((AN: A major thank you to my amazing boyfriend, Q, for helping me with ideas for this chapter! If it weren't for you, this chapter would cease to exist! I love you so much!!!! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3))

((Tio's POV))

I sighed heavily as I walked to school. It's been 6 months since my teacher, Ms. Yukizome, was reassigned to the Reserve Course. Without her there to help us and support us in her usual cheerful way, it was getting boring in class. Luckily for us, we had Chiaki to keep us going. 

She's a wonderful Class Rep, I thought, smiling. She always thinks of ways to make sure classes are happy, even without Ms. Yukizome here. I walked to the gates and sighed. Hopefully, today will be different than the boring days we have with our substitute teacher. As I walked inside the gates, I was greeted by a familiar voice. 

"Big brother! Is that you?!"

I gasped. Oh no, I thought. It's Akemi! She must've seen me!  Akemi smiled brightly and ran up to me. "What are you doing he-?" She gasped as she saw the school uniform I was wearing. "Ah! You're going to Hope's Peak Academy too?! Why didn't you tell me?!"She yelled. "Shh!!!!" I yelled, pulling her to the side of the Academy. 

"Big brother, what's going on? Seriously, I don't understand anything. When I saw you earlier, you weren't wearing that uniform," She said. I sighed. "I can't tell you," I said firmly. She folded her hands in a begging pose. "Please, big brother? You know how good I am at keeping secrets! I won't tell anyone, I promise!" 

I sighed heavily. I knew I wasn't going to be able to keep things from Akemi for long. "Alright, I'll tell you. But you have to promise to keep this a secret. Don't tell anyone, understand?" Akemi nodded. "I won't big brother! I promise!" I took a deep breath, let it out, and explained everything to her. "I see...So you've kept this a secret for so long...to protect me?" she asked. 

I nodded. "I had to. There was no telling what would've happened to you if I didn't. Whoever is planning this scheme Mr. Munakata was talking about...they could have eyes and ears everywhere. So...I couldn't risk it," I explained. "I'm sorry, Emi."

I half expected her to hit me or yell at me for lying to her. But instead, she smiled. "It's okay. I know you weren't doing this to hurt me. You're the best big brother ever, remember? And the best big brother would never hurt his baby sister. I know you've got a mission, and whatever it is has to be kept secret. Just...promise me one thing." 

I nodded. "Anything, Emi," I said. She hugged me. "Please be careful. I don't want to lose you, big brother." I smiled and hugged her. "Don't worry Emi. I will," I assured her. Not long after that, the bell rang. "Shoot, I'm late for class! Gotta go!" I ran into Hope's Peak Academy before Akemi could respond. 

-Classroom-

Once I walked inside, I helped Chiaki and the rest of my classmates with setting up for the party we were throwing for Ms. Yukizome's return. While Chiaki was setting up some games alongside Kazuichi, I was going around, seeing what was left to be done. With the food, games, and everything else set up, all that was left was to decorate. 

I walked up to Midori and noticed how slowly she was putting everything up. Not only that, but a lot of the decorations were either upside-down or lopsided. I shook my head with a smile and sighed. No doubt she's got a certain Ultimate Lucky Student on the brain and can't concentrate, I thought. I'd better give her a hand. 

"Need some help?" I called out from beside her. Midori gasped, her face slightly red. It was obvious she was flustered. "N-No, I...I've got it!" she replied. "Midori, hate to break it to you, but half of the decorations are put up the wrong way," I said. "Don't be ridiculous, Tio," she said. "Everything's fi-" Midori turned, seeing what I meant. "Oh no! Dammit, I knew I was going to screw something up!" she said, her head in her hands. "I can't do anything right! I... I...!" 

I gently put a hand on her shoulder. "Hey, hey! Easy! No need to freak out. It's nothing a simple adjustment can't fix," I said calmly. "Here. Let me help you." Midori smiled. "Thanks," she said. I nodded and together we fixed the messed-up decorations and put up the remaining ones. "There. All done," I said, smiling triumphantly. Midori on the other hand, didn't look as happy as I was. Where her usual smile should have been was an expression of fear and worry. "Midori, what's wrong?" I asked, concerned.

Midori faked a smile and shook her head. "I-it's nothing. I'm fine, Tio. Let's just focus on the party and welcoming back Ms. Yukizome," she said. Before I could press her any further, she walked over to where Chiaki and the others were. I sighed heavily and shook my head. Midori...I can tell when you're lying to me... I thought. Why? Why won't you tell me what's wrong? Aren't I your friend? You know you can confide in me...So why? 

My thoughts were interrupted by my girlfriend Chiaki's sweet, friendly voice. "She's coming! Quick, everyone! Get into position!" she whisper yelled. We nodded and each grabbed a party popper from her as we took our positions in the center of the class, awaiting Ms. Yukizome's return. She's really an amazing teacher, I thought. She's a big part of the reason we're all gathered here today.  

I blushed and looked over at Chiaki, who was eagerly waiting for our teacher to walk in. Of course...Chiaki is a huge part of this as well. She's the reason this party is even happening, I thought. If it weren't for her keeping us going, things would've gone back to how they were before. Our friends separated throughout the campus and a nearly empty classroom. We're so lucky to have her as Class Rep. And...I'm lucky...to call her my girlfriend.

"Hey you guys, remember-? Ah!" Ms. Yukizome yelled startled as we set off our party poppers, covering her and the floor with confetti. "Welcome home! You're back where you belong!" We all yelled. Soon the class was filled with mixed welcomes for our beloved teacher. 

"Welcome back," Chiaki said, smiling brightly. 

"Finally!" Sonia said, folding her hands together and smiling as well. 

"Ah, Ms. Yukizo-" Mikan was soon interrupted by Ibuki who stepped in front of her. 

"WHAT IS UP, DAWG?!" she yelled energetically. 

"YEAH! GET HYPED!" Kazuichi yelled, clenching his fists with a hyper sort of expression.

Mahiru walked up to Ms. Yukizome with her usual friendly smile. "You've been gone for so long. I hope you've been well," she said. Ms. Yukizome nodded and smiled. "Yeah. Thanks," she said. Akane smiled, despite the fact that her mouth was currently stuffed with the food Teruteru had prepared. 

"Why are ya so flustered, teach? It's just us! Grab a plate and go nuts!" she said, her voice slightly muffled by the food she ate. Ibuki held up her hands in a "rock on" sort of gesture. "I've been pining for you all these months," she said. "Don't tell me you're gonna be all like, 'Yeah, Ibuki. Whatever!'"

Ms. Yukizome smiled and waved her hands, blushing as she did so. "No, I'm glad to be back. Honestly," she said. "I just thought that maybe....You forgot about me, having been gone for so long." Peko smiled and turned her head to Chiaki. "Hm. Thank Nanami. She's the one who planned all this," she said. Ms. Yukizome walked to Chiaki, beaming brightly and crying tears of joy as she did so. "Thanks so much," she said. 

Chiaki blushed slightly. "It's nothing," she said. "I only knew when 'cause Mr. Kizakura was talking about it." Nekomaru folded his arms, a furious look etched upon his face. "Don't you dare sell yourself short! You were the glue that kept us all together the last half a year! As the resident Ultimate Team Manager...I SAY YOU'RE THE SHIIIIT!!!!!" He said, ruffling her hair as he did so. 

I smiled and nodded. "Nekomaru's right, Chi," I said. "All this was possible thanks to you." Peko nodded in agreement. "This girl was unstoppable. She held gaming tournaments, picnics, and whatnot for us all to tide," she said. "Anything to keep up morale." "She may be quiet, but her work is meticulous!" Sonia added.

Kazuichi smirked, holding Fuyuhiko in a sort of headlock. "Hey Ms. Yukizome, check it! Even our little Yakuza came to the party!" Fuyuhiko looked away, a slight blush forming on his cheeks as he scowled. "I was already here!" he objected. Teruteru laughed. "At first, he wanted nothing to do with our current soiree. But when he saw how hard Nanami was workin', his delinquent heart defrosted!" he added. Fuyuhiko growled angrily. "Shut it, pervert!!!" he yelled, his blush deepening.

Ms. Yukizome smiled proudly at Chiaki, taking her hands as she did so. "That's amazing! You really gave this your all! I'm super proud of you!" she said. "It was more of a speedrun than a boss fight," Chiaki said, closing her eyes as she smiled. "Honestly, having you back again is what makes it a good party for us." 

After hearing Chiaki's words, Ms. Yukizome's eyes filled with tears. "You perfect cinnamon roll! While I was gone, you levelled up so much!" she said proudly. Chiaki smiled sheepishly. "That's a bit of an exaggeration," she said. "Oh, by the way...Where's Saionji?" Ms. Yukizome asked, scanning the room for her. 

Ibuki shrugged. "She's in the can. Bad time to take a pee, am I right?" she replied.  Mahiru sighed angrily. "She swore up and down she would be here!" she said, obviously irritated with Hiyoko's actions.

Suddenly, the classroom door opened and in stepped Hiyoko. "Ah! It's Ms. Yukizome! Welcome back!" she said, smiling. Ms. Yukizome looked at Hiyoko, confused by her appearance. "Ah, you must be...Umm...Saionji's older sister?" she guessed. 

Hiyoko giggled. "C'mon, what're you talking about? It's me!" she replied, smiling. Ms. Yukizome stared at Hiyoko a while before gasping in complete shock and surprise. Mahiru nodded. "Her growth spurt was legendary," she replied. 

Hiyoko smiled, cracking her knuckles as she did so. "Being grown-up has been a wish come true! I'm finally strong enough to tie Tsumiki's body into a big, crybaby pretzel!" she said, overjoyed at the thought of Mikan's pain. "What'd I ever do to you, Saionji?!" Mikan cried as she fell to the floor. Ms. Yukizome smiled sheepishly. "Same old Saionji on the inside I guess," she said. 

Gundham smirked and raised his arm, a dark aura surrounding him. "My friends," he said. "Our mentor has returned unto us! This truly is a day for reverie! With a toast to the lords of the Nine Circles of Hell..." "Let our abyssal feast..." Sonia added, picking up where Gundham left off. "Work, no delay!!!" they said in unison.

 "DON'T TELL ME YOU'RE IN SYNC NOW!!!" Kazuichi yelled, obviously angered by this. Ms. Yukizome smiled. "Looks like Sonia's picked up your mannerisms while I was gone," she said. 

Chiaki walked up to Ms. Yukizome and poured her a cup of punch. "Here, have a cup," she said. Ms. Yukizome took it. As soon as the rest of us had a cup, we raised it. "Ready, and..." Chiaki said, giving the signal to start the toast. "Welcome back! We missed you!" the entire class said in unison. "Ma'am," Gundham added, giving her a two-fingered salute. Ms. Yukizome smiled, crying tears of joy as she did so. "You guys...I'm home!" she said.

After the toast was over, Ms. Yukizome and I noticed that while everyone else was smiling, laughing, and socializing...Midori was sitting at her desk, sulking and continuing to glance at her phone. "Poor dear. I wonder what's eating her?" Ms. Yukizome said, concerned. 

I sighed heavily and shook my head. "She won't tell me. She won't tell anyone," I replied. "The only thing I can think of is that she misses Komaeda so much, her heart is breaking," Ms. Yukizome added. 

I shook my head again. "If it were simply that, she wouldn't be staring at her phone. After all, he already called her and let her know he was alright, and that he'd be back home as soon as his suspension was over," I replied. 

"Well, why don't you try talking to her? You can do it, Tio! I'm sure of it!" Ms. Yukizome said encouragingly. I nodded. "Sure, Ms. Yukizome," I said. "You just focus on the party. I'll talk to her." If she'll let me, I thought, sighing as I did so. 

I walked up to Midori's desk and heard her sniffling and choking back sobs. As I got closer, I noticed she was staring at a picture on her phone. 

A picture of her and her best friend, Hajime Hinata. They looked as if they were on a school trip together. Midori smiled and flashed a peace sign while Hajime looked like he was laughing, putting his arm around her as he did so. 

Ah right. Allow me to explain something about Hajime. While he attends Hope's Peak Academy alongside Midori and I his  circumstances are different than ours. Because Hajime is a  student from the Reserve Course, who admired Hope's Peak and wanted a talent more than anything else. And, according to Midori, the only true friend she had in middle school. I see, I thought. So that's what it is...She's worried about Hajime. 

According to what she said half a year ago, Hajime wasn't picking up his phone or responding to her texts. And now that stress was piling up, causing her to lose sleep, not eat, and lead to her refusal to participate in class activities (Or rather, her lack of wanting to do so.). 

I have to be there for her, I thought. I may not be able to help her where Hajime is concerned. But at the very least...I can be her friend. I gently put a hand on her shoulder as I spoke. "Midori? Are you alright?" I asked, concerned.

She didn't look up. Instead, she continued to sob, her tears landing on the phone's screen. "This is all my fault!" she said, gripping her skirt tightly. "Midori, how do you figure-?" My question was interrupted by Midori's next words. "Do you remember when we spent time together after school? A few days after Chiaki had been elected Class Rep?" she asked. 

I nodded. "Yeah. It was Chiaki's idea. She said it would help increase our bonds as classmates," I replied. "...Remember what happened when I invited Hajime to join us?" Midori asked. I nodded.

The day Midori asked Hajime to hang out with us...A day that was supposed to end with hope and happiness...Turned to despair.

-Flashback, several months earlier-

Hajime:*sighs just leaving the Reserve Course building*

Midori:*runs up to him* Ah! There you are, Hajime!

Hajime:Huh? Oh hey, Midori. How are you doing? *smiles at her*

Midori:*smiles back* Great! Hey, are you free today?

Hajime:*nods* Yeah, why?

Midori:Awesome! My friends and I are going to the mall. And I want you to come too, Hajime! You're my best friend, after all!

Hajime:Oh. Are they Hope's Peak Academy students as well?

Midori:Yeah. My classmates, to be precise. A-And...my boyfriend too. 

Hajime:*his smile falls upon hearing this* I...I see. I'm not sure I should go with you guys, Midori.

Midori:Don't be ridiculous, Hajime!

Hajime:Well...Alright. I guess I'll go.

Midori:*smiles brightly* Awesome! You'll love everyone, I promise!

Hajime:*smiles slightly* Okay, I trust you. Let's go.

Midori:*nods, leading him to the gates of Hope's Peak's Main Building, where everyone else was waiting* Sorry I'm late. I brought my best friend to go with us. Everyone, this is Hajime Hinata. He's been my best friend since middle school.

Chiaki:*smiles* Good to see you again, Hajime.

Midori:*slightly confused* You and Hajime have already met, Chiaki?

Hajime:*nods* Yeah. I met her in the park near the school once. 

Tio:*smiles* It's good to see you hanging out with us, Hajime.

Midori:*smiles, seeing her friends get along with him*

*Before leaving, the group sits down and talks*

Hajime:So, you're all from Hope's Peak's Main Course, huh?

Fuyuhiko:*scowls* No shit, Sherlock.

Sonia:*smiles more* We do indeed. I am Sonia Nevermind. Nice to meet you, Hajime.

Hajime:*chuckles* Likewise.

*After everyone was introduced, Midori smiles*

Midori:Alright, let's go. After we're done shopping, let's hit the mall's arcade!

Kazuichi:Hell yeah!

Nagito:Sounds like fun. Maybe my luck will help me win some of the games?

Kazuichi:*frowns* I hope not.

Gundham:I wonder...What kind of games this place will have for us?!

Sonia:*smiles* Perhaps a game your Devas could play!

Gundham:*blushes deeply, hiding his face in his wine-colored scarf*

*The group heads to the arcade after finishing with shopping and begin playing games*

Hajime:*playing games with Midori*

Kazuichi:*trying to beat Nagito at basketball*

Chiaki:*plays the racing game with Tio*

Gundham:*checks out the pinball tables with Sonia*

Midori:*smiles, playing a zombie shooting game with Hajime* Hajime, zombie! On your left!

Hajime:Ah! *shoots it* On your right, Midori!

Midori:Got it! *she shoots two zombies headed for them* We're almost to the goal!

Hajime:Looks like it. Wonder if we'll get the high score when we're done?

Midori:Maybe we will. *She smiles as the two continue to shoot the zombies left and right until they reach the goal*

Hajime:*smiles* We win!

Midori:And look! We got the high score!

Hajime:*smiles more, hearing that*

Midori:*hugs him* Yahoo! We did it!

Hajime:*hugs back, equally as excited*

Midori:Phew. All that shooting's made me hungry.

Hajime:Same, honestly. Wanna head to the food court?

Midori:Sure! Come on, everyone!

*They all head to the food court and sit together after ordering their food. Soon after, the group starts talking about the games they played.*

Sonia:That was so fun! The platforming games were amazing!

Nagito:Basketball was quite fun.

Nekomaru:I TOTALLY DESTROYED THOSE STRENGTH GAMES!!!!!

Akane:I'll beat you next time, Nekomaru! Just you wait!

Ibuki:The rhythm games were Ibuki's jam!!!!

Hajime:Um...Thanks for letting me tag along, by the way. It's all been really fun. *smiles*

Midori:*smiles also* Of course!

Chiaki:It's fun hanging out with you.

 Ibuki:Ibuki seconds that! 

 Akane:Hell yeah! You're awesome, Hajime!

 Mikan:Y-You're really kind too! *smiles* I-It's nice to meet someone who doesn't hate me.

Hajime:*smiles*  I'm glad to be here honestly. You know... I saw a movie theater nearby. Why don't we all go see what's playing? Maybe we can watch something before we call it a day.

Tio:That sounds pretty fun.

Hiyoko:Tch. Whatever.

Midori:Sounds great, right Nagito? *she looks over at her boyfriend*

Nagito:*smiles back at her* It sure does.

Hajime:*smiles, before noticing people staring at them from across the room* Hm?

Bystander 1:Oh my gosh! Are you all from Hope's Peak Academy?!

Nagito:Why yes we are. *he smiles sadly* However, my talent isn't nearly as amazing as anyone else's.

Bystander 2:That's amazing! So you guys are like, super cool and talented!

Midori:*knows where this conversation is going and tries to stop them* We're trying to have lunch. Besides, having a talent isn't all it's cracked up to be sometimes.

Bystander 1:But having a talent like yours means you're set for life! Money, fame, everything you could ever want!

Hajime:*frowns* It's cool you all look up to them, but maybe do it at a better time because we're trying to hang out. 

Bystander 2: Alright, alright. *he points at Hajime* But what's your talent?

Hajime:I'm...actually a Reserve Course student.

*the two bystanders look at each other, disappointed*

Bystander 1:Oh hey...Look at the time. We must be going.

*they walk off before anything can be said*

Hajime:*looks down*....

Midori:What jerks. They have no right to act that way. *she turns to Hajime* Hajime? Are you alright?

Hajime:I...I'm fine. I should...probably go. *He gets up to leave*

Nagito:Already?

Hajime:Yeah. See you guys later...

Sonia:You don't need to leave.

Midori:She's right! You don't have to leave! *she gently grabs his wrist* Nobody wants you to! 

Hajime:*looks down* Why would you want to be seen with a Reserve Course student?

Tio:We don't care about you being in the Reserve Course. You're our friend.

Midori:He's right! You're my best friend, Hajime! 

Hajime:*glares at her* ...You don't get it...do you, Midori?

Midori:G-Get what? What is there to understand?

Hajime:It's not about how you or your friends see me...It's how I see me. 

Midori:Hajime!

Hajime:It's true! *he clenches his fists in self-anger* ...Whenever people find out I go to Hope's Peak and ask me what my talent is...All I see is disappointment and disapproval in their eyes when I tell them I'm in the Reserve Course. 

Everyone makes fun of me for it. Saying I'm not good enough to be in the main course...And it hurts even more now because they've seen me with you and your friends. Because when they hear how everyone has an amazing talent, and they get to me, a talentless nobody who can't do anything...It hurts. Because all it ever does...is serve as a constant reminder of how I'm just a normal person. Just a....a nobody....*he starts to cry* 

And no matter how hard I try, I'm never gonna be like any of you..! I'm never gonna be able to look at someone and tell them what my talent is, because I'm nothing! All I'm ever going to be is a worthless nobody who can't do anything right! *he glares at Midori again, still in tears* Why is being an Ultimate so bad, huh?! Sure, you're only limited by your talent...But you guys always seem so happy despite that! And you all inspire people. Make their lives better. Help people. 

You're all so amazing, and no matter how hard I try...I'm never gonna do something worthwhile to make people happy and have them s-say I'm amazing! *he wipes his eyes, but that doesn't help as the tears continue to fall* A-And one day...While you're all changing the world to a better place and making other people happy...I-I'm going to be a h-homeless drunk...All alone and begging for the s-smallest bit of money! BECAUSE I'M WORTHLESS AND CAN'T DO ANYTHING!!!!!

Midori:*in tears as well* Hajime, that's not true!

Hajime:Yes it is, Midori! You know it, I know it, everyone at this damn table knows it!!!! *he slams his fist on the table, causing the trays and food to clatter onto the floor*

Midori:Hajime!

Hajime:...I...I should just go. I'm only going to be a dirt spot on a perfect diamond of talented people....Bye and thanks for putting up with me. *he starts walking away*

Midori:Hajime, I'm sorry. *she puts her hand on his shoulder, trying to reassure him*

Hajime:*slaps her hand away* Just leave me the hell alone, Midori!!!!!! *he runs away*

Midori:Hajime, wait! Hajime!!!! 

*Hajime exits the mall*

Midori:*sobs, her head down*

Tio:*walks up beside her* Midori...are you okay?

Midori:No, I'm not okay!!!! 

Nagito:Well...He certainly had a breakdown. 

Fuyuhiko:That was...really hard to listen to.

Midori:*sobs more* Dammit...We were having so much fun until that happened! Now this will set Hajime back even further!

Kazuichi:Those guys are just assholes!

Sonia:I agree. Poor Hajime.

Peko:Should someone go after him?

Tio:It's...probably best to leave him alone for now.

Midori:...Dammit! Hajime saved my life...Saved me from my bullies...And I can't even pay him back!!!

Tio:I'm sure you can...

Midori:*sobs more* 

Nagito:*holds her* Shh...It'll be alright.  *wipes her tears away*

Midori:*sniffles and hugs back* Thanks...Nagito.

Nagito:Perhaps you should talk to him tomorrow. 

Midori:Y-Yeah. You're right. I'll talk to him tomorrow, after he calms down.

Nagito:*smiles* That's my girl. 

Midori:*smiles as well as she thinks to herself* Yeah...I'll definitely see him tomorrow.

*Unfortunately for Midori....After that day, she would never see her best friend again*

-End flashback-

((Midori's POV))

I sobbed heavily as I recalled the events from that day. How hurt Hajime felt. How I couldn't see it, despite being his best friend. "It's all my fault! S-Some best friend I am...No wonder Hajime acted that way....No wonder he's...ignoring me..." I choked through my sobs. Tio grabbed my shoulders and shook me. "Listen to me Midori! None of what happened to Hajime is your fault!" he said. "You did all you could as his best friend. I'm sure he doesn't blame you for that!" 

I looked down. "B-But I...I couldn't...stop him from leaving..." I said, sniffling. "Even if Hajime somehow manages to forgive me...I-I'll never...forgive myself....For being such a horrible friend..." Tio shook me again. 

"Dammit, Midori! You're not a horrible friend! I was there too that day! You did nothing but worry about him! You were only showing concern!" he said. "And wherever Hajime is...I'm sure he knows that too. He'll message you soon, I'm sure of it. You just have to be patient."

I smiled a bit. Tio's words put me at ease and I nodded. "You're right, Tio. I just have to be patient. Worrying like this won't help," I said. Tio nodded, smiling. "There ya go. Now come on, let's go back to the party with everyone else," he said. 

I nodded and followed him back to where Ms. Yukizome and my classmates were waiting. Hajime, I thought. Wherever you are, please hear my feelings...I'll be waiting for you to return, my friend. And once you do...Let's hang out again. That's all I want, more than anything else.

-Time and location unknown-

((Hajime's POV))

I sighed as I laid in a white, secluded hospital room on my bed. As I looked up at the ceiling, the security guard's words from after Sato was murdered played through my mind. "Turn off your brain and fit into your slot. Anything more is futile...Be a good little dog and take to the collar and leash, already! We'll be sure to throw you the occasional bone!" Not too long after that, my last conversation with Chiaki, followed by the last time I saw Midori. 

I knew she was only trying to make me feel better, but I couldn't take it anymore! I wanted to have a talent! To be someone she wouldn't be embarrassed to be around! To be able to walk through Hope's Peak's Main Building and hang out with Midori and her friends....Like I belong. To not be the odd one out. To be somebody and go somewhere and do something with my life! To not be looked down on whenever people find out I'm only a Reserve Course student. To not feel so....So useless...And worthless! 

I closed my eyes for a moment, before opening them again and glaring at the ceiling. Chiaki....Midori...Tio... I thought. I just...

My thoughts were interrupted as one of the scientists running the Kamukura Project walked up to me. "Time to go," he said. I nodded and followed him to the room where the procedure would take place.  I was told to lay down in the open pod, and I did so without hesitation. Soon after, I was hooked up to some wires and weird-looking machinery. As I lay there, the scientists talked to me one final time.

"Don't worry. You'll be fine," the first assured me. "You may be out of sorts when you regain consciousness, but that will pass soon enough," the second added. "And in exchange...You become a young man who embodies the lofty ideals of this academy," the third finished.

 I shut my eyes a moment, thinking about the pain Midori must be going through ever since I disappeared that day. How worried she must be about me. My heart broke at the thought of me putting her through so much despair. But...It's all for the best, I thought. All so she won't ever have to see me lose my temper like that again. So I can be the best friend she deserves.

A tear fell down my face as I thought about her. My best friend who cared about me and supported me through it all. Midori...Don't worry, I thought. As soon as this procedure is over, and I gain a talent, I'll see you again. I opened my eyes again and spoke my response to the scientists. "I...accept." 

With that, the pod I was in closed its lid, covering me in darkness. I closed my eyes again. All I could think about was Midori and how horribly I treated her. Midori, I swear... I thought, my resolve hardening. Once I'm done here, we'll be able to hang out and have fun together again. Just like we used to in middle school. And this time...You won't have to worry about me. Because I'll have something that makes me special, too. So if you're crying for me...Don't. Because I promise you...I'll see you soon. 

Flashes went through my mind of all the events that transpired until today. That's right, I thought. I accept. So I can live the life I want to lead. So I can become the protagonist of my own story. So I can hold my head high...Next to her...I will do....what I must!

I opened my eyes, unaware that when I emerged from this pod...

I would no longer be Hajime Hinata. 

And...The Hajime who was Midori's best friend...

The Hajime who Tio and Chiaki played games with...

Would cease to exist.

-To be continued!-