Chapter Text
Nagito woke up to the morning announcement as usual. He had slept relatively alright. Which of course was so very selfish of him. After what happened with Nekomaru last night, it wasn’t fair that trash like him got to sleep peacefully while a symbol of hope like Nidai was in danger.
It should have been Nagito you got hit with Monokuma’s bazooka. Or at least Akane, who was the one that provoked him.
Nagito knew he shouldn’t judge, he was way more worthless either way, and he doesn’t know what she was going though.
If he was lucky, Akane would be right about what she said last night after the incident.
That Nekomaru would recover, that would be so typical of a symbol of hope! Now that Nagito thought about it.
Nagito thought as he left his cabin, making his way to the restaurant.
…
When he arrived. He stumbled across Akane sobbing on her knees. And Hiyoko staring at what appeared to be a creepy, ritual looking statue with some animal skulls and horns, along with pined pictures that Mahiru had taken.
Hiyoko looked nervous when he looked at the ritual, but tried to pay Nagito little mind- since he obvious was trash that didn’t matter- as she directed her focus onto Akane.
”Hey! Bigback girl! Why are you sobbing! Is it because of the beauty of this random beautiful Mahiru memorial?!”
Now Nagito had questions, but Akane answered Hiyoko before he could think anything.
”Hic! No… its… its all my fault! Its my fault Nekomaru is hurt! It should have been me!”
She sobbed loudly, Hiyoko grimaced as she rolled her eyes.
”Damn right!...” Hiyoko mutters.
She then looks over at Nagito. ”And what about you hope freak! Do you see the beauty of the random Mahiru shine or are you also… uh… acting all weird?...”
Her bravo fell steadily at the last part as Akane’s loud sobbing was overpowering Hiyoko’s own voice.
Back to the matter that the shorter ultimate had asked him, it was clear to Nagito that Hiyoko had made the shrine for Mahiru, and was hiding it while looking for reassurance.
Nagito had just a few minutes before hated the shrine, since he had assumed it was some ritual to make fun of the deceased ultimate.
But now… it was Hiyoko’s art piece! Something she made outside of the comfort zone of her ultimate to honor the other ultimate!
It was so hope inducing! It also reminded Nagito of his own incapability to do anything special. He was trash.
”I think it’s wonderful!”
He expresses his excitement for the shrine honestly.
”Such a beautiful shrine to honor a symbol of hope, made by a mysterious symbol of hope!-”
He brought his arms out to hold himself slightly.
”- someone must have spent a lot of time making this! One can only hope to be remembered as much was Koizumi will be now!”
He played along with Hiyoko’s concept of the creator not being herself, how selfless and beautiful of her not to take credit for it! The ultimates really were something.
”And it’s all she deserves! That’s how even someone as weird as you, can know that!”
Hiyoko barks back, if Nagito didn’t know better, he would say she seemed reliefed that someone liked it. But she was of course right about him being weird-
Before Nagito could continue his internal spiral of self deprecation. Others joined their presence, for in comes Fuyuhiko, Kazuichi, Sonia and Gundham.
Nagito knows better than to speak unless spoken to first, so he waits patiently in case the ultimates talked to him for whatever reason.
The group of four seems flabbergasted at the shrine of Mahiru. They do not see the hope radiating off of it.
Which he couldn’t blame them for. In this case, hope and creepiness were a thin line.
Their reaction was negative to say the least, to which Hiyoko got upset but tried not to make it too obvious that she has made it.
The four also took notice of Akane’s sobbing, asking her what was wrong. She gave the about the same answer as she had to Hiyoko. The four looked sympatric in their own way each, and backed off to give her space.
Other people came soon as well. First it was just Chiaki. Who merely glanced at the shrine and Akane, but didn’t say anything, and just went on to eat her food. But soon after came to more.
Ibuki was rushing in, Mikan rushing after her, seemingly trying to make her slow down.
Ibuki looked back at her and obeyed immediately, saluting Mikan with a dazed expression.
Nagito thought it was unlike her, but who was he to make such claims as to know the ultimates?
He was too worthless for that.
That was why he stayed quiet as always. But that didn’t mean he couldn’t listen to the conversation the two were having.
”Pl- please Ibuki! D- d- don’t push yourself too hard! You ju- just look so
… awfully p- pale..”
Mikan pleaded desperately. Concerned for the other ultimate, but at her own words. She slapped a hand over her mouth.
”Ekkk! I- I really didn’t mean it in a bad way! I swear! Im sorry!”
”Yes sir!”
Ibuki doesn’t seem to mind Mikan’s statement, as she salutes at her once again. But doesn’t demolish it either.
Mikan then guides Ibuki to sit down on one of the chairs. Away from Nagito, as now he can no longer hear them.
He signs quietly to himself. As he goes to receive some food.
He really wanted to see Hajime… what bad luck that he was the only one who hadn’t showed up yet.
It was properly Nagito’s bad luck interfering with Hajime, due to how much time they had spent together lately.
Nagito knew he was selfish of him. To keep hanging out with Hajime like this, but he can’t self himself…
Hajime was so amazing, such a brilliant symbol of hope, he didn’t even need to showcase his talent to radiate his hope.
His unyielding hope, combined with how he seemed to understand Nagito. Made it impossible for Nagito to keep himself away.
How can you do that to such an amazing person?
Nagito felt bad that Hajime had felt betrayed after the first case…
He also hadn’t fully forgiven Nagito yet… of course… Nagito could never deserve that. Yet, Hajime still spent some of his free time with Nagito.
It was truly amazing… Such amazing luck… it will sadly result in something bad happening.
Hopefully not to Hajime.
Then Nagito would much rather have Nekomaru not recover.
Best case scenario was of course something bad happening to Nagito, as he deserved it.
After grabbing his food, Nagito went to take a seat by the window. He looked outside after Hajime while slowly eating.
After only a few minutes. Nagito sees Hajime walk from the cabins and over towards the restaurant. From what Nagito could see at a distance, Hajime seemed to be in a good mood.
Nagito was delighted that he was doing well, of course Hajime’s hope helped him shine even after yesterday.
Nagito can only look at him longingly from the window until Hajime goes to the staircase up to the restaurant.
When Hajime walks in, Nagito can see that he was right, Hajime certainly seemed to be in a great mood. He looked around the room, taking in all the people.
When his eyes landed on Nagito, and they made eye contact. Hajime’s face lit up and he waved with a cheeky grin.
This caught Nagito off guard, and he quickly forced himself to wave back. He wasn’t used to Hajime smiling like that… especially at him!
That beautiful smile… Hajime didn’t show it often, but Nagito had seen it before.
Like when he had comforted Hajime when he woke up on the beach. Before Hajime knew how disgusting Nagito really was…
But that just begs the question… Hajime knew Nagito was awful… why smile at him?...
The reason became clear as Nagito looked more closely to Hajime’s smile. It was different at the one at the beach. More hyper, less genuine.
Hajime hadn’t smiled at him because he was glad to see Nagito… it must be another type of smile for another reason. Nagito concludes.
Hajime also breaks eye contact with Nagito when he sees Akane, tho his smile doesn’t break.
He immediately crouches down besides her in an attempt to comfort her. Something that most others had given up on.
Nagito relaxed as he listened to Hajime’s words of comfort. They weren’t for him, they never would, but his voice was nice to listen to either way.
Its interrupted when Hiyoko approaches the two.
”Hey!” She snaps, getting the attention of the two.
”Ah, good morning Hiyoko! Im glad to see your up and about!” Hajime claps his hand together to express his delight.
”What are you so chippy about big bro Hajime? Is it the amazing Mahiru memorial that appeared overnight?!”
Of course Hiyoko would ask Hajime for his opinion, Nagito thinks.
Hajime looks over to where she is pointing, at the shrine.
He gasps and smiles brightly.
”Someone made a memorial for Mahiru?! Oh god its beautiful!” Hajime directs his focus onto Hiyoko again. Bowing for her
”It’s so nice of you to do this for Mahiru, Hiyoko! Im so she would be so happy if she were with us! Thank you for spreading kindness!”
At Hajime’s rather unusual words. Hiyoko takes a step back.
”Huh-huh?! What no! I didn’t make it! Stupid! It must be by some mysterious person! Not me!”
She looks distressed as Hajime stops bowing, still smiling eerily.
”Wha- huh? Are you all weird as well big bro Hajime?... oh god…”
Hajime tilts his head, but others have appeared to heard their bander.
”Weird? Who’s weird?” Fuyuhiko joins in, looking between the two.
”Ah Fuyuhiko!” Hajime hurries over to the Yakuza, completely forgetting about Akane.
”Good morning! Did you have a nice rest?” He chippers, before Fuyuhiko can say anything. Hajime hugs him.
”Arh! What are you doing?!” Fuyuhiko half-yelled, gaining the attention of the whole restaurant now.
Hajime looks at him and pulls away. Still smiling.
”Not feeling a hug today? That’s alright! Im just glad to see you!”
Fuyuhiko looked a combination of confusion and anger.
”What’s your deal Hajime?! Why are you so fucking chipper!”
”Hm? Oh but why wouldn’t I be? Todays a great day!”
”Eh?! Fuck you mean ”great day”?! We nearly lost Nekomaru last night! He might be lost forever!”
”Eh? Come on Fuyuhiko! Nekomaru will be fineeeee! Even if he didn’t… that was yesterday! Today is a new and better day!”
Hajime once again clapped his hand together im delight. All eyes were giving him weird looks now, yet he didn’t seem to notice.
Nagito couldn’t believe what he was hearing… Hajime did have a point…
But Hajime would never say this! Had Monokuma taken Hajime and replaced him with this fake?!
If it wasn’t clear before, it was now that the ultimates also found Hajime’s antics weird.
Fuyuhiko was staring at him in disbelief. He looked like he wanted to slap him, but he stopped himself.
There was now a silence over the restaurant, only broken by Akane’s sobbing.
But the obvious conversation was right in their reach, bound to be taken by someone.
First to do that was Hajime himself.
”Hm?” He stopped smiling, looking at everyone else faces, and pouts.
”Why do you all seem so upset?...”
…
”…what the heck man?...” Kazuichi mutters, also upset.
Nagito is panicking internally. What was going on with Hajime?
He breaks his promise with staying silent, and walks over to Hajime.
Hajime lights up as Nagito approaches him.
”Good morning Nagito! Did you at least sleep well?”
Nagito shallows a lump down his throat
”…Hinata-kun… are you alright?…” Nagito asks carefully.
Hajime tilts his head before smiling again.
”Of course silly! Why wouldn’t I be? It’s such nice weather outside!”
…
Now that Nagito is closer to him, he notices the sweat on Hajime’s forehead. This gives him a theory…
”Hinata-kun… can I try something?...”
Hajime nods eagerly. ”Whatever makes you happy!”
Nagito nods slowly. He can feel his classmates stares down his back, they don’t fully trust him or his actions. But this wont be a problem. He just has to try something.
He reaches up and puts his hand on the brunets forehead. The brunet in question seems surprised, but leans into Nagito’s touch.
But Nagito’s theory had been right.
”Hinata-kun… you’re burning up…”
Hajime looks up at him with his big eyes.
”Is that like… a bad thing?”
Nagito nods. Their conversation doesn’t continue, before Nagito is reminded that they are not alone.
”Umm.. excuse me…”
Nagito turns around, Mikan is taking to him.
”C- could I take a look?”
Nagito nods immediately. ”Of course.” He steps aside, removing his hand from Hajime’s forehead. At first Hajime tries to lean away with it, but gives up after half a second.
Mikan then reaches up and feels his forehead.
”Eeek! You’re burning up Hajime!”
She gasps and pulls her hand back. The others standing in a crowd behind them look concerned now, so did Nagito, but all Hajime did was shrug.
There was yet another moment of silence, before Fuyuhiko flicked his tongue. And marched over to Akane sobbing on the floor.
He ignored her crying and put his hand to her forehead.
He also quickly pulled back, mutter a curse under his breath, and stood up once more.
”She also has a high fever” Fuyuhiko annonced.
”Okay what the heck is going on today?” Kazuichi complained.
”Perhaps it was the work of the fluffy devil spawn…” Gundham guessed, referring to Monokuma.
”O- oh no! This is really bad!” Mikan whined. ”I- Ibuki? Come over here…”
”Yes maam!” Ibuki quickly complied, pushing between some people to get to where Mikan, Hajime and Nagito were standing, making a couple of people scoff.
When ibuki arrived at her destination, she stood tall, but Nagito could see the tremor in her legs.
Mikan put a hand on her forehead. Whining quietly at the result she got. ”Not you too… ughh”
”You guys are so negative! This could be way worse” Hajime concluded cheekily.
”Shut up” Fuyuhiko countered.
Silence again.
This was so strange, Nagito thought, yet the answer was so simple.
Three of their classmates had contracted a fever and were acting oddly, it can’t be normal delirium since Hajime’s hope would never down him over a mere fever...
It must be like what Gundham said, a work of Monokuma.
While he was lost in thought, the entity finally revealed himself.
”UPUPUPUPUPUP! Seems like you guys have some work on your hands~”
”Monokuma!” Sonia exclaimed, ”What have you done to our friends?!”
Monokuma snickered at the crowd of teens sneering at him, all did but the three were sick.
”I’m glad you ask Princess! Let me showcase my newest motive!”
”Motive…” Nagito felt himself mutter under his breath.
”The despair disease!” Monokuma begins proudly.
”It’s a disease I’ve made! It gives the infected a high fever and makes them act like as an opposite! For example…”
Monokuma points to Akane. ”Miss Owari is loud and confident normally! So now she is a crying mess! The coward disease!”
Then he points to Ibuki. ”Ibuki always does what she wants! But with the gullible disease, she does anything she is told!”
Then lastly to Hajime. ”Hinata is our very own grumpy tsundere! So I gave him the happiness disease to mix things up! Pupupu!”
Hajime nods like he is getting a compliment, then Monokuma continues.
”The disease travels by bugs smaller than your eyes can see, and did I mentioned its highly contagious!?” The over grown teddy bear grins.
”Now then! Have fun!” And with a wave, he’s gone.
…oh really… was that the new motive? How hopeless… Nagito thought. What kind of motive was that? To change someone’s entire personality just for them to kill? That would be a waste of dead Ultimates!
But it also proved something else to Nagito. The Ultimate's hope shined so brightly that Monokuma had to change them entirely to get them to kill! How beautiful…
That must also be why Hajime had gotten it first! Nagito concluded. Hinata-kun was so hopeful that Monokuma knew he had to give him some disease to ever give him the slightest bit of despair to kill someone!
Ahh… that was so typically Hajime… His Hajime…
Before Nagito could even scold himself over his thoughts. He was interrupted by-
”EW! EW! EW! ”Despair disease?!” EW! Get those disgusting creatures away from me!” Hiyoko shrieked, backing off behind her precious Mahiru shrine for protection.
She wasn’t the only one wary, many other healthy students were also eyeing the floor or staring at the infected.
But hope struck before despair could make them fear.
”You all need to calm it!” Fuyuhiko spat out, annoyed, ”We will need to isolate the infected with people to take care of them” he continued calmly, or rather, a bit more calm than before.
” Uh yeah… but dude… who is going to volunteer for that?” Kazuichi questioned doubted.
”I will of course!” Fuyuhiko half-yelled, and for a minute people just stared, so he thought to make himself clear. "…not like I’m needed here anyway”
…That was such nonsense… Fuyuhiko was still a symbol of hope… even trash like Nagito knew that… yet, he, like everyone else, didn’t make a comment, no one seemed to questioned Fuyuhiko since Peko’s death. The silence was broken by another ultimate.
”…I!- I will also help the sick…!” Mikan promptly exclaimed. ”It’s my ultimate… after all s- so it really is my duty…”
Ah… all the hope is this restaurant was so beautiful… so warm… both of those might just be Hajime radiating heat and hope from beside him.
Hajime… Hajime was sick too… hm…
”I believe I’m allowed to speak now, if I may…” Nagito himself started ”I’ve already been in physical contact with the ill… and a worthless trash like me cant be missed either!”
Despite his dramatic words, the atmosphere I’m the room doesn’t change, the amazing ultimate’s have already grown used to him!
A few sighs were present. But really that’s nothing…
”Very well then…” Gundham proceeds. ”We have a fair amount of helpers to the ill! It’s now best if we part ways!”
There were mumbles around the crowd. But no one protested, satisfied, Nagito turned to Hajime.
”Hinata-kun, are you ready to go to the hospital? Come on!” Nagito lead the way as Hajime followed along, Nagito slowed down to his injured tempo, and they were on their merry way…