Fuyuhiko's head bowed as he sat next to Peko's capsule, touching the glass with one hand. It had been a few months since his classmates had awoken from their long coma. Everyone had woken up, except for Peko.

Kazuichi was on his way to the dining hall and saw the door slightly open. He peeked in and saw Fuyuhiko resting his head against the glass. His eyes softened and walked in quietly. He touched a hand on his friend's shoulder.

"C'mon man, you haven't been eating for days," Kazuichi said. "Everyone has been worrying about you y'know. Even Hiyoko."

"She could wake up anytime and I want to be there when that happens," Fuyuhiko mumbled.

Kazuichi sighs. "Dude, you've been saying this for 6 months now. She's not gonna wake up-"

Fuyuhiko stood up and grabbed Kazuichi's collar and screamed, "DON'T YOU FUCKING SAY THAT! DON'T YOU DARE! DO YOU DOUBT HER KAZUICHI!? DO YOU!?"

Silence rang through the room. Fuyuhiko let go and slumped back into his chair.

"Sorry... I... shouldn't have yelled like that..." Fuyuhiko said softly.

"Nah, I'm the one who should be saying sorry. I know you too were close and I can see that. After all, she is your swordswoman," Kazuichi grinned.

Kazuichi laughed which made Fuyuhiko roll his eyes. He turned back to Peko and saw her peaceful expression through the green-stained glass.

"Hey, how about I bring ya some food?" Kazuichi said.

Fuyuhiko nodded, then was left all alone again with Peko. He looked to the side where her belongings were and saw her sword. He crouched down and picked it up.

Memories of her flooded back to him. His mind replayed all their time together. From training to walks through the city. He remembered her oh so subtle smile and occasional laugh. Her beautiful hair and those red eyes that Fuyuhiko used to look into back then. When they were still children, before Hope's Peak.

His fingers traced the tiny carvings in the blade. He noticed the symbolic flowers that represented Peko. They were patterned in a way that only applied to her. She was a definitely unique individual. But, had a loyal and devoted heart.

Fuyuhiko clutched the sword to his chest and leaned his head against the capsule.

"Hey Peko. I just wanted you to know that I... Well, I love you," Fuyuhiko smiled. "I hope you understand how much I care about you. You, were never a tool to me. I don't know how many times I need to keep saying that. You're a devoted woman who has managed to keep me safe throughout this shitty life I've lived."

"I wish I... could've protected you. Y'know, back in the game. If I wasn't so damn weak you wouldn't have gotten..." He paused. "Never mind, um, I just wanted to let you know I've gotten stronger! I've been training for you!"

"Anyways Peko, I pray that you wake up. It may take a few more days, weeks, even years. But, just promise me one day, that you'll wake up and give me the tightest hug. Please promise me that, ok Peko?" Fuyuhiko's eyes started to get wet and his vision became blurry. "W-What the fuck? Am I crying?"

They began to trickle down his cheek and down his face. They landed onto his hands and then, onto the capsule. More kept coming. He couldn't stop.

"D-Damn, I look so fucking vulnerable right now eh Peko?" Fuyuhiko laughed softly to himself.

That's when he heard a loud click. His focus turned back to the capsule, slowly opening. Fuyuhiko watched as Peko slowly sit up.

He felt numb. Completely in shock. After 6 months, his partner had finally woken up. The last one to arrive.

Peko rubbed her eyes then slowly blinked, adjusting her eyes to the light. She turned and saw Fuyuhiko, who had dropped the sword and ran to her.

"Young Mas-"

"PEKO!" Fuyuhiko cried out. "Y-You're awake!"

He threw his hands around her and held onto her tightly. Hesitantly, Peko returned it with a tight squeeze. Fuyuhiko cried into her hair as Peko laughed cheerfully.

"Peko... you're finally awake..." Fuyuhiko mumbled.

"Indeed I am, Young Master," Peko replied. "I'm guessing I'm the last one?"

"Damn right you are," Fuyuhiko laughed.

They stayed like that for a while before hurried footsteps started to get closer.

"Hey, Fuyuhiko! I brought you some foo- WHOA, HEY! WHAT THE HELL!? PEKO'S AWAKE!!" Kazuichi screamed.

Peko let go of Fuyuhiko and looked at her mechanic friend and smiled.

"I certainly am Kazuichi," She said.

"OH MY GOD IT IS YOU! HOLY BE-JEEBERS I GOTTA TELL THE CREW!" Kazuchi panics as he runs back to the dining hall.

Once he was gone, the couple shared a laugh.

"Well, I guess someone missed me," Peko chuckled.

"Yeah..." Fuyuhiko said. "We all missed you."

"I'm sorry for not being there for you I just-"

Fuyuhiko kissed her forehead. "You're fine Peko."

They both blush and look to the side.

"Hey, do you think you can stand up?" He asks.

"We can try," She replies.

Peko slowly got off the bed with Fuyuhiko's help. Her stance was not as strong as before but was pretty good for someone who had been a 1 year coma. To their surprise, Fuyuhiko was an inch taller than Peko.

"Wow Young Master, you really have grown," Peko smiled.

"S-Shut up..." Fuyuhiko muttered. "Here, let me help you walk."

It was a bit wobbly at first. But, with Fuyuhiko's help, she had gotten the hang of it.

"You ready to see the others?" He asks.

Peko nodded.

And with that, the two walked side by side together. Like they always did.

+

I might be getting into Danganronpa again.. so... watch out for any new updates...

This chapter was inspired by a KuzuPeko animatic that I saw a long time ago that still makes me cry to this day.

Long live KuzuPeko! 💕