The mask was pale yellow, with red accents trimming the edge. Perfect for the evening in which Nagito Komaeda would meet all his new classmates. However, he wasn’t allowed to actually meet them, as the ball was meant for anonymity. Everyone in the ballroom would be attending Hope’s Peak, and everyone would have a Super High School Level…

For one night, he could pretend he fit in with them, and they wouldn’t be bothered by his cheated and talentless presence. Komaeda could dance, talk and drink with his idols under this mask.

Slipping it over his head and eyes, he got out of the car and walked down towards the ball. He noticed other masked students arriving, and his heart beat a little faster. When he reached the grand building, the butlers (who were also masked) held open the doors for him to pass. It was easy to tell this event was set up by the rich and prestigious. He showed his invitation with a smile.

The ballroom was bigger than Komaeda expected. Dimmed chandeliers hung from the ceiling, stained ornate windows lined the walls, and countless formally-dressed and masked students stood around in groups, drinking, dancing and chatting.

Although he tried to shake the feeling of being out of place, Komaeda couldn’t bring himself to strike up a conversation with anyone. Instead, he picked up a drink and stood watching people dance.

There was a short blonde girl twirling with a pink mask. Another girl was surrounded by boys, wearing a red mask and a green dress. One boy was wearing a full-faced purple mask, laughing wildly at another student’s joke. Everyone seemed to be having a good time, and it made Komaeda smile to himself.

He soon spotted someone else who was isolated. Their long, black hair made it difficult to tell their gender, but the suit gave Komaeda a clue. They wore a black mask over their eyes with red accents.

This student must’ve felt Komaeda’s gaze, because they turned to look at him. I need to stop drawing attention to myself, he thought, quickly directing his eyes away. When he looked up again, the student was approaching.

“Good evening.” The dark-haired student spoke sharply. Komaeda decided they were a boy.

“Ah, hello there. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable at all…” He was very glad for the mask to cover his colouring cheeks.

The boy simply made a ‘tch’ sound, before leaning on the wall beside Komaeda, looking out over the other students.

“I have never been fond of social gatherings. Or perhaps, maybe I once was,” he said cryptically, causing Komaeda to look back at him. Under the mask, he could see his eyes were red.

“I haven’t been to many myself, but…I like to see everyone else enjoying themselves,” Komaeda replied, gesturing to the people dancing to the lively music. When the other boy didn’t respond, he offered him a smile.

“I don’t see the appeal,” He said flippantly, taking a sip of his drink.

“I suppose its better when you’re having fun too,” Komaeda tried, “Even in such a big and amazing event, where you have to introduce yourself from under a mask, and you’re meeting the world’s most talented teenagers who will soon be your classmates!”

By now, the strange boy was staring at him. The glint of red under his mask was trained directly on Komaeda, making him feel uneasy.

“I’m sorry, I’m very excited about coming to the school,” He apologised, avoiding eye contact.

“Nagito Komaeda.”

“Huh? Y-you know my name? I’d hoped this would be more anonymous…” The white haired boy laughed nervously. The other boy was still staring, and now he knew his name.

“Dance with me.” He said it like a command, and Komaeda’s first instinct was to accept. He nodded, taking his offered hand, leading them both to the dance floor.

I’m going to embarrass myself, I don’t know how to dance! Komaeda’s thoughts were all over the place.  Why had the strange student wanted to dance with him? They should at least get to know each other first…

Luckily, both of their dancing was clumsy and offbeat. The other guests weren’t paying them much attention. Komaeda was even starting to enjoy himself, until he noticed that his dance partner had yet to smile. His eyes still unnerved him, too.

After a few minutes more, the long-haired boy leaned forward closer. A light blush spread over Komaeda’s skin under the mask.

“Get out of here while you can,” He whispered suddenly, making Komaeda frown.

“I thought I was starting to have fun…”

“No, you need to. Something very bad is going to happen soon, and it’s going to take all these students with it. Save yourself,” His voice grew more intense and Komaeda’s heart skipped a beat.

“I don’t understand. How do you know? Who are you?”

They had stopped dancing, but the boy kept a grip on Komaeda.

“Super High School Level Despair.”

He said it so quietly, Komaeda was sure if he’d misheard. Despite that, the continuous red stare of this student sent icy chills down his spine. Despair, in a place for hope?

Not wanting to argue with such a scary person, Komaeda took a few steps back. The Despair student didn’t move. He turned through the other students, and walked calmly out of the door. Every part of Komaeda thought it was a bad idea, but he left anyway.