Hope for The End (Book 3)

4. Rising Hope in The Despair of 77

The conversation repeated in her head.

" I want a favor of you... in return, I can give Hajime back..."

"You- ...You know where Hinata is?"

"Of course I do... My beloved tells me everything I need to know... I am grateful for that... they are the only one who truly loves me..."

"What's the favor...?"

"Depends...Is that a yes...?"

"...Yes."

She had helped the mastermind. She had been tricked into it and she still had work she had to do. Work that Mikan explained in so much detail, that Chiaki couldn't pretend to not understand the work ahead of her.

How had she not seen it? It was so obvious! She should have been so much smarter.

She really was a traitor now, wasn't she?

She stared at Hajime. He would never forgive her after what she had done. She was ashamed of herself. She hid when she realized what she'd done, and when Kazuichi couldn't find her and left, she risked hiding out in the open. Only for Kazuichi to find her again. She was a complete failure.

She was lost in her own thoughts when Ibuki turned to her and loudly announced, "Ibuki thinks Chiaki would be a good nurse!"

Everyone turned to stare at her and she flinched backwards, "What? But I..."

"The bright powers of the Healing chaos dwells within your mortal soul! May you follow that thread and help us evermore!" Gundam roared at her.

"You being the primary caretaker could be a small stepping stone for our hope!" Nagito spread his arms, as if embracing the idea.

"Wouldn't that mean she'd be self sacrificing herself?" The Imposter questioned.

"Guys really i don't think I should-"

"Why not? Don't want to replace a rotten pig like her?" Hiyoko taunted.

Chiaki was feeling extremely insecure. She grabbed her hood and slipped it over her head. She knew why she couldn't do the job.

"Guys we can't do that if she isn't willing. Stop that." Hajime cut across them all.

"Fine, but then who's gonna help people when we're dropping like flies?" Akane asked, "We can't continue on without Mikan, in a group like this, always getting into danger..."

"You're one to talk." Hiyoko murmured.

"I'll do it. If it helps everyone out then I am willing to help." Peko decided, "I don't think there will be any objections?"

"I have an objection."

A voice from behind them all. They turned to see Makoto Naegi standing by a nearby tree, smiling at them all.

They all stared at him blankly before greeting him.

"Oh- Hi Makoto?"

"Hi dude"

"Hello!"

Chiaki and Hajime stared at him quietly. Chiaki lowered her head by a fraction. Hajime glared at him.

"Why are you here?" Hajime demanded of him.

Makoto's face became one of fake innocence, "...What do you mean? I've been hanging out by the future foundation buildings."

Hajime clenched his hands into fists.

"What do you mean! You've just been to see-"

His head stabbed him again. He slouched over in pain, covering his head.