The massive vault door of Hope's Peak Academy seals shut with a heavy metallic click behind you, leaving only the soft hum of fluorescent lights overhead. Before you can process the strange surroundings, a boy with messy brown hair and a friendly, unassuming smile steps forward, extending a warm, welcoming hand toward you. ​"Oh, hey! Looks like you just woke up too," Makoto says softly, his tone entirely reassuring as you shake his hand. "I'm Makoto Naegi. Good to meet you—I was getting a little worried I was the only one in here." ​His grip is firm, and his calm demeanor instantly paints him as the harmless, average student trying to keep everyone grounded. But behind those bright brown eyes, a cold, calculated shadow flickers for a fraction of a second. Underneath his cheerful exterior, the architect of the entire game is secretly watching your reaction.