Chapter Text
A new term has started, and the school’s dormitory knows it. Floors that were kept squeaky-clean for a good couple of weeks were now bearing the weight of the kid’s luggage that had accompanied them during their winter break, spent away from school. Stories of family reunions, Christmas gifts, New-Years fireworks incidents, and snowy getaways created a harmonious, never ending noise that echoed around the dorm’s lobby. If the building had a formal, overall capacity, it was definitely being exceeded by a deviation of maybe triple that number due to the crowd.
You’d think such a prestigious school would have a better logistical view of how they’d handle the one day students are allowed to be re-submitted into the dorms, before the first official day of school; just a thought.
Makoto had hauled his basic set of luggage-and-backpack all the way from the cab which had kindly drove him to the school from the train station. Unlike last year, when his parents and sister had driven around 3 hours to the city to formally send him off to this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, the expense and time it would take to accomplish that just didn’t really let it come into fruition. While forming a wonky line at the school’s reception, he’d absent-mindedly noticed the lilac hair of a fellow classmate (and friend, according to him) aiming for the very same line he was in.
“Oh, hi Kirigiri-san! Did you have a good winter break?” Makoto sparked at her, casually but in confidence.
But, he was then grabbed by the collar…?
“Where were you all this time?!” Kyoko demanded in the tone of an interrogation.
….what is even happening right now…?
“W-Wait I’m confused here! I’ve been at home in the countryside with my parents all this time, had something happened?!”
Maybe it’s not the answer Kirigiri is looking for, but it certainly serves as a clue to the situation. So, she loosens her gloved fists, and slightly softens her still-stern voice. What a pro…!
“Of course, I did figure you’ve been with your family throughout this winter break. What I mean is, you’ve been unresponsive through text for almost three weeks, and hadn’t heard a single word from you since mid-December. I’m not going to take offense to that quite yet, but I do wish to know if you were purposely ignoring your phone.”
“Ohh, haha ok that makes sense. Well, this is kind of awkward, and it’s definitely my fault.”
An exasperated breath escaped, from both nose and mouth. This was either a tiresome tale, or embarrassing to share.
“You see, on Christmas Eve, I accidentally slipped on an icy part of the road while carrying some gifts we’d bought while shopping with my sister, and I landed butt-first on the pavement …Let’s just say my phone didn’t do a good job at softening the landing, at all. I was originally going back to the shops to see if my savings were enough to buy a new one, but my sister had angrily insisted we didn’t do that. Turns out, her and my parents had bought me a new phone already as a Christmas gift, and luckily, it was the one I had managed to catch before falling. Anywho, after a light-hearted laugh and disappointment at the ruined surprise, I was gifted a new phone! But the old one was far from being salvageable, so I couldn’t transfer my data over or my contacts, and had to switch phone numbers. Sorry I didn’t let you know about it…”
–
Well, if that’s not the look of unamused shock, it’s hard to say what else Kirigiri was expressing at that moment once she’d finally returned to her default prose and attitude.
“Alright, I understand then, no worries. I do have to wonder however, did it never cross your mind to check your email for any communication with anyone outside of your parents and sister about this?”
A solid, sensible, and accessible solution it would’ve been. Man, why did he not think of that?
“Gotta be honest, it never even crossed my mind. I haven’t checked my inbox since we got out of here for break, oopsies.”
No use for further discussion, then. Naegi-kun was clearly at fault for not having the mental capacity to try to let his friend know about his no-longer-available phone or number, not even by fax. But, what’s important is that nothing horrible had actually happened, and that aching feeling of unknown danger was for nothing. Kirigiri is unfortunately not a stranger to such thoughts, so it’s only natural it came to it.
If it ever comes to a next time, she’ll definitely do something far less morally correct to reach contact. For now, Kyoko will just settle with reminding him how he’d gone zero-contact with her throughout winter break, even after he insisting they’d maintain regular communication throughout.
“I’m really sorry Kirigiri-san, I don’t know what else to say. I figured it’d be fine, and that I could just explain myself once we’d go back from break.”
Though seemingly annoyed, something in her mind allowed for her to let go of the whole thing.
“...It’s not that deep, I just figured since we were practically catching up consistently prior to the 24th, something had occurred. I’m glad to know that wasn’t the case”.
“Aww, I appreciate the concern! But, I am starting to think it through a lot more, and I’m worried something did happen to you?” His eyes focused on the girl as a whole, potentially looking for an answer he wasn’t sure had to search for.
To this, she feigned resistance. “Don’t stress yourself Naegi-kun. I’m fine, really.”
Though she knows that’s habitual of her, and she hoped to actually open up more. She can try again;
“But, if you’d like, we can catch up some more after we get settled in. I’ll be by the rec room.”
“Yeah, I’d like that. Thank you Kirigiri!”
She probably forgot to reply after that, but she made a good effort all things considered. The line still stretched unreasonably long, as more students scurried to the premises to retrieve a dorm key, more than last year for sure. It’s kind of hard to believe everyone’s been offered a singular-use room to stay in, when the student body is probably more apt to fit inside the humblest olympic villa.
She could probably interrogate him for more information on this expansion. Not her favorite idea, but a valuable one nonetheless. But for now, she’ll just accept the dormitory offer, and comply to her orders.
—
Though Hopes Peak Academy was certainly no ordinary school, it unfortunately fell flat in comparison to the most prestigious schools outside of Japan when it came to their accommodations and treatment of the up-most important of aristocratic students.
Absurdly, they expected the super high-school level Affluent Prodigy be subjected to slumber among those who’d otherwise be indistinguishable of the 99% were it not for their pomp title.
Given the power the Togami family holds, and the ‘honor’ it was for the school to be the one of choice of the heir to the biggest corporation of Japan to attend, they were actually much smarter in allowing Byakuya to not be forced to stay in student dormitories for his first year. But, it seems they’ve developed a back bone or an affluent board member of their own, because it’s now “A requirement for all students of Hopes Peak Academy to be situated in the schools’ dorms for at least two years of their academic career’.
The fact that these accommodations have no additional cost means nothing to him; in fact, he wants nothing to do with the school. And he had made that very clear to the shareholders and his father. But, as the current CEO of the Togami conglomerate was situated in Japan and had zero intent to move away, his son was expected to comply. Maybe it’s to teach him obedience, maybe it’s a personal attack, maybe he just hates Byakuya; regardless, a clear condition was set, and he’s forced to continue studying at this school.
So now, here he is, Byakuya Togami, with about a family’s worth of luxurious 30" hard-side large aluminum luggage, he stepped into the studio-apartment-looking flat that would now house him for the next couple of months. Ridiculous. Just a brief day ago, he was relaxing in the Italian vacation estate, glimmering with a hope to move schools or even cities for the new term, only to be forcefully escorted into a private jet towards Japan. Those in charge of taking him here hadn’t even allowed him a chance to go to the Togami manor, explaining that the rest of his belongings would be sent to him on a later date. Really, he just wished to have one more opportunity to appeal to his father’s decision.
With little energy or striving for delicacy, he briefly unpacked a set of unused dress shirts, suits, and pants he’d just now concluded would require for him to wash by-the-quarters, as the peasants so elegantly did. Not at his desired schedule, either; just when ‘a spot was made available’. By all means, if he didn’t have enough suits to go around, and all available ones were sufficiently used, that meant he’d have to… rewear them without a good wash. Just want kinds of animals did the institution believe the people who attended Hope’s Peak were?
All this and more, followed by the aching feelings of resignation and anger had provoked a migraine not even a horse-sized pill could mitigate. It’s an impossible task to let go of these emotions, more so because they just shouldn't be there in the first place. If this were anywhere else in the world, he’d opt for finding a cold corner to squirm into like an infant, or chugging on a glass of even-colder rum like any sensible person would. But, this fantastical-esque boarding school setting just wouldn’t cut it for either of these.
And to top it all off, what’s even more ridiculous, is receiving a call from the ultimate detective at this unforsaken hour of the evening, about some sort of dormitory orientation he could not care less about. And, it’s for a grade? Not surprisingly, this school sure knows how to get on his nerve. And yet, they’re lucky to have him enrolled, despite it all.
A change of clothes and a large chug of (disappointingly) water later, off he goes to this stupid group organization, where he hoped to find a way to rid himself of this school entirely.
—
A grieving 5 minutes later, it becomes apparent how much of a waste of time this event will be, and Togami is ready to leave. Kirigiri makes note of the fact that she won’t cover for him, and he curses at her internally, but won’t fight her over it. Just like him, she probably does not relish in owing others a favor, or just knows he won’t pay it back so easily. Whatever the case is, he’s ready to unapologetically leave this presentation made by whoever from the student council is a poor-enough soul to be speaking.
As if time had skipped in the form of a blink of his eyes, a darting presence suddenly bolts open the gymnasium’s door before he has the chance to, and slightly crashes into him. If what just happened made any sort of noise, not many people bothered to even direct a glance at the source of it, and kept on paying attention to all else, if not the keynote presenter.
Messy brown hair, a green jacket, sneakers (ew), and a rather small stature for a teenage boy. Of course, who else but Makoto Naegi, ultimate commoner with Ultimate Luck. Though really, his title should be exclusively attributed to being a Lucky Student for getting to attend this school. Outside of that, he’s barely anything that doesn’t rhyme with luck. What a sham!
Out of all things that could happen, he was probably too predispositioned in indignation to have even considered or remembered this low-life’s existence. But, he cannot just let this go, that would be too easy.
As if it was practiced for hours, it seems an unimpressive, remarkably unfriendly, bothered look doesn’t change Naegi’s first responses. Even while he’s being literally looked down on, for being thrown on the ground.
“Oh god, I’m sorry Byakuya! I’d forgotten about this orientation, and had rushed over from the dorms to arrive here. I really hope you’re not hurt, I’m sorry.”
Almost like an actor to their nonexistent stage, he sermonized. “Please, save your lame excuses for someone more unfortunate than you. Even your most unforeseen stunts couldn’t tackle me down. You, on the other hand, should be more careful with who you crash into. You’re like a wild animal with no survival instinct.”
Well, this was fun; a jab at someone! It feels nice to use your words and attitudes to spite someone else when you’re not having a good time. They should sell this feeling to you in a plastic bottle for daily consumption.
Despite the words that could sting like battle wounds, Makoto tried to pick himself up from the floor;
“Wait but, I’m being serious! I really didn’t mean to run into you. Look, I wouldn’t have expected someone to be near the door of an orientation which has already started, ready to leave. I’m not directionless, ok?!”
“That’s kind of hard to believe, especially when as you said so yourself, this orientation had already begun, and you were the one running late. Are you trying to presume I’m at fault for not thinking ahead, that a forgetful barely-human being such as yourself, could possibly block my way? I mean, look who crashed and fell.”
If there’s anything Kirigiri is envious of sometimes, it’s a person’s ability to not pay attention to their surroundings. Truly, the sound of Naegi’s pleads for forgiveness and Togami’s attacks at the boy were far louder than anyone could hope for, and the things she was meant to make note of were blurred in the background.
It seems she wasn’t the only one now however, as a teacher had made note of the petty argument and had strictly reprimanded the boys; they were to either shut up or leave the room. Naegi would’ve definitely stayed and remained silent, but, you can’t just offer Byakuya the choice to leave (when he was already planning to), and expect him not to do so with all his might.
And for some reason, Togami wasn’t done talking to Naegi, because he dragged him along outside of the gym.
Kind of odd, to be honest. Why didn’t he just accept his victory? His cruel words had already done more than enough damage, if his goal was to make Naegi feel smaller than he already is.
—
No but really, why was he outside right now? He’s no stranger to being reprimanded by an adult, but he did intend on listening to the orientation. If memory serves right, it’s for a grade, and it’d be pretty silly to miss such an easy grade, mostly just proving his attendance to a mandated activity. Were they going to continue arguing?
Byakuya looked satisfied, so to say. Not an uncommon sight unfortunately, especially because of what’d just happened. He’s certainly had worse interactions with the blonde guy, so let’s call this one “a little embarrassing”. Anywho, not the point; if he had learned anything about Togami Byakuya, is that he liked savoring the moment of a victory involving a verbal beatdown, but he’s not one to stick around any longer after it. And why is he looking at him sternly? Oh god, was he going to punch him? He hasn’t watched enough boxing anime to know what his fighting style is, let alone how to defend himself.
Well… hopefully that’s not the case. No words have been shared since the disciplinary intervention, just the muffled noise of the speaker’s presentation, accompanied by the silent ambience of the hallways which connected the school to the dorms. An awkward situation, so it seems, where they can’t really continue the not-friendly interaction they had. Nothing else to say really, but Byakuya looks like he’s missing something to say. And yet, he hasn’t made a sound, just stares instead.
He’s not sure which of the two is better or worse at reading the room, but there’s literally no one else around. If he has something to say, wouldn’t he just do it? Or, is he wrong, and is he himself the one who has a word to say? That doesn’t make sense at the moment, to be fair. While he genuinely tries his best to talk to the blond man, he still feels like his efforts go unnoticed, with no further connection made.
Well, someone has to break the deafening ice;
“Um, do you have a question for me?”
Byakuya’s face, ever so un-moving, contorted into a slight frown;
“Don’t think so highly of yourself, as if there’s anything more to comment on your lowly existence.”
Makoto, for better or worse, has the combined forces of all of his peers’ patience multiplied by two on him, which can either make him the person least receptive to ‘difficult’ people, or remarkably annoying due to his unfaltering conviction. Togami Byakuya may have an unwavering sureness of himself comparable to that, but has a laughably low tolerance in comparison.
A small sigh, not really of exasperation, escaped Makoto’s limp face; it looked almost scripted, a ceremonial action to a familiar scenario. “Um, alright then. Can I at least know why you dragged me along with you?”
“It’s simple, really. Would you not do the same thing in my scenario? I believe you’re the one who interrupted my original plan of leaving the gym by running into me. We receive capital reprimanding, and you think I can just let that go? It seems your true talent is making a fool out of yourself, Naegi”.
Well, that’s Togami for you, he supposes. It’s a matter of making things right with him, even though he’s tried to apologize! What more does this guy expect him to do, when he’s so cryptic about it!
…No use arguing with this guy though, he’d honestly prefer just licking his shoes or whatever other grotesque form of apology his classmate accepted as ‘fair’ than trying to reason with him. One last attempt at this, he pleads sincerely. “I understand I got in your way Togami-kun, but I really do wish to extend my sincere apologies to you. Please, how can I make this right with you?”
Not to sound like a masochist, but he genuinely doesn’t understand why Togami didn’t just verbally abuse him a little more and walk off satisfied like he’d usually do. He wasn’t even having a proper conversation with him about their kerfuckle, and that frustrated him to no end. Though Naegi wouldn’t admit it, he’s genuinely considering halting his attempts at friendship with this particular classmate indefinitely.
…
So, Naegi is currently pleading like a criminal on court hearing, for forgiveness and possibly a lighter sentence. Though Byakuya figures Naegi would try to make a profound case for himself, he’s just not having it that evening. He could say all he wants, it just doesn’t change the fact that he feels unfulfilled. Even the most vile accusation of Naegi’s entire lineage wouldn’t be enough to actually make him feel in control. Of his situation, of his education, of his life, of his future.
He’s been made a slave, a yes-man to a system that should kneel down to his very presence, for his mere existence brings a different kind of hope, one he has yet to fully prove to the world. He shouldn’t follow orders from meaningless institutions, or adhere to academic limitations in what he can do. It’s beyond him, and an offense to even consider them a real threat.
Of course, he’s smart enough to realize he cannot just pull the trigger on all this; he’s been trained his whole life to be the very best, but to not bite the hand of ‘Father’, a paternal figure only in name. He relentlessly fought and trained to be bestowed a title he must now live up to, and prove himself his own worth. But in order to do that, Byakuya Togami cannot let himself be affected by the most ridiculous of minute details, like those in Hope’s Peak Academy.
For now, he just needed one small victory to get through the night.
“Alright then, I will temporarily accept your apology, on the condition you ‘do my bidding’ as my lackey. Consider it your debt to me, currently payable.”
…Makoto had no idea Togami was this text-book bully, so it came as a shock to hear this proposition. On paper, it’s a crazy condition to ask. But Togami found him in a desperate state, where he actually felt uncomfortable enough to wish to be freed of this weird social obligation as promptly as possible. It dawned on him, the implications of it all, as sweat accumulated at the tips of his fingers, which were lingering on his options right then and there. The amount of time he spent meditating on the idea was probably close to the time it takes for the sound of his voice to travel.
Uneasily, he just had to ask back. “What happens if I say no to this?”
Even unwavering and full of posh, he spit venomously. “Simple, I won’t rest until I see you forcefully outed from this Academy, along with a hopeless future for your education. You won’t be accepted into any other school in the city.”
Unfortunately, he knew it was wiser to trust Togami’s threats, as he held no real limit in what he could accomplish. It was truly amazing how he talked with such conviction, he might actually look capable of bending the earth sometimes. But now, here he was, stuck as someone’s errand boy. Second year back at this eccentric school, and he’s landed himself in a dangerous position.
Whatever this was, he hoped only for it to be over as soon as possible.
With the most nervous-looking smile he attempted to muster, he gulped. “A-Alright then. We s-start tomorrow, then?”
And to add fuel to the man-made Californian fire, the taller man adjusted his glasses. “I’ll draw up a real contract. Blood and all. We will discuss details tomorrow, as you state.”
Meeting’s adjourned, noted by the prideful stride Byakuya took on while walking back to his box of a room. Oh, you could not wipe the shit-eating grin on the buster’s face even with acetone. Really, it was surprising even to himself just how exhilarating it was to dominate the conversation like that. He’d be sure to make this talent-less boy’s life a misery. For now, a good night’s rest was all he needed to replenish the venom he was looking forward to abuse of. How fulfilling it felt to be on top, and relish in someone’s fears of your own authority. He hoped the feeling wouldn’t run out.
–
The orientation was concluded with a grand list of even-more rules the school seemed to have created out of thin air for them, and an uproar of complaints. As she never saw either of the boys come back, Kyoko went on to investigate what the outcome of their interaction was.
Why she found Naegi looking like a soldier hearing the distant sounds of an enemy attack in the middle of a battle field, was a mystery all in of itself. An air of concern, confusion, and doubts washed over her, all while trying to maintain composure at the unexpected state of her classmate.
What exactly had Togami Byakuya done or said? Had she really needed to keep a closer eye on him all this time?