'What would you think about this...' Hinata wished he could ask for their opinion, but it was an impossible wish. Conflict was churning within, whether or not to show mercy towards Komaeda. He did not want to bring harsh judgement on him, but if Komaeda was intent on harming someone, he'd have to be prepared to put him down. It felt wrong to even consider that. Killing someone, justifiable or not. 'I can't help but think that you'd give him a chance.'
If he could be reformed it would probably take some doing. But nothing was impossible. Luckily for Hajime, this decision wasn't his alone to make. He had the others opinions to consider as well.
After probing their feelings, it was made clear that Komaeda wasn't very liked. Popular opinion was that he be incarcerated in some way. Locked away, or tied up, it didn't really matter as long as he was restrained. Personal feelings aside, Hinata couldn't help but think that to be unfair. Being here on this island was a chance for a better life, a chance to change for the better. They all had equal right to this opportunity.
"After we find him, we can see out what his intentions are. We'll make a decision then."
"So you're willing to let him walk around unattended?" Sonia was the first to respond, her question speaking for them collectively. The others said noting, waiting for an answer.
"We don't have to be accustomed to death anymore." the rebuttal struck a vein of guilt in everyone, even himself. "I want to believe he knows that as well."
"And if he doesn't care about that, what then." Fuyuhiko spoke next.
"Then we deal with him. Without anyone getting hurt."
"And you can assure that? Nobody would get hurt at all?" Soda voiced his doubts. "Him included?"
"I think I know how I can reason with him. Convince him to behave." Hinata received a few looks of concern. "I'll talk to him alone-"
"No! I mean...I... That's dangerous, ain't it?" Akane sprung at the chance to oppose his idea. She was worried for his safety, that worry only strengthened by his lack of reassurance.
"It'll be okay." was all he could think to say.
"And when did you plan on doing this?" Fuyuhiko interrupted.
"I don't know..."
That was a lie. He played his cards close to his chest, to keep the others uninvolved in his plan. He said he wanted to talk to Komaeda, but he didn't mention that it wouldn't be on his own terms. He wasn't planning on finding him, he was planning on being found. He figured, that if he wandered the island alone and in the dead of night, it might give Komaeda the urge to attack.
"Let's just leave this discussion for another time." Hinata wanted to kill the conversation. Nightfall was upon them, and he had his mind set on acting on his plan tonight. "Who's on watch tonight?"
"That'd be us." Kazuichi said, and arm resting on Akane's shoulder. Inside, Hajime smiled, an opportunity presenting itself.
"Kazuichi, why don't I sit in for you instead? I'm feeling wide awake." another lie. He hadn't been sleeping well as of late, and was feeling especially worn out today.
"You don't have to ask me twice!" Soda wasted no time in taking the offer. Flashing his sharky grin, he clapped his hands together before waltzing over to his bed. Throwing himself onto his blankets, he raised a thumb up before shouting, "Thanks, Hajime!"
"It's no problem at all."
"Hm?" something didn't feel right. She tried to keep her eyes shut, to rest like he had offered. While she would like to continue her relaxing, a nagging feeling in her gut just wouldn't go away. Her nose even started twitching, and that was when she finally noticed. A familiar scent had suddenly disappeared.
"Hajime?" her eyes opened to see that he was gone. She sprung up in an instant, slowly moving around the room, quietly calling his name. To no avail she continued poking around, nervousness starting to kick in. "Hajime!"
"Huh!" Fuyuhiko's body shot up, startled by Akane's sudden shout. His head swiveled back and forth, slowly and still half asleep. He started falling asleep again, still sitting up, before he was startled once again by her shouting. "What's...what's going...on?"
He stood up, eyes fluttering, trying to jumpstart himself awake. Dragging himself along, he bumped into a few of the pods as he walked to the source of the noise.
"Akane?...The hell are you shouting for?"
"He told me I could take a break so I did! My eyes were only closed for a few minutes, and he disappeared!"
"He's probably just outside..." he groaned, struggling to keep his eyes open. Sluggishly, he shuffled over to the rooms double doors and lightly gripped one of the handles. There was immediate resistance when he tugged at the handle as the sound of rattling metal came from the other side. "Goddamn piece of...there's something blocking the door."
He started pulling at the door with more force, Akane joining him by grabbing the other handle. Neither door still wouldn't budge, only thrashing in place as they struggled.
"What's with all the nooiiiiiseeeeee!?" an annoyed shout came from Soda across the room. He and Sonia were awoken by the racket being made by the shaking door, to which they both approached slowly. "What're you two doing?"
"Hajime is gone, and we're locked in..." Fuyuhiko mumbled, wiping a line of drool off of his face.
"I need you guys to wake up!" Akane shouted, clapping her hands over and over.
"What were you doing, wandering around by yourself? Don't you know how dangerous that could be?"
"I was looking for you."
"Really? Then my luck must be as reliable as ever! I've been waiting for a chance like this, but you've all been keen in making sure something like this didn't happen. I'm sorry about your head, by the way. But not that much."
"We need to talk."
"Don't think you can demand anything from me. You're the one tied up, after all. Ahahah...maybe this will be easier than I thought. And I figured that you would give me the most trouble."
"I don't want any trouble."
"Oh? Then tell me what it is that you do want."
"I just want to prove to you, that we can live here together...free from despair."
