Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

---
**Ultimate Survivors Chat**
*Created by: Makoto Naegi*

**Makoto:** Hey everyone! I thought it’d be cool if we had a group chat to stay connected. Hope’s Peak is overwhelming sometimes, so let’s all be friends!

**Aoi:** Ooooh I like this idea!

**Sakura:** A wise decision, Naegi.

**Sayaka:** This is so sweet, Makoto!

**Byakuya:** This is a waste of time.

**Yasuhiro:** Chill, rich boy. Maybe this is fate bringing us together.

**Byakuya:** Fate does not exist, idiot.

**Celestia:** I second Byakuya’s opinion.

**Makoto:** C’mon guys, let’s just try. We might get closer!

**Junko:** Why would I wanna be closer to you?

**Makoto:** …I just thought it’d be nice.

**Kyoko:** I think it’s a good idea.

**Makoto:** Really?!

**Junko:** visibly vibrating in anger

**Mukuro:** This might help us all work together better.

**Sayaka:** Exactly! It’ll be fun!

**Aoi:** We should have a name for our chat!

**Yasuhiro:** How about “The Hope’s Peak Homies”?

**Byakuya:** I am leaving.

**Makoto:** Wait! Let’s at least try to get along first!

**Celestia:** If we must suffer through this, then at least make it bearable.

**Makoto:** Okay…how about “Ultimate Survivors”?

**Kyoko:** Odd choice of words.

**Makoto:** I dunno, I just thought it sounded cool.

**Aoi:** I like it!

**Sakura:** It is acceptable.

**Yasuhiro:** Whatever, as long as I don’t gotta remember another password.

**Sayaka:** Then it’s settled!

**Byakuya:** I hate all of you.

**Makoto:** …That means you’re staying, right?

**Byakuya:** Unfortunately.

---
**Meanwhile, in “The rich trio" (Kyoko, Byakuya, and Celestia’s private group chat)…**

**Celestia:** So, the fool truly thinks a group chat will mend our social barriers?

**Byakuya:** It is naive at best.

**Kyoko:** Perhaps. But it might help us observe the others more efficiently.

**Celestia:** You mean it may provide us entertainment.

**Kyoko:** That too.

**Byakuya:** I have no interest in their petty conversations.

**Celestia:** And yet, you have not left the chat.

**Byakuya:** …

**Kyoko:** It doesn’t hurt to be aware of how the others interact.

**Celestia:** Hmph. If nothing else, I’ll indulge in Naegi’s little social experiment.

**Byakuya:** Fine. But I refuse to participate in nonsense.

**Celestia:** So you’ll simply lurk in the shadows like the dramatic heir you are?

**Byakuya:** I despise you.

**Kyoko:** That’s progress.

**Celestia:** Speaking of social experiments, are you prepared for your admirer?

**Kyoko:** …Which one?

**Celestia:** Both.

**Kyoko:** I can handle Makoto.

**Byakuya:** And Enoshima?

**Kyoko:** …She is persistent.

**Celestia:** How very intriguing~

**Byakuya:** It’s pathetic.

**Celestia:** And yet, it amuses me.

---
**Over in “Junkogeddon” (Junko, Sayaka, and Mukuro’s group chat)…**

**Junko:** Makoto Naegi is ACTUALLY the worst.

**Sayaka:** …What did he do this time?

**Mukuro:** Did he insult you?

**Junko:** WORSE. He made a group chat.

**Sayaka:** …

**Mukuro:** That doesn’t sound bad.

**Junko:** HE’S TRYING TO GET CLOSER TO KYOKO.

**Junko:** I CAN’T STAND HIM.

**Mukuro:** You could just ignore him.

**Junko:** NO. I MUST RUIN HIM.

**Sayaka:** Maybe… just don’t do anything drastic?

**Junko:** Ugh, you guys are NO fun.

**Mukuro:** We just don’t want you to get in trouble.

**Junko:** Ugh, fine. I’ll be good.

**Sayaka:** …For now I'm guessing

**Junko:** No promises~

---
**Back in Ultimate Survivors Chat…**

**Aoi:** Okay, so since we have this chat, let’s actually talk!

**Yasuhiro:** Let’s do an icebreaker.

**Byakuya:** No.

**Celestia:** Absolutely not.

**Makoto:** C’mon, just one!

**Sayaka:** Ooh, let’s do favorite foods!

**Aoi:** DONUTS!!!

**Sakura:** …Steamed fish.

**Makoto:** I like omurice!

**Kyoko:** Coffee.

**Byakuya:** What a shock.

**Kyoko:** What about you?

**Byakuya:** …Fine dining.

**Yasuhiro:** That’s not a food, dude.

**Byakuya:** And yet, it is my answer.

**Celestia:** I enjoy traditional French cuisine.

**Junko:** Kyoko.

**Makoto:** …What?

**Junko:** My favorite thing. It’s Kyoko.

**Kyoko:** …

**Mukuro:** ...

**Sayaka:** Oh my god.

**Aoi:** THAT’S NOT A FOOD.

**Junko:** She is to me~

**Byakuya:** I hate this chat.

**Kyoko:** ...

**Makoto:** Moving on from that… um, how about hobbies?

**Aoi:** Swimming!

**Sakura:** Training.

**Yasuhiro:** Fortune telling, obviously.

**Byakuya:** How shocking.

**Yasuhiro:** You’re really mean, dude.

**Sayaka:** I love singing and dancing!

**Makoto:** I like playing video games sometimes.

**Kyoko:** Investigating.

**Byakuya:** Is that even a hobby?

**Kyoko:** It is to me.

**Celestia:** Gambling.

**Aoi:** …Should I be concerned?

**Celestia:** Only if you are foolish enough to bet against me.

**Junko:** Chaos~

**Mukuro:** Junko.

**Junko:** Fine. Fashion.

**Mukuro:** …Knives.

**Makoto:** O-okay then.

**Sayaka:** She means, um, collecting them, right?

**Mukuro:** …Sure.

**Byakuya:** This was a pointless exercise.

**Aoi:** You’re just mad because your only hobby is being rich.

**Byakuya:** Excuse me?!

**Yasuhiro:** She’s not wrong.

**Byakuya:** I hate all of you.

---

The Rich Trio

**Celestia:** You are truly struggling with your suitors, Kirigiri.

**Kyoko:** They are not my suitors.

**Byakuya:** Enoshima is insufferable.

**Celestia:** And yet, you do not dislike the attention.

**Kyoko:** I dislike her persistence.

**Celestia:** And Naegi?

**Kyoko:** …He is harmless.

**Byakuya:** That makes it worse.

**Kyoko:** He’s genuine, at least.

**Celestia:** You say that as though you find it refreshing.

**Kyoko:** …I simply find it easier to handle than Enoshima’s fixation.

**Byakuya:** I still do not understand her obsession with you.

**Celestia:** That is because you are not a detective, Togami.

**Byakuya:** And yet I can detect your insufferable smugness through text.

**Celestia:** ;)

---

**Over in “Junkogeddon”…**

**Junko:** KYOKO SAID MAKOTO IS “HARMLESS.”

**Sayaka:** …And?

**Junko:** SHE DIDN’T DENY SHE LIKES HIM.

**Mukuro:** Maybe she just doesn’t hate him?

**Junko:** NOT. GOOD. ENOUGH.

**Sayaka:** You could, I dunno, try being normal?

**Junko:** Ew.

**Mukuro:** ...

**Sayaka:** I give up.

---
**Later that night…**

*Kyoko receives a private message.*

**Junko:** kyoko kyoko kyoko kyoko kyoko kyoko kyoko kyoko kyoko kyoko kyoko kyoko kyoko kyoko kyoko kyoko kyoko kyoko kyoko kyoko

**Kyoko:** …What?

**Junko:** Do you like Naegi?

**Kyoko:** …Why does it matter?

**Junko:** IT MATTERS BECAUSE IT MATTERS.

**Kyoko:** That is not an answer.

**Junko:** JUST TELL ME.

**Kyoko:** …No.

**Junko:** THANK GOD.

**Kyoko:** …Why do you care so much?

**Junko:** No reason~

**Kyoko:** …

**Junko:** Okay fine, I just hate the idea of that luckster being around you.

**Kyoko:** That sounds personal.

**Junko:** Maybe it is~

**Kyoko:** …You’re exhausting.

**Junko:** And you love it~

**Kyoko:** Goodnight, Junko.

**Junko:** NIGHT KYOKO, DREAM OF ME~

---
**The Next Day in Ultimate Survivors Chat…**

**Makoto:** Morning, everyone!

**Aoi:** Good morning!

**Sayaka:** Morning, Makoto!

**Yasuhiro:** Too early for this.

**Byakuya:** Then do not respond.

**Yasuhiro:** You could just admit you like talking to me.

**Byakuya:** I would rather perish.

**Celestia:** So dramatic.

**Junko:** KYOKO, DID YOU DREAM OF ME???

**Kyoko:** No.

**Junko:** LIES.

**Mukuro:** Please stop.

**Aoi:** How are you all this energetic so early?

**Sakura:** Some of us train in the morning.

**Yasuhiro:** Couldn’t be me.

**Sayaka:** I have rehearsals, so I wake up early too!

**Byakuya:** If I must suffer through this chat, I will not tolerate small talk.

**Aoi:** What, do you want to discuss stocks or something?

**Yasuhiro:** Bro’s just mad because he has a crush.

**Byakuya:** EXCUSE ME?!

**Celestia:** Ha!

**Makoto:** Wait, on who?

**Byakuya:** NO ONE.

**Yasuhiro:** Sounds fake, but okay.

**Byakuya:** I despise you.

**Yasuhiro:** You say that a lot.

**Celestia:** Because it is his only way of expressing emotion.

**Byakuya:** I AM LEAVING.

**Makoto:** No you’re not.

**Byakuya:** ...

**Kyoko:** Interesting.

---

**The Rich Trio…**

**Celestia:** Kirigiri, have you slept?

**Kyoko:** …Yes.

**Byakuya:** She’s lying.

**Celestia:** Of course she is.

**Byakuya:** How much coffee have you had today?

**Kyoko:** …Enough.

**Celestia:** She is avoiding the question.

**Byakuya:** Typical.

**Celestia:** You must sleep, Kyoko. You are not invincible.

**Kyoko:** I function fine.

**Byakuya:** Barely.

**Celestia:** You stumbled into the cafeteria and tried to drink soy sauce this morning.

**Kyoko:** …It was an accident.

**Byakuya:** It was pathetic.

**Kyoko:** I do not need a lecture.

**Celestia:** We are not lecturing. We are *mocking.*

**Byakuya:** With *concern.*

**Kyoko:** …

**Celestia:** If I must, I will personally ensure you get some rest.

**Kyoko:** How?

**Celestia:** You will see.

**Byakuya:** I’m assuming bribery.

**Celestia:** Perhaps.

**Kyoko:** …I’ll sleep when I’m tired.

**Celestia:** You *are* tired.

**Byakuya:** She’s impossible.

**Celestia:** Yet, we tolerate her.

**Byakuya:** Unfortunately.

**Kyoko:** …Thank you.

**Celestia:** For what?

**Kyoko:** …For caring, I suppose.

**Byakuya:** Tch.

**Celestia:** How sentimental.

**Kyoko:** I take it back.

**Byakuya:** Too late.

**Celestia:** We are keeping it.

Chapter Text

Ultimate Survivors Chat

**Makoto:** So, how’s everyone doing today?

**Aoi:** Sleepy.

**Yasuhiro:** Bro, same.

**Byakuya:** You are always tired.

**Yasuhiro:** Yeah, because I have dreams, dude.

**Byakuya:** Unfortunate.

**Junko:** KYOKO, DID YOU MISS ME?!

**Kyoko:** No.

**Junko:** You’re so mean to me.

**Sayaka:** This is every morning, huh?

**Mukuro:** Yes.

**Makoto:** …Anyway! Anyone got plans today?

**Aoi:** Swimming!

**Sakura:** Training.

**Sayaka:** Rehearsals.

**Celestia:** Ensuring Kyoko does not collapse.

**Kyoko:** …

**Byakuya:** She has had an embarrassing amount of coffee.

**Celestia:** And zero hours of sleep.

**Junko:** …Excuse me???

**Makoto:** Kyoko, are you okay?

**Kyoko:** I am fine.

**Celestia:** Lies.

**Aoi:** Girl, go to bed.

**Kyoko:** I do not need rest.

**Mukuro:** Everyone does.

**Yasuhiro:** Do detectives run on caffeine instead of blood?

**Byakuya:** In Kyoko’s case, yes.

**Junko:** HOLD ON.

**Junko:** KYOKO.

**Junko:** BABY.

**Junko:** SWEETHEART.

**Junko:** LOVE OF MY LIFE.

**Kyoko:** blocking Junko.

**Junko:** WAIT NOOOOO—

---

Private Chat: Celestia & Junko

**Junko:** Okaaaay, spill.

**Celestia:** Spill what?

**Junko:** The tea. The Kirigiri Sleep Deprivation Scandal.

**Celestia:** sips tea

**Celestia:** She is an insomniac by habit, not condition. She does not like to sleep because she believes it is a waste of time.

**Junko:** That is so sexy of her and also horrible.

**Celestia:** We have tried everything.

**Junko:** Have you tried me? :)))

**Celestia:** Excuse me?

**Junko:** wink.

**Celestia:** ...

**Junko:** I’m just saying, if anyone can distract her enough to fall asleep, it’s me~ hehe

**Celestia:** …I am regretting this conversation.

**Junko:** TOO LATE, BESTIE. I HAVE A PLAN.

**Celestia:** I dread whatever is about to happen.

---

**Private Chat: Junko & Kyoko**

**Junko:** Heeeey, Kyo~

**Kyoko:** What do you want?

**Junko:** You!

**Kyoko:** Try again.

**Junko:** Okay, fine. I heard from a little goth lolita birdie that you’re basically running on caffeine and spite.

**Kyoko:** …It is none of your business.

**Junko:** BUT IT IS Because if you die from exhaustion, who will I annoy? Ad love ooh I just die withut you!!

**Kyoko:** …I’m sure you would manage.

**Junko:** No!!

**Kyoko:** …

**Junko:** Okay, real talk. Just come to my room and I’ll fix you.

**Kyoko:** Fix me?

**Junko:** Not in a weird way!!

**Kyoko:** …Doubtful.

**Junko:** Just come overrrr, you trust me right?

**Kyoko:** …That is debatable.

**Junko:** Well, too bad, because youre coming over.

**Kyoko:** I never agreed to this.

**Junko:** I’ll find you, Kirigiri~

**Kyoko:** ...Fine. But if this is stupid, I’m leaving.

**Junko:** YAY!

---

Ultimate Survivors Chat

**Makoto:** …So. Where did Junko and Kyoko go?

**Aoi:** Probably fighting.

**Sayaka:** Or Junko is being weird again.

**Mukuro:** That is always a possibility.

**Yasuhiro:** Bro, what if Junko kidnapped her

**Byakuya:** Kirigiri would have escaped already.

**Celestia:** Unless she allowed herself to be kidnapped.

**Makoto:** …Why would she do that?

**Celestia:** Curiosity.

**Byakuya:** Stubbornness.

**Aoi:** That sounds right.

**Sayaka:** Should we check on them?

**Mukuro:** No.

**Makoto:** …That was fast.

**Mukuro:** If Kyoko wanted out, she would be out.

**Byakuya:** Agreed.

**Yasuhiro:** Bro, what if they’re secretly dating

**Makoto:** …Please don’t say that.

**Aoi:** That would be terrifying.

**Celestia:** And hilarious.

**Mukuro:** Unlikely.

**Sayaka:** Are we sure?

**Byakuya:** Yes.

**Celestia:** For now.

---

**The Rich Trio…**

**Byakuya:** Where is Kirigiri?

**Celestia:** With Junko.

**Byakuya:** Why?

**Celestia:** I may have told her in more detail about Kyoko's sleeping habits

**Byakuya:** You what?

**Celestia:** Relax. Junko will not harm her.

**Byakuya:** That is not the concern.

**Celestia:** Then what is?

**Byakuya:** Kirigiri is willingly spending time with her.

**Celestia:** …True. That is concerning.

**Byakuya:** What if she has been drugged?

**Celestia:** If she has, we will deal with it.

**Byakuya:** She does not get attached easily, yet she is allowing Junko to "help" her.

**Celestia:** This could be an opportunity.

**Byakuya:** Or a disaster.

**Celestia:** Possibly both.

**Byakuya:** Do we interfere?

**Celestia:** No.

**Byakuya:** …This feels wrong.

**Celestia:** Trust her.

**Byakuya:** Tch.

**Celestia:** If Junko does anything questionable, we will handle it.

**Byakuya:** Fine.

---

## **The Rich Trio…**

**Kyoko:** I am alive.

**Byakuya:** …You took your time.

**Celestia:** Did Junko harm you?

**Kyoko:** No.

**Byakuya:** Explain.

**Kyoko:** She was simply annoying until I agreed to sleep.

**Celestia:** How much sleep?

**Kyoko:** …Enough.

**Byakuya:** That is a lie.

**Celestia:** But a promising one.

**Byakuya:** Tch.

**Kyoko:** I will be fine. You both worry too much.

**Celestia:** Someone has to.

---

## **Ultimate Survivors Chat**

**Makoto:** Can we please just have one normal day?

**Aoi:** Nope.

**Sayaka:** Impossible.

**Junko:** Boring.

**Yasuhiro:** I had another dream.

**Byakuya:** Stop sharing them.

**Yasuhiro:** Bro, this one was important!

**Sakura:** Doubtful.

**Yasuhiro:** Okay, but hear me out. The school turned into a battle royale arena, and we had to fight to survive!

**Sayaka:** …Hiro, that literally happened.

**Yasuhiro:** OH YEAH.

**Byakuya:** How have you survived this long?

**Junko:** Because his stupidity protects him.

**Yasuhiro:** Facts.

**Makoto:** Anyway, moving on—

**Junko:** WHERE IS MY WIFE?

**Kyoko:** Blocking you again.

**Junko:** NOOOOOOOO—

**Aoi:** Why do we let this happen every day?

**Mukuro:** Because stopping it takes effort.

**Sayaka:** And it’s funny.

**Byakuya:** I do not find it amusing.

**Celestia:** You are simply not looking hard enough.

**Yasuhiro:** Soooo, anyone got any weekend plans

**Makoto:** Oh, that’s actually a normal question.

**Sakura:** Training.

**Aoi:** Swimming.

**Sayaka:** Rehearsals.

**Celestia:** Hiding.

**Byakuya:** …What?

**Kyoko:** Explain.

**Celestia:** My parents have arrived.

**Makoto:** …Oh.

**Junko:** BRUH.

**Mukuro:** Do you need assistance?

**Celestia:** No. I will simply not be found.

**Byakuya:** That is not an actual plan.

**Celestia:** It is now.

---

## **The Rich Trio**

**Kyoko:** Celestia, tell us everything.

**Byakuya:** You have never spoken about your family. If they are here, we need to know why.

**Celestia:** …I suppose I do owe you both the truth.

**Byakuya:** Go on.

**Celestia:** I was not always Celestia Ludenberg.

**Kyoko:** …

**Celestia:** I was born Taeko Yasuhiro.

**Byakuya:** …You have got to be joking.

**Kyoko:** That name—

**Celestia:** Yes. That is why I changed it.

**Byakuya:** Continue.

**Celestia:** My parents were alcoholics and gamblers. Reckless ones.

**Celestia:** They lost everything more times than I can count.

**Celestia:** And when they had nothing left, they sold me.

**Kyoko:** …

**Byakuya:** …At what age?

**Celestia:** Six.

**Kyoko:** …That is…

**Byakuya:** ...

**Celestia:** Yes, well. That was my childhood.

**Celestia:** They would trade me off, take me back when they needed something, and repeat.

**Celestia:** I learned to escape. I ran away many times, but there was never anywhere to go.

**Celestia:** Until I discovered gambling.

**Byakuya:** …Of course.

**Celestia:** I became good. Good enough to make real money. And money meant freedom.

**Celestia:** I left them behind, changed everything about myself, and became Celestia.

**Celestia:** They are here now because they want something. They always want something.

**Kyoko:** Do you wish to confront them?

**Celestia:** No. I want them to disappear.

**Byakuya:** …And if they do not?

**Celestia:** Then I will make them.

**Kyoko:** You are not alone in this.

**Byakuya:** Agreed.

**Celestia:** …

**Celestia:** You cannot tell anyone.

**Kyoko:** Of course.

**Byakuya:** Naturally.

**Celestia:** …Then I grant you both permission to call me Taeko.

**Celestia:** But only in private.

**Kyoko:** Understood.

**Byakuya:** …Fine.

**Celestia:** …Thank you.

**Kyoko has changed "Celestia" to "Taeko"**

**Kyoko:** Admin privileges are superior.

**Byakuya:** I'm surrounded by idiots.

---

## **Junkoggedon**

**Junko:** I AM SUFFERING.

**Mukuro:** Why?

**Sayaka:** She exists.

**Junko:** NO, YOU TWO ARE BEING DISGUSTINGLY CUTE.

**Mukuro:** …We are just talking?

**Sayaka:** And holding hands!

**Junko:** GET A ROOM!!

**Mukuro:** We have one.

**Sayaka:** It is called love.

**Junko:** I AM GOING TO PUKE.

**Mukuro:** You are just jealous.

**Junko:** DAMN RIGHT I AM.

**Sayaka:** You’ll find someone one day, Junko.

**Junko:** I DON’T WANT SOMEONE, I WANT *KYOKO.*

**Mukuro:** …We know.

**Sayaka:** Everyone knows.

**Junko:** THIS IS THE WORST.

---

Chapter Text

Ultimate Survivors Chat

**Makoto:** Celeste, are you okay

**Aoi:** Yeah were all kinda worried about you.

**Sayaka:** You kinda dropped that bomb and disappeared…

**Yasuhiro:** If you need me to read your fortune I can totally do that!!

**Byakuya:** That will be neither useful nor accurate.

**Yasuhiro:** Rude!

**Celestia:** I appreciate your concern, but I am perfectly fine.

**Kyoko:** …Are you sure?

**Celestia:** Entirely.

**Makoto:** I don’t know… it’s okay to not be fine you know

**Celestia:** I assure you, I am not in distress.

**Aoi:** But

**Celestia:** Truly.

**Yasuhiro:** If you say so but like if you need someone to help you hex them I gotchu!

**Byakuya:** That is not how hexes work.

**Yasuhiro:** THEN HOW DO THEY WORK HUH!!

**Makoto:** can we not encourage that

**Junko:** BORING.

**Sayaka:** …Junko.

**Junko:** This is getting TOO serious I have a new topic.

**Makoto:** Junko...

**Junko:** MAKOTO.

**Makoto:** …Yes?

**Junko:** I CHALLENGE YOU TO A DEATH BATTLE.

**Makoto:** WHAT

**Aoi:** What.

**Sayaka:** What??

**Yasuhiro:** Bro what?!

**Sakura:** Explain.

**Kyoko:** Oh no.

**Junko:** We FIGHT TO THE DEATH. FOR KYOKO’S HEART.

**Kyoko:** No.

**Makoto:** NO

**Byakuya:** This is the dumbest thing I have ever read.

**Mukuro:** Junko, please.

**Junko:** NO ONE CAN STOP ME.

**Aoi:** Kyoko literally just did

**Sayaka:** And Makoto.

**Makoto:** I don’t even know how to respond to this

**Junko:** YOU MUST ACCEPT OR FACE SHAME.

**Kyoko:** Makoto, do not engage.

**Makoto:** I really wasn’t planning to!

**Junko:** COWARD.

**Yasuhiro:** Soooo if Makoto forfeits does that mean you win by default

**Junko:** YES.

**Kyoko:** NO

**Aoi:** This is the dumbest thing we’ve done all week.

**Byakuya:** You say that as if there is not a new contender every single day.

**Sayaka:** He has a point.

**Celestia:** I, for one, am entertained.

**Junko:** THAT’S WHY I LOVE YOU, CELESTE.

**Celestia:** I know.

**Makoto:** …Can we PLEASE talk about something else?

**Junko:** You wanna fight about it?

**Makoto:** NO! Junko, I am not fighting you.

**Junko:** You say that, but I still don’t see a formal rejection.

**Kyoko:** He just rejected it.

**Junko:** BUT DID HE THO?

**Aoi:** Yes. Yes he did.

**Sayaka:** He absolutely did.

**Yasuhiro:** 100% rejection.

**Byakuya:** There is no universe in which he has not rejected this.

**Sakura:** Agreed.

**Junko:** HMMMMMMM.

**Mukuro:** Junko. Please.

**Junko:** FINE. I WILL FIND A NEW RIVAL.

**Makoto:** Thank you—

**Junko:** CELESTE. I CHALLENGE YOU TO A DUEL.

**Celestia:** Oh?

**Byakuya:** Oh, no.

**Kyoko:** Celeste, do not encourage her.

**Celestia:** I accept.

**Makoto:** WHY.

**Aoi:** WHYYYYY.

**Sayaka:** Oh no.

**Yasuhiro:** What kind of duel tho

**Junko:** A HIGH-STAKES, WINNER-TAKES-ALL, ULTRA-HARDCORE, SUPER-DEATH DUEL.

**Celestia:** Intriguing. But I must inquire—what are the stakes?

**Junko:** IF I WIN, YOU HAVE TO BECOME MY ETERNAL CHAOS PARTNER IN CRIME.

**Byakuya:** That is redundant.

**Aoi:** But accurate.

**Celestia:** Hmm… tempting.

**Makoto:** DON’T ENCOURAGE HER

**Kyoko:** Please don’t encourage her.

**Celestia:** And if I win?

**Junko:** …YOU GET TO CHOOSE.

**Celestia:** Oh? Very well, I accept.

**Byakuya:** You fool.

**Aoi:** YOU’VE DOOMED US ALL.

**Sayaka:** What kind of duel is this even supposed to be?!

**Junko:** GLAD YOU ASKED.

**Junko:** WE SHALL PLAY…

**Junko:** ROCK, PAPER, SCISSORS.

**Makoto:** …What.

**Kyoko:** …Really?

**Aoi:** Seriously??

**Byakuya:** I rescind my previous concern. This is just idiocy.

**Yasuhiro:** I WAS EXPECTING A KNIFE FIGHT.

**Sayaka:** Why would you even expect that?!

**Sakura:** …Is this truly the battle you wish to fight?

**Celestia:** Rock, Paper, Scissors, you say?

**Junko:** YES. A GAME OF PURE CHANCE. UNPREDICTABLE. A TRUE TEST OF FATE.

**Celestia:** …Very well.

**Mukuro:** Oh no.

---

*Ten minutes later…*

---

**Aoi:** HOW ARE YOU TWO STILL PLAYING.

**Sayaka:** HOW HAVE YOU TIED SEVENTEEN TIMES IN A ROW.

**Yasuhiro:** This is some kinda supernatural nonsense.

**Makoto:** I feel like I’m witnessing something that shouldn’t be possible.

**Byakuya:** This is no longer a game of chance. This is a battle of sheer mind games.

**Kyoko:** I cannot believe this is happening.

**Junko:** YOU’RE GOOD, CELESTE. BUT I’M BETTER.

**Celestia:** We shall see about that.

**Junko:** ALRIGHT. THIS IS IT. THE FINAL BATTLE.

**Celestia:** Indeed. Let us end this.

**Aoi:** How is this even dramatic.

**Makoto:** I don’t know, but I’m invested now.

**Sayaka:** Me too.

**Byakuya:** Just end it already.

**Junko & Celestia:** ROCK. PAPER. SCISSORS.

(They throw their hands.)

**Junko:** HA! I GOT—

**Celestia:** Scissors beats paper.

**Junko:** …NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

**Mukuro:** Junko, it’s just a game

**Junko:** MY PRIDE. MY HONOR. MY DIGNITY.

**Byakuya:** You had dignity?

**Junko:** KYOKO.

**Kyoko:** What?

**Junko:** KISS MY WOUNDS BETTER.

**Makoto:** ??

**Aoi:** I’m sorry???

**Sayaka:** EXCUSE ME???

**Yasuhiro:** What kinda request

**Kyoko:** No.

**Junko:** PLEASE.

**Kyoko:** No.

**Junko:** PWEASE.

**Kyoko:** Absolutely not!

**Junko:** KYOKO, MY HEART IS SHATTERED. MY SOUL IS IN TATTERS. THE ONLY CURE IS YOUR LOVE.

**Kyoko:** This is emotional manipulation.

**Makoto:** It absolutely is.

**Aoi:** Without a doubt.

**Byakuya:** Can we move on before my brain cells rot?

---
**The Rich Trio**

**Byakuya:** I request asylum for the night.

**Kyoko:** …What?

**Taeko:** Oh?

**Byakuya:** We are currently hiding Taeko from her parents. This will not be a one-night ordeal. If we are doing this, it needs to be planned efficiently.

**Kyoko:** So basically, a sleepover?

**Byakuya:** …I refuse to call it that.

**Taeko:** It does seem like a sleepover.

**Byakuya:** …I loathe all of you.

**Taeko:** I shall prepare accommodations. Bring whatever you need to survive the night.

**Kyoko:** You’re really staying over?

**Byakuya:** I am not leaving you two alone to handle this mess. Besides, it would be suspicious if I left.

**Taeko:** Oh my, Byakuya… Could it be that you actually care?

**Byakuya:** Don’t push your luck.

**Kyoko:** He definitely cares.

**Taeko:** Indeed. It is quite touching.

**Byakuya:** I am this close to leaving.

**Kyoko:** No, you’re not.

**Taeko:** Now, what shall we do first? Face masks? Gossip? Summon spirits?

**Byakuya:** …

**Kyoko:** …

**Taeko:** I jest.

**Byakuya:** You’d better be.

**Kyoko:** She’s not.

**Taeko:** Not at all.

---

Chapter Text

Ultimate Survivors Chat – One Week Later

**Celestia:** My parents have finally departed.

**Aoi:** OH THANK GOD

**Sayaka:** Are you okay??

**Celestia:** Quite.

**Junko:** CELEBRATORY CHAOS TIME!!!

**Byakuya:** No.

**Makoto:** Please no…

**Junko:** TOO LATE. I HAVE AN ANNOUNCEMENT.

**Kyoko:** Why?

**Junko:** I’VE DECIDED TO START A KYOKO KIRIGIRI FAN CLUB.

**Kyoko:** Absolutely not.

**Makoto:** That sounds… concerning.

**Aoi:** VERY concerning.

**Junko:** MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS INCLUDE:
- Pictures of Kyoko drinking coffee
- Updates on her sleep schedule
- Daily appreciation posts
- Group therapy for when she ignores us

**Mukuro:** Junko, no.

**Kyoko:** Blocking you again.

**Junko:** YOU CAN’T BLOCK YOUR BIGGEST FAN!!!

**Yasuhiro:** Bro, I’d join.

**Byakuya:** Of course you would.

**Celestia:** How entertaining.

**Sayaka:** Wait, don’t encourage this!

**Junko:** FIRST MEETING IS TODAY AT 3PM.

**Kyoko:** There will be no meeting.

**Junko:** SECOND MEETING IS TODAY AT 4PM.

**Makoto:** That’s… not how this works.

**Aoi:** Can we go ONE day without something weird happening?

**Sakura:** Impossible.

**Celestia:** I find it rather amusing.

**Byakuya:** You would.

**Junko:** OKAY FINE. NO FAN CLUB.

**Kyoko:** Thank you.

**Junko:** INSTEAD, I’M WRITING A SONG.

**Mukuro:** Oh no...

**Sayaka:** As an idol, I feel obligated to stop this.

**Junko:** TOO LATE. FIRST VERSE:
🎵 Oh Kyoko, with your coffee addiction
Making my heart feel so much friction
Detective skills so smooth and slick
Making my poor heart tick tick tick 🎵

**Byakuya:** This is painful.

**Makoto:** I’m getting secondhand embarrassment…

**Kyoko:** …

**Celestia:** Do continue.

**Aoi:** CELESTE NO!

**Junko:** VERSE TWO:
🎵 Purple hair and gloves so neat
Making my soul feel incomplete
Without your cold dismissal stare
Life’s a burden I cannot bear 🎵

**Yasuhiro:** Bro, that’s actually kinda deep.

**Byakuya:** It absolutely is not.

**Sayaka:** As a professional singer, I am begging you to stop.

**Junko:** CHORUS TIME!!!

**Kyoko:** If you continue, I will never acknowledge your existence again.

**Junko:** …

**Mukuro:** That worked surprisingly well.

**Celestia:** How disappointing. I was looking forward to the chorus.

**Junko:** FINE. NO SONG.

**Makoto:** Oh thank goodness…

**Junko:** I’LL WRITE A NOVEL INSTEAD.

**Everyone:** NO.

“The Rich Trio”

**Taeko:** That sleepover was… enlightening.

**Byakuya:** We will never speak of it again.

**Kyoko:** Agreed.

**Taeko:** Not even about the part where Byakuya sang karaoke?

**Byakuya:** ESPECIALLY NOT THAT PART.

**Kyoko:** Though it was impressive.

**Taeko:** Who knew he knew all the words to “Dancing Queen”?

**Byakuya:** I am leaving this chat.

**Kyoko:** No, you’re not.

**Taeko:** You never do.

**Byakuya:** …I hate you both.

**Taeko:** We know.

**Kyoko:** We love you too.

**Byakuya:** Disgusting.

Ultimate Survivors Chat…

**Makoto:** Can we try to have a normal conversation?

**Junko:** BORING.

**Aoi:** Just once?

**Yasuhiro:** I had another dream!

**Byakuya:** Here we go again.

**Yasuhiro:** The school turned into a giant robot!

**Sayaka:** …That also happened.

**Yasuhiro:** WAIT, REALLY?

**Mukuro:** How do you keep forgetting these things?

**Junko:** HEY KYOKO.

**Kyoko:** No.

**Junko:** I HAVEN’T EVEN SAID ANYTHING YET.

**Kyoko:** The answer is still no.

**Celestia:** How efficiently brutal.

**Makoto:** At least things are back to normal?

**Aoi:** THIS is normal???

**Sakura:** Unfortunately.

**Byakuya:** I despise all of you.

**Yasuhiro:** Love you too, bro!

**Byakuya:** Stop that.

--

**Junko:** BIG ANNOUNCEMENT, LOSERS.

**Kyoko:** Oh no.

**Makoto:** Oh no.

**Byakuya:** For once, I agree.

**Junko:** I HAVE STARTED A PETITION.

**Mukuro:** …Junko, please no.

**Yasuhiro:** Bro, I am READY. What’s the petition?

**Junko:** drumroll... KYOKO AND I SHOULD GET MARRIED.

**Kyoko:** Absolutely not.

**Makoto:** WHAT?!

**Aoi:** I AM SCREAMING.

**Sayaka:** EXCUSE ME???

**Sakura:** …This is a new level of boldness.

**Celestia:** How fascinating.

**Byakuya:** This is the worst day of my life.

**Yasuhiro:** Wait, wait, WAIT. How many signatures do you have?

**Junko:** 73.

**Makoto:** WHAT?!

**Kyoko:** Excuse me?

**Sayaka:** HOW DID YOU GET THAT MANY?!

**Junko:** OH, YOU SWEET SUMMER CHILDREN. KYOKO’S FANBASE IS MASSIVE!

**Aoi:** …She has a fanbase???

**Junko:** OH, YOU DON’T EVEN KNOW.

"The Rich Trio”

**Byakuya:** Explain. Now.

**Taeko:** It appears Kyoko has amassed a following.

**Kyoko:** I did not ask for this.

**Taeko:** And yet, you have it.

**Byakuya:** Who in their right mind is in this so-called fan club?

**Taeko:** From what I have gathered…

- Shuichi Saihara (President of the Kyoko Kirigiri Detective Appreciation Society)
- Maki Harukawa (Refuses to admit she’s a fan, but still joined)
- Tenko Chabashira (Joined because Kyoko is an “independent, strong woman” and she respects that)
- Sonia Nevermind (Loves Kyoko’s “mystique” and wants to write a novel about her)
- Rantaro Amami (Claims he just wandered in but hasn’t left)
- Peko Pekoyama (Silently approves of Kyoko’s existence)
- Kokichi Oma (Claims he’s there to “sabotage” but actually just stirs drama for fun)
- Toko Fukawa (Only joined to spy on Byakuya but accidentally became invested)

**Kyoko:** …Why is this real?

**Byakuya:** This is a cult. You have a cult.

**Taeko:** And Junko is its supreme leader.

**Kyoko:** I need to leave this planet.

Private Chat: Makoto - Junko

**Makoto:** Junko, ENOUGH. YOU CAN’T JUST FORCE KYOKO TO MARRY YOU.

**Junko:** WHY NOT?

**Makoto:** BECAUSE THAT’S NOT HOW MARRIAGE WORKS?!

**Junko:** SAYS WHO?

**Makoto:** LITERALLY EVERYONE.

**Junko:** BORING. LET’S SETTLE THIS LIKE ADULTS.

**Makoto:** Oh, thank goodness—

**Junko:** WE FIGHT TO THE DEATH.

**Makoto:** WHY IS THAT ALWAYS YOUR SOLUTION?!

**Junko:** I DON’T MAKE THE RULES, MAKOTO. I JUST CAUSE THE CHAOS.

**Makoto:** You literally do make the rules, that’s the problem!!!

**Junko:** Okay, fine. You wanna be all “reasonable” and “mature,” let’s debate this like civilized people.

**Makoto:** …Okay?

**Junko:** POINT ONE: I am clearly the superior choice for Kyoko because I bring excitement, danger, and unpredictability to her life.

**Makoto:** That’s literally a list of reasons why she would NOT want to be with you.

**Junko:** POINT TWO: She hasn’t blocked me in the last five minutes, which means she secretly enjoys my presence.

**Makoto:** That is NOT how that works!

**Junko:** POINT THREE: I have 73 signatures. How many do you have, Makoto? HMM?

**Makoto:** I DIDN’T KNOW I NEEDED A PETITION TO DATE SOMEONE.

**Junko:** Sounds like a skill issue.

**Makoto:** OH MY GOD!

**Junko:** POINT FOUR: Kyoko and I have undeniable chemistry.

**Makoto:** You mean in the way that a detective and a criminal constantly argue?

**Junko:** EXACTLY. IT’S HOT.

**Makoto:** IT’S A RED FLAG.

**Junko:** POTATO, PO-TAH-TO.

**Makoto:** LISTEN. I ACTUALLY CARE ABOUT KYOKO’S WELL-BEING. I SUPPORT HER. I RESPECT HER BOUNDARIES. I HELP HER WHEN SHE NEEDS IT.

**Junko:** LAME. SHE NEEDS SOMEONE WHO KEEPS HER ON HER TOES.

**Makoto:** She needs someone who MAKES HER FEEL SAFE.

**Junko:** She needs someone who KEEPS HER INTERESTED.

**Makoto:** She needs someone WHO WON’T DRIVE HER INSANE.

**Junko:** SHE NEEDS SOMEONE WHO WILL MAKE LIFE EXCITING.

**Makoto:** SHE NEEDS SOMEONE WHO WILL MAKE LIFE PEACEFUL.

**Junko:** SHE NEEDS ME.

**Makoto:** SHE DESERVES BETTER THAN YOU.

**Junko:** OH, YOU WANNA GO, LUCKSTER?

**Makoto:** I WILL ABSOLUTELY DESTROY YOU IN A LOGICAL DEBATE.

**Junko:** I WILL ABSOLUTELY DESTROY YOU IN A FISTFIGHT.

**Makoto:** THAT’S NOT THE SAME THING.

**Junko:** BUT IT’S MORE FUN.

Ultimate Survivors Chat

**Kyoko:** Can someone please explain why Makoto and Junko are now screaming at each other?

**Aoi:** They’re fighting over you.

**Sayaka:** It’s honestly kinda tragic.

**Byakuya:** It’s pathetic.

**Celestia:** It is deeply entertaining.

**Mukuro:** I wish I could say I was surprised.

**Yasuhiro:** Bro, who do we bet on?

**Sakura:** Neither.

**Junko:** KYOKO, CHOOSE YOUR DESTINED PARTNER.

**Makoto:** KYOKO, PLEASE END THIS MADNESS.

**Kyoko:** I CHOOSE NONE OF YOU.

**Junko:** BETRAYAL!

**Makoto:** More like RELIEF.

**Junko:** I WILL WIN YOU OVER, MARK MY WORDS.

**Kyoko:** Please don’t.

Chapter Text

In “The Rich Trio” Chat
Celestia: You truly have an enviable amount of suitors, Kyoko.

Kyoko: I have an enviable amount of headaches.

Byakuya: At least you rejected both of them. That was the only logical move.

Celestia: And yet, I suspect this is far from over.

Kyoko: Unfortunately.

Byakuya: If Junko starts wedding preparations, we burn them.

Celestia: Agreed.

Kyoko: Can I fake my death?

Celestia: Tempting, but unnecessary.

Byakuya: We will protect you from their stupidity.

Kyoko: How reassuring.

Ultimate Survivors Chat

Junko: OKAY, NEW PLAN.

Makoto: Oh no.

Aoi: Oh no.

Sayaka: Oh no.

Yasuhiro: Oh yes.

Junko: I AM PLANNING A GRAND ROMANTIC GESTURE TO WIN KYOKO’S HEART.

Kyoko: DO NOT.

Makoto: PLEASE DON’T.

Celestia: This will be amusing.

Byakuya: This will be insufferable.

Junko: STAY TUNED, LOSERS.

Kyoko: I am blocking you again.

Junko: YOU CAN BLOCK ME BUT YOU CAN’T BLOCK DESTINY.

Byakuya: I hate this chat.

Makoto: I hate my life.

Kyoko: I hate everything.

Junko: I LOVE KYOKO.

Aoi: Junko, PLEASE STOP.

Private Chat: Junko and Kyoko –

Junko: KYOKO, MY BELOVED! PREPARE YOURSELF FOR THE MOST ROMANTIC GESTURE YOU’VE EVER SEEN!

Kyoko: Junko, I’m begging you. Please stop.

Junko: NEVER! MY LOVE FOR YOU IS UNSTOPPABLE!

Kyoko: What if… what if you toned it down a little? Just a little bit?

Junko: Toned it down? What do you mean?

Kyoko: No grand romantic gestures. No public declarations. Just… normal.

Junko: Normal? That’s so boring!

Kyoko: Maybe boring is what I need right now. If you can manage to be… less chaotic, maybe we could… I don’t know… grab coffee sometime?

Junko: Coffee? With you? Alone?

Kyoko: Yes. But only if you promise to behave. No more petitions, no more screaming matches, no more declarations of love in the group chat.

Junko: Hmm… This is a tough one. But for you, Kyoko… I’ll try.

Kyoko: Thank you, Junko.

Junko: But if I pull this off, you owe me a date. A real date.

Kyoko: Agreed.

“The Rich Trio”

Kyoko: I think I might have made a deal with the devil.

Taeko: Do elaborate.

Kyoko: I told Junko I’d go on a date with her if she chills out.

Byakuya: You did what?!

Kyoko: I know, I know. It was a desperate move. But maybe, just maybe, if she gets what she wants, she’ll lose interest and leave me alone.

Taeko: It’s a risky strategy. But I suppose it’s worth a try.

Byakuya: If she so much as breathes a word about wedding plans, I’m calling the police.

Kyoko: Agreed. Let’s just hope this works.

Ultimate Survivors Chat

Junko: Okay, everyone! I have an announcement!

Makoto: Here we go again…

Aoi: What is it this time?

Junko: I’m going on a date!

Sayaka: With who?

Junko: That’s a secret! But it’s going to be the most amazing date ever!

Byakuya: I’ll believe it when I see it.

Celestia: This could be interesting.

Makoto: I don’t understand anything anymore.

Aoi: Me neither.

Yasuhiro: Can I still bet on who’s going to win Kyoko’s heart?

Sakura: No.

Junkoggedon-

Junko: OMG, GUYS, YOU WON’T BELIEVE WHAT HAPPENED ON MY DATE!

Mukuro: What happened, Junko?

Sayaka: Spill the tea!

Junko: IT WAS AMAZING! KYOKO AND I HAD SO MUCH FUN! WE TALKED FOR HOURS, AND SHE ACTUALLY LAUGHED AT MY JOKES!

Mukuro: Wow, that’s actually kind of surprising.

Sayaka: Yeah, Kyoko seems like she’d be hard to please.

Junko: I KNOW, RIGHT? SHE’S SO AMAZING, AND I’M SO IN LOVE WITH HER!

Mukuro: So, what’s the plan now?

Sayaka: Are you going to ask her out again?

Junko: OF COURSE! I’M GOING TO WIN HER HEART, NO MATTER WHAT IT TAKES!

Mukuro: I’m sure you will, Junko.

Sayaka: Yeah, you’re really good at getting what you want.

Junko: THANKS, GUYS! I KNOW I CAN DO THIS! I’M GOING TO MAKE KYOKO MINE!

Mukuro: Good luck, Junko.

Sayaka: We’re rooting for you!

Junko: THANKS! I’LL KEEP YOU UPDATED ON MY PROGRESS!

“The Rich Trio”

Kyoko: So, the date happened.

Taeko: And? Do tell.

Kyoko: It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.

Byakuya: I find that hard to believe.

Kyoko: Junko was… surprisingly nice to talk to. She was genuinely interested in what I had to say, and she didn’t try to force anything.

Taeko: Interesting. Perhaps she’s finally realized the error of her ways.

Kyoko: I don’t know about that. But it was… refreshing, in a way. She kept me on my toes, and it was nice to have a conversation that wasn’t about murder or despair.

Byakuya: Don’t tell me you’re starting to fall for her antics.

Kyoko: Of course not. But I have to admit, it wasn’t as terrible as I expected.

Ultimate Survivors Chat –

Makoto: Guys, something weird just happened.

Aoi: What is it?

Makoto: This old guy just showed up at Hope’s Peak. He’s asking for Kyoko.

Sayaka: An old guy? Do you know who it is?

Makoto: I have no idea. He seems kind of… important.

Byakuya: Probably some senile old fool.

Celestia: Perhaps a relative?

Aoi: Maybe it’s someone from Kyoko’s family?

Kyoko: It’s my grandfather.

Aoi: What’s he like?

Kyoko: Complicated.

Sayaka: Oh.

Junko: Maybe he’s here to give you his blessing for our relationship!

Kyoko: What relationship?

Byakuya: Why is he here?

Kyoko: That’s what I’m trying to figure out.

Celestia: Perhaps he’s just here to visit.

Kyoko: doubt it.

Makoto: Well, maybe you should go talk to him.

Kyoko: I suppose I should.

Aoi: Good luck!

Sayaka: Yeah, good luck!

Junko: I’m sure he’ll love me!

Kyoko: I wouldn’t be so sure about that.

Chapter Text

**Ultimate Survivors Chat**

**Makoto:** Morning, everyone!

**Aoi:** Good morning! Guess who beat her swim time by 12 seconds today 👀💦

**Leon:** You got into the pool before noon? Damn.

**Sakura:** Impressive, Asahina.

**Sayaka:** That’s amazing! Your training is seriously paying off.

**Aoi:** Thanks! I’ll drag you all in for laps someday 😈

**Toko:** You’ll have to sedate me first.

**Yasuhiro:** Do we have to? I just woke up spiritually.

**Celestia:** At 11:42 a.m.?

**Yasuhiro:** The spirits don’t rush perfection.

**Junko:** I, too, have awoken. With madness and eyeliner.

**Kyoko:** That explains the message you sent me at 4 a.m. that was just “KYOKO 💍👀🔥🖤”

**Junko:** I was dreaming of our wedding. And world domination.

**Makoto:** That’s… concerning.

**Mukuro:** She’s kidding. Mostly.

**Mondo:** I’m not even gonna ask what kind of dream ends in fire emojis.

**Byakuya:** The kind that requires intervention.

**Chihiro:** Um… hi, everyone. Hope today’s good for you all…!

**Makoto:** Hey Chihiro! 😊

**Sayaka:** Hi Chihiro! You doing okay?

**Chihiro:** Y-Yeah! I’m just not used to these group chats. Still kinda getting used to talking in here...

**Hifumi:** Do not worry, friend. This is a den of chaos and recurring rejection. It softens over time.

**Toko:** That… is actually accurate.

**Celestia:** It is a strange comfort.

**Makoto:** Wait, is everyone here? I feel like—

**Leon:** Bro if you jinx this with a "peaceful morning" comment, I swear.

**Junko:** It’s already not peaceful. I just got blocked again.

**Kyoko:** I’ll unblock you when you stop sending me collages of my own face edited into bridal magazine covers.

**Junko:** Never.

**Mukuro:** Then she’s never unblocking you.

**Mondo:** Is anyone else actually doing anything today? Besides simping, yelling, or being cursed?

**Kiyotaka:** I have scheduled an hour of study and two hours of hallway patrol. Order must be maintained!

**Yasuhiro:** What are you even patrolling for? Ghosts?

**Kiyotaka:** Vandalism. And decay of morale.

**Hifumi:** I’m running a fan poll to see which character in my manga people hate most so I can kill them off for dramatic effect.

**Sayaka:** You write like six series, don’t you?

**Hifumi:** Yes. Which is why I need multiple deaths.

**Sakura:** I’ll be training as usual. If anyone wishes to join…

**Aoi:** I’M IN!!

**Celestia:** I shall decline, politely. I’m allergic to effort.

**Toko:** I’ll join. If it means avoiding these chats.

**Kyoko:** You still read them.

**Toko:** Shut up.

**Chihiro:** Um… I might watch? Not train. Just… observe. For… science?

**Leon:** You’re gonna take notes on Sakura like she’s a science exhibit?

**Chihiro:** N-no! Just curious! She’s so strong…

**Sakura:** You are welcome to observe, Chihiro.

**Junko:** Awwwwww. What a wholesome moment. Too bad I’m gonna break it—

**Sayaka:** Junko no.

**Junko:** KYOKO, what if we did joint training? Like emotional push-ups? For trust?

**Kyoko:** No.

**Byakuya:** I would pay to see Kirigiri drop-kick you mid-sentence.

**Junko:** That’s not a no to the concept.

**Kyoko:** Blocking again.

---

**Junkoggedon Chat**

**Junko:** BLOCKED AGAIN. UNJUST.

**Sayaka:** You literally said “emotional push-ups.”

**Mukuro:** What does that even mean?

**Junko:** Like therapy. But chaotic.

**Sayaka:** That’s not how that works.

**Junko:** Says you. I’m out here healing through drama.

**Mukuro:** You’re out here collecting restraining orders.

---

**The Rich Trio Chat**

**Taeko:** Enoshima is spiraling again.

**Kyoko:** As always.

**Byakuya:** You’re surprisingly calm about it now.

**Kyoko:** You can’t fight the tide. You just float.

**Taeko:** Poetic.

**Byakuya:** Pitiful.

**Taeko:** You’re both.

**Byakuya:** I’m leaving this chat.

**Taeko:** No, you’re not.

**Kyoko:** You never do.

---

**Ultimate Survivors Chat**

**Makoto:** Okay, so we’ve got people training, studying, meditating, creating… and Junko.

**Junko:** I’m a creative project all by myself. ✨

**Leon:** You’re a walking meltdown with glitter.

**Mondo:** Can confirm.

**Aoi:** You guys wanna do a movie night later? Like a distraction before another breakdown?

**Yasuhiro:** I vote ghost movie.

**Toko:** I vote silence.

**Sayaka:** Something light maybe? A comedy?

**Celestia:** Or horror. To test our weak.

**Chihiro:** C-Can we not do horror…

**Makoto:** No horror. Democracy has spoken.

**Junko:** Fine. But if I don’t get to pick the movie, I’m picking the snacks.

**Kyoko:** You always bring wasabi popcorn.

**Junko:** Because it’s elite.

**Kyoko:** Because it’s a war crime.

**Junko:** Because it reminds you of me~

**Kyoko:** …I hate this chat.

**Mondo:** Me too. See you all at movie night.

**Sakura:** I shall bring tea.

**Hifumi:** I will bring my critiques.

**Toko:** I’ll bring earplugs.

**Junko:** I’LL BRING THE FIRE.

**Kyoko:** Junko. 🤫

Chapter Text

Ultimate Survivors Chat

**Makoto:** Everyone got their snacks?

**Leon:** I'm double-fisting popcorn and soda. I'm ready for battle.

**Aoi:** I brought donuts. Even got cream-filled ones for a ~~premium~~ laugh experience.

**Junko:** My wasabi popcorn has entered the room. Bow, peasants.

**Toko:** It smells like someone set fire to a sushi restaurant.

**Mukuro:** Junko, not everyone considers pain a flavor.

**Junko:** Well, they’re cowards. Except Kyoko.

**Kyoko:** You’re right. I’ve built up an immunity. To you.

**Byakuya:** Can we start the damn movie before this becomes a therapy session?

**Yasuhiro:** Nah man, therapy is the pre-show.

**Sakura:** Let’s start it. The sooner we finish, the sooner we all pretend to sleep.

**Sayaka:** Got it queued! Everyone hit play in 3... 2... 1!

Funky opening credits roll with a tiny dog riding a skateboard across rooftops.

**Chihiro:** Why is the animation so… shiny?

**Hifumi:** It’s a bold artistic choice. Symbolism, maybe.

**Mondo:** Symbolism of what? Budget cuts?

**Celestia:** It reflects the absurdity of modern visual overindulgence.

**Aoi:** You made that up just now.

**Celestia:** I refined it just now.

**Aoi:** Oh please. You can’t just act superior and think no one will call you out.

**Celestia:** Excuse me?

**Aoi:** You heard me.

**Sayaka:** Uh—

**Makoto:** And here we go.

**Toko:** Honestly? Kind of rooting for this.

**Leon:** This dog better survive. I'm not emotionally ready for character development.

---

Private Chat: Aoi → Celestia

**Celestia:** Was that necessary?

**Aoi:** I don’t know, was it necessary to act like everyone’s beneath you again?

**Celestia:** I did no such thing. I simply spoke my opinion.

**Aoi:** You always speak like you’re above us. It’s exhausting.

**Celestia:** And you speak as if you're owed something personal just because I keep my distance.

**Aoi:** I’m not asking for secrets. I’m asking for you to stop acting like you don't care about being here.

**Celestia:** ...You’re angry because I don’t perform my vulnerability like you do.

**Aoi:** I’m angry because I care about you. And I can’t tell if you care about any of us back because you're always hiding.

Pause.

**Celestia:** ...You care?

**Aoi:** Yeah. Too much, probably.

**Celestia:** Why?

**Aoi:** Because I see through the act. You hide behind lace and lies, but I’ve seen the way your hands shake when no one’s looking. You want to be close to people, but you’re scared. I get that.

**Celestia:** You assume too much.

**Aoi:** And you hide too much.

Another pause.

**Celestia:** I don’t know how to respond to this. The only two to care enough to say something were Byakuya and Kyoko. And that's only because they're... Similar.

**Aoi:** Then let this be the first time.

---

Sayaka → Aoi DMs

**Sayaka:** Hey. You okay?

**Aoi:** Not really. I kinda yelled at Celestia.

**Sayaka:** I noticed. I also noticed how sad you’ve looked the past few days.

**Aoi:** It’s complicated.

**Sayaka:** Try me.

**Aoi:** …I think I like her. Like really like her.

**Sayaka:** Oh.

**Aoi:** And she’s so hard to read. I can’t tell if I’m annoying or terrifying her.

**Sayaka:** Want to know how I asked Mukuro out?

**Aoi:** Wait—you asked her?

**Sayaka:** Yup. Straight up. I said, "You make me feel calm in a way that scares me, and I think I’d regret not saying that."

**Aoi:** Seriously?

**Sayaka:** She didn’t say anything for five seconds. Then she just said, "Okay." And now she walks me to breakfast every day.

**Aoi:** That’s… actually really sweet.

**Sayaka:** Point is—you don’t have to know how it’ll go. You just have to be brave enough to try.

**Aoi:** …That’s terrifying.

**Sayaka:** So was I. But you’re not alone. And neither is she.

---

Rich Trio Chat (Kyoko, Byakuya, Taeko)

**Byakuya:** You left halfway through the film.

**Kyoko:** I needed air.

**Taeko:** And now?

**Kyoko:** Now I need silence.

**Taeko:** Is it your grandfather again.

**Kyoko:** I just don't like spaces like these, especially when no one has checked the security. He used to check the locks six times. And if one was unlocked it'd be another hour without food. A Kirigiri should know how to survive on limited supplies anyway.

**Byakuya:** That’s not protection. That’s punishment.

**Kyoko:** When I was seven, I caught a cold and slept through one night. He woke me by pouring ice water on my face and had me tied to the bed. Said I “let my guard down and must figure out how to break free otherwise I would be considered dead. After that, I stopped sleeping fully. Taught myself to rest in shifts and how to break out if I was ever abducted.

**Taeko:** No parent should do that.

**Kyoko:** It worked. I always know where I am. I always wake up in time, and I always survive.

**Byakuya:** And yet you still hesitate to sleep even when surrounded by allies.

**Kyoko:** What allies? We’re strangers in a school who tells us we're better than our peers.

**Taeko:** And yet here we are with each other telling our secrets and sharing our lives.

**Byakuya:** Because we’re not your grandfather. We don’t weaponize your weakness.

**Kyoko:** That is the only way you learn to survive as a Kirigiri. I was built to be invulnerable. He said if I ever failed I was broken and useless.

**Taeko:** Then be broken. And let us be the ones who catch the pieces.

**Kyoko:** ...You think I’m worth catching?

**Byakuya:** You were never meant to be dropped.

---

Aoi leans on the rail just outside the dorms. The night is quiet now.

**Aoi (texting Sayaka):** maybe you’re right.

**Sayaka:** I usually am 😌

A few feet away, Celestia opens her window, resting her chin on her palm as she watches the courtyard. Their eyes meet. Neither says anything. Not yet. But the moment lingers.

Chapter Text

Private chats: Junko --> Kyoko

Junko: Kyo my beloved

My beloved: What?

Junko: I love you...

My beloved: What do you want?

Junko: For you to take care of yourself!! Which is why I at your door

My beloved: Excuse me?

Junko: Here to make you go to sleep all that caffeine is no good

My beloved: Go away. I am perfectly fine.

Junko: My love 💕 no you aren't please open door 😭

Kyoko quietly stands up and walks over.

Junko slips inside the second Kyoko cracks the door open.

Kyoko speaks, "I said no."

"And i said sleep, guess who’s winning?"

She nudges Kyoko back toward her bed. Kyoko scowls but sits anyway.

"You’re absurd."

"Mhm. but you like it, now lay."

Kyoko sighs, muttering, but eventually lays down. Junko perches at the end of the bed, quiet for once. Kyoko’s eyes close against her will.

"…You’re not staying all night." Kyoko warns

"Try me."

Kyoko drifts off. Junko looks over and smiles softly.

**Ultimate Survivors Chat**

Makoto: Good morning, everyone! Let’s try to keep this chat civil today, okay?

Leon: Civil? With Junko in here? No chance.

Junko: Don’t drag me, gingerbread man.

Kyoko: …

Junko: Fine, fine, my beloved Good morning 😘

Kyoko: Go away.

Mukuro: Predictable.

Aoi: Morning! Just finished swimming laps. Beat my personal time again 💦

Sakura: Excellent. Your determination is admirable.

Leon: Show-off.

Aoi: You’re just mad you can’t swim straight

Leon: I can too!

Sayaka: Not with that hair gel slowing you down.

Junko: He’s waterproofed, don’t worry.

Byakuya: Idiots. All of you.

Yasuhiro: Bro you need like, one donut. It’ll fix your vibe.

Celestia: I imagine it would only rot what little refinement he possesses.

Hifumi: Ouch.

Makoto: Come on, no starting fights—

Aoi: (typing…)

Sayaka: Aoi?

Aoi: You know, Celeste, you always talk like everyone else is beneath you.

Celestia: I simply speak truth. If it stings, perhaps the issue lies not with me.

Aoi: It stings because you want it to, there are better ways to say things You don’t even try to let people in.

Sayaka: Aoi… maybe let’s not—

Celestia: And why, pray tell, does my approach concern you so deeply?

Aoi: Because it feels like you don’t care about anyone here.

Celestia: Perhaps I don’t.

Aoi: That’s not true. I’ve seen you watching, when you think no one notices. You do care. You just pretend you don’t.

Sayaka: …Aoi.

Celestia: And if you’re so certain—why does it matter to you?

Aoi: …Because I care about you, okay?!

Aoi: I care because I… like you. A lot and I don't even know why cause you are so mean!! But I do and I don't want you to be lonely when you truly want to be around others.

The typing bubble flickers and disappears on Celestia’s side. She doesn’t reply.

Leon: …woah.

Mondo: Did not see that coming.

Sakura: Asahina...

Byakuya: Predictable, yet quite the surprise to admit it in such a fashion.

Junko: A MASTERPIECE. LOVE! TRAGEDY! DRAMA!

Kyoko: Junko come back here.

Junko: Of course my beloved.

---

**Rich Trio Chat (Kyoko, Byakuya, Taeko)**

Byakuya: So. Asahina exploded.

Taeko: Not necessarily exploded.

Byakuya: She sounded nauseatingly sincere.

Taeko: Perhaps sincerity is necessary. A shaking of the mask.

Byakuya:You sound amused.

Taeko: I’m intrigued. Someone saw through a facade and spoke it aloud. It’s rare.

Kyoko: This is her beloved stop blowing up her phone!!

Byakuya: And why do you have her phone Junko?

Kyoko: She is resting. I figured out how to get the caffeine queen to sleep

Taeko: How strange.

Byakuya: Dangerous.

Kyoko: But for the first time in weeks, she has slept.

Byakuya: … we'll let it slide this once.

Taeko: Agreed.

Aoi sits on her bed, staring at her screen, heart pounding. Celestia sits by her window, phone dark in her hands, unreadable expression hiding the cracks Aoi’s words left behind.