Phantom Thieves of Hope - A Danganronpa X Persona 5 Story.

Chapter 61: Uncommon Bonds

[DAY 1...]

Wonderful Dead 004 - Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls

Though Makoto, Monomi, and Toko were preoccupied with Aoi Asahina's swimming tournament, as the Phantom Thieves had agreed upon, that same day would mark the beginning of Hajime's "rehab period."

Which was to say it would begin the period of time when the rest of the Phantom Thieves finally got to know the ex-Reserve student formally.

Hajime, his heart thumping in his chest, stood tensely in front of the Naegi residence after following the address that had been given to him.

His "mission" started with an easy step. To unwind and enjoy yourself at a friend's residence.

Komaru had invited him over while her brother was at Hina's swim meet. However, as soon as he found himself standing at the front door, he couldn't help but experience a surge of nervousness.

He considered turning around and leaving before anyone noticed his presence, but before he could make a move, the door swung open.

Presenting herself to him was a woman who resembled the Naegi siblings, with a gentle smile and empathetic eyes.

She put out a hand to him and greeted him kindly.

"Oh, you must be Hajime," she said with joy, "Komaru's already told me about you. I'm Shiomi; her mother. Please come in."

"A-Ah...Th-Thank you, Mrs. Naegi..."

As soon as Hajime entered the warm house, he experienced a wave of relief. Mrs. Naegi escorted him to the living room, where the Naegi little sister was grinning broadly and waiting for him.

"Hey, dude! I'm happy you were able to come," Komaru replied, indicating for him to settle down on the comfortable couch.

"Can I get you anything?" Mrs. Naegi asked. Hajime frantically waved his hands in refusal.

"N-No, no, I'm...I'm ok! I got something to eat and drink on the way here!" he promised, "Thank you very much, though."

"Well, I'm just in the kitchen if either of you two need me," Mrs. Naegi winked, "just make sure to give me a shout if you need anything."

The two of them watched as she disappeared into the kitchen, giving them a smile and a wave as she disappeared from sight. Hajime turned to Komaru.

"She's quite polite..." he said, "I see where your brother gets it from..."

"Don't you think I'm also polite?" Komaru asked.

"I never said you weren't," Hajime told her, "but there's something about Makoto-san that just makes him a bit more welcoming than most. I feel I can trust him."

"Alright, that's fair," Komaru sighed, "but Makoto's not here, so you're stuck with me today. So, what should we do?"

"Um...I was under the impression that YOU were the one who would tell me that," Hajime forced a confused smile. Komaru shook her head.

"It's not like me to come up with a plan for things. And if the goal is to get to know each other better and hang out, then we should find something that we both enjoy doing," Komaru explained, "So what do you like doing, Hajime?"

"That's...kind of a difficult question..." he scratched his head, "Honestly I...don't really have any REAL hobbies. The closest thing I have is playing games with Chiaki, but other than that..."

"Hm...Well, that's no good. Chiaki will want to play video games with us when we hang out at her house, so I can't steal her thunder..." Komaru crossed her arms, "What about comics and manga? You read and watch manga and anime?"