For a split second, the plot deviated.

by Trash_Keeper

Summary:

Hinata Hajime suddenly thinks his best friend misses him, so he rushes over to comfort her. Nanami Chiaki doesn't know how her friend got in, but she takes him and his friends in with open arms.

Neither parties exactly care about the parade or the school's controversy, but they should at least know what it's about.

Notes:

Hajime and Chiaki being lovers = Romeo and Juliet possibilities. XD

The author: Hajime, you are going to be a sneaky for this story.

Also the author: Natsumi and Sato. You need to have a vital role. Hajime needs to have more lovestruck stories.

Chapter 1

"Hinata-kun... How long will the Reserve Course students keep going?" Nanami Chiaki wondered, watching the student demonstration outside the window.

"Hm..." Hinata Hajime, who snuck into the new school building to meet her, cupped his chin.

"When they die?" Hajime guessed, turning his gaze to watch the Kuzuryu siblings argue about something. Hajime not only got into the building without exerting effort, but he also dragged two other female students with him. Despite Koizumi Mahiru pleading for Yukizome-sensei to turn a blind eye, the adult still planned to send them back into the chaos and report to the head of security. "Right now, they aren't thinking straight."

 

"Like a mob... That's a lot of bodies." Chiaki couldn't blame the preparatory school for marching straight to the main course after hearing Sato's explanation. Natsumi sounds like she'll be a part of the parade, but Hajime's influence is strong enough to convince the graduating class to give up. "Oh. What would happen to those who won't join?"

"Sato will handle it," Hajime says, not wanting to think about it, crossing his arms. It's funny how the sister of the Ultimate Yakuza empathised more with the angry mob than the close friend of the Ultimate Photographer. Sato prioritizes escape while Natsumi wants answers. Hajime wants the school year to end and sleep. "What's happening between Kamukura and Komaeda?"

"I think the video where Kamukura-kun joined the weird battle royale might be the reason," Chiaki guessed, having watched the video Sato insisted on showing. Chiaki wasn't fully focused on the video, reading the email sent to the reserve course students, and listening to Hajime's crash course session. "You know how Komaeda-kun is. Hope versus despair gambit."

 

"I don't like Kamukura, but I don't want to side with Komaeda either..." Hajime continues to be ambiguous with his relationship towards Kamukura Izuru. Hajime's disdain began because of Izuru's terrible first impression, being petty enough to carry the grudge. In contrast, Komaeda Nagito's first impression was better than Chiaki expected, and Hajime continues to treat Nagito as a tsundere friend. "It's not like the reserve course department cared about the Ultimate Student Council Body. It's their actions in that killing game, despite being at the top of the food chain, that triggered us... Or something?"

"Something?" Chiaki echoed, turning her gaze to witness Sato and Mahiru talking to each other. Chiaki had a feeling that if she didn't step up and become the Class representative, Mahiru would certainly take the mantle. Mahiru even has a small niche of friends compared to her. 'I'm just trying to befriend everybody...'

"I can't put my finger on it, but everything feels off. Hopefully, Mitarai can give us some answers to the video," Hajime failed to explain his suspicions. After hearing the side of the talentless outsiders, everyone was surprised to hear from Mitarai Ryota that he would look into it. Then again, the killing video seemed staged to be utterly heart-wrenching. "I'm not a mindreader, but I disagree with you. The school hymn is a terrible choice of music. It's like the video director wants us to think Hope's Peak Academy is the problem."

"What if that is the plan?" Chiaki leaned against Hajime's arm, guilty that she had convinced her best friend to tell the truth. The fact that Hajime got into the building means it's only a matter of time before security gets overwhelmed by the mob. Chiaki sighed, "If the antagonist plans to delay the students from entering our building, who are we to ignore the possibility of the reserve course charging into this place and killing us all?"

 

...

 

"I'll handle that for you," Hajime gave a subtle promise. Chiaki has played with Hajime for so long that she knows that Hajime is a selfish person. He'll only find an exception for those he knows. Hajime doesn't care about the majority. It's all man for himself. "I got nothing better to do."

"I trust you. Let's play games after graduation, okay?" Chiaki requested, glad she got to see Hajime after so long. A part of her is glad Hajime never gave in to that controversial talent program, but another part of her wonders if the death toll would be less if Hajime had joined. The Hope Cultivation Program worked on one participant at a time. No success for the past two years. It's extremely... Horrific.

 

"Sure," Hajime tilted his head to rest his cheek against Chiaki's head. The two of them continued to watch the mob outside, choosing not to be the protagonists and save the world. This wasn't a game, after all. Neither of them wants to risk the other. Hajime murmured, "I can feel eyes glaring at us."

"I think that's because they saw your name in the email. You're a pending candidate for that human experiment program," Chiaki mumbled. "But you're here and you even got inside without getting caught. Isn't that strange in itself?"

"You give your classmates too much credit. They think we're a couple," Hajime stood up straight, but Chiaki turned to rest her face against his shoulder. "You aren't helping."

 

"I don't mind being life partners. We'll play games forever..." Chiaki spoke with her face planted against his chest.

"Not helping our platonic relationship," Hajime pats Chiaki's head. "Nothing to see here! Keep talking about the plot!"

"Let's casually break the fourth wall and pretend we're the end game survivors," Chiaki likes to revisit everything and explore the environment. "Should we recruit two other members to our party?"

 

"Not sure if we should recruit Komaeda when he wants front row seats to the plot," Hajime immediately thinks about the Ultimate Lucky student before moving to the next, unlike the members of the class. "Based on what you told me about your classmates, I think we could grab... Hanamura and Mitarai? Tsumiki is also an option, but I don't see her today."

"Tsumiki-san?" Chiaki places her hands on Hajime's arm, pushing herself off the comfy chest. She glanced around, counting her classmates. "Right. Where is Tsumiki-san? Should we look for her?"

Notes:

I swear, if Natsumi and Sato survives all the way to the parade, I bet those two would definitely reach out to their loved ones on the main course. It's like a given.

Chapter 2: Extra: Before the Parade

Summary:

Author didn't think there was a draft connected to this. XD

Notes:

Author likes the idea of Chiaki seeing the world like a game.

Born between two busy bodies and eventually dropping out of a gossip-riddled school, Nanami Chiaki learns everything she needs to know through games. Games may not always perfectly reflect reality, but they represent the core values humanity fixates on and frowns upon...

"You're the infamous Nana-chan, huh?" A shady adult spoke to her one day, judging the bag of stuffed toys and snacks in her bag. "How would you like to study in Hope's Peak Academy?"

Kizakura Koichi, the Former Ultimate Talent Scout, smelled of alcohol and untold wisdom. Chiaki logically responded by calling security since the arcade she was in explicitly banned alcoholic beverages. The guy somehow got her address and sent an admission letter to the school he was talking about. Hope's Peak Academy - an elite school filled with talented teenagers.

Ultimate Gamer is what her title will be if she enters the school. Her parents seemed happy for her, so she took the offer with an open mind. What type of genre would Hope's Peak Academy fall under? She isn't exactly bad at studying, but if her classmates want her gone, then who is she to deny them? Chiaki much prefers playing her video games... But it would be nice to play games with someone, too. After all, game companies are starting to release two-player games to the public, the ones that demand you have a physical companion to help you push through.

"I guess we explore the campus? I dunno. The other class is doing it," The Ultimate Gymnast returned to their classroom, picking her ears and explaining the situation. Chiaki watched the rest of her classmates walk out of the room, eventually following their lead.

Chiaki doesn't know how to start talking with others. The last time that happened, she made enemies in her old school. That's why she waits for others to talk to her.

Komaeda Nagito seems like a nice player, but the Ultimate Lucky student requested that she stay away. [The luckster doesn't want his misfortune to hurt anyone.] Sonia Nevermind is also a pretty and cheery player, but the Ultimate Princess attracts other players around her. [Everyone wants to talk to a literal princess.]

Owari Akane has too much energy, preferring physical activities to sitting in one place. [Chiaki can't keep up with a gymnast.] Nidai Nekomaru is a great complement to Akane because he can help burn off excess energy with his training regimen. [Chiaki sometimes avoids the manager to finish her games.]

Kuzuryu Fuyuhiko reminds her of the protagonist in a yakuza game because he's a guy with a heart of gold. Pekoyama Peko agrees with Chiaki's analysis, having the same issue when the Ultimate Swordswoman attempts to interact with cute animals. [Don't judge a book by its cover, perhaps?]

Tanaka Gundham speaks like a character in the RPG: Mazes and Monsters, even acting like one by proclaiming himself to be the cursed one. [Chiaki even sees the animal breeder gaining a silly rival just because Sonia enjoys Gundham's company.] Souda Kazuichi is a pretty reliable NPC, willing to help her fix her game consoles when they break down, but his attitude turns some players off. [Chiaki doesn't want to be the wingman of the mechanic in obtaining Sonia's love event.]

Saionji Hiyoko acts like a child despite her age, a noble who vocally points out the irritating flaws of others. [The dancer reminds Chiaki of herself with an additional bully trait, choosing to take the initiative and take advantage of the situation before anyone else.] Koizumi Mahiru somehow delegates herself as the representative of their class, mostly watching over their female classmates rather than anything. [Chiaki doesn't want to add more burdens to the photographer, so she tells Mahiru her location just in case.]

Mioda Ibuki is like Akane, but very loud and random, which exhausts Chiaki very much. [The Musician understands Chiaki's stamina very well, so they sometimes hang out when either of them feels like it.] Tsumiki Mikan is clumsy as if the world wants the Ultimate Nurse to be the fan service of their class section. [Chiaki also noticed Mikan preferring Mahiru's group more than a single companion, possibly abiding by the strength in numbers rule.]

Hanamura Teruteru... The Ultimate Cook is a very difficult NPC, spouting phrases straight from Chiaki's recollection of dating games. [Chiaki dubs Teruteru as the main character of his own game, who will enter the single bad ending for making all the wrong choices.] Mitarai Ryota also agrees with Chiaki's understanding, pulling out a myriad of anime discs and portfolio to establish the mishmash of plots their friend unwittingly entered. [Chiaki likes hanging out with the animator, wishing some of the anime got their cool game counterpart and vice versa.]

Finally, there's Kamukura Izuru, who acts very much like the secret boss with how mysterious he is. That's why Chiaki pokes her seatmate from time to time, wanting to play games and expose whatever weakness this Ultimate Hope has. [Izuru shares the same mindset as Nagito towards the reserve course department, which was strangely villainous.] It was also at this time that Chiaki encountered an extra from the preparatory school, and maybe this person is the true secret boss of her high school life?

"If life were a game, then you'll be busy with all the mini-games up ahead," The reserve course student mused, listening to her theory on how smoothly their conversations went and the amount of time spent. The brunette glanced up, hearing a commotion. "Speak of the devil. Your new homeroom teacher is here to pick you up."

 

---

 

Hinata Hajime has average stats with the ultimate goal of gaining confidence in himself. That's why the brunette enrolled in Hope's Peak Academy through a conditional scholarship, undergoing several evaluations under the watchful eyes of the scientists.

Hajime doesn't know when he started hesitating to be a participant in the talent-giving program. The preparatory school is boring and utterly filled with students lacking ambition. The building's only advantage is the proximity to Hope's Peak Academy, having its existence near the most popular school in Japan... Hajime doesn't know if his hesitation is due to his seatmate, Kuzuryu Natsumi, or his new friend in the main course, Nanami Chiaki.

"You must be Hinata-kun, aren't you?" This peppy woman surprised him out of nowhere, probably to check if he was a good influence on her students in the main course. "Isn't it a waste to spend your precious free time alone?"

"Not really..." Hajime kept his application form from prying eyes, aware of her true motive. "Why are you here? Are you going to give me a lecture not to talk with Nanami? I've received about three of them this week."

"N-no!" Yukizome Chisa denied, and Hajime effectively distracted the woman enough for Chiaki to lure the adult away.

Hajime knows the Hope Cultivation Project strives to create a miracle, befriending the researchers to discover the death count and procedures inflicted upon the participants. The goal of those scientists is to defy the natural order. Hope's Peak wants to own a genius of their own who will obey their every command.

[If something or someone exists, then who is to say the same cannot be replicated?]

Kamukura Izuru is the miracle Hope's Peak Academy wishes to replicate, which makes said genius act very intrusive. To be specific, Izuru looked into the applicants and picked an unfortunate nobody to bother. In this case, Hajime found himself an unwanted relative who delayed his participation in the program.

"Kamukura... Have you ever considered the door?" Hajime asked, turning a page of his textbook, and ignoring his distant cousin, who entered through the window. "How about messing with someone with talent?"

"No," Izuru refused, setting down bags of groceries. The picky eater demanded in a deadpan tone, treating the teenager like a servant. "Start cooking. I'm hungry."

"Fucking gremlin..." Hajime closed his book, unsure why the so-called Ultimate Hope kept visiting. Hajime went to the makeshift kitchen, giving Izuru the stink eye. "They should've called you Ultimate Despair."

Hajime isn't extraordinary in any sense. He's average to the point of being synonymous with the concept of boredom. However, Izuru gave him more time to make friends and enemies. The bottomless pit was even amicable to pay his tuition fee if Hajime asked him to...

[That would be a boring existence, wouldn't it?]

Before the end of the year, Hajime decides to participate in the Hope Cultivation Project-

"Really?" Hajime frowned, finding himself tied to the bed with the Ultimate Gamer and Ultimate Hope staring at him. "I was about to think Kamukura influenced Nanami until I remembered the games Nanami played this month. I expected more from you, Kamukura."

"We're doing this in the name of love," Chiaki declared, possibly misunderstanding the tragic fate of a perpetual inferior individual in the sea of nobodies. "Don't worry, Hinata-kun! It's not your fault that your character development demands your death. We simply have to change the plot."

"I suppose denying your death is an act of love," Izuru told Chiaki the truth and played along with the gamer's scheme. "Don't worry. The next batch of volunteers will fail as well."

 

"That's not comforting at all! At least tell me where I am-" Hajime asks just in time as Kazuichi opens the door. Hajime asked, "Did you bring me into your room?"

"The class held a debate and considered our affiliation sufficient reason to trap you in my bedchamber," Izuru explained the rationale of their actions while the mechanic closed the door.

"You convinced all your classmates?" Hajime wished he could free his hand and face palm at the audacity. "Why are you people like this?"

 

"To personally mess with you," Izuru answered.

"Because we care about you-" Chiaki fell short, hearing her friend's response. "Don't listen to him, Hinata-kun. He's just shy."

'Shy my ass!' Hajime looked up at the ceiling. 'As if the plot would change...'

Notes:

Izuru and Hajime just not liking each other take x.