Komahina Mix

Christmas Sweaters

Future Foundation's Christmas Party. Because even at the end of the world, you have to have hope for a new year. You have to smile and laugh and wear tacky sweaters, and yes it's cheesy but Makoto Naegi insists.

He's not the best at socialising, so Nagito Komaeda is standing in a corner of the dimly lit office ballroom, string lights with bulb covers shaped like snowflakes overhead, speakers playing holiday songs everyone knows from half a century ago. He's wearing a sweater that Naegi got him - it's red and a tad itchy and it has a reindeer on it and it says "Reining in the Holiday Cheer". He has a red solo cup filled with a soft drink in one hand, and watches the other members mingle. It's really loud here. He's garbage, he's trash, why is he here. Of course, it's an honour to be working with Future Foundation but-
"Komaeda!" It's Hajime Hinata, and Nagito almost drops his drink. "Hey, Hinata-kun." he says with a smile as the man approaches him. Hinata also has a tacky sweater on (thank you, Naegi). It has brightly coloured stitched lights on it, that actually light up. It's... cute on him.

"How are you? I saw you hiding over here by yourself." Hinata says. "I'm people watching." Nagito says with a laugh. Future Foundation was a mistake. "Well, I can't force you to join in, but it would make me happy if you did." Hinata says with another smile. He loves that smile. "Ah, if I'm with Hinata-kun, then of course." Nagito says, a little bit of pink in his pale cheeks as he finishes his drink, quickly disposing of his cup. "I would love to spend the rest of the evening at this little party with my best friend." Hinata says. Best friend? Best friend? A pit opens up in his stomach as he follows Hinata over to where all the action is. Naegi sees them and waves, Nagito happy to wave back. There are other faces he knows; some from his nerding over Hope's Peak. Others, he has yet to be acquainted with; he wonders what talents they have. He's sure they are amazing, and more valuable to the Foundation than luck.

"Do you have any new year's plans, Komaeda?" Hinata asks him suddenly. Nagito looks at him blankly, not sure what to say. "Um... no." He admits, his eyes lowering to the ground. "I want to help Future Foundation, of course. Work hard, create hope..." he laughs it off. Hinata doesn't really care. "That's good, I guess. I know you already do that, so," Hinata says, as he looks the other way, avoiding eye contact with Nagito. "I guess I can tell you, but you know, I've had my eye on someone special and..." Nagito drowns out the rest of his words. He's not good enough, he's trash, he's garbage, of course. "So I guess I'll see what happens." Hinata says, looking at him with a grin. A part of him wonders if Hinata is talking about himself, but that's foolish, right? Why would Hinata feel attraction to him?

"I would be happy to help you, Hinata-kun." Nagito grins, trying to hide his pain and confusion. Hopefully all the loud music and bright holiday lights will assist in his facade. "Oh really?" Hinata asks. "Yes... really." Nagito says back. "Mistletoe then." Hinata says. Nagito blinks, his hands in his dress pant pockets now. The neck of this itchy sweater is starting to irritate him. "What?"

"Yeah, there has to be one around here somewhere," Hinata muses as a song ends and a song about how fantastic snowy weather is begins. "Maybe... I'll meet my person there." Nagito bites his lip - of course! He wants Hinata to be happy, and what a silly, childish, yet ultimately good use for his luck. Nagito looks around, wondering who would be drawn in. Who could he help pair with Hinata? Who will it chose?

He's not one for office politics so he doesn't know who's single. Gender shouldn't be an issue as Hinata is openly bisexual. And– why on earth is he thinking about this? Hinata is staring at him. "You look so serious, Komaeda. Don't worry... it's just a Christmas party. Relax!" he says. He has a valid point. That's how it works. "Right." Nagito offers his hand, his heart skipping as he looks forward to Hinata's touch. But really, it's only to lead him through the crowd. Hinata takes it. Never let go. His heart is heavy. They swarm through the crowd of Future Foundation members. He recognises some of their faces, he knows some of their names. There's a cute girl who's short and wears glasses here, a tall man with a goatee there. It will find Hinata's perfect match. How lucky that would be! How happy Hinata would be. He would be useful! Even if it kills him to watch.

"Komaeda," Hinata says, as he stops walking, tightening his grip on Nagito's hand. "Y-yes? I'm trying, Hinata-kun." Hinata laughs again, as Nagito turns back to him. Hinata has an grin on his blushed face, as he uses his other hand to point above them - oh god, it's the mistletoe. This is the worst luck. "Relax," Hinata says, leaning in. His heart is racing, this isn't right. How unfortunate, now Hinata is miserable. Hinata whispers in his ear, raising his hands to cusp his pale face. "It's you... it's always been you, Komaeda." Nagito can't help but stare. "Hi-Hinata-kun, you can't be serious, there are many other people here." He smiles. "Why would you want me?"

"Because, there's no one else here who looks so adorable in a reindeer sweater like you do." Hinata laughs, leaning into kiss him. Nagito closes his eyes, his arms finding their way around his waist; it's quick, but sweet. "Like I said, it's always been you." Hinata laughs. Nagito hasn't let go of him yet.