Behind the Glass (Komahina AU)

Chapter Eighteen: A Brief Respite (1K Views Milestone!)

A/N: 1K Views on Behind the Glass! Congratulations DragonEmpress987 for your story reaching such a magnificent landmark! Thank you everyone for the support!
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After Hajime's departure, Nagito remained with Gundham and Sonia, helping with clean up. He gripped the broom tightly as a swirl of emotions was bubbling up in his heart. Anger, sadness, desperation, and longing. Everything he tried to hold back was unleashed.

"Nagito?" Sonia asked, tapping him on the shoulder. "You should probably sit down. I made tea and cookies."

Nagito nodded sadly as he placed the broom away. They joined Gundham in their lounge which has been untouched. The sounds of the roaring fireplace soothed his nerves as he sat down and drank his tea. The sun had completely disappeared as he looked out the oblong window. Time goes by so fast when you try to distract yourself from despair.

"Did you manage to fix some of the tanks?" Sonia asked her husband.

"Unfortunately, that's done is done." He replied. "I will have to go into town to get replacements. However, most of my friends are safe." He turned to Nagito and nodded. "I thank you for your help."

"It was the least I can do. After all, it was my fault that your house was attacked." Nagito looked down at his cup. "We were too comfortable... and we ended up getting caught."

"Let me ask you something. Would it have matter if you stayed or left?" Gundham asked. "We knew it was inevitable that she would find you. Now that she has, we can strike back."

"But...at the cost of-"

"Stop right there. My house is of no importance at this time. What matters is that everyone I care for is safe."

Nagito smiled weakly. He sighed, releasing all of his anxieties out. He knew that Gundham's words were true. Hajime was safe...that's what matters.
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The next afternoon, the Future Foundation arrived with distraught. Kyoko covered her mouth as she saw the damage in the living room. The tank was destroyed with glass shards everywhere, and blood and water soaked in the carpet.

They were speechless, realizing that they were too late in stopping Junko. Nagito could feel the tension between them, and tried to soften the blow.

"I don't blame you, Naegi. We did all that we can do." He said.

"The head office received the letter a day after our first visit. It was addressed from Ms. Tsumiki." Kyoko replied. "We hadn't realized until we arrived back.

"Speaking of which, where is Tsumiki?" Byakuya asked. "I believe she owes us due explanation."

"Mikan...was here but returned back with the crew." Nagito looked away. "I don't know if she has fallen in Junko's spell before or after she wrote your letter."

Makoto rubbed his chin. "What has happened to Hajime?" Nagito told them everything: from Junko stealing one of Hajime's tears to his escape with Chiaki. "I see...thank you. Here."

Makoto gave Nagito a business card belonging to Kazuichi Soda, a mechanic. "He can help you down the road. He owes me a favour that I don't need anymore."

"Thank you, but may I ask you for something?" Nagito asked. "Please keep me in touch with Junko's location."

"That isn't wise." Byakuya tried to explain, but Nagito stopped him.

"I don't care about what is and isn't wise. That bitch needs to pay for what she did!"

"Nagito..." Kyoko muttered. "We'll see what can do. For now, you must remain under the radar. I would suspect Junko would want you dead."

"Of course, Ms. Kirigiri." He agreed, shaking her hand.
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That night, Nagito had decided to leave in pursuit of Kazuichi. Despite their pleas to stay one more night, he knew he overstayed his welcome.

"Thank you, Gundham. For everything." He said, giving the animal tamer a handshake.

"I wish you luck with your future endeavours." Gundham replied. "I hope your next visit will be less chaotic."

The men laughed as Sonia came outside with a basket. "Here, Nagito. It is a long trip, so I have prepared some food. Oh, I also made a special treat for Hajime when you see him again."'

"Thank you, Miss Sonia." Nagito said as they hugged each other briefly. Waving him goodbye, the couple watched as Nagito climbed into the carriage and rode off back into town.
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After a day of travelling by carriage, then by ferry, Nagito had finally arrived to a southern port where the locals were celebrating the summer festival. Children laughing with masks on their heads, the rich smell of takoyaki, and the crisp music of drums. It was like travelling back in time to a peaceful childhood.

"Oy!" A woman with blond hair and a pink kimono called him out. "The name's Miu, and this is my friend, Keebo."

A young man with white hair and green eyes waved shyly as he stood beside her. "Welcome to Okyto Port."

"Yeah..." Nagito said, scratching his head. "I'm looking for someone named Kazuichi Soda. Do you know where his workshop is?"

"Oh! You mean our sensei?!" Miu asked in delight. "Well, we will be more than happy to show you over." She led the march as both Keebo and Nagito trudged behind.

"I am sorry about her." Keebo apologized. "She tends to be...hyperactive."

"No, it's fine. I knew someone like that." Nagito replied. "Actually, I am just hoping that he can help me."

"Depends on what it is." A booming voice called out. A male figure stood on top of a boathouse with his arms crossed. "What is it that you want?"

"My name is Nagito Komaeda. I work for the Future Foundation and my boss told me that you can help me."

The figure laughed as he slid down a rope to the ground. He had pointy teeth and long pink hair, but he had a welcoming aura. "You mean, Makoto? You know Makoto?"

Nagito nodded. "Yes. He said that you owe him a favour and he has given it to me. I was hoping that you can build me something that can get me to the depths of the Caribbeans."
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To Be Continued...

A/N: Hehe. Added some Killing Harmony cameos. I hope you guys enjoy this chapter!

LunaKirbee