhiko shook his head, finally letting go of the lucky student and transfer student. The yakuza heir set the deck of cards on the nearby table. "Come on. This is the last day to convince this fucker."

"Uh... Ok?" Kazuichi scratched the back of his head, forgetting his sense of time. All he wanted was to take a stroll for some fresh air. He also needed to think of a device to gather evidence and intel for the Steering Committee members. Kazuichi walked towards the table, debating whether to call Chiaki. Chiaki might have a fighting chance here as a gamer. 'However, she's probably with Fujisaki.'

"Should we make this game more interesting?" Nagito asked, and Kazuichi no longer understood the word 'interesting' after witnessing whatever transformations Hajime did to those once ambitionless students. "We can bet anything, and the winner takes all."

"Ha? We ain't stopping until we get Kamukura's consent," Fuyuhiko glared at their self-sabotaging friend. Kazuichi checked his clothes, learning his fashion sense to stop wearing the same clothes every day.

"This is the only way to strengthen our hope!" Nagito explained, but Kazuichi would rather jump a cliff than believe in the 'only way' mentality that caused him to work under Chiaki in the first place.

'Great cause but terrible execution...' Kazuichi rested his arms on the table, watching the gangster shuffle their cards. 'Whatever. I can get through this.'

"There you are. I was looking all over for you," Hajime's voice made Kazuichi slowly turn to see the reserve course student stand before him. Resting one arm on his hip, the brunette must've realized the terrible state of the game. Kazuichi knew Hajime didn't care if the former told everyone about his plans because no one would believe him. It's a blessing and a curse that Kazuichi believed Hajime truly wanted him for friendship alone, merely sharing his findings and accomplishments when asked. "Playing poker with an empty pocket?"

"It was out of the blue. What's up?" Kazuichi recently folded his card for today's round, hoping his friend didn't grow bored of the reserve course to start world domination. Kazuichi also prayed Chiaki didn't discover more terrifying activities initiated by Hope's Peak. Learning your institution doing scandalous deeds left a sour taste in his mouth. "You need something?"

"I just thought it would be a great idea to have a sleepover. You and Nanami are going to leave tomorrow for that summer vacation, right?" Hajime pointed out, which made Kazuichi feel bad- No. Kazuichi suddenly recalled the moment he witnessed Fuyuhiko's sister sitting on a man's back with guys fanning her to shut his guilt. Hajime's influence has opened the doors to a series of problematic moments. Hajime crossed his arms. "Hey. I don't know what you're thinking, but that's not my fault."

"What's going on here?" Chiaki's voice made Kazuichi turn towards his school building, aware the gamer would emerge from some secret passage to converse with the programmer. Chiaki yawned, "Don't forget... *yawn* The school implemented curfew hours. Something about the reserve course being sketchy."

"Don't get me wrong. I'm not going to defend my department, but what if it's a skill issue on the part of security?" Hajime humored, and Kazuichi clenched his teeth. Since Kazuichi and Chiaki were Hajime's friends, they're pretty sure the reserve course department was training superhumans or something! Don't get Kazuichi to start talking about the quality of goods in the market, and these guys are using barter/service exchange. "Right. Can we have a sleepover tonight? The next time I'll see you two would be after a month."

"Aww... Of course, we can have a sleepover! Let's wait for Souda-kun to finish his game," Chiaki agreed, sitting beside the mechanic to analyze the state of the game. "What are you guys gambling for? Souda-kun. I think it's a death sentence fighting against two guys with Luck Ex."

"I mean yeah but.." Kazuichi wasn't sure how to explain the goal Kuzuryu Fuyuhiko imposed on him and Nagito. Fortunately, the three males were focused on the current session to notice Hajime and Chiaki. "We're trying to get Kamukura to lose in poker, so he can come with us during Summer camp."

"Summer break.." Chiaki nodded, having stepped down from the position for Fuyuhiko to take the position of Class representative. Chiaki muttered, "Hm... Do you have any plans for the summer, Hinata-kun?"

"The reserve course has a short summer break, so I'm thinking of visiting my Grandfather to finish some tests. Why?" Hajime sat on the other side of Kazuichi's chair, examining the gadgets, cash, and food claimed by the Ultimate Hope. Today was the last day of the consent forms before the camping trip, and Kamukura Izuru hadn't expressed his intentions to join the class.

"Can you stay at school and watch over the hamsters?" Chiaki nicknamed the student council members as hamsters for some reason. Kazuichi wasn't sure if Chiaki shared intel with Hajime because he rarely saw the brunette travel inside the main building. "Please? I don't want them to die."

"... I'll send him a message," Hajime relented, curious about Chiaki's plans. Kazuichi wiped his sweat, hoping Hajime didn't end up being the very thing Chiaki feared. Hajime showed subtle signs of hating Hope's Peak Academy, aware of the success and failure rate of the Hope Cultivation Project. Hajime was dropped out of the program because he saved Natsumi and Sato, getting penalized for his heroism.

...

"Ha... We lost..." Nagito sighed once Kamukura Izuru revealed a royal flush. The albino perked, seeing Chiaki sitting beside him. "It's nice to see you, Nanami-san! What brings you here?"

"We only need the mechanic," Hajime spoke, making Nagito drop his cheerful disposition to glare at the amused reserve course. Based on their talk, Kazuichi was relieved Hajime befriended everyone without a mask... Which made it all the more terrifying that Hajime had no ulterior motive for his actions other than boredom. "Hi, Komaeda."

"Hinata-kun. You're here... How unlucky," Nagito sighed for the second time, tolerating Hajime's presence since everyone is friends with the guy. Hajime had yet to meet Izuru, but the male disclosed a woman calling dibs on this person. Kazuichi wasn't sure if the dibs system was about Hajime creating a future harem or Hajime searching for pawns for his entertainment.

"Is that all?" Izuru asked, and Kazuichi looked at both Hajime and Chiaki for help. Chiaki stepped down from her position because of her new seatmate, and Hajime professed to do general research on the guy this week.

"How many times am I going to tell you that we ain't stopping until you lose!" Fuyuhiko is determined to either trigger Nagito's luck to win or tire Izuru to give up. It's too bad Kazuichi sucks at playing card games.

"But Kuzuryu-kun... As much as Souda-kun and I wish to help you in your endeavors, we don't have anything left," Nagito apologized, also not coming prepared to face the secret boss of Hope's Peak Academy. Nagito picked up his Dr. Hopper, taking a sip.

"I said we're not done yet," Fuyuhiko shuffled the cards, staring at the newcomers. Kazuichi hoped they keep a low profile. Kazuichi was too deep in the hole, and people would assume his intentions were as crazy as his friends. "Hinata. Nanami. Want to help out?"

...

"I guess we can try, but I don't think the outcome will change..." Chiaki tapped her cheek, aware of her seatmate's capabilities-

"Sure," Hajime rested an arm on Kazuichi's shoulder, and Kazuichi was almost tempted to see if Hajime had some hidden cards under his sleeves. "Can we ask for a loan, Kuzuryu?"

"Cash is irrelevant," Izuru rejected, sorting out the prizes in a matter of seconds.

"Ok... As an initial bet, I fork over my Funplane to Komaeda-kun," Chiaki placed on the table, but Kazuichi leaned back for the gamer to share a look with Hajime.

"Nanami-san! I don't think I'm good enough to defend your precious item..." Nagito raised his hands, aware of how much Chiaki adored the newly released game console.

"What about you, Hinata-kun? What would you give to keep Souda-kun playing?" Chiaki smiled, and Kazuichi wished he wasn't sitting between these two.

"What do I have?" Hajime checked his clothes, thinking about what to offer. Hajime eventually pulled out a small pouch, setting it on the table. Kazuichi hoped whatever Hajime planned to say wasn't what he thought he'd say. "Drugs."

"Oh, thank god!" Kazuichi accidentally blurted while Nagito spat out his Dr. Hopper. Kazuichi knew what that was, having heard Natsumi brag about the new item.

"Is that even legal?" Chiaki tilted her head.

"It's a prototype from the Ultimate Pharmacist. According to those who take it, the drug will improve recovery rate on external wounds..." Hajime explained, judging Kazuichi's reaction. "This should be enough?"

"Is that all you have to offer?" Izuru pondered, making Hajime turn towards the picky ultimate.

"No wonder that bitch-" Hajime muttered under his breath, which was why Kazuichi covered his mouth.

"Don't worry. I'm sure everything will work out. Start distributing the cards, Kuzuryu-kun!" Chiaki cheered, suddenly turning her head when a stranger emerged from the bushes and handed Hajime a bag. "Huh?"

"Text message," Hajime opened the bag, checking the items. "Fuck. Wrong bag."

"Dude... You don't want to make fights with this guy," Kazuichi warned Hajime because he truly does see the latter as a friend. They share their own set of problems, arguing and getting back together for the dumbest of reasons. It's only this semester that the mechanic learned Hajime's lowkey crazy.

"Souda-kun is right. A talentless nobody like you should pay attention to the skill gap," Nagito told Hajime, wiping his mouth. Hajime pursed his lips, keeping his silence-

"I should've confessed to you sooner," Hajime's unfiltered thoughts slipped, and Kazuichi wondered if he should create a gag. Never mind. A stunned Nagito was a good thing. Hajime looked away from his black bag, "Ah well. I'll go for Naegi."

"Don't go for our junior. I'm the only one you need..." Chiaki pouted, being the one who picked Kazuichi's cards. Hajime rolled his eyes while Nagito stared at his cards. The gamer checked her cards, asking. "How many rounds are we going for here?"

"Bet," Izuru set a portion of his haul, unfazed by anything.

"Let me see..." Hajime leaned against Kazuichi, and the mechanic saw diamonds. "It doesn't matter. Komaeda is going to win in the end."

"If he doesn't?" Chiaki asked, pulling out another game console.

"Oh. He will. I have absolute faith in him," Hajime searched for something before it reached Kazuichi's turn.

"I don't want to hear that from you. Call," Nagito disliked the way Hajime depended on him, placing a unique 'Rose In Vitro' from Chiaki's pocket.

"Call?" Kazuichi wondered what was inside the folder Hajime set on the table. It read [Detective Library Exploits].

"What the hell is that?" Fuyuhiko removed a wristwatch worth more than the Game Girl.

"J-just a bunch of b-bedtime stories..." Hajime gave the worst lies known to man, sweating. "If Komaeda wins, can I have these back?"

"If you lick the bottom of my shoes, I will consider..." Nagito thought about it.

"That's too harsh, Komaeda-kun. We can ask Hinata-kun after you lose.." Chiaki comforted while Fuyuhiko finally set down the community cards.

"Bet," Izuru pushed more of his hoard pile.

"... Call," Nagito hesitantly placed Chiaki's Game Girl on the center of the table.

"That better not be drugs," Fuyuhiko warned, which made Hajime hide a vial he pulled out. "Jesus, Hinata. Where are you getting them?"

"Call?" Kazuichi didn't expect Hajime to yank out another folder from the black bag. Now, it's stating the words [Blackmail to control Class 77-A]. "Bro?! What the hell?"

"Listen. This bag..." Hajime couldn't articulate his words, and Kazuichi wondered if this was the power of dual luck. Hajime gave another terrible lie. "It's not mine. I p-promise?"

"How the fuck... That's not a call! You raised the bet!" Fuyuhiko complained.

"No no. It's not verified, so they're just... rumors," Hajime couldn't look Fuyuhiko in the eyes, so his BS is running low.

"... Fine," Fuyuhiko set down a fancy blade. "Call."

...

"Maybe you should stick to drugs?" Chiaki thought, watching the yakuza heir set the fourth card.

"Yeah. You can bet the drugs next round," Fuyuhiko explained, watching Izuru push more of his hoard towards the center.

"Bet," Izuru is staring at the pile in interest.

"Are you sure we can't fold?" Nagito asked, watching Chiaki remove her cat hoodie.

"It's okay. If we lose, Hinata-kun owes us big time," Chiaki explained, and Kazuichi could see the brunette clutching his hand.

"Can I take back my words?" Hajime asked, suddenly realizing what was at stake.

"Call," Nagito set down Chiaki's item, Kazuichi just mumbled his words before setting down a questionable vial. At least it's almost over.

"Call. You guys still have one more item to give?" Fuyuhiko asked, setting down a USB.

"My panties," Chiaki said without hesitation, and Nagito crushed his Dr. Hopper can. "I have nothing left. I didn't come prepared for this secret challenge."

"Wait. That's too precious. How the hell are we going to top that?" Hajime also admitted to being a panty theft or something. Then again, Kazuichi agreed with him. A girl's panties are valuable. Fuyuhiko set down the last card.

"..." Izuru pushed all of his hoards, staring at Nagito and Chiaki.

"... Don't. Please. We get it. You can remove your panties if anyone other than me wins, okay?" Nagito negotiated before Chiaki could stand up. "Call."

"It had to be panties..." Hajime pulled out his phone, setting it on the table and still searching for something else to give. "How much is Souda's boxers-"

"None. No value. Yes, your boxers have no value either," Nagito predicted what Hajime was about to say. Hajime checked the bag, searching for something.

"Uh..." Hajime laid down two folders labeled - [Blackmail to the Steering Committee] and [Blackmail to the Student Council Body]. "Not mine but uh... It looks important."

...

"Is this a raise or a call?" Kazuichi asked, staring at the phone and the folder.

"... Call?" Hajime is sweating bullets. Fuyuhiko is judging the brunette.

"Are panties that valuable?" Chiaki inquired.

"Hinata-kun. You do know this is the first time you've met Kamukura-kun, right?" Nagito asked, feeling secondhand embarrassment. "You've established yourself as a pervert. Forever."

"I have never been so glad to be at the bottom of the food chain then..." Hajime covered his face.

"You sure we can win this if I don't fold?" Fuyuhiko asked.

"Yep." Hajime agreed, still bowing his head. "This will also be the last time I play poker."

"Alright. Peko's panties. Call," Fuyuhiko revealed his cards, smirking. "Show your cards. You better have won, Komaeda."

"P-peko's panties?!" Kazuichi choked on his saliva while Chiaki laughed at the bravery.

"I don't think we... We won?" Nagito set down the cards to see and discover that Izuru's hand is slightly lower than his. "How is this possible?"

"Why do I feel disappointed for some reason?" Chiaki exhaled, and Hajime judged his best friend. "Oh well."

"Told you so. Come on, Kamukura. You're going whether you like it or not," Fuyuhiko told the new enrollee, grabbing back his stuff. 

"Understood," Izuru conceded defeat.

"I don't believe it..." Nagito is too used to failure around Izuru. "Maybe Kamukura-kun felt pity on us?"

"No. Kuzuryu had the right mindset. Your luck accumulated in the past rounds, so you're going to win eventually..." Hajime tentatively grabbed the folders and his phone back. "I'm gonna need these because they're not mine. You can keep the drugs, Komaeda."

"But what does the purple vial do?" Nagito wondered while Chiaki grabbed her items.

"It makes a guy feel the pain of giving birth," Hajime shoved the folders in the bag.

"Huh?" Nagito asked, tentatively taking the vials. "Wait. Why would you have that on you and why is it half-empty?"

"It was a dare," Hajime gave enough context to learn the brunette was dumb. That might be the reason why no one could have guessed Hajime was a manipulator. He's foolish half the time.

"Why are you such a dumbass?" Fuyuhiko scolded his sister's friend. Kazuichi is grabbing his stuff, having mixed feelings when Hajime tossed the bag towards the bush. A guy suddenly emerged from the bushes to run away. "At least Natsumi is teaching you the ropes."

"Kuzuryu is pretty helpful," Hajime stood up, tugging Kazuichi so they could escape potential interrogation. "We had enough fun. Nanami. Let's sleep in Souda's place tonight."

Chapter Text

"Hinata... Why are you baking cookies at..." Kazuichi calculated the estimated time, almost forgetting the brunette also made cream puffs. "You only had five hours of sleep. You sure you're okay?"

"I always wake up early... So I prepared an impromptu party to send my amazing friends off to the wilderness..." Hajime removed the apron, still thinking about what happened yesterday. Hajime has never encountered something that bad, having grown too used to Nagito's luck that he lowered his guard. Hajime's words confirmed the mechanic's suspicions, covering half his face. "New rule. Don't ask for my help if Kamukura Izuru is involved. Do you know what a pyrrhic victory is? Yeah. That's what I feel... I don't mind if it's someone as pretty as Komaeda or as cute as Naegi, but that guy? Fuck no! It's like standing in front of a judge weighing my sins."

"Don't say that! Kamukura-kun is very handsome, but he rarely fixes his appearance." Chiaki yawned, hugging her pillow. Kazuichi remained sitting on the bed, staring at the early bird and the night owl back and forth. "Although, I will admit Kamukura-kun lacks some level of individuality. He mimics people to a certain extent, but mostly observes people and fulfills some of the requests."

"I don't know if analyzing that ultimate will help you, but Kamukura Izuru seemed to have undergone extreme conditioning in the physical and psychological sense," Hajime used a spatula to remove the cookies from the tray. "Sacrificing individuality to embody perfection, the Ultimate Hope is nothing but a puppet of Hope's Peak Academy. I guess his relative freedom is because of Principal Kirigiri?"

"That would explain why the Headmaster visited the Steering Committee room before the school year began..." Chiaki muttered, closing her eyes once more. Kazuichi got off his bed, scratching his back. "What time is it?"

"Seven. You need to leave in thirty minutes, or Yukizome-sensei will barge into this bedroom.." Hajime continued flipping his cookies, so Kazuichi reached out to grab one of the creampuffs. "Last time that happened, you rolled on top of me to prevent others from seeing the other elephant in the room."

"If it works, it works..." Chiaki pushed the chick's pillow before sitting up. Kazuichi picked up a cookie, deciding to taste all of the food before offering some to Sonia and Gundham. Once the mechanic experimented on his fashion sense and tried new habits, he somehow gained a new perspective for the Ultimate Animal breeder. Maybe it's because Kazuichi experienced hanging out with Sonia, but Tanaka Gundham wasn't a bad guy-

"Welcome to club bisexuality, where guys and girls are indeed hot." Hajime interrupted his thoughts, pouring hot water inside a mug. The brunette held a mixing spoon, making green tea for everyone. Kazuichi might as well label Hajime a mindreader with the amount of quips the brunette had over everyone. "After discovering your bisexuality, you're going to sort your feelings and not deny about them... Do I make myself clear?"

"Huh? Who is Souda-kun crushing on? Which guy? I need details!" Chiaki gained vitality, gaining a hobby of shipping people with one another. "I can help you arrange a threesome-? I know who it is. Yes. Finally. We can do this. The pink sandwich ship!"

"The pink what now?" Hajime echoed what Kazuichi's head wanted to say. "What the hell is a pink sandwich? Are you talking about beetroot fillings? Wait... Is Souda the pink in the sandwich? Who are the bread slices?"

"Huh? HUH?!" Kazuichi suddenly imagined the scenario, but how would that happen?! Kazuichi refused to think of the sequence of events, shaking his head. Chiaki is weird. He should've known better. 'I should've told her I was helping Hinata! I've fucked my entire school year life!'

"Sonia-san and Tanaka-kun are the bread slices," Chiaki confirmed Kazuichi's suspicions, and the mechanic decided that he preferred the cookies more than the cream puffs. The tea works better with the cookies. "Yes... I can work with this dynamic. You can trust me with your life, Souda-kun."

"No. Hinata. Help me out here!" Kazuichi refused to let the gamer control his decisions over something he discovered today! Hajime looked away, pretending he heard nothing. "Hajime! We're soul brothers, remember?!"

"Are you sure? You'd experience a ton of kinks if you hook up with those two..." Hajime muttered, and Kazuichi stared at the guy as if he had grown another head. This is all because of Hope's Peak Academy! If they didn't break Hajime so badly, Hajime wouldn't have changed into this experimental chaos goblin! Hajime frowned, staring at Kazuichi. "You love to badmouth me. What type of best friendship is this?"

"One that desperately needs help from the other best friend!" Kazuichi pointed at Chiaki already typing something in her tablet. "Make her stop! I can deal with my love life on my own!"

"No, you can't." Hajime didn't sugarcoat, voice blank and spitting out the troublesome truth. "We spent weeks building your self-esteem, correcting your mindset, and helping you try new things without experiencing the negativities of the world. If we leave you alone, the chances of you getting together in a threesome would be around your late thirties. Your fear of rejection and abandonment is why you make mistakes."

"You don't have to say it that way!" Kazuichi spoke after taking a drink, itching to have a can of Coke. It's too bad Hajime offered him a drink before he could pull one out from his mini fridge.

"Let me try again. If you're between the two of them, you'll feel insecure about your position. You think you're unworthy of their attention and pile up stress and guilt. That's why you need third-party intervention," Hajime picked a cream puff, staring at the strawberries he sliced and placed on the dessert. "Whether to smack you to your senses or as an outlet for your troubles, Nanami and I will make your life a bit more interesting."

'Is this despair or hope? I don't know what to feel...' Kazuichi stared at the table, clutching his mug. Hajime isn't wrong, but he shouldn't be right. Kazuichi feels like his life is under a magnifying glass by his friends, but he can't deny he needs help. His life before entering Hope's Peak Academy was almost a disaster, creating solutions that never satisfied him. He builds and repairs, but the outcome is never the same in a sense. 'Like the Ship of Theseus.'

"I'm sorry, but I don't want my friends to resent me. Unlike Hinata-kun who somehow knows what you're thinking, I'm only trying to help. If you don't want me to do anything, you can tell me and I'll stop..." Chiaki looked away from her tablet, allowing Hajime to stuff a bite-sized cream puff in her mouth. "Souda-kun. Don't be mad at us. We're only trying to help you as a best friend."

"Urgh..." Kazuichi wasn't sure what to say to that. He should be happy, but if he said something to confirm those words... Hajime and Chiaki can use his words to prevent him from stopping whatever plans they have for the future!

"By the way, can I see the blackmail you got for the Steering Committee?" Chiaki asked, facing Hajime.

"Most of those things are unverified, so I'll give you the real deal once you come back," Hajime popped a cream puff in his mouth. Speaking with his mouth partially full, Hajime continued. "Even if they're lies, those statements will lead us to the truth. Those bastards can't hide their weaknesses forever."

"I hope the truth is as interesting as Sakakura-kun. I do love a good one-sided love," Chiaki sipped her beverage, nodding sagely. Kazuichi sat down, pretending and yet still unable to forget the compiled information gathered by the reserve course towards the Head of Security. Sakakura Juzo is gay - A closet gay for Yukizome-sensei's lover.

"No! They're old and wrinkly scientists who don't deserve good things. You need to have standards, Nanami. You have so many hot people around you. Don't focus on the worst people!" Hajime scolded the gamer. Kazuichi agreed but chose to remain silent. He'll grab another cookie then. Aw, man. Hajime made limited goods.

"Fine..." Chiaki munched on a cookie, checking the clock. "Oh. It's seven twenty now. Time passes by so quickly."

"Yes, I will watch over your hamsters. I heard they're planning to stay in Hope's Peak for some reason..." Hajime leaned against the counter, tapping against the table. "I think I'll even see that woman again."

"Who's that woman by the way? Kuzuryu-san told me about it. That girl who calls dibs on Kamukura-kun?" Chiaki tilted her head. Kazuichi stood up, heading towards his workstation to start dumping some of his creations in his bag. He was already ready for the field trip, but he had a feeling he'd need some of these things down the road.

"I didn't know you're that close with Kuzuryu?" Hajime drummed his fingers, chatting with the gamer. Kazuichi glanced at the bag of her friend. It's filled with some necessities and Chiaki's Game Girl. It's pretty basic stuff. Hajime eventually spoke. "I don't know if she's saying that because she likes him or wants to use him but~ That woman can't be expelled through ordinary means. She's one of those recruited by the Steering Committee themselves."

"A girl that received a VIP treatment?" Chiaki asked, and Kazuichi could already imagine the list of devices the gamer would ask of him. "That's super suspicious. Who's the woman?"

"It's Enoshima Junko- Souda. Open the door," Hajime told Kazuichi who went over to open the door.

"Good morning, Kuzuryu and Komaeda! I packed you cookies and cream puffs..." Hajime's voice lost its joy, seeing the Ultimate Hope right behind them. "Really?"

"I'm sorry. I'm not here to waste time with the likes of you, Hinata-kun." Nagito smiled while Fuyuhiko gave a hand signal.

"..." Hajime crossed his arms, leaning close to Chiaki to ask something.

"You guys can come in. I'm almost done packing," Kazuichi waved his arm, returning to his bag and hearing Chiaki's words.

"Hinata-kun. I think Komeada-kun likes Kamukura-kun," Chiaki whispered when Kazuichi grabbed their bags. "If you want to woo the cloud, you need to seduce the seaweed."

"Alas... My one-sided love with Komaeda will forever be unrequited..." Hajime sighed, making Nagito shake his head. Someday, Kazuichi will ask Hajime if the latter truly likes the albino.

'Or is Hinata's admiration like with Hope's Peak?' Kazuichi zipped his bag. 'Is it the intellectual discussions like Nanami-san?'