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kmhnsecretexchange · 1 year

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Title: The Ultimate Observer

Author: @mirroredgiraffe

For: @collegiate-trash

Pairings/Characters: Kamukura Izuru/Komaeda Nagito, Hinata Hajime/Komaeda Nagito

Rating/Warnings: Teen and Up, No Warnings Apply

Prompt: Kamukura observing the Neo World with Junko’s AI (where he definitely isn’t focusing on Komaeda wdym)

Author’s notes: The themes and matrity of the fic match the ones of the games, so I didn’t get too extreme. Also you’ll need to know the events of SDR2, DR3, Ultra Despair Girls, and DR 2.5 to understand this fic.

Summary: Kamukura has set up this killing game to determine which is better: hope or despair? While in the simulation observing the remnants, he rediscovers emotions and memories he thought were previously lost. With the help of his body-double and other friends, will he still want to answer this hypothesis?

Word Count: 14K+ (idk how i did that)

Link: https://archiveofourown.org/works/45523753

Fic under Read More

He predicted he’d end up somewhere in the program when he put the flash drive in the main computer.

Although, he did not predict he’d be like a ghost watching over younger versions of the remnants. It was truly an interesting situation, especially since he could watch *himself*.

Yet, this “Hinata” didn’t grab his attention as much as another individual did.

“Heyyy, Zuzu whatcha’ up to now?” Enoshima puts her elbow on his shoulder, looking him up and down, “huuuuuhhh?”

Her voice was grating on his ears, like nails on a chalkboard.

“Same thing as always, you know that.”

“Ahhhh, you’re so predictable sometimes. HA, it’s no fun, Zuzu~!” She puts her arm around his neck and squeezes him tight enough to choke someone, of course, it didn’t affect him.

In the distance, they could see “Hinata” speaking to Nanami. It gave Kamukura a sinking feeling in his chest he couldn’t describe.

“Doesn’t it hurt your cold, *cold* heart to see him with your old, *only* friend?” She giggles, rushing to grip her stomach. “Oooh, it especially hurts now since she’s on our team, right?”

“We aren’t a team, all of us are separate entities.”

“Godddd, you’re no fun! I think if we all try hard enough we can all be besties!” Her arms go slack and her face turns hollow. “Unless you guys don’t even care or like me, which I can understand. I’m just a miserable pile of chaos and despair…” She switches again, sporting a metal pose like she’s a harupeko. “Jesus Christ, fuck that!! Even if you guys don’t want me, you’re gonna get my sweet ass anyways!!”

Kamukura, expression unchanging, keeps staring at his body double and “friend” talk. Then, another person came into view; a tall guy with white hair. Kamukura immediately recognized him, but he looked so *different*, it surprised him.

All of the remanets looked like themselves, for the most part. He can still see their passion in their eyes, their talent in their mannerisms, and he can still see their bond even without memories of each other.

Yet, he was different somehow. Kamukura couldn’t quite place what it was, and that fact fascinated him.

Like everything else, Enoshima immediately noticed this slight change in his aura. She gasps dramatically and grabs Kamukura’s face like she’s trying to look for something. “Did I detect a hint of curiosity from you?” She starts to fake cry, “you never felt that way towards me befooore!”

“You were never interesting enough to warrant my curiosity.”

“Ohhh! You wound me so!! ” She makes a motion of stabbing herself in the chest. “I think I’m bleeding out!”

Kamukura ignores her and continues watching the participants.

“Hmmmm, you didn’t change your ‘tude until *he* showed up.” She rubs her chin and watches the group with him. “God, you must have been gay before the surgery.”

“You jump to conclusions too much for someone who’s the ‘Ulitmate Analytic’.”

“Oh, only for show, my dearest~!” She pokes his chest, “I reaaally know what is happening to your brain right now, even if you don’t!” She holds her arms close to her and she starts trembling, “it’s so romantic, isn’t it? Oh, but I wish you felt *something* towards me. You know I just want you to ra-”

“I don’t wish to hear it.”

Enoshima jumps in surprise, “oohooohhh I’m so sowwy Kamukuwa-senpai! I won’t ever do it again!” She saluted him with her tongue sticking out of her mouth.

“Why do you bother to lie to me, even when you know I can tell?”

“Because it’s fun! Ever heard of it, Mr. Lobotomy?”

“I am the Ultimate Comdeian.”

She bursts out laughing, “yeah you def are!! You’re so funny, I can’t even tell when you’re joking.”

“Hmm.” He stopped paying attention a while ago, all he was focused on was the interesting guy attached to his body double’s hip.

“You’re not supposed to be here.” Nanami looked up at Enoshima, her gaze occasionally drifted to look at Kamukura, but her focus was on the woman.

“Awww, why not, Nanami-senpai~?” She puts her hands on her hips, “why can’t we all just be kumbaya? Just hold hands and watch this shit show go down together?” She puts a hand to her face to cover an eye, “we’re all the same anyways.”

Nanami turns a faint shade of red, “don’t you *dare* put me in the same category as *you*! *He* is even different from you, I think.”

“What a bold statement from a tiny gamer girl! I didn’t know you had that fire in ya!“ Enoshima snickered, "luckily for you since you’re AI, you’re on the same level as me! Isn’t that such an awesome gift?”

“No, I was made to watch over the remnants. It was *only* supposed to be me here, probably.” Her eyes darted to Kamukura for a second, but she redirected them to Enoshima. “You’re just a virus, you’re not meant to be here.”

“What’s with the divided attention, Nanami-senpai~? I’m starting to get jealous.” She started to fake cry, “it’s like you ha-hate me!”

Nanami didn’t respond to that, she only straightened her posture and continued glaring at her.

“Hmm, you’re no fun.” She crossed her arms and sighed heavily. “You should hang out with Kamukura since you’re both such party poppers.”

Enoshima vanished after that, going somewhere else to annoy someone.

Nanami stepped closer to Kamukura, studying his face and body. “You’re Hinata-kun, right? I have all the memories of Chiaki Nanami so I think I understand what you are. But… Why are you here?”

“You could say I’m ‘Hinata’, but he’s separate from me now.”

“What do you mean?”

“I theorized that when we entered the program, something would happen to both of us. It was unpredictable which outcome it would be.” His eyes glimmer slightly at that comment, “the outcome ended up being 'Hinata’ and I being forced apart.”

“So you’re different people now or..?”

“No.”

“I see… So why can I see you here and Hinata-kun in the program with my classmates?”

“When the program forced him to forget his time at Hope’s Peak and after, it tore me from the equation. Since I only existed in that time frame.”

“If that’s the case then why are you still here?”

“I’m not quite sure.”

Nanami stepped closer again. “I think I might like having you here.” She smiled, “I vaguely remember you, but you’re the only one who remembers me as a friend, right?”

Kamukura didn’t speak for a while, that question made him contemplate deeply. “I suppose I am.”

He’s similar to the Servant he knew.

Of course, he was younger and has no clue what he was and what he’s done. A more innocent version of the man, which is saying a lot.

Sure, all of the people on the island were like that. For Kamukura it was interesting, especially now that they were forced into another despairing situation.

Not quite like the last one, this one had a tinge of hope. The hope of escape and resilience.

He knew better than that, and it seemed this “Komaeda” did too.

Kamukura has been watching Komaeda for the last three days closely. Enoshima and Nanami were with the students most of the time, so there was no one trying to talk to him.

Since the announcement that the remnants were put in a killing game, Komaeda has been planning a murder. At a party where they were supposed to ignore that exact same fate. One where Komaeda was supposed to die at the hands of someone else.

Interesting.

Komaeda was mostly silent as he planned his scheme. He did not want to draw suspicion after all, he was lucky enough to be able to clean the building all by himself.

It seems he put it all on luck, even when the outcome was never guaranteed. His whole plan was reliant on his luck even when it is almost unpredictable.

Kamukura also possessed the talent of luck, and because of that, he knew the ins and outs of it. Yet, he never really used his luck for a thing such as this. Perhaps due to this, he was engrossed in this man’s organic luck.

Yet, there was one other person who happened to cross the unfavorable side of the man’s luck; Hanamura Teruteru, the only other soul in that building at the time.

Due to him discovering Komaeda set up a murder, he played exactly into his game. Kamukura could tell that the moment he saw the way Komaeda’s eyes swirl when Hanamura demands an explanation.

It will be interesting to see how this goes.

Maybe he is closer to the Servant he knew after all.

Togmai Byakuya was found dead under the table, now “Hinata” and the rest of the remnants had to find out who did it.

Kamukura was able to be close to the remnants while the trial happened. Enoshima made it able to where he could “be part of the fun”, of course, he was only able to be seen by the other AI.

Although, it was a special case for “Hinata”. Due to their mental link, they had some influence on each other. The man didn’t know Kamukura was there or even knew of his existence, but he knew *someone* was in the back of his mind helping him somehow.

“Hinata” felt lost, and confused, but mostly he was scared. One of his classmates died, and another one did the deed. Even with the investigating he did, he was reluctant to point fingers. However, he had to, and with this new boost of stability from the back of his head; maybe he could do this.

Due to stress, his head was empty. Maybe Komaeda would help him with this, he *was* very helpful in the investigation after all.

“Hinata” wanted to prove that he was capable, so he *had* to be able to do this trial right. Of course, his and his classmates’ lives were at stake. The pressure was insane, making his head hurt from how useless it was.

Apparently, we were never expected of greatness. I *could* help “Hinata” with the trial. Although, he seems like he would be fine. Interfering would be pointless.

Kamukura stood next to “Hinata”, looking at the screen on his stand.

He wrote down enough evidence to figure out what happened, maybe he could figure this out on his own.

He looks at Komaeda across the room. He can’t see Kamukura, but when he locks eyes with “Hinata”, Kamukura pretends Komaeda is looking at him instead. Well, that wasn’t entirely wrong, but Kamukura was being a little self-indulgent. A thing he has never done before, it gave him a glimmer in his chest. “Hinata” felt his longing and hope, it gave him the motivation to do this trial.

They both could thank Komaeda for that.

I wonder what you will do, please surprise me.

Hollow.

Komaeda gripped his stomach as he spoke.

Betrayed.

He couldn’t believe what he was hearing.

Confused.

[Out of all the people, why did it have to be you?]

Sorrow.

“Hinata’s” thoughts were racing, screaming in Kamukura’s face.

Heartbroken.

[I *trusted* you. And for what? For you to fucking murder someone and turn around and look at me with a smile asking to help investigate… So it was all a lie… A game to you?]

Kamukura couldn’t believe it, but he was *feeling* emotions. Strong ones at that, he didn’t think it was possible. Yet, the influence of “Hinata” ended up making him share the wave of despair he got from Komaeda’s “betrayal”.

Enoshima, or rather Monokuma, was giggling from the sidelines as the students were freaking out.

Her shrill voice echoed in Kamukura’s head.

You didn’t expect that, didn’t you? Even when you knew exactly what that skeleton freak did, he *surprised* you. Doesn’t that make you feel such wonderful despair? I am so happy you get to see things my way!

He felt nauseous, his head was banging like it had its own earthquake. “Hinata” leaned forward holding his stomach, so he felt it too.

Komaeda’s laugh became louder in his head as Enoshima’s faded. It was raspy in comparison like he barely had enough air in his lungs to continue laughing.

Determination.

Kamukura *knew* what happened, so maybe he should give “Hinata” a little push in the right direction.

No, that’s wrong.

“Hinata” voiced the thought Kamukura gave him, and it echoed in the room.

A spark of something was in Komaeda’s eye, but Kamukura couldn’t quite read it.

Maybe I- we should look more into you.

Kamukura looked at his body double, he had a new fire in his eyes. And it all came from *him*.

Who knew Kamukura still had it in him?

“Hinata” must be a larger influence than Kamukura previously thought.

Now, he was *interested* in what more “Hinata” could show him.

Hinata opened a door and entered a small room. It didn’t look anything like he’s seen before. It was completely dark, the only thing illuminated was the door he used. He turned around and around to try to see anything, but nothing.

Then all of a sudden a desk with two chairs appears.

He decides to approach them.

A person with long black hair and a black suit and tie is sitting in one of the chairs. Their face is darkened out, so Hinata cannot tell who it may be.

The figure speaks, “I didn’t think you’d come here.”

“I saw a door appear and opened it and ended up here, so don’t think too hard about it.”

“I won’t.” Hinata can feel their gaze on him, “sit down. Don’t you want to talk about something while you’re here? You’ll be here a while.”

Hinata looks back at the door, and then back at the figure. It seemed like a bad idea to run back and go against their wishes.

He sat down next to the figure, eyeing them up and down. Even when they were so close, Hinata couldn’t see any facial features. “Who are you exactly? Also, I’d like to know where I am and why I’m gonna ‘be here a while.’”

The figure puts their hands on their lap, “I don’t think you want to know who I am, not yet anyways.” They sigh, “but I will tell you that you are in your own head. Let’s just call it ‘dream time.’ Of course, you sleep about 8 hours a night. Until you wake up in the morning, you’ll be here.” They put their joined hands on the table, “you don’t always need to come inside and see me, but you chose to tonight.”

“It just felt right… I don’t know…” He shakes his head, “no fuck okay, so what even are you then? If this is just some weird dream, then what does that make you?”

“Let’s just say I’m a part of you.”

“What the fuck… You’re not making sense.”

“I suppose I am the side of you you want to forget.”

Hinata grabbed his head, “gaahhhh, whatever be mysterious and vague emo… guy…”

“Good insult.”

“Oh, shut up.” He crossed his arms, “what am I supposed to even do here anyways?”

“We could talk if you want.”

Hinata leaned back in his chair and looked at where the figure’s eyes would have been, “sure. Got any conversation starters?”

“What do you think about Komaeda?”

He choked at that name, “*Him*? That’s what you want to talk about?”

“I feel your emotions and know everything you think. I know you want to understand him too.”

He put his hands in his face, “okay, fuck okay. I’ll humor you.” He sighs and puts his hands on the edge of the table. “I used to see that guy as a friend. He was just so chill and made me feel-. God, I don’t know anymore. I just don’t like thinking about it.” His hands gripped the table harder, “what he did is *unredeemable*, he manipulated someone to *murder*. He was planning to fucking kill someone!”

“That last part isn’t true and you know it.”

“… What?”

“We both saw the evidence and based on that, his plan didn’t exactly go as he originally planned.”

“What are you saying..?”

“He planned for himself to be the one who died.”

“I don’t want to talk to you anymore.” He stood up, “you- you don’t make *sense*!” He turned around so he couldn’t look at them anymore.

“It’s pointless to reject your own thoughts.”

Hinata whipped around and pointed a finger at them, “no. No! I do not think that! I don’t care if you’re my fucking “other self”, but you must be some intrusive thought or something… I am not dealing with this shit anymore, I’m leaving.”

Hinata walked towards the door, stomping his feet. He slowly opened the door and sighed.

“See you soon, ‘Hinata’.”

He shut the door behind him.

“Oh, Hinata great timing,” Hinata bumped into Koizumi in the cafe. “Could you do me a favor, since you’re here?” Her voice pitched high when she asked that, it felt fragile to Hinata’s ears.

“Umm, sure, what is it?”

“Could you bring this breakfast to Komaeda?” Hinata jolted in surprise, “hey, don’t act like that! I was gonna go it, but when I did it earlier he complained I gave him rice.” She scoffed, “god, he acts so high and mighty even when he’s tied up for planning a murder. I should have left him hungry, but *someone* had to feed him, right.” Her shoulders fell, “don’t want to accidentally kill him… I asked Monokuma and he said it would count…”

Hinata *really* didn’t want to do it, but after that weird dream, he thought maybe… It wouldn’t hurt.

“Sure, whatever, I’ll do it, Koizumi.”

“Really?!” She coughed, “thank you, you are a competent man, Hinata. A reliable man like you is rare.”

“Yeah…”

She handed him the tray and ran off before Hinata could back out.

[Maybe I shouldn’t think too hard about it…]

“Hahaha, hey Kamukura-senpai~! Guess what!” She jumped and jumped in front of Kamukura, “come onnnnnnn! Pay attention to me!!”

Kamukura didn’t move his head to look at her, “what is it?”

“That guy you like it all tied up in the place where the shapeshifter died! Doesn’t that make you feel something?” She hugs herself, and drool goes down her chin, “doesn’t it awaken something within you?”

“Even if it did, I wouldn’t tell you.”

“Oooh, being so mysterious~! I know deep down it triggers something in you.”

“… Maybe it was a bad idea to see what you were up to.” Nanami appears behind the two, and she sighs. “I just wanted to see what you were scheming, probably.”

“Nanami-senpai! It’s *great* to see you!” She grabs her arms and pulls her to see what they are watching. “Dontcha wanna watch the action with us?”

Nanami looks down at the scene, it’s Komaeda and “Hinata” in the cabin having a conversation. “What are you talking about?”

“I can just feel the lustful energy coming off those two! So I’m watching to make sure nothing goes down, because if it does!” She points a finger to her face, “I’ll just have to butt in and stop it! It’s against the rules, after all.”

“… Right…”

“Y-you don’t believe meeeee!” She starts to fake cry, drying her tears. “I pwomise I’m not some pervert, Nanami-senpai~! It’s j-just to make sure nothing freaky happens!”

Nanami’s mouth goes lopsided and her eyebrows are frilled. “Okay… Just… Stop…”

Enoshima makes a peace sign, and hugs Nanami by the neck, “I’ll never stop not even after death!”

“You’re already dead,” Kamukura speaks up, still not looking at the two women.

“Ahaha yeahh, thanks for reviving me, bestie!”

“Uhuh.”

“Grrrr, he’s not giving us proper attention. Maybe he’s more into that junk down there than I originally thought.”

Kamukura has been barely listening to her ramble since he wanted to see how his body double was doing instead. After what they discussed last night, he was curious about how he’d react to the man now.

His head was filled with “Hinata’s” thoughts, although what the two men were saying was a little muffled since they were high above them. Of course, for the Ultimate Musician, it was clear as crystal.

“I’m so glad it was you who came to see me, Hinata-kun.”

“It was only because Koizumi asked me to.”

“Oh! Did she trick you into doing it? I know earlier she was cursing me out for saying I don’t like rice.”

“She mentioned that…” He carefully put the food tray in front of the man, “she didn’t trick me or anything, just asked me to do it… And I guess I felt bad for her enough to do her this favor.” He crossed his arms, “don’t look too heavily into it, it’s not that deep.”

“If you say so…” Komaeda pulls at the ropes around his arms, “well, isn’t that inconvenient.” He smiled at the other man, it made “Hinata’s” hair stick on end. “I can’t feed myself with my arms tied up like this. Hinata-kun, could you feed me?”

He stood there in shock, he didn’t answer immediately.

Kamukura was captivated by the exchange, he wondered what would happen if “Hinata” helped Komaeda. Of course, that thought reverbed, and “Hinata” heard it in his head. It made his mind race more than before, the possibilities “Hinata” thought of were much more creative than Kamukura’s were.

“Hiinata” felt guilty about his anger towards the man, it felt displaced. Being tied up was a tad extreme in his opinion. Sure, he helped plan a murder, but right now there isn’t any motive to kill anyone. Plus, he doesn’t look very intimating right now, just pathetic and kinda pitiful.

Maybe it was because he was laying on the floor in an uncomfortable position with his face squished into the floor. He really looked like he took a beating and was left for dead.

Kamukura couldn’t help but see Servant more in Komaeda today, and that reflected back to “Hinata”. The chain on him especially was a call back that Kamukura couldn’t help but hold onto. Even back then he thought it was an unnecessary accessory, but he was always told how it wasn’t.

I cannot begin to understand him, but I want to make an attempt to.

And “Hinata” mirrored that sentiment.

“Fine,” he sat down in front of him. “Just don’t be weird about it.”

Komaeda didn’t reply immediately like he was thinking of what to say. “… I didn’t think you’d actually agree. I suppose it must be the good luck I got out of bad luck of being tied up.”

“Hinata” sighs, “please, don’t make me regret this.” He looked Komaeda up and down, “oh *shit* wait, is it okay if I touch you so I can make you sit up?”

“You can do whatever you want to me, I don’t mind.”

He paused and gulped, “… Yeah, sure…” He grabs the other man’s shoulders and moves him to a sitting position. “Umm… Are you comfortable?”

“Yep! Thank you for doing this for me, Hinata-kun! You really didn’t have to help trash like me, it would have been fine to leave me to starve.” He smiled at the other, “yet, here you are staying with me and willing to help.”

“It’s just human decency, I can’t just leave you to starve until someone else remembers to feed you.” He grabs the milk bottle and opens it, “and we both know that’s not happening. Here, drink some.”

Komaeda stayed quiet and drank. “Hinata” took the bottle away and grabbed the toast. “Out of everyone on this island, you are seemingly the only one who tolerates me.” He laughs at that thought, “I really wonder why that is.”

“Yeah, well, keep wondering because I don’t know either.” He shoves the toast in Komaeda’s face, “eat.”

He took a few small bites, “interesting. So you don’t know how you feel about me? Well, that is at least better than the alternative of you hating me.”

“Hinata” didn’t say anything to that, all he did was sigh. His face turned serious like he was thinking hard. He put the toast back down and rested his hand on his lap. “I don’t want to judge you too harshly before I understand you is all. I already told you not to look too deep into it.” He starts to stand up, “look you ate enough to live until lunch, so I’m gonna head out.“

“Awww, going so soon, Hinata-kun? I didn’t even finish all the food.”

“I said I’m gonna head out. See ya later Komaeda.”

“Hinata” kept a cool composer as he left the man alone, it made Komaeda speechless. He really thought he’d make more of a huff and puff about the questions he asked. And like that the other was gone.

“See ya, Hinata-kun.”

Kamukura found the whole situation engaging like he was part of the conservation. And maybe he was more of an influence on “Hinata” than he thought. It would make sense based on how he left the situation so calmly.

Even then, he wished “Hinata” stayed a little longer.

“Wooow! That display was sooo fruity!” Enoshima laughed at Kamukura’s side. “I am *so* glad I didn’t have to stop anything spicy from happening!” She gasps dramatically, “so so sowwy Kamukura-senpai I know you wanted to see something *intewesting*.”

“Did you want something from me?”

“Besides some di-”

“Stop. Did Nanami leave?”

She crossed her arms and puffed out her cheeks, “yeah she did the big meanie. She called me names and everything!”

“Knowing you it seems warranted.”

“Not you too, Kamukura-senpai!” She starts to fake cry, “you’re lucky the rules don’t apply to you since you’re not a student.”

Kamukura looks back down at Komaeda, “it wouldn’t matter to me either way.”

“God sometimes the responses you say are so boringggg.” She turns around and leaves.

Now, Kamukura is alone with his thoughts. He could have had a bigger influence on “Hinata” if he tried, to make him talk to Komaeda more in a better effort to understand him.

Yet, that idea felt immoral to him. If he truly wanted to understand Komaeda, he had to understand “Hinata” first.

Enoshima’s next scheme was the despair disease; Owari, Mioda, and Komaeda were deathly ill. The whole island split into groups to quarantine. “Hinata” and Kuzuryu were in the group with the ill and Tsumiki, while everyone else was in another location.

Due to this, Kamukura couldn’t meet Nanami at all, as she had to make sure no one found her missing. So, he decided it would be best to hang out in the hospital with his body double and everyone else.

Plus, Komaeda was there so it was an added bonus. Although, he was in the worst condition compared to the rest of the sick. It all made sense to Kamukura why that was the case, but for his body double, he was very worried.

It became very real that Komaeda could die soon. He was stuck in a fever-induced coma, so Tsumiki didn’t allow “Hinata” to be around much.

But Kamukura could be around the man as much as he wanted. It wasn’t like Tsumiki could do anything about it. Although, it did make Enoshima more annoying.

Enoshima stood next to Kamukura and slapped him on the back hard. “Heyyy, bestie. Whatcha doing around the sick freak?” She started to giggle, “SEE I have jokes too!”

“It wasn’t a very good one. That pun wasn’t clear or clever.”

“Ahhh, shhhh!” She put her finger to his mouth, “shush my sweet prince.”

He pushed her hand aside, “did you want something from me?”

“I just wanted to know why you’re sticking around on the ground, not like you get anything out of it.” She looked at the ill man sleeping in bed, “riiiiight?”

“It should be obvious to you why I’m here.” He sat on the foot of Komaeda’s bed, “I’m bored.”

“Hmmmm. Yeah! That makes both of us, bff.” She sat on his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck, “ya know I don’t know why you focus on him of all people, did you have some fun escapade after I died or some shit?”

“You could say that.”

“Ooooooh, fun! Give me all the deets!”

“That Kotoko girl you kidnapped sounds just like you sometimes.”

“Oh, so you’re giving me vague-ass responses now.” She held him tighter, putting her face against his cheek. “You know I know that you two were watching my little freaks after I died. Didn’t realize you cared about them enough to remember a fuck all detail like that!. You didn’t hang out a lot, so you really did seem like a deadbeat dad who left to go get milk.”

He didn’t say anything to that.

“Oh~ sweetie pie, did I touch a nerve?” She kicks her feet and squeals, “I’ve never done that to you before! Something is def making you more emotional, huh??” She slapped his cheek, “maybe that Hinata guy is the culprit, he *is* those missing emotions.” She smiled unnaturally wide, “or… Maybe Komaeda did? Wouldn’t that be so cliche? You were changed by a man of all things!” She giggles and it sounds like a banshee, “ohhh the drama!”

“I don’t know either.” He pushed her off and she landed with a whine, “and even if I did, I wouldn’t tell you.”

“Godd, you’re no fun!” She fake cries and stomps her feet, “fine, I’ll go bug someone else.” She makes a peach sign, “later loser.” And like that she’s gone.

Kamukura sighs and looks down to look at Komaeda’s face. He was still pale and red-faced, he looked more dead than alive with his baggy eyes and non-moving chest. Kamukura wished he could comfort him in some way, but he was unable to be perceived by the other man.

He went to move the hair out of his face, but his fingers went thru it. If he calculated it, he could make an object in the room move it for him. Yet, it would be pointless to do so. If Enoshima found out he found a way to do that, she’d freak. Plus, he wanted a real hand to comfort him.

He didn’t know why he felt so sentimental towards the man, but his feelings wrecked his brain and chest.

It seemed his only option was to get “Hinata” to comfort Komaeda for Kamukura. Since it was his body double, it was almost like he was doing the comforting.

Of course, he knew it wasn’t the case, but what else can he do besides that?

Even if it wasn’t Kamukura, Komaeda needed to have some comfort. Plus, with a little pulling of strings, he could get “Hinata” to do as he wanted.

Yet, Kamukura thought maybe it might be wrong to control another person, even if they share a body.

But were they really different people?

Hinata is very tired, he’s been worried sick about his friend.

[Is it okay to call Komaeda a friend?]

He decided to not think over it.

He was back in this dark space with the door. He opened it for the first time in a while.

The black figure looked up from their lap, “ah, hello Hinata.”

“Hajime is fine. I mean, you’re me so like… Just be casual. It’s just us… Me.” He grabbed his hair, “god this shit is confusing.” He sat down in front of the figure and rested his arms on the table leaning forward. “That reminds me, what should I call you? I’ve just seen you as this… Black abyss person thing.”

“I have a name, but you don’t want to know it quite yet. It could trigger something bad.”

“Right,” he didn’t want to know. “I’ll just call you… Umm… Emo… Edgelord… Punk guy… Something like that. God, those are shitty ideas though, right?”

The figure just stared at him.

“I knew you’d agree.” He laughed awkwardly, “Shadow? Because I literally can’t see your face or anything about you. Like those shadow clones from video games… Oh, fuck you’re the Shadow to my Sonic.”

“I suppose you’re right about that. I think ‘Shadow’ is a good nickname. The previous ones were awful.”

“Fuck you, man.” He laughs, “ahh, for real though, I’m glad you like it.”

“And thank you for giving me one. My real name wasn’t as thoughtful.

“I see… Well… Umm…” Hinata became at a loss for words, “did you wanna talk about anything?”

“Yes actually,” he placed his hands on his lap, “it’s about Komaeda.”

He jumped slightly in shock, “that is seemingly the only thing you want to talk about.”

“Says a lot about you, doesn’t it?”

“Oh, shut up…”

Shadow sighs, “but it’s true. He’s sick and we’re worried sick.”

“Haha…”

“The pun was not intentional.” They cough into their hand, “anyways, I have an idea of why he is so sick. I know you don’t know exactly who or what I am, but I possess different memories from you.”

Hinata stood up straighter, “do you remember my talent?”

“I don’t want to answer that.”

“Why the fuck not?”

“You need to figure it out yourself.”

“But you *are* me!” He crossed his arms, “don’t give me this fucking bullshit about ‘figuring it out myself’.’”

“I’m sorry.”

They sat in silence for a while, neither of them knowing what to say. Hinata was still a bit attached to what Shadow wanted to say earlier, so he didn’t want to leave yet.

“It’s… Okay, Shadow.” Hinata sighed, and leaned back in his seat. “What were you saying before about Komaeda?”

“He is sick.”

“Yes, I knew that already genius.”

“No, he was sick before the despair disease, that’s why he’s sicker than the rest, *genius*.”

“… What?”

“He will be fine eventually, he always springs back up.”

“How do you know this?”

Shadow looked at him, thinking over what to say. “I suppose it will be alright if I say this, but you knew Komaeda before you meet him on the island.”

He rubbed back his hair roughly, grabbing at the strands. “… I had a feeling that was the case.”

“Good. It’s better to not explain that.”

“Fuck you.”

“You know whenever you refer to me, it also applies to you?”

“Don’t even try that, Shadow, you’ve also been insulting me.”

“Touche.” He puts his hands together on the table and leans forwards, “anyways, just know Komaeda will be just fine. Well, for the most part.”

“Alrighty, Mr. Mysterious Shadow Clone. Don’t explain jack shit to me.”

“If I did you wouldn’t believe a word I said. Either way, I don’t want to tell you everything yet.”

“Fun.”

(Hinata! Hey!!)

“Did you hear that too?” Hinata looked at Shadow.

“Yes. I believe it’s coming from the outside world.”

“What the fuck…”

(Hey asshole wake up already! It’s Komaeda!)

“What…” “Hajime” was laying down in a hospital bed. He sat up and bumped his head into someone else’s.

“Hinata, OW!” Kuzuryu grabbed his head, “what the fuck man! I just wanted to wake you up.” He groaned, “gahhh Komaeda’s awake, Tsumiki just told me. I rushed to tell you.” He regains his composer, “come on man, let’s so see how he’s doing.”

[That is a fucking crazy ass coincidence… Unless… Fuck I’m not gonna think over it.]

The two rushed downstairs. Once they got to the door, Kuzuryu slammed it open, scaring Tsumiki.

She jumped in her seat, “oh gosh! Haaa, you woke me up, Kuzuryu-san…” Her eyes were drooping, and she began to cry. “I’m s-so sorry, I don’t blame yo-you or anything! I should have been awake, but I’ve just-just been so tired!”

“It’s… Fine… Just stop crying over it…” Kuzuryu looked equally uncomfortable and worried.

She wheezed and snuffled, “of course… It’s n-not like it matters anyways.” She looks at Komaeda, “Komaeda-san is awake now. His condition has stabilized and his fever has gone down. Although, it is still high.” She looks back at the two, “oh! Right, I need to check on the other two now!” She stands up abruptly and almost falls over, “please carry on!”

Kamukura sighed, it sounded dejected. He was concerned about Komaeda’s health and wished he could be there for him. Although, “Hajime” should be good enough.

Then Enoshima giggled at his side.

“So, you’re at the hospital again?” Kamukura glanced in her direction.

“Yeppers! I got bored bothering that gamer girl. She just plays games and ignores me.” She pulls on her pigtails, “the absolute gaul!”

“And I’m your only other option.”

“Nuh-uh! I could have used a Monokuma to bother my students, but the ones who are fun to bother aren’t really all there right now. HA, although I was fucking with Souda for a while.” She puts her hands to her hips, “what grease stain, he is just so easy to make fun of it gets boring fast.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Oh, don’t be boring now!” She stomps her feet, “what am I supposed to do then?”

“Maybe you should find a new hobby.”

“Awww, it’s hard to do that when you’re an AI stuck in a therapy computer simulation, ya know.”

“Of course.”

“Ahhh, anyways. I heard your sigh of concern!” She giggled again, “it is sooooo funny how being put into this dating sim made you so emotional.”

Kamukura looked at her from the corner of his eyes, “you’re right.”

“Waaaaa?!?!” She put her arms up and gawked at him, “you’re agreeing with little ol’ me?”

“Did you know me entering the program would bring back ‘Hajime’?”

She starts cackling, “mayyyybe~.”

“Alright, Hinata, I’m gonna head back to the waiting room since it’s almost time for the meeting. You can stay back if ya wanna.” He opens the door, “see ya.”

The door clicked shut and the room became silent.

“This should be entertaining, right, Zuzu?” She giggled and kicked her feet.

Kamukura didn’t acknowledge her.

“It’s awful to see you, Hinata-kun,” Komaeda smiled at the man with his hands in his lap.

“Hajime” stood next to him, he scratched the back of his head. “Ya know, that’s not a nice thing to say to someone who *chose* to visit you.”

Komaeda’s stare felt a little more intense after he said that.

Kamukura grunts in annoyance, and Enoshima snickers. “Not the brightest tool in the shed, ain’t he?”

Don’t you remember he has the lying disease? Don’t be so presumptuous.

“Hajime” stood up straighter and put his arm down, his eyes widened. “Oh wait… You have the lying disease.” He laughed awkwardly, “sorry, I umm really need to think before I say shit. Jesus, I sound like an asshole right now.”

Komaeda laughed, but it turned into a gross and dry cough. “You sure do! Worry about it, because it really bothers me.”

“Hajime” looked at him with a serious expression for a minute, and then snapped his fingers. “Oh, if you didn’t mind it then, I’ll just move on then.” He grabbed the chair and moved it to sit next to the man, “are you doing better than before? You were out for a long time… I- WE were very worried.”

“Oh, I’m doing great! The fever has lessened, just as Tsumiki said! I’m actually doing worst since you’re here. Maybe you should just leave.”

“What?” His tone was immediate and upset, he almost didn’t have time to think. As he started to stand up, he got a sudden pain in his head.

Don’t run away , it said. It was like there was a second voice in his head he never paid mind to. Yet, this voice was *his*. Maybe his dreams had more meaning than he previously thought.

“Hajime” stayed sitting, and put his hands together on his lap. “You really want *me* to stay with you?”

“No.”

“Okay then, I’ll stay for as long as I can.” He laughs, “you must have been bored and lonely for the past few days, huh? I mean you even *asked* me to stay with you, it’s kinda funny when you think about it.”

“It really is! I can clearly see why you’d think that.”

“Even in this state, you act like that huh… Whatever it doesn’t matter.” He leans forward, “what don’t you understand then?”

“Why it’s not funny.”

“Hajime” took a minute to think that over, not wanting to explain it. “Well, I thought you’d want someone else…”

Kamukura *knew* he was still not sharing the whole truth, but this time he wouldn’t intervene.

“That makes no sense. I would prefer someone else, of course.”

“Oh.” He stood up straight again, “that’s… Nice to hear.

“It makes sense why it would, right? I mean I am a great, beautiful person.” Komaeda groaned after saying that, he held his head with his hands. “I really am so wonderful.”

“Yeah…” He chuckled, “I think I prefer you this way. You know your self-depreciation gets on everyone’s nerves.”

“I know that, but they still shouldn’t know.”

“Hajime” looked at him with a confused expression, he was unable to translate that sentence.

Kamukura bought a hand to his face. Enoshima giggled and kicked her feet at the motion.

He doesn’t understand why people hate it when he tells them how awful he is, since he sees it as the truth he must share.

“Yes… I understand.” He shook his head and looked at Komaeda again. “Well, I don’t think that way, and I’m sure at least *one* other person here agrees. I mean, you’re not as awful as you say you are.”

“I believe you.”

“Oh gre- … Komaeda… Why would I lie to you?”

“It would be very unfunny and difficult.”

“Uh-huh, sure man.” He sighs, “it is kinda hard to talk to you right now. Hell, I could have left a long ass time ago back when you said you didn’t want me to be here. But, here I am.” He gestures to himself, “I don’t fully understand why *I* chose to stay here, but maybe - just maybe - I am worried about a fellow human being and classmate.” He clicks his tongue, “so don’t worry about it too much.”

“No thanks, Hinata-kun.”

“Great.”

The two continued to talk but Kamukura stopped paying attention for a moment.

“Hajime” seemed to mirror his feelings and thoughts more than he previously considered, it was blurring the line between consciousnesses now. It was like there was no separation besides memories. Now, Kamukura was thinking that could be the case.

He wondered who was the one who began to like Komaeda first. It should have been him, after all, he knew the man first. However, he did not have any of “Hajime’s” memories either. So it was something he could not figure out on his own.

Although, getting “Hajime” to share these feelings seemed like a big undertaking to Kamukura.

The remaining remnants were trapped in Fun House, with no food or water. They would not be released until someone was killed. They decided to group the boys and girls into different houses, with “Hajime” staying with the girls.

The elevator that connected the two houses was broken, so “Hajime” couldn’t interact with any of the other boys.

For Kamukura, this meant he was sending all his time at Grape House watching over the boys. Of course, most of his energy was focused on Komaeda.

Of course, he also was interested in the Final Dead Room. When Monokuma said there are secrets waiting there for those who dare enter; he just had to check it out.

Being an AI not set as a student, he was able to enter the room with no fuss. The only difficulty proved to be finding the files she promised. Kamukura couldn’t interact with most things, so he had to look through the code to find it. Yet, Enoshima hid it well.

“Oh, Kamukura-senpai~! I *know* you’re looking through the code I made.” She leans against his shoulder and puts the back of her hand on her forehead. “I feel so violated! You pervert looking through my files!”

“You mentioned to the remnants that you stored secrets in here. I’m only looking for those.”

“Oh, wow, I didn’t realize you’d care about those.” She crossed her arms, “I thought you knew everything about these guys.” She laughs, “I made sure I didn’t share *too* much info in these. I really doubt you’d find anything new in those.” She snaps her fingers, making a file folder appear in her hands. “You know what, I don’t really care either way.” She hands the folder to the man, “here.”

Kamukura holds the folder in his hands, he looks at it, and then back up at Enoshima.

“Oh, come on! Don’t make me regret it!”’

A door opening could be heard, and the two turned to look at it. It was Tanaka at the door.

“Omgomgomgomg!!” She sends a Monokuma into the room, immediately talking to the man.

Kamukura takes this as his chance to leave.

Kamukura had suspicions of this, but now they were confirmed. He already knew “Hajime” was a Reserve Course student with no talent. It’s no wonder he cannot remember his talent, he must have blocked out that he’s talentless since he hated that fact.

Besides that, everything else in the folder was true and basic. Just the student files of each remnant, what they did as remnants, and such. It got into gory detail, which isn’t surprising knowing Enoshima.

In the end, it was worth it to read the folder. Even if it didn’t share much new information for Kamukura, he at least got confirmation about “Hajime”.

He admits his past self fascinates him to no end, it wasn’t always like that. Yet, after watching him for weeks and having conversations with him; he can’t deny there is *something* there. Especially since they had this emotional link now, if Kamukura understood “Hajime” more, he’d be able to understand anyone.

Of course, his focus was on Komaeda. Since neither he nor “Hajime” could understand the man.

In the Fun House, the two men have been spending their free time together. Since Kamukura nudged “Hajime” to give Komaeda a chance and understand him before he makes a judgment.

Although, there were some times “Hajime” got too prickly or when Komaeda got too intense.

It was riveting to watch nonetheless.

“What in the world *is* hope to you, anyways?” “Hajime” stood across from Komaeda with his arms crossed.

[I’m starting to regret listening to his freak of a shadow clone, but hey dreams are supposed to be subconscious thoughts or some shit. Maybe I really *want* to understand this… Guy.]

“Why am I so misunderstood… It’s just something I want to believe in. You really need to think it over seriously. What do you think hope is?”

[He’s right I never thought about it before. Well, for him it’d be…]

Kamukura had a very specific view on hope since he was created to be the Ultimate Hope after all.

It was a complex and personal opinion, even if he wouldn’t admit it. He was just like Komaeda in that way, but they did reach different outcomes.

This whole killing game is so Kamukura can see which is better; hope or despair. Currently, he still can’t say which one will win.

Now they were presented with the question, but surprisingly, it was “Hajime” that was able to answer.

“It’s… Absolute good.”

Komaeda clapped his hands together with a smile, “that’s exactly it! And it’s something you guys can embody… As long as the seeds of hope are planted, I’ll gladly kill or be killed.” He laughs, “the fact that I’m still alive is hope in itself!”

[I still have no clue what he’s talking about… It doesn’t seem like he does this for his selfish desires… Which freaks me out more somehow…]

“Huh, Hinata-kun are we done talking? You have this vacant look on your face… We can talk later, right?” He turns away, “after all, we’re both friends who yearn for hope.”

“Hajime” watches him leave, and Kamukura mirrored the same sentiment as him.

[Do we really share the same type of hope?]

Kamukura didn’t have much to do at night, it wasn’t like he needed to sleep.

So of course, a loud bang in the middle of the night caught his attention.

Once he got where the sound came from, he was greeted by Enoshima.

“Fucking crazy, right? That goth furry killed a robot. And I *just* brought that fucker back to life.” She laughs and then breathes out suddenly, “it’s sooooo cool though, right? Like the way he figured out to kill a beast like that, I’m impressed!” She grabbed Kamukura’s right arm and held it close to her chest, “what do you think, Kamukura-senpai~?”

“It’s… Tragic.”

“WOOAAHH!! I didn’t think I’d get an answer like *that*” She pulled his arm down, and look at his face. “You’re been more emotionally available recently, what the fuck is wrong with you? I thought those old fucks’ did a better job of getting rid of your emotions.”

“We both know you already know the answer to that question.”

“Jeez! You’re really no fun!” She stomped her feet and puffed out her cheeks, “you can never play along, huh?”

“I can, just not the way you want me to.”

She pulled on her pigtails and screamed in annoyance.

“*God*, I love the way you make me feel sometimes… It makes me feel such wonderful despair!” She dances her finger on his chest, “I don’t know why you can’t feel the same towards me!”

“Says the one who said I don’t feel emotions.”

“Touche.”

Komaeda proved to be especially captivating to Kamukura recently. After the boys found out what happened to Nidai, Komaeda went to the Final Dead Room.

Of course, Kamukura followed.

Komaeda entered the room, and the door shut behind him.

“So this is the Final Dead room… It’s eerie, hope I don’t get scared!”

“Oh no, I thought that could be my way out… Wait, Komaeda-kun…?”

“Monomi-san..? What are you doing here?”

“Ooooh, I’m trapped in here. I hear the body discovery announcement… I thought it would happen here…””

“And then you got locked in. I see, you’re a fool from head to toe.”

“Yeah… I’m embarrassed…!”

“Not like I care much. Just don’t get in the way.”

“Of course! Just ask when you need help, okay?” Then Monomi notices Kamukura behind Komaeda, “what… why are you her-”

Kamukura made a shushing movement, “don’t you make my presence known.”

“…Monomi-san, did you say something?”

“NOPE! I’m just thinking out loud…”

“Please refrain from doing that, I need to focus in silence.”

She nodded quickly, then she looks at Kamukura. She sweats and tears up.

“I’ll only talk to you with yes or no questions, so just shake your head and stay quiet, okay?”

She nods.

Komaeda goes to the bars, “looks like we can’t get out of here until those get out of the way.”

“Yeah… I tried to open them but my arms weren’t strong enough.”

Komaeda looked at her with a neutral expression, “you tried to pry them open?”

“… It sounds silly when you say it like that…”

Kamukura doesn’t look at Monomi, still focused on Komaeda. “Did Monokuma prevent you from teleporting out of the room?”

Monomi jumped and opened her mouth. Then remembering what she was told, covered it with her paws. She nodded.

“He must have thought it was funny to make you do the game yourself, then.”

Monomi cried.

Komaeda peaked his head into the closet, not looking at Monomi. “Monomi-san, are you crying? Do you think you can do it silently?” He held a wired hanger, “I’m trying to think here.”

Monomi looked at Kamukura, her eyes were glossy.

“Don’t look at me like that. If anything you being here is more distracting than what I could ever be.” Kamukura sat next to her, “at least he can see you and talk with you.”

She looked at him with a curious look, “are you jealous?” She whispered into his ear.

Kamukura looked at Komaeda. He was at the desk looking over a piece of paper, he didn’t react to what Monomi said.

“Perhaps. It is rather inconvenient to be invisible, but Enoshima thought it’d be funny if I couldn’t be seen. She acts like I’m some ghost.”

Monomi giggled.

“Monomi-san,” Komaeda turned and looked at her. “Are you laughing at my total incompetence? Well, I think it’s a little harsh to judge before I even finished trying, but I understand the judgment!”

“Oh, Komaeda-kun, I could *never* judge you! You are one of my wonderful students! I’m only laughing because… I remembered… Umm..” She looked at Kamukura for help.

“Say the code on the paper is nautical directions.”

“Oh, the code on the paper is nautical directions.”

Komaeda looked at her for a moment, thinking it over. “Yeah, that makes sense… You must have seen this before I came in.” He looks at the numbers written on the walls, “I’m surprised you figured it out! I didn’t take your seriously when you said you’d help, thanks.”

She’s aghast, “… thanks…umm… you’re welcome?”

Komaeda goes to the combination safe and enters the code, it opens up. “Well, look at that! You were right Monomi.” He grabs the camera and USB stick.

Monomi looks at Kamukura, “thanks…”

“Now what to do with these…” Komaeda goes back to his deep thinking, ignoring Monomi.

Kamukura sighs, “you never looked around did you?”

Monomi looks at her paws and shakes her head.

“It’s been about two hours since you got in here, and you didn’t think once to look around to find a way to escape?”

“I didn’t want to have to shoot myself, is that so crazy?”

Komaeda whipped his head in her direction, “Monomi-san, are you okay? Are you talking to yourself or… Are you talking to someone else?” He holds the hook he made to his chest, “maybe you’re just talking to a pretend friend because talking to me would be an awful experience, right?”

“No, no nothing like that! I… Have been talking to you… I just…” She looks at Kamukura again.

“Say you had a moment of stress.”

“I… Am just stressed… That’s all…”

“Sure, whatever you say.” Komaeda didn’t believe her but didn’t have enough evidence to point fingers yet. So he left it be.

He knelt next to the bed and used the hook to try to grab something hiding under it.

Kamukura watched him from behind.

Monomi hit Kamukura on the shoulder, “that’s not school appropriate, stop looking!” She screamed in a whisper.

“Monomi-san,” Komaeda didn’t stop what he was doing, “I’m starting to think you’re talking to your invisible friend.”

“I don’t have an invisible… Friend…” She covered her eyes, “I’m just saying my thoughts out loud…”

Kamukura sighs, “saying that doesn’t make you look good.” He didn’t look away from the view.

“I would never treat my students that way!”

“I’m sure you wouldn’t, Monomi-san… I’m more concerned about your mental state now.” Komaeda stood up and dusted himself up, “are you stable enough to be a teacher?”

“Komaeda-kun, I am *very* mentally healthy! I was programmed to be the perfect teacher after all.” She puffed out her chest.

He held a key in his hands. “They must have not had good experiences with teachers then.”

“My programmer had one of the best teachers ever! Plus, she-”

Komaeda opened the locked drawer and held the scissors it contained. He looked back at her, “she what?”

“I don’t think I should say…”

“Okay, I’m not good enough to share secrets with anyways.”

“That’s not…”

Komaeda cut open the Monokuma plushie with the scissors and pulled out batteries.

Kamukura stares at the destroyed Monokuma, “seeing that reminds me of our past.”

She leans in and whispers, “our..?”

“I and Komaeda used to destroy Monokumas for fun. Well, it was fun for him. He enjoyed watching me easily dispose of them. I didn’t feel anything, but he enjoyed it so I did it.”

“Oh, I see you wanted to make him happy!” She giggled.

“Monomi-san.” Komaeda didn’t look at her, his eyes were focused on the computer screen. “Who are you talking to?”

Kamukura sighed, “you really need to learn to not speak.”

“I- I just… Wanted to say that… No reason…”

Komaeda sighed and looked at her. “Are you referring to me in that statement? Am I the ‘you’ or the ‘him’, or am I presumptuous to even imagine myself in such a situation?”

Monomi squealed, she looked at Kamukura who was glaring at her. “I don’t… Want to say…”

“Okay. I don’t deserve an answer anyways.” He sighs, “you’re really not helping me by babbling nonsense. I told you to stay out of the way… Hmm, maybe that was selfish of me to ask for such a thing. Although, I asked *you* so is it really that selfish?”

Monomi was crying, and Kamukura crossed his arms. “Ask him what he’s trying to do.”

“Komaeda-kun… I want to be useful… What are you trying to do?”

“Well, I’m trying to figure out the code for the computer. Not quite sure what to put. I don’t expect you to know it.”

“Don’t be so sure… I…” She looks at Kamukura, “can help…” She walks over to the man, and motions for Kamukura to follow.

She looked at the screen, “oh umm… Yeah… It must be… The…”

Kamukura looked over Komaeda’s shoulder, it was obvious what the answer was to him. And he could tell it was to Komaeda too. He must be playing dumb so Monomi can tell him the answer. So he does this game outside of trials too.

“Ask to see the camera and memo.”

“‘Can I see the camera and memo you found?”

Komaeda’s eyes lit up, “of course.”

Kamukura and Monomi looked at the items.

Kamukura looked at the screen again, “tell him it’s the first letter of the planets, in the order of the planets. That’s the code.”

“It looks like the code is the first letter of the planets, in order.”

Komaeda clapped his hands together, “wonderful job, Monomi-san! Your hope is shining bright, I would have never expected it!”

“Thanks, I think.”

Kamukura felt a fuzzy feeling in his chest, but he didn’t know why.

Komaeda entered the code on the screen, then the computer screen showed a grid of dots with numbers.

“It looks like a game of Othello…” Komaeda sighed, “that doesn’t sound right.” He looks at the digital clock, “maybe the lights on that correspond to a number here.”

“Well, even if it does, how will you enter numbers on it?”

“There is only one thing here that can input numbers, of course, that’s the answer!”

Monomi steps back, “of course…”

Komaeda enters the code into the combination safe, and then the bars lower into the ground.

“Yay! Komaeda we did it with our combined powers. We cleared the room!” She waves at Kamukura as a ‘thank you’.

“Who cares about clearing it…? Why doesn’t it feel like the exit isn’t open?”

“It’s not open..?” She tries to open the door, “ahhh! It’s not open?!”

“I just told you that…”

“The game musn’t be over yet.”

“Oh, I wonder if this has anything to do with the paper I found when I came in here. I thought it was just a joke…”

“Is there something you want to share?”

“I got a letter when I first got in here, I thought it was a joke so… I forgot to tell you about it…”

“Enough with the excuses. Hurry up and show it to me.”

She sheepishly hands it to him.

He reads the note, “looks like I need to play Russian Roulette in order to get out of here.”

“W-what?! You can’t do that! That’s too dangerous!”

“How is that dangerous?”

“It’s Russian Roulette! You know you have to put one bullet into the barrel and spin it the shot yourself! That means you have a one in a sixth chance of death! How is that not dangerous?!”

“That’s a pretty small likelihood of getting killed. I mean it’s only one-sixth of a chance. Doesn’t that seem easy to you? It should be the opposite, I’ll remove a bullet so there are five bullets loaded. So that would be one-sixth of success.” He laughs, “wouldn’t that be more thrilling?”

“Y-you’d actually do that?”

“Yep, I’m doing it right now!”

“Noo!” She looks at Kamukura, “was he always like this?”

Kamukura looks fond, “yes.”

“Komaeda-kun, why??”

“Since my talent is luck, that should mean I should survive. If I didn’t survive with a one-sixth chance, is my luck really ultimate?”

“P-please stop…”

He fires, and the gun clicks. No bullet came out just like he hoped. In response, the door clicked open.

“Haha, looks like we finally cleared the Final Dead Room!”

“I’m… Scared of you Komaeda-kun…” She looks at Kamukura, “I’m scared of you…”

“Oh, really?” He shrugs, “oh, well, let’s go then. The Octagon should be beyond that door.”

They go through the door. There are boxes of weapons lining and walls, and a window at the end of the hallway.

Monokuma appears out of nowhere to greet them, “congrats, Komaeda. You completed the Final Dead Room.”

Monomi squealed, “ahhh, he’s here too??”

Monokuma ignores her, “and on the highest difficulty too! I got a special present just for you!” He hands him the Future Foundation file.

“Wait, didn’t we already get this?”

“It’s extra info I left out before, haha. Couldn’t have all of you guys knowing everything, now can I?”

Monomi huffs, “did you get that without permission?!”

She is ignored again, “and here are your student files from Hope’s Peak!” He hands the folder to Komaeda.

His eyes light up, “I can’t believe this…”

Monokuma looks Kamukura dead in the eyes, “I’m sure you’ll find stuff in there that tickles your fancy.” He giggles, “I wonder if it’s lucky or unlucky that *you* of all people got to see this. Well either way you’re gonna make things more interesting.” He looks at Kamukura again, “and isn’t that *exactly* what you wanted?”

Komaeda raises a brow, “what do you mean by ‘you’?”

“Whelp, I gotta get going now! Come on Monomi, you cheater!” He grabs her arm aggressively and drags her back to the door, “you didn’t finish the game yet!”

The two left the room screaming their own woes.

Komaeda looks at the student folder, “looks like I’m alone now.” He sighs, “I’ll deal with you later.” He puts the folder in his jacket and begins to look around the room.

Kamukura watches him in silence, sure if he wanted he could speak. It wasn’t like Komaeda could hear him, but what would be the point?

He moved aside to let Komaeda move around and peeked over his shoulder when he inspected objects. He acted like he was investigating with him, or maybe it was more like watching an animal to him. He couldn’t quite place the feeling.

Komaeda spoke quietly to himself while he was looking around, like doing so made him feel like he wasn’t alone. He had this strange sense that he wasn’t alone too.

“Usually, I always feel like someone is watching and judging me… But now…” He opens a fridge, “it’s more like a curious stare, I don’t know how to describe it.” He laughs and closes the door, “maybe that poison would be useful, huh? Maybe you agree, maybe not. Not like you can respond.”

Kamukura’s eyes widen slightly, “knowing you you’d find a use for it.”

“It doesn’t matter anyways, I figure something out if I need to.” He looks at the door on the floor, “wait… I’m on the 1st floor, right? There wasn’t a bunker in the sketch… Huh…” He laughs, “this got interesting..!”

He turned the corner and walked over to the window, “why would there be a window here?” He steps closer, “in actuality, what could this mean?” He looks through the window and laughs. He laughs long and loud, it turns raspy after a while. He suddenly stops himself, “it all makes sense now.”

Kamukura stood next to him, his head hovering over his shoulder. “I knew you would figure it out.” There was a fondness in his tone that he didn’t know he could muster.

Komaeda was proving the fight between hope and despair could be interesting.

Hinata appeared in the dark room again, he felt mad and scared. He didn’t want to open the door, but it opened itself. Making him come inside.

Shadow was sitting there, as he always does. But now, Hinata could see the lower half of their face. He watched their mouth move as they talked.

“Hello again, Hajime.” Shadow paused, “you don’t look well.”

“Ya think, genius?” He sat down in the other chair, “look I didn’t want to come here, but I was pushed in. Was that *your* doing?” He glared at Shadow, resting his elbow on the table.

“No, I have no control over the door. I only am allowed in this room.” Shadow paused, “well, I used to be able to go outside, but since we got here, I’ve been locked in here.”

Hinata relaxed his shoulders, “‘ever since we got here..?’ Do you know why?”

Shadow didn’t speak for a while, “I think you have an idea why now, don’t you?”

Hinata’s head pounded, and he sweated. “What do you mean by that?”

“Komaeda told you, you were a reserve course student with no talent.” When he said that more of Shadow’s face was visible, Hinata was able to see freckles on his cheeks. “Once he said that you denied it, but it caused you to remember it was true.”

“Shut up..! I don’t like this…” Hinata’s hands shake.

“I’m sorry, Hajime, I really am.” They sigh, “you had to find out at some point.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?!” Hinata grabbed his hair, “you know *everything*, so why can’t you tell me any of it?”

Shadow looked at Hinata with a frown, and Hinata could see a faint red glow coming from their eyes. Even if he still couldn’t see their eyes, that red glow triggered something in him. Hinata’s pupils were small as he stared at Shadow like he didn’t want to say what he was thinking out loud.

“You remember who I am, don’t you?” As Shadow spoke, the shadow over their eyes disappeared. Hinata could see their face in full now, their red eyes bore into his soul in a way he didn’t want to think over. He knew this guy was him, or at least a version of him, but Shadow having the same face as him was too much for him.

“No… NO!” Hinata stood up from his chair and stepped away from Shadow slowly, “I don’t want to remember, this is fucking ridiculous…”

Before Shadow could respond, the door burst open, letting light in.

Kamukura knew it would happen eventually, that “Hajime” would remember things. Although, he never excepted him to have memories of the project. Their mental link seemed lessened after that encounter, Kamukura assumed “Hajime” was hiding from him.

Maybe it was better for him to be alone for a while.

Although that wasn’t the thing plaguing Kamukura’s mind. Komaeda has been scheming and sneaking around more than usual. This peaked Kamukura’s interest, ever since he read the files Komaeda has been distant from everyone, even Nanami didn’t see him much.

However, Enoshima knew what he was up to, and she made sure Kamukura knew all about it.

“Heyyy, Kami-senpai~!” Enoshima grabbed Kamukura’s hair and wrapped it around her neck, she stood chest to chest with him. “Did you miss me, babe?”

“Not peculiarly.”

“Oooh~, you’re buttering me up, huh?” She put her face closer to his, “ya know, that boy toy of ours has been planning a mass murder, right?” She giggled, “oh, wait! You didn’t!” She laughed harder, “you haven’t been able to see him recently… Did you have some lover’s quarrel?” She stepped back and slapped her forehead, “ooooOOooOo, waiiiit! I fowgot, he doesn’t know you exist!” She pulls harder at his hair, “well, I shouldn’t say that, huh? He read that talentless boy’s file, so he knows your existence now.” She started to braid his hair, “you know, I think that’s just *beautiful*! It’s like love prevails all! I remember what you guys were like before and *after* my death after all.” She cackled, and held her stomach, releasing the hair. “If you can even call your little agreement love, it was def a bastardized version of it.”

“You’ve been helping him, haven’t you?”

Enoshima’s eyes glitter and she squeals, “oh don’t say it like that! You’re making it sound like I’m the other girl!” She sighs, “look buster, he asked me to help set it up since he knew I’d do almost anything as long as he made it an interesting murder. So obvi I put my part in! You know we’re near the end, I mean the readers must be dying for this to end. We’re at what, like over 11k words, right?” She groans, “breaking the fourth wall can be so cringe, right? I mean I’m a serious person here, doing a joke like that is beneath me…”

Kamukura’s brows furrow, and Enoshima notices, giggling at him. “Where has he been?”

“Oh, you know the fifth island, I just opened it up.” Her eyes widened, “have you not been there or something?” She grinned like a devil, “oh, is it because your body double has been locking himself in his room all alone?”

Kamukura didn’t say anything.

“So that’s why, huh? Wanna protect him or something? Or like keep an eye on him?” She pops her cheeks with her acrylic nails, “is it because your boytoy has been a big ol’ meanie to him?”

“You could call it the inciting incident.”

“Oh! A literary term! How clever! How appropriate!” Enoshima clapped her hands, “either way, that bitch is a depressive mess, lmaooo. Kinda bummer tho, like bringing my mood down.” She turns, “I got Monokuma to like get him out of his cabin, but he wasn’t very responsive.” She darts her head to look into his eyes, “did you do anything to him? I know you’ve been talking to him *somehow*, but it’s not like I can see into his head, or anyone’s for that matter. Well, I am the Ultimate Analyst so I basically can do that shit!” She pauses, “although, I was never the best at reading you since you have the same talent you know how to prevent it.”

Kamukura didn’t say anything.

Enoshima tsked, “not even giving me anything with words, huh? Okay, be boring, I think I could bother Komaeda more anyways. Not like I need to watch some gay ass shit since you’re stuck here.” She held her fingers in an L-shape on her forehead, “later loser.”

Then she disappeared into the wind.

Kamukura sighed, he really needed to help “Hajime”, but he refused all help from him.

There was only one way he could fix this; he was going to give Nanami a visit.

Kamukura is at Nanami’s front door, he knocked on the door.

“Come in.” Her voice came through the walls.

He let himself inside, he phased through the door. Nanami didn’t look up from her game, “I said come in!”

“I’m right here, Nanami.”

She gasped but didn’t look up from her game. “Based on the voice, I’m gonna say you’re Kamukura-kun, right? I mean Hinata-kun can’t get inside without opening my noisy door, I think.”

“Yes, it’s me.” He stood in the doorway, unmoving.

Nanami beat the level and looked up from the screen, “you can sit down wherever, I don’t care.”

Kamukura looked around, and Nanami looked back at her screen. He decided to sit on the ground across from her.

“So… Why did you come and see me?” A scream came from the console, “you haven’t done what before. It’s always me taking my time to speak to you.”

“I’m sorry, I’ve been focused on other things.”

“You don’t have to apologize, we’re friends, I understand.” She smiles, “I know you don’t think of those things anyways, probably.” A horn sound came from her game, she looked up at him. “So, what did you wanna talk about?”

“I wanted… Your help.” Nanami looked back down at her game, but he knew she was listening. “It’s about Komaeda, and I suppose “Hajime” too.”

“Oh, I see. Well, it’s a related subject then?”

“Yeah, it’s linked. Do you remember what happened in the funhouse? When Komaeda showed up out of nowhere, berating “Hajime”?”

A slashing sound came from the console, “oh yeah, of course. It was unsettling, to say the least. I mean he found out almost everything and took out his anger on Hinata-kun.”

Kamukura’s face relaxed, “yes. Well, “Hajime” didn’t take it well.” He’s been locking everything out, you noticed, I’m sure.”

She nods.

“He has locked me out too. Our mental link has lessened, and I’m… Worried about him.”

Nanami paused her game and looked at Kamukura.

“It must be very serious, I’m sorry Kamukura-kun.” She sighs, “I know Hinata-kun better than anyone else here, probably. He’s hard-headed, but he’s very emotional. It’s not a bad thing, he just can’t think things through when he gets too overwhelmed.”

“Yes… It’s been difficult to reach through to him.” He sighs, “He doesn’t want to think about who I am or what we went through. I want him to know these memories aren’t a bad thing. They aren’t from a good time, but it’s our memories.”

“Wow, I never excepted that from you. Maybe from Hinata-kun, I guess he was a bigger influence on you than I thought.” She smiles, “maybe you two aren’t as separate as everyone thinks.”

“That is part of it, yes.”

“What’s the other part?”

“Seeing all the remnants from before they became brainwashed gave me a new perspective. They don’t seem as predictable as before… Especially Komaeda.”

She giggled, “yeah, he’s a… umm… Eccentric. Like he’s odd, but he’s nice. He stands out pretty easily.”

“That’s not exactly what I meant.” He paused, “do you know about anything that happened after you died?”

“Well, I was given all of the information and Future Foundation files for the remnants, plus some key events for everything. So I have the jist of it, but I don’t like know many details, I think.”

“You didn’t have much information about me then.”

“Nope. Only your interactions with Enoshima-san, but even those are sparse. There are some mentions of you being around other remnants, aiding them since you were ordered to. Not too many of those events were recorded though, Future Foundation couldn’t keep up with everything.” She clicks her tongue, “also, you were in Towa after Enoshima-san died, but we don’t know what you did there. And that’s it.”

“You kept a close eye on the genocide in Towa, you never noticed what I was up to.”

“Hmm… What were you doing?”

“I hung around Komaeda and the Warriors of Hope. It was a way to pass time while I was thinking over… Setting this game up.”

“Oh.” She looked over his shoulder, “so is that why you’re more focused on him.”

He gave her a blank expression, but it felt shy.

She giggled, “oh, did you want to talk about it?”

“Perhaps…”

She smiled wider and gave him a thumbs-up.

“Well, I’m concerned he’ll die soon. The fact that I don’t want that to happen, is strange.” He looks at his hand, “I never was meant to feel this way.”

“And what’s wrong with that?” He looked into her eyes, she was determined. “It doesn’t matter what others think you should do or are capable of. What matters is what you want to do, and what you want to try to do.”

Kamukura stayed silent after that, and Nanami silently sat with him. She never picked up her game until he left.

Kamukura has connected to “Hajime” again, but this is not the way he wanted it to happen.

Komaeda was dead.

He felt “Hajime’s” distress, and it made him panic. It was feelings he has never felt before, it was too overwhelming. Kamukura thought maybe, he was *too* connected to “Hajime” now.

“Hajime” sat next to the body, and the survivors stood behind him in shock. Yet, he didn’t acknowledge them. Kamukura sat next to “Hajime”, staring into Komaeda’s eyes.

Nanami crotched next to them, “hey, are you doing okay?”

She was talking to both of them, but it was “Hajime” who responded. “Have I ever been okay since I got here?”

“No… But you know what I mean, probably.”

“Yeah… Sorry Nanami… I’ll be fine. I just need to investigate and get this over with. I can grieve later…” He stood up, but still had his focus on the body.

Nanami stayed with Kamukura. She nudged him, making him look up at her.

“I will be fine too…”

“Hajime” scratched the back of his head, he looked confused. “Nanami..?”

Nanami stood up and smiled sadly, “okay… That will be good for now.”

Hinata was back in the dark room, but the door was already open. He stepped slowly, and looked into the room before entering.

Shadow looked up at him, his face was completely visible. His red eyes still made Hinata feel ill.

“Hello, Hajime.”

“You…” He walked into the room, and stood in front of the table. “Why is the door open?”

“It based on how open you are. A clear metaphor, isn’t it?”

“Don’t be fucking coy with me! I don’t *feel* open. What does that *even* mean?!”

“Kamukura” folded his hands on the table, “it means you wanted to talk to me. You are having a spiral, and are questioning everything.”

“Yeah, no shit. After seeing the people I consider to be closest with dying on the same day would make me spiral and question shit. Fuck you.”

“Hajime, please, I am also mourning for them. They are just as important to me as they are to you.” He leans in, “please, we should talk about this. I think it’s time to share everything to get the full picture.” He sighs, “I want the best for you, I want you to know.”

“What’s with the vulnerability? Usually, you’re like… Detached and emo…” He sat down slowly, “it’s like kinda scaring me.”

“Do you remember the Kamukura Project?”

Hinata stared at him, eyes wide. “N-no… I-”

“It’s okay to remember. The memoires aren’t a prison.”

Hinata breathed out and closed his eyes, “it’s you, right? It’s how I died… For a promise of talent… I didn’t even get to survive to see it.”

“Hmm, yes. I’m sorry, Hajime.”

“I wish I could have been you.”

“I wish I could have been you, too.”

Hinata looked up, “why would you want to be a loser like me?”

“You had everything I didn’t, and I envy that. I was never concerned that having emotions and memories would be so dreadful, but after I lived I learned life was boring without them.” He sat straighter, “all I wanted was to be like everyone else, then maybe I could escape the monotony.”

Hinata gaped at “Kamukura”, “seriously? You want to live a normal life? Believe me, it’s boring as hell. Why would you even *want* that?”

“Having every talent makes everything easy, with no effort or love involved. I would be told my art was soulless and my help was meaningless. All because I couldn’t connect with anything emotionally or personally. Humans are social creatures, and I wished I could be a part of that.”

Hinata held his head in his hands and breathed out, “I’m sorry. I’m so fucking sorry… I- I didn’t think that’d happen…”

“You cannot change the past.”

“True…”

“Since you remember who I am, do you remember what I am?”

Hinata looked at him, “nah, everything after the surgery is blacked out.”

They spent the rest of the night talking. “Kamukura” told Hinata all about the Incident, the apocalypse afterward, his time as Enoshima’s lapdog, and his time with Komaeda in Towa City.

Hinata had the full picture but he couldn’t believe it, it was all too much.

He had his hands in his lap and was leaning forward. Tears formed in his eyes, and the bags under his eyes were noticeable. “So… We were a terrorist and had a fucked up terrorist family with Komaeda of all people?”

“In layman’s terms, yes.”

“Fuck okay…” He bonked his head on the table, face down. “I don’t want to know…”

Even when he already knew everything, her words stabbed his soul.

He was the mastermind, the one who put him and all his friends through Hell.

It was never your fault.

Hinata turned around and saw “Izuru” behind him.

“What…? You… “Izuru”…” He rubbed his eyes, “why are you here? What’s happening-?” He holds his chest, “why is my heart beating so fast?”

“Izuru” grabbed onto Hinata’s shoulders and squeezed, “you’re having a panic attack.”

“Huh…?” He looked at his trembling hands, “oh fuck great.”

“It will be okay Hajime, we’ll be okay.”

“Easy for you to say, like fuck you planned this fucked up killing game”

“Izuru” stayed silent for a while, “yes… I wanted to see which was better; hope or despair.”

“That’s fucking dumb, and you know it.” He pushed “Izuru” away, “I just wish you’d leave me alone for a minute…”

Hajime was gone.

Kamukura was alone in a dark space, but it was different than the one in his head. Like he was inside a computer breaking apart, and he was.

He walks around for a while, but it was meaningless; there wasn’t anything of note. Only glitching out scenery and voices of dead classmates.

“Kamukura-kun…?”

He whipped his head in the direction of the sound, no one should know he exists. It wasn’t Enoshima, she wouldn’t say it so… Genuine. His eyes widened, it was Komaeda. He looked completely fine like he was still alive.

“Komaeda, how are you here?”

He looked side to side, “I don’t really know where ‘here’ is in all honesty…” He smiled, “but I’m glad to see you again!” He steps forward and grabs Kamukura’s hands, “I know it’s presumptuous to say, but I missed you, my Kamukura-kun…”

He looked up at the other man. “You remember me.”

“Hmm?” He looked up and into his eyes, “of course I do. How could I forget someone like you?”

“Dying traumatized your brain enough to remember everything, right?”

He smiled brightly, “you always are.” He held Kamukura’s hands closer to his chest, “did you find out what won?” His eyes started to swirl, and his smile looked creepier.

“No…”

His smile drops slightly, and his eyes go blank, “I see… Well, that doesn’t matter now. Hinata-kun and the ultimates are figuring that out now, right?”

“Yes.”

His smile returns and the grip on Kamukura’s hands tighten. “My plan to get rid of all the ultimate despairs failed… It’s a pity… Although, our original plan is going swimmingly.” He steps closer to Kamukura, but only their intertwined hands separate their chests. “I’m sorry I went off script… My memory is awful normally, but this time I have a pretty good excuse, huh?” He giggles and puts his arms around his shoulders, “you are acting different than normal… Did something happen?”

Kamukura rests his forehead on Komaeda’s, “being in this game has made me reclaim lost emotions and memories…”

“Oh..?”

“It’s due to the programming forcing Hajime to return, we have merged in a way. Although, not completely.”

“Hmm, sounds rough on both of you. I mean I know both of you well, or at least I like to think I do. Maybe saying that is too pompous of me…”

“No, you’re right… You don’t give yourself enough credit.”

“Wow, you’re really different now… I’m surprised you would even say that to me of all people.”

“I always thought it… It just never felt necessary to say.”

“Hmm…” He plays with Kamukura’s hair with his fingers, “I find that unbelievable, but you’ve never lied to me before… And I would never imply that you ever would either! However…” He smiles, “I’ll let it slide this time.”

“You’re acting different than normal too.”

“Hmm… I suppose I am.” He laughs, “maybe we both had some clarity in this simulation. Was hell to get through though… I’ve been thinking a lot since I read those files and now…” He holds Kamukura tighter and puts his head on his shoulder and whispers, “I wish we didn’t have to choose who wins.”

Kamukura’s eyes widen, “you don’t want to prove if hope or despair prevails anymore?”

“Shush… Don’t tell anyone…” He giggles, “maybe I trust you too much… But I can’t help it…”

Komaeda felt a sudden shift, there were arms around his waist and he was being held closely. He leaned back, and was met with the same face, but how he sported short, white hair.

“Hinata-kun..? No wait, is that you Kamukura-kun?”

“I’m both of them.” He had this voice that echoed in Komaeda’s head, it was truly beautiful. “I think you’re right.”

“Right..? About what?”

He held the man closer and looked into his eyes. It was a strange thing for Komaeda, neither of these men gave him much eye contact. Those red eyes were analytical like before but now they had this hopeful determination in them. Komaeda could look into those eyes for hours.

“Hope and despair don’t really matter, don’t they?”

“What…?”

“Don’t act all coy with me. I was there when you said it…”

“Hmm… There’s the Hinata-kun I know…” He smiled and it was genuine this time.

He scoffed, “I never really went away.”

“It felt like you did…” He grabbed Hinata’s face, “I missed you…”

“Uhuh… Missed you too.”

Komaeda giggles, “I’m sure you did.”

Hinata’s thoughts were clearest than they had ever been. Even when he tried, he couldn’t completely shut out Kamukura. He knew there was no division between the two of them.

He was Hajime Hinata, even if he was called Izuru Kamukura: he was still *him*.

He is Hajime Hinata.

The future was mysterious and unknown, yet that meant you could do anything with it. You could crave your own path and your own personal future.

They all heard it: future.

It was the hope for a change. It was not some muddled and glorified hope or despair, but a real tangible thing.

A second chance for the fallen.

#kmhnsecretexchange #submission #fanfiction #sfw #suggestive #komahina #kamukoma #nagito komaeda #hajime hinata #izuru kamukura #dr #sdr2 #dr3

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