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

Chapter 102: Bitter Bonds

Butterfly Kiss - Persona 5

Makoto sat in the sterile, brightly lit room of Hope's Peak Academy's medical wing, his legs swinging slightly from the edge of the examination table. He adjusted the hem of his blazer, trying to ignore the faint antiseptic smell that seemed especially pungent today.

The faint sound of measured footsteps signaled her approach. The door creaked open, revealing Seiko in her pristine lab coat, her signature medical mask firmly in place. She balanced a clipboard, a tray of mysterious vials, and a small box labeled "Experimental Supplements – Handle With Care."  

"Naegi," she greeted, her voice muffled but clear. "Ready for your health checkup?"

Makoto offered a sheepish smile, scratching the back of his head.

"As ready as I'll ever be, I guess," he said. "Just the usual, right? Height, weight, blood pressure?"

"Of course. But I've also added a few extra tests to the routine today." Seiko's eyes narrowed slightly above her mask, though not unkindly. "Nothing invasive, just monitoring your resilience to minor stimuli."

"Minor stimuli?" Makoto tilted his head, confused.

She didn't elaborate, instead motioning for him to sit still as she prepared her instruments. Seiko's gloved hands moved with precision as she adjusted the cuff on his arm to take his blood pressure.

"I've noticed most people who go to the nurse's office these days usually do so because of exhaustion—both physical and mental. It's important we understand how your body and mind are holding up long-term," she said. "Especially with our...unique circumstances."

"I mean, I feel fine," Makoto responded, "but I appreciate you checking."

"Good." Seiko's eyes softened for a brief moment before she turned to her tray. "Let's keep it that way."

Makoto watched as she picked up a small device that resembled a cross between a thermometer and a laser pointer.

"Uh, Seiko-senpai? What's that?"

"This?" She held it up, the faintest hint of excitement in her eyes. "It's a neural response scanner. It tracks involuntary reactions to mild external stimuli."

"And..." Makoto swallowed, "what kind of stimuli are we talking about?"

Seiko's response came in the form of a rapid click. A small puff of air shot at Makoto's face, making him flinch. She scribbled something on her clipboard.

"Interesting," she murmured. "I'll need to adjust the settings for the next one."

Makoto sighed, resigning himself to the idea that regular with his third-year senpai was anything but ordinary. He waited patiently as she walked to the other side of the room, fiddling with her device.

X

However, his eyes shot wide open as she suddenly let out a heavy-sounding exhale and nearly collapsed onto the floor, just barely managing to hold herself up.

"Seiko-senpai!" Makoto rushed over, grabbing her by the shoulders. Her breathing was uneven, and her body trembled beneath his touch.

"I...I'm alright," Seiko said. "But please...could you bring me some water?"

Desire for Execution - Danganronpa: Trigger Happy Havoc

Makoto nodded quickly, helping her into a chair before rushing off to find a pitcher and a cup. His heartbeat raced as he searched, but when he returned to the room, she seemed to be recovering quickly, her eyes more alert.