Our Hope

Chapter 24

I waited with Togami and Kirigiri for Naegi at the docks; once Future Foundation found our location, Munakata sent one of the available ships. He shook Hajime's hand, waving goodbyes to the other classmates.

"Are you sure they'll be okay?" I asked, waving to the group as the ship sailed away from Jabberwock Island.

"Definitely. Hinata mentioned trying to figure out how to revive the others," Makoto smiled at me before turning to Kyoko. Though Naegi smiled, the looming consequences made the victory bittersweet.

As I watched the island fade into the horizon, an arm wrapped around my shoulders. Byakuya pulled me against his body, tenderly kissing the top of my head. I glanced up at him, noticing his soft gaze directed at me. "Should we discuss this?" I asked.

One of his eyebrows shot up, "What do you want to discuss?" I wasn't sure how to answer that as I started and stopped several thoughts from spilling from my mouth. Byakuya squeezed my shoulder, slowly shaking his head. "There's no need for a discussion. Your past will never change how I look at you". With a hand behind my head, Byakuya rested his head against mine, "I'm too grateful to you being alive to question my love for you". As if every precious moment and word shared between us collided into one, I was overwhelmed with tears of joy. Through the tears, I choked out laughter and clung to Byakuya.

We braced ourselves for how Munakata was going to handle our defiance; Makoto was confident that it would be okay in the end. I knew better, but I still nodded and attempted to give a convincing smile. "What do you think they're talking about?" Hina asked, bouncing her legs in anticipation.

"The consequences of his decision," I said. I nearly flew from my seat when Kyoko entered the dining hall. Without Makoto. "What happened?"

"Hina, Hiro, we need to leave," Kyoko refused to answer or meet my eyes.

"Where the hell is Makoto, Kirigiri?" I asked again, only louder.

She hissed an irritated sigh, "He's being sent to another location to be executed". She turned back towards the door, leaving Hina and Hiro to rush after her.

I looked back at Byakuya. He seemed calm, hands crossed in front of his mouth in thought. "I'm going to stop this," I said, barely leaving my seat before his hand clamped around my wrist.

"Don't be stupid," Byakuya stopped, "I mean, don't act out for Makoto's sake. You're not exactly in a position to be causing havoc". He was right and that only made me more frustrated. Makoto escaped death before, but the memory didn't offer relief. Without a word, Byakuya pulled us from our seats and led me away from the dining hall.

When we arrived at his room, I side-eyed him, "What are we doing?"

"You need to relax," he gave me a little push through the doorway, shutting the door behind him. I sat on the edge of his bed, watching him shrug off his suit jacket and toss it beside me. "Turn around". I narrowed my eyes, confused, but did as I was told. His hands pressed against my shoulders, massaging his thumbs into the muscle.

I melted under his touch, groaning incoherent gibberish. He stopped briefly to push my jacket off my shoulders, massaging lower. He leaned into me, brushing his lips against my neck, "Is this okay?" his deep tone had my heart racing.

I searched for his lips, tugging on his tie to pull him closer. Tongues brushed together, lips bruised from the abuse, and hands fumbled to unbutton each other's shirts. My hands traced down his chest to the belt buckle; but before I could fumble with it, Byakuya scooped me into his arms and closed any distance between us.

I woke up tangled in the sheets and to urgent knocking at the door. Picking up the closest piece of clothing I could find, I rushed to the door, "What is it?"

The other member looked confused, "I'm sorry to wake you, Billotte, but this is Togami's room, correct?"

Heat rushed to my face; I answered Byakuya's door half-naked, wearing his shirt. "Hang on," I said, closing the door. I shook Byakuya awake, "Byakuya, someone's at the door".

As he was putting clothes on, he stopped and turned to me. "Did you answer the door? Like that?"

"I forgot I was in your room," I buried my embarrassment with my hands.

Byakuya chuckled, re-opening the door. After a brief exchange, Byakuya turned to me with no trace of a good mood left. "Apparently a spy has joined Makoto and the others".