Chapter Text
Chapter One: Hina’s Sour Mood!
Byakuya patted his lips with the napkin in his hand, his eyes seeming to glow in the candlelight. Sitting across from him was his unlikely date, Aoi Asahina, or simply Hina to her closest friends. Ever since gradually growing closer int he aftermath of the Final Killing Game and the revival of Hope’s Peak Academy, their friendship had blossomed into a ironic, yet mutual attraction.
It wasn’t until somewhere around the birth of Makoto and Kyoko Naegi’s first heir that they finally started dating, the two testing the waters with some simple…well, simple for Byakuya…outings. For Hina, it was admittedly a bit overwhelming, being taken to some of the pricy recreational facilities and attractions in the city. Still, part of her couldn’t help but appreciate being indulged, so she took it in stride.
After several dates, they agreed to have a private dinner together…at Byakuya’s rebuilt mansion. His time in the Killing Games may have given him a sense of humility, but he still wouldn’t be caught dead dining at a low-class restaurant. Aloysius certainly didn’t disappoint in the cuisine department; the blossoming couple were served numerous exotic delicacies from all over the globe, dishes only someone as well off as a Togami could possible afford.
With no expense spared, one would think Hina’s mouth would water at the mere scent of such a feast. Yet oddly enough, she barely seemed to take notice, picking at her food with her chopsticks and absentmindedly nibbling at it. Byakuya’s concern for the normally voracious ex-swimmer reached a head when he sighed and placed his chopsticks next to his plate.
“Alright, spill it. What’s wrong?”
Nearly jumping in her seat, she looked up at her boyfriend, her lips curving into an apologetic grimace. “Gomen…I’m spoiling the mood, aren’t I.”
Still somewhat blunt, Byakuya nodded. “A little…what’s the issue? You’re usually so…peppy.”
“It’s…nothing important, really. I’ve just…had a lot on my mind lately, that’s all. Don’t worry about it, really. Let’s just…get back to eating. It really is delicious.”
Grimacing as Hina tried to shovel her food in her mouth, Byakuya was smart enough to realize that prodding his girlfriend would get him nowhere. She’s too foolishly considerate to open up to me…but maybe she will to someone else…
While Hina was distracted with her food, Byakuya discreetly slid his smartphone out of his pocket. Tapping on the Messages app, he quickly typed a brief message and sent it to the recipient. Pocketing the device before Hina could notice, Byakuya continued to eat his food, smiling in amusement as Hina gulped down a glass of water to ease her coughing fit from trying to swallow too much.
Makoto smiled, watching his wife coo at their toddling daughter on the couch. He doubted he’d ever grow bored of seeing Kyoko’s hidden maternal side, though with the length of time she had been away from her job at Hope’s Peak, he’d be lying if he said he wasn’t worried.
I’ve lost count of how long it’s been since she showed any interest in returning to the school. I know as a parent, the idea of separating from her baby, even for just an afternoon, must be hard. Still…
At that moment, a quiet ringtone echoed from his pocket Surprised, Makoto took it out of his pocket, his brow furrowing in surprise at the name displayed on the caller ID. Curious, he tapped the screen and held it to his ear.
“Moshi Moshi, Byakuya.” Kyoko raised her brow in surprise at Byakuya’s sudden call, but quickly went back to playing with her baby girl. “R-Really? O-Okay, I’ll ask her and get back to you soon, okay?”
As Makoto hung up, Kyoko turned to her husband, admittedly curious about the surprise call. “So, what did Byakuya want?”
“Funny you should ask…” Makoto chuckled nervously, sitting down next to his wife and resting his hands on his knees. “He wanted to know if you wanted to have a girls’ night with Hina, Toko, and Komaru.”
“A…girls’ night…?”
The surprised Kyoko bit her lip, the former detective caught off guard by the invitation. She’d be lying if she said that spending a night with her female friends and sister-in-law didn’t sound appealing. However, her maternal side made her feel a little conflicted.
“Yeah, apparently, Hina’s been feeling a little…moody, lately, so he thought having her spend some time with other girls might improve her mood.”
“I see…”
Makoto furrowed his brow, his mind easily deducing her thoughts. “You’re hesitant to leave Kiki, aren't you, Kyoko?”
“…Was I really that obvious? I must be slipping…”
Makoto chuckled at Kyoko’s muttering before wrapping an arm around her back. “It’s obvious to me because we’re married.” His eyes softened as he leaned against her frame. “Kyoko, I know that leaving our daughter alone must be difficult…but it’s gonna be okay, alright? I’m gonna be with her the entire time, and if I need help, I can call Mom and Dad to help out.”
“…I keep forgetting we have an actual safety net. I’m not used to…”
“To relying on someone, I know.” Makoto smiled in reassurance. “And I don’t want to push you if this doesn’t sound fun. But I really do think having a night away from me and the baby will be really good for you. Like it or not, we’re both gonna have to get used to separating ourselves from Kiki at some point. She’s not gonna be a baby forever.”
“Is it wrong that I wish she would…?” Kyoko uttered, fiddling with her braid.
Makoto shook his head. “Of course not, Kyoko. Mom told me it was the same way with me and Komaru. She just understood that all good things must come to an end at some point. Maybe a night away will help you to adjust to that when Kiki grows up.”
“…Will you promise to call me the instant something’s wrong?”
Makoto raised a finger and drew a cross over his heart. “Promise, Kyoko.”
“Then…” Kyoko sighed. “…Alright, I suppose a girls’ night is long overdue.”
Makoto grinned. “I’m sure you’ll have a lot of fun, Kyoko.”
Kyoko giggled while bouncing Kiki with one knee. “Promise you’ll be good for Daddy, okay?”