Misfit's Masquerade

Mikan laid a gentle hand on your shoulder, “I—I’ll help you walk…” 

“Uh, no, that’s not really—” 

Despite your protests, she heaved you up with a surprising amount of strength and steadiness. 

Well, she was a nurse. 

You muffled a sigh to prevent Mikan from jumping the train into a pit of bubbling lava. 

Goodbye, my sweet independence. 

When you looked at her, her cheeks flushed bright and you could’ve sworn there was saliva stuck to her lips before she swallowed, meeting your gaze with soft eyes, “T—Thank you for being so nice to me…” 

“I didn’t even do anything?” 

“A—Ah…! I—I’m sorry…! I—I’ll make sure you do something next time…!” 

“Is… Is that a threat?” You arched a concerned brow. 

“Look, uh… It’s all—It’s all fine, you know. Whatever you do, whatever you’re thinking, you don’t have to apologize for it. Do whatever you want. I won’t stop you, or judge you, or anything. I don’t have the right,” you grinned. 

“I… I see…” 

Despite her best efforts, she looked one wrong move of the face away from bursting into tears. “T… Thank you…” 

Her eyes flitted to the horizon and locked onto your own, “D… Does that mean… You’ll forgive me? N… No matter what I do…?” 

“Uhhh…” You didn’t like promises. To you, they were just foreshadowing to be broken, and not to mention, a lot of pressure to keep. So, to your disdain, you carefully pondered your next words.

 “…You’re not doing anything wrong. So there’s no need to regret, and no need to apologize. Besides, if you use a word too much, it’ll just lose its weight and get annoying.” 

“Ah…! Y… You’re right…! I—I’m so sorry I keep saying the same thing over and over again! I—I’m sorry I’m so annoying! I... I know it’s unbearable to hear again, but—but please, believe me! I truly am so, so sorry!” she wailed, unable to wipe her tears under the weight of your body. 

“H—Hey, come on…” you tried maneuvering your hand over her shoulders, gauze soaking tears into your wounds. You winced. 

“You didn’t do anything wrong. No one thinks you’ve done anything wrong. Look, the only time you’re wrong? It’s when you tell yourself how bad you are.” 

“I… I’m sorry, I… I don’t understand… I—I don’t mean to do a—anything b—bad, really…!” You worried her lungs might pop under those heavy breaths.

“No, not like that.” You gave your best impression of a sweet smile. 

“Listen, other people? Totally worthless. Whatever they think about you? It doesn’t matter, because they don’t know how fucking cool you are. Including me, okay? If you ever think that I’m thinking anything bad about you, just tell yourself that bitch’s opinion doesn’t mean shit! And whoever says otherwise — even yourself — is just wrong. It’s not about being a good person, because you’re never going to be perfect for everyone, and that’s okay. They suck, anyway. You shouldn’t have to be responsible for their happiness. You just have to focus on your own— And that’s enough. For everyone, and for most of all, you.” 

She blinked, pushing the tears straight from her eyes to stains in her collar. 

“W… Why… I—I don’t understand… W—Why are you saying such nice things to me…? Y—You don’t have to… Y—You don’t have to waste your time trying to make something as useless as me feel better… I don’t… I don’t deserve anything…” 

Ah… Not good… This was starting to turn into a makeshift therapy session. Of course, you’d totally go with it and ask her ‘ why do you think that?’ if that was your actual job. 

But not here, in a place where you just wanted to enjoy yourself. 

You were supposed to be a simple friend, one that just leaped up, said let’s go beat up whoever wronged you! and spark a chorus of laughter that shielded people from the grinding issues of the outside world, for just a moment.

“Because you’re amazing, Mikan.” 

Her eyes slowly widened, like a statue pouring out an ethereal fountain. She looked like an apprehensive child who’d been given something they’d been deprived of their whole life, and wasn’t sure if she could take it or not. 

“Y… you…you really think so…?” 

“Of course! If you can count on me for anything, it’s being upfront, after all!” you winked, “Like if I let you know how well you styled your hair today,”

“A… ah…!” she giggled. Her eyes trembled, glazed and bright, drifting along the softest dream. She only seemed to burn pinker by the second, her fingers digging into you through your bandages. She was definitely drooling.

”T… Thank you so much, [Name]. Really…Y…you truly are t—the nicest person…” 

“...Thanks.” 

Unsurprisingly, you hit the park last. Byakuya looked at you and scoffed, but said nothing. 

Akane scratched her head, “I don’t get it… What’re we doing here?”

“Hmph! You haven’t noticed? Truly, a parade of simpletons…”

You arched a brow, “You mean the giant ass bomb?” 

Yes, indeed. The grand animal statues from before had been replaced with a big bomb-like sphere, red icon in the center counting down from twenty one days.

Mahiru choked. “Was this… here when we came to the park before?”

Nekomaru denied that possibility. Byakuya explained he discovered it while everyone else was caring for you. There was no way to determine the exact time of installment, but it was definitely Monokuma. 

“W—Wait!” shrieked Kazuichi, “Are we just ignoring the fact it looks like a stupid big bomb!?”

“If they wanted to destroy the island, they would’ve done it by now. Why bother with the flashy countdown?” said Akane.

“I mean, they technically do want us to die,” you said, “we don’t know why they’re doing it with this elaborate killing game bullshit, though.” 

Teruteru sputtered, “W… Whatever could you be talking about? Killing game? That’s ridiculous… Such a thing never happened!” How pathetic could one guy get?

“I… If it’s not a bomb,” Mikan said, “what is it counting down toward?” 

Everyone shrugged. 

“Curious… Very curious, isn't it?" Giggled a black and white bear as he unfurled from subsace, teeth gleaming.

“Kya!” Sonia stumbled into you. You dropped her. There was no way you were straining your wounds even more. 

Sonia shakily stood up, feet tripping backward like it was her first time in heels and she was face to face with the most deformed monstrosity. Dust marred her dress. 

"W... What are you doing here, you mosnter?" Mahiru held her hands out like that was a viable shield against machine guns.

She giggled, cheeks puffed and childish. “Tee hee hee! Please, don’t worry about me! I can’t die, after all!”

Everyone threw confused glances at each other, save for Gundham, who went on a weird prattle about domesticating him since he was ‘an undead being resurrected from Yomi, land of the dead’. 

Chiaki tilted her head, soft voice silencing the rabble, “Monokuma is a mechanical stuffed doll, isn’t she? You can’t kill something that isn’t alive, can you?” 

You hummed. For someone that planned out all their words, she sure spoke in a lot of questions. You tilted your head. Maybe it was a planned tic to point to an innocent appearance? 

Smart, smart. 

“Get to the point...! W—What the hell are you doing here?” wailed Kazuichi. 

“Isn’t it obvious? Outta your dear headmaster’s generosity, I’m here to give you a little exposition!”

“Very well, then get to it.” Byakuya snapped. “Answer us. What is this timer for?” 

Byakuya pointed to Monokuma, demanding answers.

“Puhuhuhu… Puhuhuhuhuhu…! Who knows?” 

“Don’t play games with us.” 

“I’m not! You’re the ones supposed to be in this game with each other, after all!” 

As Monokuma said that, Byakuya’s glare grew ten times darker. 

“Truly, truly, who knows what such a mysterious thing could be? Maybe it’s a countdown toward the end of your lives… Maybe it’s a time limit for the first murder to take place!” he cut off Teruteru’s screech, “Or maybe… maybe it’s the countdown toward national Taco Day!” he laughed, “How does it go again…? Tacos are raining…?” 

Hajime sighed. “Figures. Asking him is useless…” 

“If you don’t know anything about this timer, you’re useless.” said Byakuya, “Go away.” 

“Ah, how strange…” tears glistened in the beads of his eyes, “I'm getting this unwelcoming, hostile aura from everyone here... Am I not appreciated?"

"Full offense, but no one would cry if you died." You deadpanned.

Akane cracked her knuckles, “if ya don’t move your asses on the count of three, I’ll beat the stuffin’ outta ya! One… Two…” 

“Eek! Scary!” Monokuma disappeared. 

"Ah..." Sonia sucked in a deep breath, hand splayed against her heaert. "I have never had such a fright in my life..."

Kazuichi leaped to the bit. “Miss Sonia! May I call you Miss Sonia!? I’m gonna call you Miss Sonia! You shouldn't worry about any of Monokuma's stupid antics! I'll be here to a protect you, like a nutiful knight!"

Not liking the grave turn of conversation, you pouted.  “Hey, why can’t I get a formal title? You said I could be your Batman!”

“I—I never said that!” He sheepishly scratched his head, “A—And… you know… Y—You’re pretty hot, of course, but like…? Miss Sonia’s a princess, y’know…! If I title everyone, it’ll make her feel less special.” 

She literally said the last thing she wanted was to be special…

“Are you serious? Get your head set straight, you scumbag!” seethed Mahiru. “You’re the lowest of low!”

He shrunk into himself, eyes splitting off you. “W… What…!?”

“Let’s forget these stuffed toys…” said Fuyuhiko. “The issue of the clock is more important, isn’t it?” 

“It is ominous, is it not?” Byakuya pushed up his glasses. “How could such a large construction be installed within hours?”  

“Hmm… I can’t imagine…” said Hajime.

Teruteru perked up, “In other words, this isn’t reality! This is the ultimate proof!”

You rolled your eyes, “Pansy.” 

Byakuya also brought up numerous questions. How did the seventeen of you get here in twenty-four hours? Why is Jabberwock island—a famous resort location—completely deserted? 

Gundham hmphed. “An extravagant civilization, fated to fall into ruin… Void became existence, and existence, void…” 

God, I wish I had that much pot. 

“Are you saying… they’ve all been destroyed?” fretted Mikan. 

Sonia let out a sad sigh. “Civilization is much like fruit. Shortly after ripening, it will rot, and, without doubt, fall. Growing wealth leads to fanatics. Bureaucrats shape the law into tools that serve only to keep them in power. As a result, the weight of vested interest sinks the country into conservatism. All attempts at reform are crushed… It truly is a sad state of affairs…” 

“Don’t trust politicians, kids,” you nodded. 

“Um, I don’t know if that’s true, but I don’t think that’s what happened…” said Mahiru. 

“It’s simple, you dummies,” smirked Hiyoko. “They took those Monobeasts and massacred everyone on the island, didn’t they?” 

Byakuya shut all your theories down, saying they weren’t backed up with enough facts. He put down mystery after mystery, coming to only one possible conclusion: “This situation, without question, is the work of some kind of powerful organization. Monokuma, the Monobeasts… Building these sophisticated machines requires considerable expertise. In all likelihood, the organization is operating those machines while watching through the surveillance cameras.” 

You said that made the motive for all of this even less clear. Peko asked if they were hiding on the island, but, realistically, it was much safer for them to operate in a place far away, where no one knew. Akane wondered what kind of organization could be behind this, prompting Byakuya to list off several familiar names. 

The Togami Corp. The Novoselic Kingdom. The Kuzuryu Clan. 

“...Eh?”

Fuyuhiko only turned his head with a scoff. “I’m used to being a suspect. Think what you want…” 

Go back to DeviantArt, goddamn. 

“Wait!” Kazuichi leaped up, “You and Fuyuhiko are possibilities, sure, but I won’t allow any suspicion toward Miss Sonia! Look at her! She’s a golden-haired princess! She’s nothing like—” he met your deadpan gaze and winced, “M—Most of you commoners!” 

You snorted, “Why’re you hesitating? If you don’t go full power, how’re you gonna pick the chicks? Honestly, I think you might be going a little weak right now. You know what you should do? Get down on one— No, both knees, and prostrate yourself before her, and start wagging your tailbone as you beg for her pinky in marriage.” 

“Jeeeeeez…” Hiyoko puffed out her cheeks, “Why are the extras talking so much?” Her glare found Kazuichi specifically, dark and deadly; mouth popped out in a jeering pout. “Are you just trying to look cool because your personality’s so shallow? Hee hee, it’s very difficult to survive when you’re employed as such a disposable extra, you know.” 

“S—she’s seriously gonna traumatize me for life at this rate…!” he whimpered, hiding under his beanie. 

“Who knows. Maybe you’ll get cooler.” you snorted. “Like a stone-faced trauma boy.” 

“What,” said Nagito.

“Hey, Byakuya, are you serious?” Hajime frowned. “Do you really think you or Sonia’s families are involved…?” 

“They were just examples. I was not trying to throw suspicion into any of us.”

“You know what, that’s kinda respectable,” you hummed. Come to think of it, this guy didn’t like you, did he? So why did he defend you earlier? “But still, what use is a bunch of dead highschoolers to a big company?” you said.

“Hey hey, how much longer are we going to talk about this?” Teruteru interjected. “Why not talk about something a little more realistic?” 

Byakuya laid things out nice and clear: Once you found out who the organization was, their motive should be much more clear. Not to mention, they’d probably have an escape route, so your biggest priority was uncovering their identity. According to your handbooks, you were free to do on the island as they pleased. He sent everyone off to search, with various comments scattered about. 

You pushed back a yawn. Between the whole getting shot incident and Byakuya dragging you off in orderly ragdolls, you were really hitting your limit. You couldn’t find it in yourself to care— If this really was a huge organization, powerful enough to do whatever the fuck all this was, there was no way they’d leave loose little clues around. 

“Anyway, let me tell you all one last important thing.” 

“There’s more?” you groaned. 

“We have no time for such foolish ideas such as murder. We’re to concentrate on what we must do right now. Let us observe, infer, perceive, and understand. If you can’t even do that, at least move your bodies. Follow me, and I will return you all to normality. You understand, don’t you? This is an order from your leader.” 

Ibuki cooed over the class of that speech. Hiyoko laughed, saying something about the jiggle of his right hand and called him Mr. Ham Hands. He was oddly flattered. He didn’t get nicknames much, or something. 

“...Oh, and [Name]?” he looked down at you. 

“Uh…yeah?” 

“Go rest.” 

“...Huh?” 

“It’s useless to make you work when you’re so injured. Doing so would only make you even more injured and more useless. So, you just stay in your cottage and rest. You look like you’re about to collapse, anyway.” 

“I… I do?”

 Your vision swayed, and you stumbled back.

 “...Huh. Okay… Thanks…” 

“No need. It was surely taxing, making you come out here and stand for so long. As leader, it’s my responsibility to keep everyone in top health, but I also needed you to hear this information and show you this change. Do you understand?” 

“Um… Yeah…” 

“Good. Then I will begin my search.” He stormed off, an aura of concentration blocking out the rest of your class. 

“What just happened…?” 

From the corner of your eye, Peko shifted around, red eyes glancing back and forth from you to something interesting in the scenery. Nagito’s grinning face obscured your vision, however.

“Do you need me to walk you back?” 

You turned around, huffing, “Absolutely n—”

Your ankle twisted against the concrete and you tasted dirt. “...Your offer will be taken into consideration.” 

He laughed. “I almost feel bad. Being lugged around like dead weight must be a pretty big hit to your ego, huh?” 

“My ego’s not that big, I just don’t like feeling so disabled.” 

He carefully hooked you around his shoulders and pulled you up. 

“Oh, wow, you’re heavy,” he grimaced, instantly slouching from the exertion.

“I think you’re just weak as shit.” 

He laughed, nudging forward a few steps. “I won’t deny that.” 

He turned his head to smile at you, “How are your wounds?”

“Hurts like a bitch, same as ever. They’re still kinda fresh, though, so that’s to be expected.” You lifted a brow, “Why’re you asking?” 

“What, my classmate was shot at and I’m not allowed to wonder about their condition?” 

“You’re allowed to do whatever you want. I just never got the impression you would care about something like that.” 

“Sounds like an issue with your impressions, then. What do you take me for, a monster?” 

“Well. You’re an asshole. And you’ve gotta have some ulterior motive—You look like you can’t pick up a laundry basket! You walking me makes more trouble for the both of us.” 

“Thanks, that’s really encouraging to hear.” 

“Get to the point.” 

His smile grew bigger, “...I may have treated you a little coldly at first, and I apologize. I think Byakuya has the right idea, though: I need to just accept it, and grow. That’s the mature thing to do, after all.” 

You quirked a skeptical brow. Was he talking to himself out loud, or trying to tell you something subliminally? 

You shouldn’t be so defensive if he was trying to make amends with you, right? But there had to be a reason he was trying to make amends in the first place… Some ulterior motive? But what did you have that he could possibly want? Unless he was just trying to sleep with you. Wouldn’t he pick a more convenient time, then, like when you weren’t covered all over in stiff bandages? 

He better not be into some weird painplay. 

You gave him a skeptical look, “if you’re looking to get laid you’ll have to wait until after the bandages come off, okay?” 

You squawked, almost stumbling to the ground. He slowly turned to look at you, “...I’m sorry, what?” 

You tilted your head, “I’m gonna get something in return too, right? Eh, a free meal sounds good, but it’d be easier to just go to Teruteru.” You hummed, grin dipping up at him, “I’ll suck you off for a Starburst~! The pink ones are the best.” 

He jerked away to wave defensive arms. You stumbled into a sad heap.

“I’m not soliciting you for sex!” 

“Well, that’s rude. I’m not even asking for that much in return, am I?” 

“I’m not trying to have sex with you at all, seriously…! Just take your Starbursts—I don’t care about any of it!”

You blinked. With a deep sigh, he lugged you back onto his shoulder and continued his awkward amputated turtle walk. 

“Wait, seriously? Then what’re you after?” 

“Huh?” 

“No one just changes on a dime. What’s your game?” 

He scratched his chin with a low hum. For a while, all you did was walk in silence. That’s not suspicious or anything. 

“When Monokuma showed up, it was shocking, you know? But I don’t think he changed my overall thought process, on this island, on everyone here… Maybe you think it’s dumb, but I really think, by working together, everyone is going to get through this, no matter what. And, despite sharing the same thought process as me, when everyone was deciding who would be leader… Byakuya defended you. And, it made me think…” 

He stared you down. A smile bloomed on his face, so bright you had to dig your fingers in deeper to his stiff shoulder so you wouldn’t yank them away.

“We’re a class now, right? And you’re stuck here, with us. It wouldn’t be working together if you weren’t part of the team, right?”

“...Why was I isolated from it in the first place?” 

He gave a sheepish laugh, eyes wide and bright. “Well, you know how Ultimates are. It’s only expected that they’d be better than this random talentless kid who’s for some reason on a field trip for Ultimates.” 

It seemed like a pretty high-horse view, but you wouldn’t necessarily knock the guy for having faith in himself or other people. You stared at him, gaze hard and unwavering. 

“...Is something wrong?” 

The way his eyes rounded at the brows, the way his stare drilled into you, the way his mouth casually opened. “...You’re lying to me, aren’t you?”

His lips pressed together. For a long moment, all he did was blink at you.

“...We’re at your cottage.” You came to a stop in front of your door, eyes never leaving his face. His lips rose into a wide smile, pushing into the eyelids and melting into the irises. 

You knew it. You were sure. People can’t just reform themselves so fast, right? That was what you read, what you studied for years. In the end, even after all that trying, sugar coating words, white-lying, you still gave up. And that was only after you realized the hard grip sunk-cost fallacy was pulling you through. Not to mention, this guy didn’t have a motive. He was here, talking sweet even though he didn’t like you, looking you in the eyes even though he didn’t want to, trying to change himself out of his own ass. 

Your fingers clung deeper into his shirt. Of all the people here, why were you with him , right now? He wouldn't do anything for you, much less respect you. He was hardly a single shadow in your life.

You groaned. The pain was throbbing in your limbs and you were starting to get dizzy. 

“It’s okay. Now that we’re here, you can rest up as much as you want.” 

“You’re lying to me,” you repeated, louder, tonelessly, straight into his eyes. The years of abandoned study came back to you, dangling over your head. You were right. Nothing ever left easy.

His brows pinched up, curving the rest of his face. His lips pressed together. “[Name], are you okay…? What could I possibly be lying to you about?” 

“Everything.” 

“...What, you don’t think my name’s Nagito?” 

“Not that.” Feelings snaked up your throat. Feelings you couldn’t put into words, because you wouldn’t, because if they were out, then you’d be seen. You’d be alone, and spotted, red-handed. 

“...I think you need some sleep,” he carefully let you lean against the wall, propping open your cottage door. He held out his hand, waiting for you to go in.

You took a deep breath, listening to the wind rustle the leaves. You raised your gaze to him, again, but the edge never lessened. “...Yeah.”