Chapter Text
"Do you want to check the new cafe outside?" The person offered, shielding them from the rain.
"How boring...?" Kamukura Izuru noticed the red thread tied to the reserve course student's finger.
'Oh?' The Ultimate Hope leaned close, their gaze trailing the other end of the string to confirm the connection between them. Despite being ordered by their mentors not to leave the premises, Izuru opted to follow the brunette.
...
Their soulmate introduced himself to be Hinata Hajime, possibly sensing Izuru's distress. The ultimate recently debated whether or not to abide by Enoshima Junko's plan. The Ultimate Fashionista promised despair would make this world interesting for both of them. However, Izuru foresaw the fall of Hope's Peak Academy...
[Would the ends justify the means?]
"Y-you're really hungry, huh?" Hajime seemed surprised by their desire to prolong this theoretical date, deciding to pay the bill out of guilt for taking their time.
'Sweet...' Devouring the mediocre snacks, Izuru watched Hajime struggle to finish his drink. The brunette eventually leaned against the chair, barely reacting even after Izuru sat beside him.
"Hajime..." Izuru uttered the name of their sleepy soulmate, introducing themselves and listening to the latter ramble. While Hajime's eyes are closed, Izuru tentatively moves their hand to grab hold of the former.
Zzzz
'My soulmate...' Izuru had not considered such a trivial variable in their lifetime. However, they admit that the sense of owning someone is comforting. The warmth and serenity from simply holding hands tempted Izuru to try something altogether. Cradling the slumbering brunette's face, Izuru leaned-
[Forbidden action.]
"?" Izuru blinked, staring at the barrier blocking their actions.
[Heart-Throbbing School System Locks all Love Candidates from controlling the Host's selected Ending]
"Heart-Throbbing school system..." Izuru squints, associating the anomaly with a bothersome trope.
'A selected ending for what purpose?' Izuru stared back at Hajime, recalling the conversation about Class 77-B. It seems their soulmate is playing along with this problematic plot device.
"Very well..." Izuru conceded, carefully settling Hajime's head back on the chair. The Ultimate may as well play by the rules to avoid complications. All they have to do is make Hajime choose them. They're technically soulmates. Two halves of a whole. 'Rejection is not an option...'