A/N: This is a Naegiri one-shot. I'm doing this for a friend who told me they wanted fluffy. Because fluff seems to be hard to get by these days. With hope, I plan to deliver it with all I have. It's also a thanks mostly, and that friend knows what I mean. ;D

It was a white day, as snow, cold but beautiful, blanketed Hope's Peak and signaling a new season. A beautiful winter signifying the end of the year. That was what Makoto Naegi awoken to, with a smile as he got ready to go to school.

It has been about two years ever since he had been in Hope's Peak, where he couldn't help remembering about himself that was just simply normal and wondering whether he was even fit to be in a school full of such special people.

But two years, and he had made many friends, experienced many events and went through a whole lot memorable experiences that erased all his doubts about being in this school. And as he went out, in this cold and snowy morning, he recalled something that made himself completely sure that the school was the right place for him and that everything was worth it... her.

"Hey, Makoto-kun," someone called out, and speak of the Devil, he turned around and saw that it was Kyoko Kirigiri who was now striding toward him, a small smile on her face that he would never thought to even see when he first saw her... as in this beautiful winter as a background for Kyoko Kirgiri, that she could be even a little warmer than the cold winter that Makoto had first met and thought of her...

It was the first day of Hope's Peak, where every student was required to take in orientation and that he along with everyone of his classmates had met and conversed, although there were few who chose not to, staying silent or simply looking down on them.

There were about four of them: Byakuya, Touko, Mukuro and Kyoko. Byakuya was pestered by Touko for unknown reasons, Mukuro was hanging around with her sister, Junko but Kyoko was free at the time, when they were all doing their introductions, and Makoto approached Kyoko.

"Hi, I am Makoto Naegi, the Ultimate Lucky Student," Makoto said cheerfully, "I hope we can get along."

At that statement, Kyoko... simply remained expressionless, as she regarded him and answered thus, "Kyoko Kirigiri, Ultimate Detective."

"Kirigiri...?" Makoto asked, the last name sparking something in his brain but for some reason, he cannot put a finger to it.

"What?" Kyoko asked, but Makoto shook his head as the answer did not come easily and hastily said, "Nothing."

"I see," Kyoko said promptly, "If there's nothing else, then goodbye."

And she left him, before Makoto could even say a word. She was soon seen talking to others, but she seemed to brush them off as easily as she did Makoto. It was like Kyoko can be approached, but not breached. It was as if she was... cold, cold as winter, although not as harsh as Byakuya. But still...

And throughout the week, Makoto had seen Kyoko remaining so expressionless, allowing herself to hang out with other people, such as karaoke, or eating together. But she was expressionless, like a wall of ice... covered in snow. That was what Makoto thought of Kyoko at the time, even wondering whether anything can crack that ice wall. Because Makoto did try... but he never made it far, with only small conversations and absolutely no expression... Until...

"Makoto-kun?" Kyoko called out to Makoto as she neared him, snapping Makoto easily out of his thoughts where he simply smiled and said, "I was just thinking."

Kyoko smiled at that, something so rare in the past now common in the present as she said, "Well, do you want to hang out? I have also been thinking, you know? Maybe reminiscing memories..."

Said so wistfully that Makoto asked, "What?"

"I mean, it would be our last winter until we graduate Hope's Peak next year..." Kyoko said, and Makoto nodded at that, because it was true. Their last winter... after all before they graduate.

"So let's go," Kyoko said, already turning around and walking briskly away with Makoto catching up saying, "Ah, wait."

But Kyoko simply kept walking, although at a slower pace so that Makoto can catch up. As they walked from dormitories to Hope's Peak, they came across a convenience store, opened 24/7 for the students despite having the Ultimate Cook and the Ultimate Maid at school, ready to serve any food in the cafeteria of Hope's Peak. But apparently, some students have simply craved the simplicity of store bought goods instead of delicacies and how quickly can they be eaten as well.

People such as certain Ultimate Animators and Ultimate Fanfic Writers who have a liking for instant noodles and soda... whenever doing their work.

And as Makoto and Kyoko walked inside the convenience store, the latter picking up a certain cup of instant noodles, she smiled and said, "Remember?"

Makoto sheepishly smiled at that, because other than animators and fanfic writers, lucky students also have a penchant for instant noodles too. It was the day when he woke up late at school, and chosen to eat along the way...

It's been about a month since that orientation day, and Makoto woke up one day, checking out the alarm clock and crying out, "I'm late!"

Normally, it's not necessary in Hope's Peak to even attend classes. But there was this one monthly homeroom thing that they must never skip, mostly in order to keep track of every Ultimate's progress and update them on anything ongoing that might happen in the school. And the one time to just wake up late... of all things!

So, Makoto had rushed, even choosing the convenience store that was conveniently there for seemingly every student who runs late for homeroom, Makoto had bitterly thought, as he rushed in and just took a cup of noodles and ate it as he was running.

Unfortunately, that led to an unlucky incident.

"Guh!" Makoto and one other sounded as they bumped each other, the cup noodles that Makoto had  flying out of his hands and unceremoniously onto the person's head, with the remaining noodles and soup dripping down that person's head.

To Makoto's shock, that person was Kyoko Kirigiri, who looked equally shocked and startled to see Makoto before returning back to that expressionless face. Makoto bowed in apology.

"I'm... I'm so sorry," Makoto said, but Kyoko easily dismissed it.

"Accidents happen," Kyoko said smoothly as she took the cup noodles and Makoto took it to throw away when he finds a trash bin, even trying to clean up the strand of noodles staying in Kyoko's hair although she brushed it off.

"But I have to make up for it," Makoto insisted, "Please, Kirigiri-san."

Kyoko let out a somewhat small and faint smile, "Hmm... OK. Please come with me, Naegi-kun."

"OK," Makoto said immediately before even ask, "Ah... what is it that you want me to do?"

"Oh, just agreeing before even knowing what I wanted of you. And then asking. How interesting," Kyoko said, "But it's simple. During homeroom, I'm required to present something and it was in a file of mine, which I left in my room. So I have to make haste and retrieve it. But this happened."

Makoto still looked quite apologetic about that. For information, as said, during homeroom, it was the time that an Ultimate's progress will be recorded. Sometimes an Ultimate won't even need anything, like Makoto whose luck which was simply there... required no record. But Kyoko, as an Ultimate Detective, for recording progress, case summations might be needed as proof. So Makoto assumed that the file Kyoko mentioned was simply that.

"So," Kyoko continued, "While I change, can you help me look for the file? That way it's easier to save time, and you can make up for it as you said. It should be easy to look for, although I have many similar files. But it was recorded with..."

Makoto listened and nodded as he said, "Yes, I understand."

Soon, they made it into Kyoko's room which was sparse of decoration but not lacking of furniture as there was much more cabinets filled with files than the average room, more to say the room resembled nearly an office if there wasn't a bed present, and the place was much neater than any office anyway.

As Kyoko went to the adjoining bathroom to change, Makoto immediately went to searching for the file Kyoko asked for. And once he found it, another unlucky thing happened. At times like this, he half wondered why he wasn't called the Ultimate Unlucky Student, but going back to it, when he took the file, his elbow knocked upon something, shattering it to the floor.

Makoto looked down to see it was a picture frame, and he groaned, "Oh no..." First the cup noodles, now this. His luck really can't get any worse. He scooped up the glass shards, making up ways to apologize for this, and cleaned up his mess before he picked up the picture frame.

It was a picture of dad and daughter Makoto immediately picked up. The daughter that is Kyoko Kirigiri, and the father... hair and body type recognizable, reminding him the time of orientation when the name Kirigiri had struck something odd in Makoto and later within the orientation that they met the headmaster, but Makoto although suspicious didn't connect the dots until he had seen this very proof with his own eyes.

"What are you doing?" a voice suddenly asked, and he turned to see it was Kyoko who was suddenly walking toward him with furrowed brows. Makoto hurried to explain himself.

"I was just searching for your file when I knocked this picture frame, and well... I'm sorry again. I will pay you for this later. And here is your file," Makoto said quickly as he handed the file to Kyoko and put the picture frame back to it's place.

Kyoko gave a quick look at the picture frame, her expressionless face not even cracking at all that went down as she said softly, "Thank you, and apology accepted. You... don't need to pay. That picture isn't worth much anyway."

Kyoko walked out of her room, followed by Makoto before he asked, "But isn't that a picture of you and your father? Doesn't it hold any sentimental value to you?"

"It doesn't," Kyoko said with certainty and firmness, "I haven't been very close with my father for a very long time after all."

"But... isn't your father also the headmaster of this school?" Makoto shyly brought up.

"So what of it?" Kyoko asked, at least confirming it. But the thing was that Makoto had seen Kyoko frequenting into the headmaster's room often, so...

"I mean, you always visit the headmaster's room. If he is your father, I thought-"

"You thought wrong," Kyoko interrupted, "It's simply just business. My father and I have nothing to discuss after all. We don't have much in common either."

Makoto wondered about the coldness Kyoko had even for her own father, and so Makoto suddenly said:

"But still, he's your father. I'm sure he has things to say to you after all."

"I doubt it," Kyoko quickly said, "And I don't want to waste my time confirming it."

Makoto was oddly silent at this and Kyoko said, "Did I say too much? Maybe it would have been better if I said nothing at all."

"No, that's not it at all!" Makoto denied, "I'm glad that you have told me all this, Kirigiri-san. Actually, I would like to know more about you."

It was so earnestly said that Kyoko actually let out a smile, not one of those smirks she would wear at times of being right or at the top, but a genuine smile that Makoto didn't think she would have, although if truth said, it was quite faint before going back to that expressionless face once again.

"You are foolishly open, Naegi-kun," Kyoko said, "But alright, I will indulge you."

Makoto smiled, as he said, "Thank you."

And then, they made it back to the classroom, late for homeroom as they were scolded by both Taka and the teacher, but honestly, Makoto in years to come, felt it very worth it as without being late, a cup of noodles, picture frame and his luck, he would never stumble upon Kyoko and see genuine expressions on her face or had any meaningful conversation with a promise to keep it going. The expression of shock, and maybe happiness. Makoto had once seen Kyoko with an ice wall behind her that made her quite expressionless despite showing a little, but not enough.

But through one conversation, he had seen a little more of Kyoko than he had thought. That he had only judged her by the tip of the iceberg.

Kyoko and Makoto had bought the cup of instant noodles, as they made their way to Hope's Peak despite classes being unnecessary at this moment, but they were going to Hope's Peak, not because they were actually going to class, but because they were reaching to one place...

They sat at a bench, where Kyoko's hand brushed off the snow currently laying on the bench as she and Makoto sat together with a cup of noodles between them, but they had yet to open it.

Kyoko looked up to the sky before she looked at the entrance of Hope's Peak... and said, "I have a test for you. Do you remember what was the first thing you told me when you saw me here during the first ever school festival we had?"

Makoto smiled at Kyoko's tests. After that homeroom incident, Makoto was able to spend better time with Kyoko, with even longer conversations and even at times having those little tests about what they have spoken before or maybe little tidbits about their classmates.

Kyoko had told him it was to test how much Makoto knew of her and their moments together, because Makoto was the one who wanted to know about Kyoko after all.

And just like before... as he answered all of them correct, he answered this one correct...

"It was..." Makoto said...

"Kirigiri-san, the show cannot start without you!" Makoto had called out to Kyoko who was sitting on one of the benches at Hope's Peak in a stage costume of an aristocratic lady that made Makoto in his usual wear all the more plain.

Their first ever school festival, and they all decided to put on a musical, written by both Touko and Hifumi, despite their... creative differences but somehow were able to cobble up a decent enough play, after many changes until satisfied, but still...

It was about an hour before it was the class' turn and Kyoko, one of the actors to go on stage, was absent among a few others at time, and Touko, director of play at that time, had asked for non-actor aka crew staff which included Makoto, to find them. Because they needed to do plenty final touches...

By Makoto's luck, he found Kyoko and when she didn't move an inch, Makoto said, "Uh...Kirigiri-san, we have to go."

"I heard you the first time," Kyoko said coolly, although she stayed seated on the bench in wistful contemplation, "But I thought we had an hour before the play actually started?"

"Yes, but Fukawa-san wanted to do some final touches," Makoto sighed, choosing to sit down with Kyoko for now, "And I don't blame her. After all, this is a big thing for all of us..."

After all, no one in the class is an Ultimate Actor or similar so this is first experiences galore for everyone, so it wasn't surprising that the class would be very nervous.

"And there's also the script..." Kyoko sighed, but Makoto protested against that.

"Sure there are a few liberties in the script and it's not exactly the best but it's not the worst either, Kirigiri-san," Makoto said.

"You say that, but you haven't really acted any of the scenes out yourself. And I still..." Kyoko said.

Makoto didn't understand Kyoko's uneasiness. He was quite right when he said about the script neither being the best nor worst. Since it was much better than a certain selfcest script that shall never be spoken, a mecha one that they had zero time nor skills to do and something to do with Byakuya that if ever spoken again would land their asses into a debt that couldn't even be paid for the next few lifetimes. The script was about a simple peasant girl that ended up in a vampiric aristocrat world. Because this was Touko and Hifumi collaborating together, it was somewhat of a version of Twilight in, as Hifumi called it, an 'isekai' world.

Well, for summary as for no confusion... it was about a simple peasant girl, with powers of light where she was qualified to be a Saint and rid of the demonic beings once and for all since she had the greatest powers ever known since previous Saints which the world of humans rejoiced at, wanting to get rid of the demons since forever. But the demons, most notably vampires, the higher standing of demons caught wind of this and kidnapped the girl.

From there on would be a twisted love story between that same peasant girl and the vampire prince, where they planned to twist the girl into darkness and negating her powers. The peasant girl would be played by Sayaka, much to Touko's chagrin and the vampire prince will be played by Byakuya, much to Touko's ire because she wanted to be the peasant for Byakuya and was angry that Sayaka could have moments with Byakuya. After all, it is a love story twisted as it may be laid, although it's in no way, reassured, PG-13.

And Kyoko would play as a vampire aristocrat who was friends with the vampire prince and mostly serve as the antagonist of the play. Among other antagonists, which was the priest played by Hiro and the human king played by Taka. But despite being antagonistic figures, Makoto didn't find any of their acting cringe worthy or painful to be honest. So...

"Hey, are you actually... nervous about acting on stage?" Makoto asked, and although Kyoko managed to maintain her stoic expression, Makoto managed to glimpse at a faint look of shock on Kyoko indicating he was right. Ever since he continued hanging out with Kyoko and slowly learning more of the tidbits about her, as she quizzed him at times, he was slowly able to see the faint glimpses of expressions that Kyoko had hidden.

After all, Kyoko had told him during one of their hang outs that she was still human and that she simply hid her emotions, for her job as a detective.

And no matter how much it was hidden, Kyoko still had emotions which was why Makoto can glimpsed at because, in the end... it was there, just not seen easily by naked eye. But Makoto's sight to Kyoko's emotions might be getting clearer...

Kyoko continued to remain silent, so Makoto smiled softly.

"It's OK to be nervous. When I was in middle school, I was also nervous when I had to do a play although I didn't play a big role..." Makoto reassured.

Middle school was simpler. It was decided they would play the fairy tale of Snow White and Makoto was one of the seven dwarfs...

"But in the end... I had a lot of fun. And everyone enjoyed it. That's all that matters after all. And this is our first school festival, Kirigiri-san. Shouldn't we enjoy it too?"

"You are really holding on the assumption that I'm nervous, huh?" Kyoko asked, "To say all that... although I appreciate it. But where is the proof that I'm nervous?"

Makoto said, "I don't have any proof. I just assumed, and even if you are not nervous, it's nice to have some encouragement before you actually go up the stage, right?"

It wasn't like Makoto can outright say it was due to the expression on her face since Kyoko usually prides being able to mask her feelings so that no one can deceive her. And he wasn't a 100% sure anyway whether Kyoko was actually nervous or not, but still decided to say all that, because that's what he truly felt.

Kyoko let out a surprised face, something that was never really seen... until now, as laughter rang out through the school. A sound Makoto was bound to remember, so rare but beautiful as Kyoko said:

"... That was an unexpected answer, Naegi-kun. And if that's the case, thank you. So let's go," Kyoko said.

"Yeah, let's!" Makoto said, as he immediately took Kyoko's gloved hand... an accessory Makoto always wondered why she worn but never prodded, and pulled her up.

But as soon as he did that, Kyoko ripped her hand off Makoto's although she looked apologetic as she did so.

"It's just... no one has ever touched me like that," Kyoko said, a little shyly at that.

"Huh...?" Naegi said, getting a little flustered at Kyoko's words and then tried to defend himself, "I was just... handholding is not lewd, you-"

Kyoko laughed, "I'm just kidding. What did you think I was thinking?"

Naegi continued being flustered as Kyoko laughed softly again and she walked back to school with a simple, "Let's go."

"Hey... wait... wait up, Kirigiri-san!"

But then she stopped a little as if to let Makoto only to catch up. That was when he heard, "Cheer me on stage, will you?"

"Of course!" Makoto said earnestly.

"Then, I expect nothing else," Kyoko said before she continued walking, leaving Makoto behind  and him catching up fruitlessly with a frustrated, "Kirigiri-san."

But in the end, they had done the play with Makoto backstage working on props silently cheering on Kyoko among many other things as he promised. And the play ended up in success despite all odds...

Makoto blushed at that memory and once again Kyoko laughed.

"You didn't have to tease me that day, Kyoko-san," Makoto said but Kyoko shook her head as if amused.

"It's your fault for being too naively honest like that, Makoto-kun. It makes you easy to tease," Kyoko said.

"I know that, but still..." Makoto said, as Kyoko took the cup noodles they bought and opened it up, still warm despite the cold winter.

"Well, let's eat before it gets cold," Kyoko said.

Makoto did so, as they slurped some noodles together, "It is still delicious."

"Better than chocolate," Kyoko mused.

"Ah..." Makoto said, another memory coming to a front. Kyoko smiled at Makoto.

"Instant noodles would have tasted better than chocolate, huh? During that Valentine's Day..."

The first 14th February in their school, Valentine's Day. Honestly, Makoto didn't really expect anything out of the day, but he was surprised that he received many chocolates from his classmates. Although they were all obligatory friend chocolates.

Sayaka, a friend from middle school all the way up 'til now. They became the standard best friends where they usually karaoke together and hanged out a lot. Even tried a new menu together, which Sayaka teasingly called a date. But in the end, they never really had such feelings with each other and remained best friends.

Mukuro, a soldier that was as cold as Kyoko but managed to open up quite well with Makoto although she stuck around more with her sister. Mukuro gave out her chocolates shyly as she thanked Makoto for their friendship together.

Hina, a friend that Makoto had a few swim meets with and plenty of donut runs because she likes inviting anyone she can for them. She appreciated Makoto's friendship and thus gave him chocolates with a smile.

Sakura, who already had a boyfriend, but also appreciates the friends she made along the way and gifted Makoto chocolates for their friendship.

He had also gotten a few from other classmates such as Kaede, Angie and Chiaki. 

Once school was already almost over, Makoto thought that was all the chocolate he was going to get, which was a lot more than he would usually get during Valentine's Day, most chocolate simply coming from his mother and sister.

But he was proven wrong as he was tapped on the shoulder and was met with a cold faced Kyoko Kirigiri on the way out of school.

"Happy Valentine's Day, Naegi-kun," Kyoko said, as she gave a box of chocolates to Makoto.

It was in a red box ribboned with purple lace, and when he uncovered it, there was freshly made chocolate inside.

Kyoko explained, "These are homemade chocolates that I found a recipe for in the Internet. I wanted to try out the recipe so I made them. And since it was Valentine's Day, I thought to give them to you so you can try and tell me your thoughts about them."

"Wow... Kirigiri-san, homemade chocolates... for me?" Makoto asked, quite surprised and a tinge of red probably creeping from this power move because homemade chocolates from a girl...

"Don't think too much about it," Kyoko said, "Like I said, I was trying a new recipe. And out of everyone, I just wanted you to try them. You can eat them now. Tell me what you think."

Makoto smiled, "Thank you Kirigiri-san."

And he ate the chocolate.

...

Bitter. Very bitter. But he swallowed it with great reluctance and gave a strain smile.

"They are... OK, Kirigiri-san. But maybe next time, add a bit more milk and sugar, yeah?"

"You don't have to lie to me," Kyoko narrowed her eyes, "If they tasted horrible, just tell me."

Makoto swallowed a lump in his throat but he knew that Kyoko wouldn't appreciate any more lies after asking for honesty. And what made him even think that he could fool the Ultimate Detective?

"Alright, Kirigiri-san. Yes, they tasted horrible. It was too bitter. That's why I asked to add milk and sugar."

"I see," Kyoko said, walking up and taking the chocolate herself as she ate one, with a grimace, "I might have added a bit too much cocoa powder."

"Haha, yeah. But I appreciate the thought, Kirigiri-san. Although..." Makoto said, "Instant noodles might have tasted better than chocolate, huh?"

"I wouldn't know," Kyoko said, "Even if instant noodles were thrown over me that day..."

Makoto laughed awkwardly at that, still feeling sorry about that incident although it was quite a long time.

Then he noticed Kyoko's lips were smeared in chocolate, probably from the one she ate. Makoto remembered how soft that chocolate was despite being so bitter so it was no surprise the chocolate smeared over.

"Ah, Kirigiri-san, your mouth..." Makoto decided to say, hoping she got the hint.

"Hmm..." Kyoko said, but in licking her lips, she understood what he meant, "Ahh, I see."

But she didn't wipe them away. She gave off a mischievous smile instead, which rarely forebode any good to Makoto. Ever since the play, she developed a habit of messing with Makoto, as well as few others from their class.

Makoto had absolutely no idea why, but Kyoko said it was because he was 'naively honest' and ' foolishly open'. Either way, he had been teased multiple times although he tried to get back at them for it in his own ways. Still...

He couldn't help but wonder what Kyoko was thinking. With that small smile still planted on her face, she went closer to Makoto... and as she went nearer and nearer, Makoto became more and more flustered.

"Kirigiri-san, wha-?" Makoto tried to ask but he was interrupted with a kiss on the cheek.

"Kirigiri-san?!" Makoto asked, in shock as heat creeped through his face as he blushed in shock. He was not the only one, as he saw Kyoko blushing as well.

"But chocolate kisses taste better than anything right? Because they are much sweeter," Kyoko finally said.

"I... uh..." Makoto said still flustered as he couldn't find any words to even say anything, but Kyoko seemed to get over it quickly.

"I used to hate Valentine's Day, because I never understood it," Kyoko revealed to Makoto,

"But I guess today... I think I'm starting to understand..." Kyoko said.

"Of course, Kirigiri-san," Makoto said, finally getting out of his blushing fit, "Although Valentine's Day is meant for couples, it's also a day where we could appreciate the friends we have. That's why even friends give out chocolates whether or not they are in love."

"It's a day we spend time with the people we care about, family, friends... lovers. I think it's a good thing to do, Kirigiri-san," Makoto told Kyoko.

"Hmm... lovers, huh? Do you ever think that you will have one, Naegi-kun?" Kyoko asked.

"Huh... no, I mean... I have a lot of friends, but lovers... I'm not sure that people see me that way," Makoto said.

"Really, but do you know that rumors are going about that you are a harem MC who has been picking up most of the girls in class and counting on the sly? Plus you received a lot of chocolates from the girls, including me," Kyoko said.

"Wait! Really?! Kirigiri-san, it's nothing like that! I mean, sure I gotten chocolate from the girls, but they are just friends, Kirigiri-san and they see me as friends too. I'm not some playboy-"

Kyoko gave a short laugh interrupting Makoto's protest, "I know. But the rumors still stand. Don't let it bother you though. You are not the only boy with the tittle of Harem MC, Naegi-kun."

"I... I see, Kirigiri-san," Makoto said, slowly getting it over before he felt annoyed, "You teased me again."

"Yes, I did," Kyoko said, "I have teased you a lot of times before too."

"I know that," Makoto said, "But why do you find it so fun to tease someone like me?"

Kyoko let out a small smile as she closed her eyes, "I think I already told you. You are naively honest and foolishly open."

"Yeah, you have told me that. But what does that mean? What makes those qualities of me the thing that wants you to tease me?" Makoto asked.

Kyoko sighed, "How can you not know? It's you being naively honest that your reactions are quite honest as well. And honest reactions with such openness to boot are what people want from their actions, especially in all fun and games."

"Then, I wish I wasn't as naively honest nor foolishly open as you said, Kirigiri-san. Then, maybe people would stop teasing me," Makoto lamented.

"That may be true," Kyoko said, "But without you being like that, I doubt that you would have made as many friends as you do now."

"Huh?" Makoto asked, as Kyoko continued talking.

"People are drawn by your honesty and openness, Naegi-kun. It makes you approachable and open to so many people which makes so many drawn to you. Without it, I would guess that you would become more closed and colder... maybe like Togami-kun."

Makoto tried to imagine himself as Byakuya and failed miserably, so he laughed, "I can't see myself like that."

"Because you are not. You might be easy because of being so honest and open. But whoever said it was a bad trait?" Kyoko asked.

He thought back about that, and smiled, "No one, Kirigiri-san."

"Exactly. So please continue being like this. It is very refreshing for me, and for a few others too, you know?"

And then, Kyoko left without another word, leaving Makoto to think about her words and the days he spent at school. A small smile tugged at his lips as he realized how much of an impact he had within his classmates. Despite being quite normal among the eccentric Ultimates.

But he was still left quite embarrassed about the trick Kyoko pulled, the boldness seeming quite out of character for the expressionless girl but these days, many personality traits of Kyoko Kirigiri kept on coming out to light and that boldness, which he could only assume coming from her cases as a detective was one of them.

And because he was embarrassed, he felt like getting back at Kyoko, only as a little payback, and because they became such friends that he would do it. Also to open Kyoko up more and learn much more about her.

A day with Kyoko had always proven quite interesting for Makoto, and today was no exception. He also learned little by little about Kyoko despite the teasing manner she seemed to adopt around him. It was really nice, Makoto admitted.

But why did he still feel the same ice wall between them even after all this time?

Makoto was aware. Despite the teasing and emotions showed a little more frequently, it was almost the same as Kyoko treating the rest of her classmates.

Kyoko was someone who didn't mind answering questions, such as her family and so... but there was still a wall between her and others, as if people wanted to breach but find themselves staying away.

Because Makoto felt that Kyoko simply indulge in Makoto's friendships without really giving her share. He knew more about Kyoko, but it seemed she still distances herself. Enjoying the friendship but not making it lasting.

He had wondered why from time to time. That's why he said he became such friends with Kyoko. That's why he wanted to open up Kyoko more and learn more about her.

And afterwards... he realized there was a day he could ask everything, along with the possibility of getting back at Kyoko's teasing...

"But chocolate kisses tasted much better," Kyoko gave a short laugh. Makoto blushed as he remembered, but he wanted to get back at her and said, "But then, there was White Day."

Kyoko's eyes widened at that statement as she faintly blushed and said, "I admit you caught me off guard a little."

Makoto smiled wryly, "But unfortunately, it wasn't enough. At least I learned a lot about you, that day. And helped you while catching your guard off some more." A mischievous smile now planted on his face at the end of the sentence.

"... That is true..." Kyoko said, as she and Makoto went back to that White Day...

A month later... White Day... where boys give chocolates to girls this time. And which Makoto had given back in full for the friends that had given him chocolate during Valentine's.

But that day, he had a special present for Kyoko, after that Valentine's Day. An eye for an eye.

He eventually found her exiting outside the headmaster's office and called her out, "Hello, Kirigiri-san."

"Hello, Naegi-kun. What do you want with me?" Kyoko asked.

"It's White Day, so I thought to give back chocolates to you this time," Makoto said, holding up a red box but this time ribboned with a dark green lace, "But... I don't feel comfortable giving them here. Can we go somewhere else?"

Well, Makoto would have reason to feel uncomfortable after all. He was standing right in front the headmaster's office where the headmaster was Kyoko's father. Just imagine the moment when the headmaster steps out and sees a boy gifting chocolates to his daughter. That would be awkward no matter what.

Kyoko seemed to understand as she nodded and said, "OK."

Then, they were in an unused classroom where Makoto handed the box and Kyoko asked after a bout of silence, "Handmade?"

"I also got a recipe off the Internet. I wonder if I was more successful than your attempt," Makoto said.

"Hmm..." Kyoko hummed as she took one piece of chocolate and popped it into her mouth. Her eyes turned bright as a wide genuine smile actually graced Kyoko's expression before it remained the blank slate it always was.

"This is delicious, Naegi-kun. Quite sweet," Kyoko said.

"Yes, as sweet as your smile just now. I'm glad that it was worth it," Makoto said.

Kyoko's eyes widened, "My... my smile... sweet?"

"Yes, you really don't show it too often, but you should express yourself more. Showing off that sweet smile of yours," Makoto said, beaming at Kyoko.

"Sweet... smile," Kyoko said, suddenly blushing, "Wha- what are you... saying?"

Makoto smiled, "That you look better expressing yourself like that. You know that?"

"... Hey, when did you get cheesy like that? Are you really trying to live up to your harem MC tittle?" Kyoko asked.

Makoto was flustered at such a statement, "No... enough with the Harem MC stuff. It's just-"

"Heh," Kyoko now smirked, "And you thought you could tease me?"

"Ah," Makoto said before he smiled wryly at Kyoko, "Looks like I can't one-up you, can I?"

So he tried to tease to be teased back in turn, huh? He had a long ways to go.

"It was a nice try, but it would be a long time before you could get to me," Kyoko said.

"Too bad...But I still meant it when I said you should express yourself more. Maybe you would have made more friends," Makoto said.

Kyoko sighed now, back to an expressionless face again, "Who said I needed friends? What a presumptuous thing to say, Naegi-kun."

"If you think so," Makoto said, striding forward and grabbing Kyoko's hand that flustered Kyoko but didn't stop Makoto from saying, "But I'm just saying this because it's our second year here already and we would be graduating next year... don't you want to make more memorable experiences in school? Don't you want to have more friends and become closer to them? Don't you want to feel the closeness instead of being distant?"

"Kirigiri-san," Makoto continued earnestly in Kyoko's silence, "I have known you for about a year more and maybe I picked up those detective skills of yours along the way. Because I have been picking up that although you do hang out with our classmates, you were strangely distant with them."

Makoto smiled wryly, "Maybe even me, even with your teasing. But I guess... in the end, after hanging out with you a lot, I just want to know. And today, I also had the courage to ask. With chocolates to sweeten the deal."

Makoto took a deep breath, "Why do you always distance yourself with others, even me?"

Kyoko continued to remain silent, before she said, "...I did not expect all this from you. But I will go ahead and say you are right. How did you figure out?"

"It was like there was still a wall between you and the rest, including me," Makoto said, smiling wryly.

"Is that so?" Kyoko asked, sighing.

"... Getting closer to someone means that you are bound to lose your good judgment. Hey, Makoto-kun, tell me... what is it the special accessory that I wear everyday without fail?"

It was another test, but it was the easiest test Kyoko ever gave.

"It's those gloves, isn't it?" Makoto asked, and Kyoko once again looked at those gloves she wore wryly.

"Of course. There was one time that I became close to someone... and made a bad decision. These gloves are a reminder of that decision everyday and a lesson not to get close to everyone."

If it were a year ago, Makoto probably wouldn't understand. But now, he felt he understood Kyoko better. He hoped he understood Kyoko better so he said:

"So does your bad decision have to do with getting close with someone... and something went wrong?" Makoto asked delicately. By the hand coming to Kyoko's mouth in shock, it seemed that Makoto hit the nail in the head.

Makoto shook his head slowly, "If that is why you don't get close to anyone, then... that's a little stupid."

"Stupid?" Kyoko gasped, "If you knew what I had done, if you knew what my lack of judgment did..."

Makoto shook his head slowly as he suddenly fed chocolate to Kyoko, who swallowed it down with a surprised look on the face.

"Are you feeling better now? I thought if I fed some chocolate to you, it will shut you up for a while."

"You gave sure grown bold Naegi-kun," Kyoko muttered, and Makoto realized his actions, now scratching his head with awkwardness with a tint of blush on his face.

"Ah... I'm sorry. But I thought that something sweet will replace all those bitter experiences that you had."

Kyoko narrowed her eyes, "I might have said that you were cheesy as a harem MC protagonist, but you are not usually like this. Who taught you to do all that?"

Once again, Makoto knew the truth was needed. Anymore lies would just dig him deeper in the possible ire of the Ultimate Detective.

"Kuwata-kun and Hiro-kun. They showed me all this during a guy's night and well, I..."

"Do you really think such moves would sway me?" Kyoko asked.

"... I hope it would tease you a bit," Makoto confessed.

Kyoko laughed softly, "If you want to do that, then you will have to learn that yourself, using your own traits instead of using others."

"If that is all there is to it... then, thank you Naegi-kun and good-" Kyoko said, but suddenly she was hugged by Makoto from behind, leaving another small shocked expression from Kyoko before her face stayed blank.

"Is this another tactic taught by Kuwata-kun and Hiro-kun?" Kyoko asked coolly.

"No," Makoto said, as he turned Kyoko to him and said softly, "I don't want to leave things like this. I want to explain."

"Explain what?" Kyoko asked.

"About what I said. About saying that it's stupid for some bad decision to make you distance yourself from others."

"Of course, I don't know what you have faced. But... at the same time, just because of one bad decision you will let it prevent you from being friends with others. When your classmates want to? When I want to?"

"Just because something bad happens, it doesn't happen twice, Kirigiri-san," Makoto said, "You don't have to tell me what happened to you. It's just... know that I'm here for you. And even if you don't want to get close to me, I will get close to you."

A stretch of silence before Kyoko asked, "Why?"

"Because you are my friend, Kirigiri-san. And as a friend, after all this time, I want the best for you."

"... You are an enigma, Makoto Naegi, but I don't hate that," Kyoko finally said.

"I'm glad about that," Makoto smiled, "So then..."

"Kyoko Kirigri," Makoto decided, "I think that you would be better off expressing yourself more and getting closer to your friends. I hope you will try."

Kyoko seemed to be looking at her gloves and then clenched them, "... Try?"

"And I will help you," Makoto said earnestly, "After all, Kirigiri-san, the more I know you, the more I want better for you. This is what I think. But if you still don't want to..."

"At least let me continue being your friend," Makoto said.

"... OK," Kyoko said, surprisingly hugging Makoto in return. Makoto smiled.

Feeling like he won somehow in something that day.

"And then you hugged me back," Makoto completely reminisced, earning a blushing Kyoko Kirigiri, "This time, I have one-upped you."

Kyoko seemed to be struggling on something before she said, "Yes you did."

"At least you didn't deny it," Makoto said, as still on the bench, they continued eating their way through the cup noodles, with no one disturbing them. Kyoko hummed, "And after that White Day... one more little test, Makoto-kun."

"Oh?" Makoto asked, ready for it.

"When we decided to address each other by our first names?" Kyoko asked.

Makoto smiled, although sheepishly as that day was... "That day, a month ago..."

Kyoko seemed to have taken some of Makoto's words to heart, although still cold, the wall was slowly chipping off around some of her classmates and even other friends. Even during the school festival this year, where it was Kyoko's idea that they did an escape room.

A lot of people were surprised by Kyoko's contribution during the planning of school festival of the escape room when she simply said that she wanted to make memories... left unsaid, thanks to a certain someone.

And in months, people can feel that subtle change in Kyoko, especially the people Kyoko would say, as close acquaintances. And one of them... was Shuichi Saihara, fellow Ultimate Detective, partner in crime although both didn't exactly work well with the other, most notably because Kyoko was a lone wolf. But over time, they became better with each other and covered for the other weaknesses. Other than Makoto, Shuichi could be considered one of Kyoko's closest friends and has looked out for her during their jobs.

Which was why one day, a few months after the school festival, Makoto was approached by Shuichi who said, "Found you."

"Huh, Saihara-kun, what is it?" Makoto asked. He wondered whether it had to do with their usual trio; him, Shuichi and Hajime. It was one day in the dormitories they were talking about presents and the rest was history. But Makoto had been proven wrong about Shuichi's inquiry when he said, "It's Kirigiri-san."

"What about her?" Makoto asked. Shuichi sighed.

"Well, it's just that Kirigiri-san has been in a slump from one of her cases and she has been in a bad mood for a while. I don't really know how to cheer her up, so I thought you would be the best bet."

"Huh? Really?" Makoto asked.

"Yes," Shuichi smiled, "After all, you have been hanging around Kirigiri-san for some time. And she always seems better with your company. Maybe you will be what brings her to a brighter mood."

Makoto wasn't sure about that, but he wasn't going to be pessimistic about it. He will just go try. After all, his optimism with things is his one redeeming trait. So, chirpy as usual, he said, "Sure. Where to?"

Apparently, it was in Kyoko's room, and Makoto went there, remembering the last time that he was there was the cup noodle incident. Makoto knocked the door for the question to come, "Who's there?"

"It's me, Makoto," Makoto said, "Saihara-kun was worried for you and he thought that I would be nice company for you."

The door clicked and he was met with a tired Kyoko Kirigiri who said, "Come in."

The room, as Makoto last remembered, was much messier than usual, with files scattering around, coffee cans by, and ironically cup noodles, immediately flashbacking to the point where it all started... for him.

And when Kyoko noticed that Makoto was staring at the cup noodles, she smiled as if remembering that incident all too well... and maybe the cup noodles are also what started for her.

"It's nice of Saihara-kun to be concerned for me, but I'm fine. I just need a little bit more... the last puzzle piece to crack this case. I'm sorry that you came all the way for nothing. But I'm really busy," Kyoko said.

"But you look really tired, Kirigiri-san..." Makoto said in concern.

"It's nothing that a little coffee won't... fix," Kyoko said, as she stumbled in possible exhaustion and would have fallen down if Makoto didn't catch her.

"You look like you are at your limit. No wonder Saihara-kun was worried. You should take a break."

"I... can't," Kyoko said, trying to stand up and push Makoto away, but Makoto was stronger than he looks and firmly held Kyoko as he brought her to bed but Kyoko managed to steer Makoto to the sofa, "If I don't solve this..."

"The case won't run away, trying to struggle pushing Kyoko to bed, "Your health is more important. And I don't think a detective would be able to catch a criminal this exhausted. Just please go to sleep, Kirigiri-san."

"Must... not... The case is," Kyoko said, pushing herself to the sofa, where files were scattered everywhere and the place where Makoto thought Kyoko worked, but he wasn't going to let her...

"Ahh...!" Both shouted as they struggled, only for both Makoto and Kyoko to end up in an awkward position on the sofa. Makoto managed to land on the sofa sitting down, but Kyoko... landed herself on Makoto's lap, her head resting there... and for a split second, all they could do was look at each other. Then, Kyoko leaped up along with Makoto, as they said sorry to each other. After a moment, Kyoko said, "Let's forget this happened."

"OK,' Makoto agreed, before Kyoko sighed, "Fine I will take a break, but I'm not going to sleep. Can you hand me the coffee can and instant noodles?" 

Makoto decided to oblige her and after Kyoko drank the entire can, she opened up the cup of instant noodles, the scent wafting that caused Makoto's stomach to growl. Kyoko smirked, "You hungry?"

"I didn't have time to eat," Makoto said, and Kyoko handed him the instant noodles, "Here. Not hungry. Just don't dump this on my head."

"Will... will you let go of that already?" Makoto asked, always flustered when Kyoko brought it up, "And didn't you want the instant noodles because you are hungry?"

"You sound more hungry than me," Kyoko said, but then they heard another stomach growl and this time from Kyoko. Makoto smiled, "How about we share?"

...

"Sure," Kyoko finally said, and they shared a cup of noodles while they are chatting.

"You know... if you are going to make me take a break, then... indulge me," Kyoko said.

"Indulge you?" Makoto asked.

"You have always wanted to know me better. I tell you my stories, but I rarely hear your stories," Kyoko said.

"Well, compared to your cases as a detective, I think my stories are going to bore you," Makoto said.

"I don't think so. After all, as a detective, I haven't really lived the life of a normal person like you. Maybe there are stories of things that I have never experienced, and I would like to hear them," Kyoko said.

"Really?" Makoto asked.

"Yes," Kyoko said, "I think it's fair that you tell me about yourself when I have told you so much about myself. How about... your family? School before Hope's Peak? And didn't you say you have done a play there before?"

"One thing at a time," Makoto said, deciding to indulge Kyoko in her curiosity as he told tales of his parents and sister, their trips and hangouts, school where he just hung out normally with his few friends, karaoke, cafe and even the play where he starred as a drawf.

Kyoko listened quietly as they slurped the noodles together and when they have finished, Kyoko's eyelids seemed to grow heavier, but she was satisfied...

"Naegi-kun... thank you," Kyoko finally said.

"For what?" Makoto asked, genuinely confused.

"For being... there for me. For... giving me a chance... at a... new life," Kyoko said, swaying subtly to be unnoticed by Makoto as he gave that same honest grin that Kyoko came to like and said, "It's no problem, Kirigiri-san."

"Kirigiri... it sounds like you are addressing my father. I... don't like that," Kyoko confessed, her eyes darting to Makoto's lap as she remembered how nice it felt...

"Then... do you want me to call you Kyoko-san instead?" Makoto asked.

"That... sounded nice coming from you. Then, Naegi... no, Makoto-kun, please call me that from now... o-" Kyoko couldn't even finish that sentence before her head actually fell on Makoto's lap, much to his surprise.

"Kiri- no, Kyoko-san!" Makoto cried out, but he elicted no response, instead a simple low purr as Kyoko moved around, fast asleep. Makoto could not move, he was stuck in such a situation with nothing to do... but he couldn't help smile all the same.

"Goodnight, Kyoko-san," Makoto said, gently stroking Kyoko's hair before he felt sleepy himself and fell asleep soon after.

The next morning, Makoto and Kyoko found themselves on the sofa cuddling. They both jumped up in surprise, agreed that not a single soul must ever find out about this and Makoto finally took his leave.

"It's still embarrassing to think about, but I still enjoy our time together, Kyoko-san," Makoto said and Kyoko nodded in confirmation.

The cup noodles, just like that day in the room, was almost finished with both sitting together, but the same scenario certainly had no way of happening again. But of course... yet something will doubtlessly happen. As it started with a cup of noodles for them to hang out, a cup of noodles to be mentioned to get a peck on the cheek, a cup of noodles to get them on a first name-basis...

"So, Kyoko-san... what did you want from me?" Makoto asked. After all, he was called out by Kyoko. He doubted it was something as simple as reminscing.

"Astute as always, Makoto-kun," Kyoko said, picking on the remaining noodles in the cup, "But that could wait until we finish this, alright? After all, no use of it getting cold."

"OK..." Makoto said, and he picked on a noodle along with Kyoko. Unbeknownst to them, as they slurped on that noodle, their lips were getting closer until...

 They kissed. Yes, the classic spaghetti kiss! But with instant noodles instead! Both were surprised as Makoto immediately broke the kiss, blushing and saying, "So- sorry, Kyo-"

But he couldn't even finish that sentence before Kyoko's hand pushed Makoto's face towards her and they kissed again. Makoto's eyebrows shot in surprise, but he prolonged that kiss, following Kyoko's wishes before they broke apart. It didn't stop Makoto from blushing hard and stuttering, "Wha- what was that?"

"What I wanted to tell you. Makoto Naegi, I love you. I've started having feelings for you ever since Valentine's Day and they kept growing until now. Makoto-kun... will... will you be my boyfriend?" Kyoko asked, for the first time extremely shy as she waited for Makoto's answer.

Makoto seemed to be thinking, thinking since he first met Kyoko, to when he saw a glimpse of the person behind that ice wall, the way he sought for Kyoko's friendship the more he knew about her... and the events he reminisced with her.

Makoto gave a big smile. He remembered during Valentine's Day when he said he probably won't have a lover.

... How wrong he was.

Makoto loomed closer to Kyoko, "Yes, Kyoko Kirigiri. I love you too, after getting to know about you more and more. Yes, I will be your boyfriends. Let's get to know each other better."

Kyoko's face inched closer to Makoto, "Thank you, Makoto."

And they once again kissed. To which later on, they announced to the class that they were dating each other to the shock and joy of their classmates. Kyoko and Makoto smiled at each other during the announcement. All's well that ends well. Let's hope their relationship can stay that way.

Bonus:

In an abandoned classroom, various students have gathered and presiding them was none other than Celestia Ludenberg.

"Looks like it's time we got the results of the Naegi and Kirigiri pool," Celestia announced.

The variety of students that were there were Leon, Mondo, Hifumi, Byakuya, Touko, Hiro, Junko, Teruteru, Ibuki, Hiyoko, Gundham, Nagito, Kazuichi, Sonia, Rantaro, Ryoma, Angie, Korekiyo, Miu, Kokichi, Kaito and Tsumugi.

"Nishishi, time for you peasants to pay your dues. Hope you don't get targeted from my organisation's debt collectors," Kokichi smirked.

"Quit it with that shit," Miu hissed, "No one cares about that. All I care is who won this shit. Come on, Goth Girl. Bring it."

Celestia sneered, but she said, "Alright."

The pool... for anyone wondering, is a shipping pool, that has been made about a month after last year when class 78-A, Makoto's class, and class 78-B, Shuichi's class already settled in. It was of course started by Celestia who on the sly decided to start this gambling thing and on ships because she had sensed possible ships happening between people in classes and decided to bet her luck on that...

Eventually, the gambling went to rumors, but those who decided to check out it's worth all managed to end up in this gamble, ships for all three classes where everyone pooled on this or that ship. The Naegi and Kirigiri pool not the only one, as there were also Maizono, Ikusaba, Togami, Hinata, Sonia, Tanaka, Tsumiki, Amami, Saihara, Harukawa, Momota, Chabashira, Yumeno, K1-B0 pools etc.

But now they were focusing on both Makoto and Kyoko who recently got together. Back when, they had decided on the rules, the ship, when it will happen and the money they would lose if they were wrong.

"Alright..." Celestia said, because it was agreed that Celestia as the experienced gambler to keep the list and gone to the Makoto and Kyoko pool.

"Alright, the ones who guessed Naegiri right are me, Ouma, Enoshima, Shirogane, Tanaka, Komaeda,  Yonaga and Amami. The rest of you, pool it. You know how much you owe."

"Damn it..." Miu hissed, "I was so sure Naegi would go with the pop girl and that Kirigiri would be a single virgin."

"And I was so sure Makoto Naegi-dono would have reached a harem ending. It seems I have miscalculated," Hifumi said.

"Very. I told you Naegiri would reign supreme. My ship radar is off the charts!" Tsumugi declared.

"Ah well, more ladies for us," Teruteru said, although he was losing money.

"Yeah, maybe I could actually have a chance with Maizono," Leon muttered wistfully.

"Goddamnit," Kaito said bitterly, "I was sure that Naegi would go with Ikusaba!"

"Haha, this just means you really suck at gambling," Kokichi called out to which Kaito bitterly shouted, "Shut up."

"But with my sis, yeesh, what made you think so?" Junko asked.

"Well, it was kinda obvious. Ikusaba kept glancing at Naegi at times and when they hung out, I thought they might have it going. Too bad," Mondo said.

"Ugh... I hate losing. I was so sure Naegi-onii would go with that pop bitch and Kirigiri-onee would be alone with her cold attitude," Hiyoko said.

"Aw man, Ibuki lost, but she will totes get her vengeance!"

"My 30% was so sure that Celesgiri would be end-game," Hiro said in defeat although he cowered at Celestia's fierce gaze.

"Tch, I hate losing. I will win next time," Byakuya said, while Touko said, "I can... pay for you, Byakuya-sama. You don't need to pay in... this stu-"

"Did I ask for your opinion? I am perfectly capable of settling my debts, thank you very much," Byakuya said firmly to Touko who blushed at that.

"I didn't win this time, but the next one will certainly be mine," Sonia declared.

"Yeah, that's right Sonia-san," Kazuichi said to Sonia as they paid.

"Looks like Lady Luck ain't looking out for me this time," Ryoma said.

"Seems my observations were inaccurate this time around," Kiyo said.

"Anyway..." Celestia said, taking a deep breath to calm herself before she looked at the remaining few. Now was the timeline to establish. Going from the month that they started this, it's been about a year and a few months. Let's see how the timeline went.

"Yonaga's is out. She said it was in a few months when it was a year," Celestia started.

"Aww..." Angie said, but still paid, "But Angie was sure that Makoto and Kyoko had definitely exercise by then and it would be any day soon that they would have announced it."

For some reason, the people of Angie's class blushed a little at that statement with Miu moaning, but the others were simply confused. Celestia continued.

"Amami and Tanaka are also out. They guessed about spring this year."

"Curses. I was sure my Third Eye had seen the results correctly," Gundham bitterly muttered.

"Looks like luck isn't on my side," Amami sighed, but wasn't too frustrated with it.

"And then... there's Shirogane who guessed summer," Celestia said.

"I was so sure that the summer events would have blossomed love by then. Who knew it would be winter?" Tsumugi griped.

"And Ouma, who guessed somewhere around autumn. So close... if it happened yesterday instead of today."

"But I was so sure that I have guessed winter. Just give me your money peasants," Kokichi said.

"No," everyone said.

"Boo, you are all no fun," Kokichi said, and he also paid, real bucks after checking just in case.

"So that leaves Celeste, Enoshima and Komaeda," Rantaro commented.

"The gambler and the luckster I get," Kaito said, "But the fashionista?"

"Don't underestimate Enoshima, dude. She has an uncanny ability to predict most things right," Leon said.

"Even better than the clairvoyant?" Angie butted in.

"Especially better than Hiro," Mondo confirmed.

"Hey!" Hiro protested.

"So who won?" Byakuya asked.

"Well... Komaeda guessed the end of the year so he's out," Celestia said with a smug grin.

"Ah... so that's how far my luck goes," Nagito said, paying the money.

"And two to go..." Kiyo noted.

"Well, one predicted during Christmas which was Enoshima, but I..."

"I..." Junko said, with her arms crossed.

"I predicted around the first week of winter. I win," Celestia said, with a smug grin.

"What? No way!" Junko said, snatching the list to see that the Ultimate Gambler was right and Junko bitterly took out the money, "I was so sure that it would be during Christmas. It even had the right atmosphere."

Junko usually had the knack to predict things, but not when it came to anything with Makoto. For some reason, that luckster unlike Nagito was an enigma to Junko's analytical skills.

In the end, the Ultimate Gambler won and was a lot richer now.

The End.