What Rules Cannot Hold (A Naekusaba story)

Chapter 18

''Are you free tomorrow?''

''Huh?'' 

''I thought that it might be a good idea to look around this school...to see where all the classrooms and research labs are. The school's layout seems a bit complicated, so I'd prefer to avoid figuring it out right before each class...'' Makoto said, looking away from Mukuro. Knowing where his classrooms are would be useful, however, his principal concern was to find out more about this place. Nagito's suspicions weren't baseless. The circumstances surrounding their placement here and the fire itself were murky and even Kyoko appeared to grow frustrated by the dead ends that hindered her and Shuichi from reaching a definitive conclusion concerning anything. Makoto thought that with Mukuro having survived a serious head injury his luck was spent, but, regardless of whether that was the case, he surmised that it'd be better to act rather than to linger in uncertainty. 

''That's very...diligent of you, Makoto.''

''What's that supposed to mean? I'm diligent...and when I'm not, then it's usually not my fault.'' 

''Do dogs also eat your homework?'' Mukuro giggled. 

''A dog did eat my homework once! Though it was a long time ago...'' 

Mukuro smiled, buttoning up the shirt under her cardigan and fixing the tie that was hanging loosely. ''You really are unusual.''  

''Because a dog ate my homework...?'' 

''No, no...it's that luck of yours.'' 

''I suppose it's strange for all the surprises it delivers...'' Makoto stretched and picked up his bag. They were talking outside the theatre, inside which Kazuichi was watching a romance movie alone. ''It's getting late, so let's head back to the dorms.'' 

Despite the late hour, they saw many students talking and playing games, but these nightly recreations were likely a temporary concession, as Taka wouldn't allow them to carry on with this for the rest of the school year. 

As he was walking alongside Mukuro, Makoto thought about the time they had spent together. The time when she agreed to play football with him, train him, or when they tickled each other in the park: these memories, when examined in hindsight, made him realise that he and Mukuro shared a bond more intimate than friendship, and this depth already sought to release itself in their first moments together - but, no matter what, it never ceased to feign mere friendship. Makoto wondered whether it wasn't him. Mukuro's affection for him became tangible; he saw her trust and concern, while he himself remained indecisive. 

''Maybe Junko should come with us next time...that'd be more exciting for her than sitting at the dorm.'' 

''Yes...'' Did he fear being together with her because of something? They were safe now. What happened at Hope's Peak was exceptional and he couldn't reasonably suspect for similar events to befall them as long as they were together - yet that event made him wary. 

''-I hope that keeping up with the fashion trends isn't the cause of this...''