The Ultimates

Nineteen

After our session with Kyoko, Chiaki, and Kazuichi ended, we all stood around and hugged each other goodbye. It was great being able to see Kyoko again, and I was happy she could meet Nagito. I was worried him meeting her would cause him to show some sort of ulterior for continuing to be my friend, but it seemed like the complete opposite took place.

I never expected to see Nagito so possessive. I didn't realize he was watching us or was even nearby. The way he seemed to interact with Kyoko was different from what I would have expected based on the way he spoke about her before. I wasn't sure what possessed him to act like that, but I'd be lying if I said it wasn't hot. The crumb part, not the grabbing Kyoko part. That was not okay.

I understood part of his job was to act as security for both Makoto and myself, but grabbing ant client was not okay. I'd need to talk to him about that.

"Hajime, I'll see you at my house for dinner tonight," Kyoko said, releasing my hand as she walked to the entrance doors. Glancing over her shoulder, she waved at Nagito. "Mr. Komaeda? May I have a word with you for a moment, please?"

A flash of fear overtook Nagito's face before he quickly composed himself and smiled. "Of course."

As Nagito followed Kyoko, Chiaki, and Kazuichi into the hall, Makoto's and my next client entered, Sayaka and Chihiro. I was expecting the two of us to work together again, but Byakuya said we were each flying solo. I led Chihiro over to my table and pulled out a chair for them.

"It's lovely to see you again, Chihiro. How have you been?"

"I've been doing well. How about yourself?"

"Good, good," I said as I sat down. "I'm surprised you and Sayaka didn't ask for Makoto and I together."

"Well, it's Sayaka who enjoys spending time with Makoto. I'm only here for moral support, so I thought it would be more fun to keep our conversations separate. Besides, I am still here, so she's not here alone," Chihiro giggled. "I told my boyfriends, and they said they would like to join us sometime if you do not mind."

"I wouldn't at all... Did you say boyfriends? As in more than one?"

"Yes, I am in a throuple. I believe you know my partners, Kiyotaka Ishimaru and Mondo Owada. They're third years here."

"I think I've run into them before." I nodded, thinking back on it.

Glancing behind Chihiro, I spied on Kyoko and Nagito talking. It seemed all nervousness was gone from his face as he stared at her in admiration, nodding enthusiastically.

"How has your friend been doing with her game?"

"Huh- Oh, she was actually just here," I said, pointing at Chiaki in the doorway. She noticed us and waved, smiling at Chihiro. "My friend came back from boarding school today and was allowed to come visit today with two of our friends."

"She looks so adorable."

"She is."

"Please understand that I am not trying to overstep any boundaries, but if you would ever like another programmer on your side, I would be very much interested in joining your team. The game sounds very interesting."

"Actually, Chiaki said the same thing," I chirped. Patting my jacket, I tsked. "I should write down her contact information."

"Would it be easier if I stopped by your classroom tomorrow during your free period?"

"If it's not too much of a hassle, I don't mind."

Nagito waved goodbye to everyone before walking back into the café. He quickly served everyone tea, focusing intensely on his job. Any time I glanced at him, I'd catch him at work instead of glancing over at me. I couldn't help but worry about what was said between him and Kyoko. Was he faking his excitement? Did someone say something afterwards that made him worried?

Once my session with Chihiro ended, I stood up and followed Nagito into the kitchen. I had five minutes before my next client would walk in, but I needed to talk to him first.

Spotting me in the entranceway, Nagito smiled and turned to me. "Hi, Hajime. How are your sessions going?"

"Are you okay?"

"Huh?" he questioned, tilting his head.

"You've seemed very... all over the place today."

Nagito bit his lips and stared at his feet while wrapping his arms around himself.

"I'm not mad or anything, if that's what you're worried about," I quickly assured him. "I want to make sure you're okay. I mean, you grabbed a client's wrist and... licked crumbs from my face."

"That's because I don't want anyone touching you." His cheeks flamed up as he looked away. "A-after all, you are an Ultimate. No one may touch the Ultimates in an overly friendly way."

"Nagito, she's my friend." I chuckled. "I grew up next door to her."

"Still," he mumbled.

"That doesn't matter." I sighed and placed my hands on his shoulders. He jumped softly and stared at me with glossy eyes. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine, Hajime," he whispered. "Promise."

I wasn't convinced, but I didn't want to press him too much. Whenever he felt comfortable telling me, I knew he would.

"What did Kyoko want to talk to you about?"

Nagito's eyes lit up. "She told me about Komaru's surprise party this weekend, and she wanted to invite me. She said that since you and I have become such great friends, and since Makoto and I are in the same club, it made sense she'd want me to stop by."

"I would love it if you'd come," I beamed. "It will be so much more fun having you there."

"Gee," he giggled, placing his hand on his cheek, "I don't think anyone has ever said that about me before."

"Well, it's true. You always make things more exciting." Running my hands off his shoulders and down his arms to his hands, I said, "If something ever bothers you, though, just know that I will always listen. I don't want you to feel like you have to go through anything alone."

Nagito's face relaxed as he gazed into my eyes. "Thank you, Hajime. You're the best."

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