Masked Hope (Nagito x Fem!Reader)

Building Trust

We did as Usami instructed and returned to the beach, though I noticed one more person I hadn't met with.

He was large and taller than me with dirty blonde hair, blue eyes and glasses. I couldn't help but stare at him when he arrived, lightly panicking at the thought that I had forgotten someone's name.

"That's Byakuya Togami, Hajime had a chance to meet him, I guess you didn't?" Nagito informed me in a whispered tone, noticing my worried expression. "He's the Ultimate Affluent Progeny and he acts like it. You'll be fine as long you don't insult his intelligence."

I laughed a little at the last part, "I'd hope not to insult him at all," I responded. We both laughed for a moment before being called out by Byakuya.

"Did you two have something to share?" He asked sternly.

"N--No. . . sorry for interrupting. . ." I apologized.

"Do be more mindful of the situation next time," He sighed. "Let's proceed."

I began to tune out the conversations they were having, quickly losing interest. Something about getting lost and the size of the island. . . then everyone got super quiet. They all had pensive looks on their faces. Someone had either asked a question or presented a fact. . . and I had no clue what it was.

I lightly tugged on Nagito's hoodie and he looked down in curiosity. "What is it?"

"I may have zoned out a bit. . . why's everyone so quiet?" I asked, trying to keep my voice down.

"Oh, Byakuya mentioned that no one had noticed the most serious truth," He explained at the same volume. "Everyone's wondering what he's talking about."

"What do you think it is?"

"I don't think someone as worthless as me has a chance of knowing something so important. . ." He sighed.

"Huh? Don't be so hard on yourself!" I whisper-shouted. "You're probably the nicest person I've met here so far. . . I wouldn't call that worthless."

He stood there for a moment, shocked at my words. "Give it time. . . I'm sure you'll change your mind eventually." He assured.

"You can't get rid of me that easily. . ." I rebuked.

Yes, he can. . . I thought I told you to shut up?

After several minutes of silence and idle chatter, Byakuya spoke up after Hajime confronted him. He started rambling again and I started zoning out as well. I did hear a few words though. . .

". . . across the bridge?. . . five holy animals. . . Jabberwock Island. . ."

Jabberwock Island? Where have I heard that before. . .

Everyone suddenly dropped the topic and started talking about how excited they were to be in a paradise-like environment. Everyone except Hajime, that is. I can't say I blame him either, everyone was acting unusually calm about the situation we were in. After suggesting a raft escape, Usami appeared and reminded us that we had to "coexist with this island's bountiful nature in mutual prosperity". . . she was very insistent and Byakuya suggested we drop the topic.

After pushing it a little more, Hajime was forced to let go of thoughts of escape. Ibuki then redirected our attention to Usami about the so-called "present" she had promised. The white rabbit then began handing out small stickers of herself to everyone, disappointing them in the process. Everyone soon dropped them to the sand, which she sadly picked up.

While picking them up, she mentioned another gift she'd prepared. Something along the lines of a "motive for everyone to get along". After some discussion, Usami presented swimming bags full of school swimsuits for everyone. Hajime was. . . doubtful, to say the least. I can't exactly lie and say that I wasn't. . . but I was a little reluctant to grab a swimsuit and join the other girls at the hotel.

I waited for Nagito at a nearby palm tree while he talked to Hajime. Soon enough, he left him and came to talk with me.

"How's Hajime doing?" I asked as we began walking to the hotel.

"I told him I wouldn't force him to come, but he did seem a little worried. . ."

"I can see why. I mean. . . everyone is acting ridiculously calm for our situation. Them being rude to him isn't helping either. . ." I ranted. "Aren't Ultimates supposed to be world leaders? How can we call ourselves Ultimates if we ignore someone who's clearly uncomfortable?"

You're talking too much. Dolls don't have opinions. Dolls. Don't. Argue.

"If you're that worried about him, why don't you stay behind?" Nagito suggested.

". . ." I paused to think of an answer. "Anxiety, I guess? If I stayed behind with Hajime, I just know everyone else will judge me or call me paranoid. . ."

"I wouldn't." He promised.

I felt my cheeks warm up at his statement. Wait. . . What about my--

"Hey, Y/N!" A sudden call ripped me from my thoughts. I looked towards the sound and saw Usami waving me over to the side of the path.

"You go ahead, I'll meet you at the beach." I told Nagito. He nodded and I went to approach Usami.

"How are you adjusting, Y/N?" She asked happily. "Are you enjoying yourself?"

"I suppose. . . Is all you wanted to ask?" I responded.

"I'm glad to hear that, but no, that isn't all," She answered. "I actually have a gift for you!"

"A gift? Shouldn't you get the others as well?"

"No, no! This gift is special! Just for you!" She giggled.

"Just. . . for me?" I repeated the words, trying to make sense of them. Usami then held out her hand-- paw? Whatever, she held out a small orange bottle and placed it in my hand. "A-Are these. . ."

"Yup! That's your prescription!" She confirmed. "I'm sure you must've started worrying about them so I made sure to give them to you!"

"H-How do I know this isn't a trick?" I asked coldly, studying the white tablets inside the bottle.

"A-A trick!?" She suddenly grew sad and lowered her head in shame. "I was just trying to help. . . if you really don't trust me, I can take them back--"

"No!" I interrupted. "I'm sorry. . . I shouldn't have assumed you had bad intentions. Thank you, Usami."

"Oh~ you're too sweet!" She cheered. "Just remember, only 2 per day!"

"Yes, I know. One in the morning, one at night." I confirmed. "Before you go, I just have one question. . ."

"Hm? Of course! Ask away!"

"What if I run out?"

"Just tell me! I'll have them refilled in the blink of an eye thanks to my Magic Stick~!"

"Oh, okay. . . Once again, thank you, Usami. . ." I affirmed. She gave a reassuring nod before disappearing.

I quickly popped one of the tablets in my mouth and put the bottle in my skirt pocket before anyone saw it. Once I swallowed, I continued to make my way to the hotel to get changed.