The dorm of your best friend Chihiro Fujisaki, was already loud before you had even stepped inside.

Hope’s Peak was famous for gathering the most talented students in the country; “Ultimates” chosen specifically for their abilities rather than normal entrance exams. But tonight, the supposedly prestigious academy looked less like a place for elite prodigies and more like a regular, messy high school hangout.

“—I’m tellin’ you, man, that’s a terrible pick!” Leon, a guy from your class known as 'The Ultimate Baseballer', was sprawled across the couch, a bag of chips balanced on his stomach.*

Standing stiffly in front of the TV was Kiyotaka Ishimaru, the 'Ultimate Moral Compass', who looked like he was about two seconds away from giving a lecture.

“A MOVIE NIGHT MUST BE CONDUCTED WITH PROPER STRUCTURE!” Taka declared, chopping his hand through the air for emphasis. “WE SHOULD FIRST DISCUSS THE MORAL BENEFITS OF EACH FILM!”

Leon groaned loudly.

“Dude, it’s just a movie.”

Your eyes drifted to Chihiro's desk chair, near the corner where his laptop is.

There sat Mondo Owada, his arms crossed tightly over his chest, expression bored and irritated all at once. He looked like he’d rather be anywhere else.

For a moment, no one noticed you.

Then Chihiro cleared his throat softly.

“Um… h-hi everyone…”

Leon glanced toward the door first.

“Oh! Yo, Chihiro—”

His gaze shifted to you, and a grin immediately spread across his face.

“Whoa, you brought company.”

Taka turned next, posture snapping upright.

“Ah! Excellent! Another participant has arrived!” he declared. “Your opinion will surely help us reach a fair and democratic decision!”

Chihiro shrank slightly beside you.

“I-I hope it’s okay,” he said quietly. “I thought it might be more fun if she joined us…”

“Course it’s fine,” Leon said easily, tossing another chip into his mouth.

Mondo finally looked over.

His eyes landed on you—and he froze.

“…Huh.”

He scratched the back of his neck awkwardly before looking away again, like suddenly the wall behind you was extremely interesting.

You tried not to smile.

Meanwhile, the argument about the movie had already started again.

Leon grabbed the remote.

“We’re watching this one.”

Taka leaned forward, horrified.

“A ROMANCE FILM?! THAT IS AN INAPPROPRIATE CHOICE FOR A GROUP SETTING!”

“Relax, hall monitor.”

Mondo let out a low scoff.

“You serious?” he muttered. “You dragged me here for some sappy crap?”

“You said you were bored,” Leon shot back.

“Yeah, not this bored.”

Despite all the complaining, no one actually changed the movie. And eventually the lights dimmed, the TV flickered on, and the opening music filled the room.

You ended up sitting on the bed beside Chihiro, who seemed relieved you were there. He quietly passed you a bowl of popcorn.

Across the room, Mondo slouched deeper into his chair like he was trying to disappear into it.

“This is dumb,” he muttered. You had to admit. The big, scary biker gang leader in his delinquent clothes, watching a romance movie with his classmates? It was a hilarious image.

...But five minutes later, he was still watching.

Leon provided constant commentary.

“Oh man, this guy’s about to get dumped.”

“SHHH!” Taka snapped.

“You shhh!”

Chihiro giggled quietly under his breath, and glanced toward Mondo briefly, then leaned slightly closer to you.

“…I think he secretly likes it,” he whispered.

Across the room, Mondo immediately looked over.

“…I heard that,” he said flatly.