🖋️:: Come Back || 2nd part.

Hajime stared at her as she walked away, his eyes wet with tears as he watched his friend head back towards the fountain. He didn’t even realize that his own eyes were already wet. He stared at her for another few moments, watching her until he can’t even see her anymore. As she disappeared into the distance, he took a deep shaky breath, and headed upstairs. He’s made his choice.

But Chiaki didn't understand it... She cared about Hinata, always tried to support and brighten up his life. It was painful to realize that this was not enough. That for the sake of what he puts above all, he is ready to give everything. Even her friendship. She still cared, even though it was hard to. She still thought.

She still loved.

And for Hajime it was a hard time thinking. The thought of her being all alone, without him by her side was painful. She was a good friend, and she deserved more, so much more. But a talent would change everything. But what if that talent made him leave her without the intention of doing so? What if this whole thing ruined their friendship? He had to consider these things. But he couldn’t turn back anymore. He’d made his choice, and he had to stand by his decision, even if it meant losing his only true friend… Was it selfish of him?.. Most likely.

Chiaki sat back down on the bench, taking off her shoes. She tucked her legs up to her, buried her face in her lap and began to cry. She was worried, she was angry, she was hurt, devastated... Why? Why couldn't she let go? Why couldn't she let him do what he wanted?

Because she cared. it wasn't a "doesn't matter" case to her. And she was right. She cared too much, and Hajime was hurting her. Was it really okay for him to do this to her? He never expected this situation to end with her feelings hurt, and he was already feeling the guilt. This choice, this treatment, was all his. He should've asked himself this first; what if it actually destroyed them? It's like he hasn't considered her at all. Hajime left her behind. Her, who was most likely more important than all this nonsense about talent. A stupid title. Apparently, he didn't need her friendship that much. He chose talent between Chiaki and talent. And then why did he come to her to tell her about that experiment? Why was he sharing this with her? Apparently, he used her as a source of temporary happiness until the opportunity to perform this operation appeared. She gave him everything, he couldn't return the favor. Was it a real friendship on his part?

What if she was really only used? That thought hit him, and suddenly his anxiety and doubt started returning once more. But this time, it was worse. Was it truly right for him to put her aside just for this operation? After all she'd done for him, she was just being discarded. All her comforting words, her friendship… What if it was for nothing? Could he really sacrifice their relationship so easily?

This whole operation wasn’t over just yet, and he could very easily tell the surgeons he’d like to cancel. That would avoid an entire string of awful experiences he’d have to live through. Chiaki’s feelings wouldn’t be destroyed, and they could enjoy the rest of their time together without fear of losing his only friend. It would be the safe option, the wise option…

Chiaki had been an incredible friend all these years. The thought of losing her was killing every last bit of excitement he felt. And the thought of causing her so much hurt and sadness was overwhelming.

It all hit him at once. What if he lost her forever? What if the treatment went wrong? What if he couldn’t recognize her? He was a fool for thinking it was so easy to do this. He should've known just because he had the chance, it didn't mean he had to try.

Nanami was his only true friend, the one friend who never abandoned him, who always supported him, who was never annoyed at him, never called him a loser, never treated him badly. All she wanted was to keep him happy, and he was repaying her like this… And for what? An experiment? A talent? What was he willing to sacrifice her for? A possibility?

Meanwhile she was crying hard, forgetting about her antisocial nature and the embarrassment of others seeing her in this state. Nanami simply didn't think about it. She thought about him. She didn't remember herself crying that long and that hard. Heh, and she was planning to confess to him... If he had come, if only he had come back and said that he didn't need this experiment...

Something about her desperation was starting to bring him out of that selfish mindset. Was he really gonna lose one of the most important people in his life just for nothing? He should’ve never considered this. Why did he have to listen to all that nonsense from Hope’s Peak? The title of Ultimate Talent wasn’t worth it. Maybe all he needed.. Was just Chiaki. Just having her around was enough, wasn’t it?

. . . . .

Nanami stood up, as she thought about going home... 

Hajime was starting to realize that he’d made the worst decision possible. The treatment was all that was on his mind and now, he felt completely lost. This was all wrong. He needed to turn back as soon as possible. As quickly as his body could allow him too, he got back in line towards the exit and started pushing through people. He made it to the front desk and is finally able to breath. He’s finally allowed to head off to the exit. After walking for a bit, he saw Chiaki, and started running to her.

— Chiaki! Chiaki! — He yelled out her name as running over, and almost tackled her into a hug right when he reaches her.

— H-huh?.. Ah!

A surprise. Is he... Back? Chiaki froze in place, the tears stopped, the pain in her stomach went away. And she hugged Hajime tightly, as tightly as she could.

— You came back..? — She was smiling now, holding him close to herself.

Hajime didn’t let go, keeping her in his arms firmly. The relief in his body was overwhelming, and his smile said it all.

— I’m sorry. I-I should’ve listened to you! — He started crying a little as he apologized. After everything that had just happened, hearing those words was something he was so desperately waiting for.

— Thank you... For coming back...

She sniffed and nuzzled into his shoulder, her arms wrapped around his neck. Now, even the sky seemed cleaner to her. The girl was so glad to feel that he was thinking about her after all. That he's back. That he cared! That was all she needed. Happiness, warmth, and his safety.

As he felt her wrap her arms around his neck, his own grip tightened. She felt so precious in his arms, and he was never going to let her go again. And as she nuzzled into his shoulder, his tears started flowing faster, as he was so happy to have her back. He cared. He wasn’t about to let her go, despite everything. She meant more to him than anything that he’s ever known.

And as Hajime came back to Chiaki, the sun started shining even brighter...