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“So, let me restate your idea. You would like to follow the remnant of despair plot thread, by converting our seniors into your loyal minions?”
“Obviously.”
“And you want there to be another killing game where you’re the antagonist, despite your untimely death in the former game?”
“Uh huh. Did ya really think I’d die that easily? Masterminds always have a backup plan!”
“Of course! There’s always a second phase, and with your brilliance Miss Enoshima, it wouldn’t be OOC! Would you prefer your mind to be transferred, or a simulation?”
“A simulation sounds way better. Think of all the wacky, rule breaking hijinks that could happen! We don’t have to follow the rules of ‘logic’, if there isn’t any logic to it.”
“There must be some sort of logic, Miss Enoshima. If the story is completely illogical, that would break the suspension of disbelief! We must get everyone invested, while keeping it wacky enough for you.” Hifumi pointed out, as he rapidly scribbled down notes. However, something was missing. A certain detail. His pen stopped, “Do we know enough about our upperclassmen, to properly portray them? You are planning to show this to them, aren’t you?”
“Psh, like I gotta be completely accurate! I’ll give ya the rundown.” She brought up her manicured fingers and counted off, “The nurse cries whenever I look at her, half of them have heads full of meat, one of them is made of lard, and Celeste keeps complaining about that damn lucky student. What more do you need?”
“...I think we may need a beta reader.” Hifumi couldn’t help but respond. While he would gladly write this for Miss Enoshima, he will not sully his hands by making them OOC! He is the Ultimate Fanfic Writer! If they are not in character, then they aren’t his upperclassmen.
She rolled her eyes, “And if ya don’t find a ‘beta reader’, then you aren’t gonna write this?”
“I-I will, Miss Enoshima! We’d simply have to switch the subject matter to something we’re more familiar with. I could write about our class, again?”
“Nah. If ya need some stupid ‘beta reader’, then consider it done. I’ll find you one!” A nefarious grin split her face, “Oh, will I find you one.”
Hifumi could not say why, but he had a bad feeling about this.
______
“Alright, fine. What do you want me to read?”
Several days later, Miss Enoshima dragged a boy into the mostly empty classroom. Hifumi looked up from his rapid note taking. However, Hifumi did not recognize the other boy. That didn’t mean he didn’t recognize his uniform. She had, evidently, brought a random reserve course student.
“Who is this, Miss Enoshima?” Hifumi couldn’t help but ask. Of course, his reserve course nature did not automatically make him a bad option! Was he a relative of one of their upperclassmen? A close friend? Or had she brought someone experienced in the art of authorship?
“I’m Hajime Hinata. Now, what do you need me-”
“I saw him hanging around with the class rep, so I knew he’s gotta have some stories! You’re our ‘beta reader’ now, buckaroo. No getting out of it. No pay, either! Not like ya need any pay, rich kid.” She sent Mister Hinata a sharp smile and tossed an arm around his shoulder.
“What the hell are you going on about? You haven’t even told me what I’m reading!” He shrugged the arm off. “Now, will you tell me what you need? This isn’t even my wing.”
Hifumi stands up from his seat, intrigued. He scoots closer to Mister Hinata, and gives him a once over. Plain, friends with the class, reserve course. However, there’s one key factor, “Have you ever engaged in the art of fanfiction, Mister Hinata?”
This wasn’t what he was expecting, and his expression turned confused, “...Fanfiction? You want me to read your fanfiction?”
“Precisely! You see, both I and Miss Enoshima have been coauthoring a sequel!” Hifumi picked up a copy of ‘Danganronpa’, and placed it in Mister Hinata’s hands, “The first novel was based on our class! Now that we’re including our upperclassmen, it’s only proper that someone checks their characterization. And, seeing as you’ve been spotted in their vicinity, it is only proper that you are given the honor!”
Mister Hinata was so utterly baffled, that he looked between Hifumi and the book. Repeatedly. He then opened the ‘Danganronpa’ novel and fanned through the pages. His brow scrunched up, his eyes widened, and his gaze drifted to the eager Miss Enoshima. Finally, he shut the book with a thud.
“I hate to admit it, but this is good. Really good.” He stared at the book some more, “So, you just want me to read through your sequel? Make sure it’s right? Really, I’m not qualified.”
“Oh, totally not! But you’re the best we’re gonna get, and that’s good enough for me!” Miss Enoshima remarked, “And it isn’t like ya have any other choice. The big guy ain’t gonna write my sequel, unless you’re reviewing it! You can’t say no to me, can you?”
From Mister Hinata’s expression, he agreed with Miss Enoshima’s sentiment. He reopened the ‘Danganronpa’ novel, just to look at it again, “Fine. I guess I can spare some time. The grammar’s good, the situations are tense. It’s what I’d expect.” He shut the book, “Do you want this back? I didn’t do anymore then skim it, but it is yours.”
“Nonsense, Mister Hinata! I have multiple copies in my backlog, not to mention my digital outline! If you read through the first part, you’ll have the second part to review within the week!”
Mister Hinata muttered something under his breath and tossed the book into his bag, “I’ll do that. Just...don’t tell anyone I’m doing this, okay?”
“You shy? Don’t worry your lil’ head about it, reserve course! Until we’ve got this sequel donzo, my lips are sealed.” Miss Enoshima batted her eyelashes.
Mister Hinata’s face twisted with regret, and Hifumi could not figure out why.
______
Unfortunately, this had unforeseen consequences. Hajime forgot to remove the book from his bag, brought it to class with him, and accidentally knocked it from his bag. His defensive nature got everyone interested, and Natsumi stole it. And, once skimming through the escapades of her Ultimate underclassmen, she interrogated Hajime. He spilled that Hifumi had ‘shafted it on him’, and before you know it, ‘Danganronpa’ was school wide news by lunch. This was brought to Hifumi’s attention by one smug Natsumi.
“I heard you wrote a murder novel. Do you want to kill your classmates?”
Hifumi startled from his lunch and looked up at the unknown girl. Sweat beaded near his brow, “No, of course not! D-did you hear that from Mister Hinata?”
“’Mister Hinata’? That guy isn’t ‘Mister’ anything!” A piggish snort left the girl, “I’m asking, because I want to know if you’re making more. All the reserve trash is talking about it, and really, who can blame them?”
“More? You mean a sequel, or a reprint?” Hifumi blinked owlishly, surprised. However, the cogs began to churn. He is no stranger to selling his works, and Miss Enoshima enjoyed it. Mister Hinata complimented it. Would this be a series that he could profit from? Or would that ruin the artistic integrity of it?
“A reprint. With how disillusioned those reserve course students are, you could make cash by printing a few more. Trust me, they’d eat it up like slop.” She confidently reaffirmed.
“Well, if you’re giving me this information in good faith, I’ll take it into consideration! Miss...?”
“Natsumi Kuzuryu, Ultimate Little Sister. Don’t forget it.” Miss Kuzuryu introduced, a prideful smile curling her lips. She turned on her heel and left.
Hifumi considered her words for the rest of lunch, through his classes, all until he sat in one of the empty classrooms. He took down notes for additional worldbuilding, but one part continued to stump him. Who would be the protagonist of this novel? Miss Enoshima had given him additional information on their characters, which he appreciated, but none of them stood out like Mister Naegi did! Mahiru Koizumi was his closest pick, but even she wasn’t right. No, no!
Suddenly, an alight Miss Enoshima barged in, “Hey! Guess what? All that talk about ya novel- which is totally that porcupine's fault- really got me thinking! Those reserve course students complain so much, all cause we’re good at things. What do you think about making the protag a reserve course? Huh, huh? Really commentates on shit!”
Hifumi jumped, his pen fumbled in his hands. He readjusted his glasses, “That wouldn’t be a bad idea, Miss Enoshima. Miss Kuzuryu even said that we should sell them to the reserve course, as they don’t like us.” He puffed out his chest, “That was not my intention! The contrarian nature of the book was designed to bring us together. The angst of the story was the binding glue, not meant to sedate the death wishes of others!”
“Wow! You’re really taking in too much pride, over some silly murder book.” She leaned closer, her face near his. She spread out an arm, “I like your book, because I got to kill all my friends! It was so depressing, that it ended up hilarious! As fictional me said, despair!” Her hand dropped, “Sometimes, people want to watch people better than them die. The reserve course is filled with those kinds of people! They’re literally here as financial padding!” Miss Enoshima cackled.
“I-I don’t know what you’re getting at, Miss Enoshima. While literature is often misinterpreted, mine is no ‘Dead Dove, Do Not Eat’! It is more ‘Angst’, meant to act as ‘Fluff’. A work I created due to passion, and not as ‘Murder Porn’!”
“One, ew. Two, what are you so worried about? People want to watch us die. Big deal!” She scoffed, “Besides, wouldn’t it be hilarious if you sold this to the reserve course? They get to live vicariously through our deaths, and...Oh.” Her grin widened, until she started to squint. All teeth, “You should totally make our lil’ beta reader the protag!”
“Mister Hinata? The protagonist?” Hifumi was initially reluctant, but the more he thought about it, the better the idea sounded. Yes. They had the simulation, a rough idea of the deaths, and Miss Enoshima’s own presence! Yet, did they not have unresolved plot threads? No protagonist? And, with the reserve courses interest, a view into the world of Ultimate's from someone used to them...? Yes! This could work! His eyes lit up.
“Obviously! The reserve course gets their cake, we get our cake, and we get to see porcupine’s face once he sees what he’s reading! Oh, it’s gonna be priceless!” She gripped at her sides, and giggles escaped her lips. Miss Enoshima’s points, sans the last one, resonated with Hifumi. The story needed a central theme, and what better theme than the theme given to them? Stricken with this idea, he began to write.
“You’re right, Miss Enoshima! How did I not see it before?” His hand moved with fervor, “If we’re moving this story into the public eye, then that can be our connecting tissue! The topic! The basis of our second killing game!”
“Those students aren’t gonna know what hit ‘em!”
And with that, the two began to work on their draft. If not as personal to them, the story would still be great. As great as it could be with the writing prowess of Hifumi, and the hyperactive creativity of Miss Enoshima.
______
The next month was a busy one for both of them. Copies were printed, binded, and distributed throughout the school. Third years to first years, reserve course and Ultimate alike purchased the books. While school staff questioned some of their students' depictions, the school afforded enough leniency that they could continue selling them. So, the two did. They printed, distributed, and racked in the cash afforded to them. And, at Hifumi’s insistence, they put the cash towards making more books.
(“From the first year’s wing, a certain cosplayer couldn’t help but pick up her own copy. She read it with interest, and the gears within her mind churned.”)
(“‘What a stunning depiction! Truly, they overcame their obstacles with the talent afforded to an Ultimate!’ Another cried with interest. A nearby blonde told him to ‘Shut the hell up!’”)
(“’S-stupid, fake, t-trash book. This isn’t real l-literature.’ Close to their base of operations, a purple haired writer snarled at the book she was...hating reading? ‘S-stupid masses, s-stupid art, stupid prose and w-word choice...’”)
Finally, advertisements began to plaster the school. ‘Danganronpa, Goodbye Despair: Coming soon!’ The air buzzed with excitement, anticipation, theories and conversation. However, before the two could sell their book to the masses...they had to navigate to a higher classroom, on a floor above their own. A duffle filled with books between them.
“I can’t believe our beta reader wouldn’t come! And to the premiere of his protagonist debut. But no, it’s ‘Too intrusive! Why did you make me the protagonist, anyway? I hate this!’” Miss Enoshima readjusted her tote, “Never mind, I can totally buy it.”
“Mister Hinata may not be confident in this work, but I certainly am! Our act of early access should be well received.” Hifumi confidently puffed his chest, and approached the doorway to 77-B, “Now, let us show what we have done!”
He pushed open the doorway, and both he and Miss Enoshima entered.
“What? Huh?” Miss Owari stared at the doorway, confused, “Who’z are you two?”
“Salutations! We’ve come in peace.” Hifumi sat his duffel on a nearby desk.
“I wouldn’t call what we’ve written peaceful, but sure.” Miss Enoshima did the same.
“The ‘Danganronpa’ book?” Miss Nanami languidly blinked, and looked at the duffel bags, “I haven’t gotten to reading it, but my friend talked about it.”
“I-I don’t think I want to r-read it.” Miss Tsumiki mumbled, tapping her fingers together.
“Your writing was truly Ultimate worthy! The correlation of all their hope, in order to defeat the incarnation of despair? The method was unorthodox, but the message was uplifting!” Mister Komaeda lit up, “Have you brought more copies? Or...does this have something to do with your advertisements?”
“What an astute observation, Mister Komaeda! You are correct!” Hifumi positively perked up, and began emptying the bag of books, “This is the long-awaited sequel, to the much beloved Danganronpa!”
“Now, take your copies! I’m soooo excited to see your faces.” Miss Enoshima encouraged, practically frothing with glee. She shoved books into the hands of anyone nearby.
“Hey, h-hey! While I’m not going to deny your...gift, why exactly are you handing them out now? Isn’t your release date tomorrow?” Mister Soda questioned, as he stared at his book with trepidation.
In the background, Mister Komaeda’s eyes widened. He quickly grabbed a copy and began flipping through. Multiple others noticed, and a few began to flip through their own. Less excited, more confused.
“Wait...this is about us, isn’t it? Why am I four feet tall?!” Finally, Miss Saionji screeched at the top of her lungs. Anyone who hadn’t been given or grabbed a copy did so.
“Why is there a stuffed bunny?”
“Hajime’s the protagonist? Why?”
“A stupid fucking island? An island?!”
“EEEEHHHH!”
“We’ve been brainwiped!”
“Wait. Why’s Byakuya here? Ain’t he in 78?”
“He’s super massive! He must be eatin’ good.”
These sorts of reactions continued through most of the book, though they grew more extreme the farther people got. Shock, outrage, surprise, even delight. Hifumi smiled with pride, and Miss Enoshima stifled her cackles.
Then, once flipping through most of the book...they turned back to stare at the two, with expressions ranging from confusion to elation, all the way to anger.
“Why did you make Hajime the protagonist?” Miss Nanami was oddly serious, yet confused. Her words were quiet, and her brow was furrowed.
“We were going for something different, obviously! While we didn’t need to continue Danganronpa, I wanted to. So, with how much the reserve course loved the damn thing, why not make the lead one of them?” Miss Enoshima waved her off.
“And why did you let that stupid, smelly pigshit murder me?! That chapter was garbage!” Miss Saionji took offense to her untimely death, and crinkled her nose at the book. Tears gathered in the corners of her eyes.
“It was simple foreshadowing, Miss Saionji. However, coincidentally, Mister Hinata did not beta read that chapter.” Hifumi remembers how he looked upon their outline, with utter loathing.
“And why...did you murder my damn sister?! I’ll kill you!” Mister Kurzuyu, the brother to one Miss Kurzuyu, hissed with rage. Miss Pekoyama stood behind him, a glint in her eyes.
“Eeep!” Hifumi squeaked out, and began to flail about. And, like anyone in the presence of a protective brother, he made a beeline for the doorway. Mister Kurzuyu chased after, belting out swears and threats.
However, Hifumi could not help but feel a certain accomplishment. Both he and Miss Enoshima had written a series, born from a desire to express his appreciation. He had spent the past three months on it, had expressed his thoughts and ideas, and had worked his hands to the bone. Miss Enoshima’s passion had encouraged him, and his writing had inspired her. And, with the neat end of Goodbye Despair, there was nowhere else to go. A duology. That was all they needed.
Who needed a trilogy, when you had already created it all? So, despite all that had happened...he was content. He took his beating with pride.