Legend:
Narration/Description
Italicized - Umeko's thoughts
[CG] Description [CG]
[CG] End [CG]
[[flashback]]

FTEs: Ichiro / Yoshihiki

[Track: watch?v=8ZP8Sw2DiP0]

Fukumi: [shocked] Our s-second motive…?

Monokuma: [rests one paw behind his head] That's right! Your first motive was the flies, and while they didn't manage to break any of you, they certainly helped Nagatomo with his devious plan! This time, your new motive is the ferocious Beast!

Monokuma dropped his voice an octave lower, and leaned in almost conspiratorially.

Monokuma: Right now...there's a Beast roaming this section of the Village. It's vicious, and absolutely brutal! Don't let it catch you, because it could rip you to pieces!

Fukumi: [excited] No way!

Samira: [angry] How is that a motive?

Monokuma: [rests one paw behind his head] Simple! As long as no one murders anyone else, the Beast is allowed to roam free! And you might just end up his next victim! Upupu...

Kaori: [worried] Next...victim?

Monokuma: [rests one paw behind his head] The Beast won't be dealt with until another murder has been committed. And for every day a murder doesn't occur, the Beast's thirst for blood will only continue to grow...

Eizo: [worried] That doesn't make any sense! You want us to kill one another, but you've introduced a new card into the deck! What if this 'Beast' thing kills one of us first? [accusatory] And for the record, that sounds like complete rubbish! A 'beast' roaming the village? That's ridiculous!

Monokuma: [giggling] Upupu...trust me, it's real! And it's hungry! Hungry...for blood!

Taro: [scared] Ahhhhh!

Miyumi: [scared] Eeeek!

Monokuma: [rests one paw behind his head] Let me just tell you: I have no control over the Beast. If he kills one of you, don't say I didn't warn you! But hey, if you don't want to end up as the Beast's victim, the best insurance policy is: to kill someone! In here, it's KILL or BE KILLED. [laughing] I promise: I'll call the Beast off when someone is murdered! But until then...best to keep looking over your shoulders at all times! You never know when it might...pounce!

Monokuma cackled and ran off again.

Miyumi: [distressed] This...this can't be real!

Eizo: [distressed] Now, guys, everyone just...calm down…

Samira: [angry] Calm down? You heard what he said! There's a wild animal or 'beast' of some kind lurking around here somewhere…!

Eizo: [distressed] He's...he's gotta be lying! I haven't seen anything like that so far!

Taro: [nervous] Wh-What if it's h-h-hiding somewhere…? W-W-Waiting...for the moment to str-str-strike-

Yoshihiki: [excited] Bahhhh!

Taro nearly jumped a foot in the air as Yoshihiki yelled into his ear, scaring the living daylights out of him.

Taro: [scared] Ahhhh!

Yoshihiki: [laughing] Hehe! Careful not to let the Beast get you, Taro!

Samira: [angry] Would you stop mucking about? This is serious!

Eizo: [distressed] Listen...this is Monokuma we're talking about. Are we really gonna take him at his word?

Kaori: [sad] He has no reason to lie to us. If this really is his next motive for us…

Eizo: [annoyed] That's ridiculous! He has to be lying. Even just by calling it a 'Beast', he's being deliberately vague. Monokuma's just trying to scare one of us into submission. That's all.

Taro: [scared] B-B-But what if it's r-r-real? L-Like a w-w-wild animal or s-something…?

Mordecai: [excited] In that case, we must slay this vile 'Beast' before it can harm us! If I had my crossbow, the fearsome creature would stand no chance against my-

Wakako: [annoyed] Well, you don't have your crossbow, do you?

Mordecai: [disappointed] Hmph...I suppose not.

Shizuko: [accusatory] Well, so much for that. You're just as defenseless as the rest of us!

Mordecai: [excited] No matter! I shall simply wrestle the creature when it appears! I will vanquish it with my own fists, crossbow or no crossbow!

Miyumi: [shocked] You're going to fight the Beast without a weapon?!

Mordecai: [snide] My body is the Ultimate Weapon! I am an unbeatable warrior back in my hometown! There is no man or creature that can match me!

Ichiro: [annoyed] Well, at least you're modest.

Eizo: [angry] D-Don't be hasty, Mordecai. We don't even know if this Beast really exists...and even if it did, I'm not permitting you to go off on your own to try and vanquish it by yourself!

Fukumi: [accusatory] Yeah! Eizo's right!

Eizo: [shocked] Oh...th-thank you, Fuku-

Fukumi: [excited] Because if anyone's gonna take on this Beast, it's gonna be ME!

Eizo: [disappointed] …Whaaat?!

Mordecai: [shocked] You?

Fukumi: [excited] Of course! What more daredevilish conquest would there be than to be the one to take down this fearsome 'Beast'? That Beast is mine!

Mordecai: [accusatory] Nonsense! You're just a civilian! A true warrior like me is best suited to such a task-

Fukumi: [accusatory] Nuh-uh! True warrior, schmue schmarrior! I'm gonna take him down before you!

Mordecai: [accusatory] Not if I get to it first!

Fukumi: [accusatory] Oh no, you don't! Because I-

Eizo: [angry] Shut up! Seriously! Why are you two competing over this? Look, guys, just because we're out of the inn now, it doesn't mean anything's changed!

Shizuko: [annoyed] What do you mean? Everything's changed! For one, we're not stuck in that crummy little hovel anymore!

Eizo: [angry] No, what I mean is…[worried] We're still in this together, as a team.

Ichiro: [snide] Hmph.

Eizo: [annoyed] We are! Don't you give me that 'hmph', young man! Look, we just...have different living conditions now. We just need to keep looking for ways out, and wait.

Shizuko: [annoyed] Wait? Wait for what? It's been a week, two of us are dead, and no one's come for us! [disappointed] I can only imagine how concerned my fans back home must be...I do hope they don't go sick with worry…

Ichiro: [annoyed] Your concern is truly touching.

Fukumi: [disappointed] I don't know if I'm being naive or optimistic here but…[excited] I'm down with what Eizo said! Let's not give up hope!

Eizo: Heh. Yes. Thank you, Fukumi.

Fukumi: [excited] So does this mean I can join Miyumi in the bakery-

Eizo: [distressed] No! Never!

Fukumi: [disappointed] Aw, man…

Ichiro: [annoyed] So, what? We just carry on like nothing's ever happened?

Eizo: [distressed] The plan hasn't changed. We're still going to have to get used to living together as a group...

There were a few moans and groans from the group.

Wakako: [sad] What's the point? We just went from one helpless situation to another…

Azuma: Quiet down, everyone. Just listen to Eizo first.

Wakako: [angry] Yeah, shut up, everyone! Eizo's trying his best here!

Eizo: [nervous] Ahem. Look, I get it...we all hoped to get out of here but things got from bad to worse. But! As long as we don't give in to what Monokuma wants, we're sticking it to him!

Samira: [accusatory] That's right! Nagatomo was a weakling but we're stronger than that! We're all better than that, right?

Hanako: We should prepare plans and schedules again, just like last time.

Eizo: Excellent. We'll retain the kitchen duty from last time, but I think we should have our meals someplace else…

Fukumi: [excited] How's about the bakery? I can bake a mean-

Eizo: [distressed] NO.

Kaori: [bored] I suppose...the amphitheatre should be a good spot. What do you think, Buddy?

Buddy barked happily, wagging his tail.

Eizo: I spotted a grill in the General Store. We can set it up, and cook out in the open and we can eat and have our daily meetings there.

Hanako: One more thing...

Eizo: [shocked] Huh? What is it?

Hanako: The night shifts. We should do away with them.

Eizo: [shocked] What?

Shizuko: [snide] But they were so flawless!

Hanako: [annoyed] I don't see the point of continuing them, given how easily Nagatomo was able to twist them to his advantage. And to keep everyone up the whole night and risk them passing out in places they're not supposed to have been sleeping...especially now, in the cold...it's not a good idea. And...with the supposed threat of the 'Beast'...maybe it's for the best we all stay indoors at night.

Eizo: [disappointed] Yeah...good point. Alright. We should all choose a cottage we like and move in. I think we can take our nameplates from the inn and use them in place here.

Wakako: [excited] Ooh! Azuma! We can be neighbors now! At long last!

Azuma: [embarrassed] Uh…great.

Yoshihiki: [playful] …

Wakako: [angry] Oh, no, don't you dare even think about it!

Yoshihiki: [playful] What? I didn't say anything.

Wakako: [accusatory] But you were thinking it! You better stay far far away from me! It was because you tried so hard to get to me that I switched rooms with Nagatomo in the first place!

Yoshihiki: [playful] Oh, don't worry. I think I found someone even more fun to prank than you.

Taro: [scared] Wh-What? Pl-Please don't! I can only t-t-t-take so much…!

Miyumi: [angry] Hey, you leave Taro alone! [as Dr. Creeper] Come near him and I'll make you pay!

Yoshihiki: [playful] I'm shaking in my boots.

Well...it's like Eizo said. Life...goes on.

It feels weird, to move on with two of our number down and with our surroundings completely changed. But...it's still us - still the same group of people - and still the same crappy situation…

Kill to get out…

We can't ever do that. We can't give in like Nagatomo did! We can't have another killing!

And this talk about...the Beast…

Unless I see actual proof of its existence, I firmly believe it has to be Monokuma trying to bamboozle us...he wants to trick us into turning on each other again by throwing a real threat in the mix, and just like with the flies, he'll only get rid of it when we give in to his demands.

But we can't! We can't let him corrupt us and turn us into selfish killers again! We have to be strong...we have to be…

The group dispersed. A few people hung around, whereas others went to call dibs on their preferred cottages.

I guess I oughta do the same…

[Talk to: Ichiro]

Ichiro: [annoyed] Ngh…

Umeko: What's the matter? You don't look too happy.

Ichiro: [annoyed] This isn't going to work out.

Umeko: Huh?

Ichiro: [annoyed] One of us has already killed. It's only a matter of time until someone else gets the same idea in their head.

Umeko: Come on...there's no point to being suspicious of others now. We have to just trust in the group and we'll make it through this.

Ichiro: [annoyed] Big groups like these will never last.

Umeko: Don't you want to believe in the team?

Ichiro: [annoyed] There's never been a team to believe in me, so excuse me for not wanting to give a group this big the benefit of the doubt.

He's a pessimistic one, for sure.

[Talk to: Fukumi and Eizo]

Fukumi: [sad] Aw, come on! Pwetty pwease, Eizo? Pweaaase…? I promise I won't make as big of a mess as I made the last time! Honest!

Eizo: [annoyed] 'No' means 'No', Fukumi - with a big capital 'N'. I'm not having another Hell's Kitchen disaster on my hands.

Fukumi: [disappointed] But Miyumi could always use an extra hand in the kitchen! I want to try my hand at baking too!

Eizo: You're right. I'm sure Miyumi wouldn't mind an extra hand, but with you, she'd only end up having her hands be even more full.

I think I'll leave these two to their discussion…

[Talk to: Mordecai]

Mordecai: You know, where I come from, the days are long and swelteringly hot, and the nights are unbearably chilly.

Umeko: Mhm.

Mordecai: Yet, the villages I have been in have always been bustling with activity. This place feels, in contrast, so...barren...and devoid of life. [uncomfortable] Truly unsettling…

He held a hand up to the sky and caught a falling snowflake on his palm.

Mordecai: This is the first time I have ever come into contact with...snow.

Umeko: Really?

Mordecai: Does that surprise you?

Umeko: I can't exactly say much about it since I don't even remember if I've seen snow before or live where there's winter. But I would've thought you'd've seen it before, at least.

Mordecai: Where I come from, we do not have this… 'snow'. [disappointed] It is quite a shame. This… 'snow'...does look quite delightful.

Umeko: Well...with so much time to pass here...maybe you can get to know how snow feels and works a little bit more. Maybe we can get some of the others to partake in a snowball fight or something…

Mordecai: [shocked] A...A fight? You wish to participate in violence, for fun? I had no idea your culture was just as violent as mine...

Umeko: Uh...not exactly. You see, it's a fight, but with...snowballs.

Mordecai: …

Umeko: Balls...of snow.

Mordecai: …

Umeko: They're harmless. You just...grab a handful of snow and...mould it into a ball that'll fit in the palm of your hand, like this.

I showed him how to do it, and judging by the expression on his face, it was like I'd just performed magic.

Mordecai: [shocked] Diabolical! We can create weapons of mass destruction with only this deceptively docile fluff?

Umeko: Uhh… 'weapons of mass destruction' is a bit of a stretch but...y'know, people have snowball fights in the winter for...fun, I guess. You just...throw it at your friends, and try not to get hit. Come to think of it, maybe playing with you would be a bad idea. You are the SHSL Marksman after all, and if there's anything I've learnt from playing darts with you...it's that you have crazy-good accuracy. It's like dodgeball, but with...well, with snow.

Mordecai: [excited] What an incredible development! I must harness this newfound knowledge and use it only for good and never for evil!

Umeko: ...Right. We could play a couple games later to show you. I can think of a few people who would be interested to join, like Fukumi for sure. Good luck getting the sourpusses like Ichiro and Shizuko to participate, though.

Mordecai: [excited] No matter! If they reject my invitation, I shall pelt them with these 'balls of snow' until they submit to my will!

Umeko: ...On second thought, maybe we should just stick to making snowmen.

Mordecai: [shocked] Snowmen? Men...made out of snow? We can create life with just this deceptively delicate mush? This 'snow' is truly a magical element! [excited] I shall build myself an army of 'snowmen' to aid me in this 'snowball fight'! It will be a war hard-fought and once again, I, Mordecai Fisher, will emerge victorious!

I never know what Mordecai's gonna spout from his mouth at any time, but I can always guarantee it'll be completely ridiculous and totally outlandish.

That being said...having a snowball fight with him sounds like it'd be the most intense game of snowball fighting ever, not just because of his zeal but because of his deadeye aim.

But maybe a game like that would help the group bond, especially given that a certain few people have been acting like outsiders. After the tragic events of yesterday...we need a way to brighten the mood around here to give people hope.

[Talk to: Samira]

Samira: [thoughtful] I have to say, I spent a lot of my time in the inn thinking up ways to break down that damn door.

Umeko: Yeah?

Samira: [thoughtful] I could never figure how that one dumb door stayed so solid. Now that we're out of that place...there's no difference. If anything, things have gotten even worse. We've got an unknown Beast situation on our hands, and the door's upgraded to an impenetrable wall and an electric gate. This really is going from the frying pan and into the fire…

Umeko: Does it almost make you wish to be back in the inn?

Samira: No. We would've gotten nowhere, stuck in there. Of course, I'm not saying I'm glad Nagatomo and Kenji are dead but...if it happened, it happened, and now we're out here. That means we're making progress to figuring out our situation.

Umeko: Our situation?

Samira: Like, who is the organization behind all this? How did Nagatomo know about them? Why did they kidnap us, specifically, a class of SHSL Students from Hope's Peak? That's a lot of unanswered questions still.

Umeko: I doubt being out here in the freezing cold will lead to some answers.

Samira: [disappointed] At least it's a change in pace. [excited] Oh, and how could I forget?

Umeko: Forget what?

Samira: [happy] The best part of being out here is that I've got an even bigger canvas for my art! There are plenty of walls to work on! You people see streets and houses and shops, but all I see are potential masterpieces.

Umeko: Heh. Well, I'm glad at least you're getting something fun out of this change in environment.

[Move to: Cottages]

[Talk to: Azuma and Wakako]

Wakako: [happy] Look, Azuma! This cottage looks perfect! Look at the decor! The wallpaper, the cozy environment, the view...it's hella adorbs. Best of all: I'll be right next door!

Azuma: [bored] Huh? Oh, cool. That's great.

Wakako: [excited] And there's no idiot prankster to ruin it this time! It'll just be me…[playful] and you...

He met my eyes and I stifled a laugh when I saw his silent plea for help.

I guess I'll take the house on Azuma's right, then…

[Talk to: Kaori]

Kaori was crouching by the steps of her chosen cottage, and giving Buddy a belly-rub as the latter rolled around in the snow.

Umeko: Having fun?

Kaori: Buddy certainly is. This is good for him. He was getting antsy, being cooped up in the inn all the time. Out here, at least, he can run and jump and play fetch - the fresh air will do him good. And at least now, he can sleep in my room with me instead of downstairs by the Lounge.

The most words I ever hear come out of Kaori's mouth are all related to Buddy...

Umeko: As unsettling as this place is for an entire village to feel so empty...it might almost be a nice place to stay and vacation in if not for the circumstances...

I was hit with the sudden fear of what Monokuma might've done to get all the residents out. Would it be wishful thinking to hope he simply chased them out peacefully? Or...did he use violence in any way, shape or form to get them to leave?

Were they forced out? Threatened? Or...simply killed?

No. I quickly shook that thought away. I hadn't seen any signs of struggle around. I was reminded vaguely of how Kenji's body had been taken away and the Rec Room so quickly cleaned up and restored to its original state. But no, an entire village would be much tougher to fix, surely. There was no point in assuming the worst.

[Talk to: Shizuko]

Shizuko: [disappointed] Ugh! I can't believe I'm expected to live here among the common folk like a...like a…

Umeko: ...Commoner?

Shizuko: [snide] It's almost like you pulled the word right out of my mouth.

Umeko: Have you ever shot a scene in these conditions? You know...like in snowy areas, or...

Shizuko: [annoyed] What kind of question is that?

Umeko: Oh, sorry, I just-

Shizuko: [annoyed] Of course I have!

Umeko: Hm?

Shizuko: [snide] I'm the SHSL Actress. There's no scene I've not shot before! No role too tough to play! I've done it all…

No scene she's never shot? I quickly pushed the idea that had popped into my head right out.

[Talk to: Taro and Miyumi]

Miyumi: [happy] Hey Taro. We should be neighbors now!

Taro: [nervous] Oh, h-h-heh…[happy] Sure, okay! Wh-Which cottage did you w-w-w-want?

Miyumi: [excited] I want that one! With the fancy porch! It looks so pretty and posh - I'll feel like a princess ascending the steps to my castle!

Umeko: I see you two are getting along…

Taro: [nervous] Aha...pl-please don't pay any m-mind to what Yoshihiki said earlier. He's just spr-spreading rumors and g-g-gossip for the fun of it! There's nothing b-b-bad going on between Miyumi and me!

Umeko: I never said there was.

Taro: [happy] Oh...okay, th-that's good…

Miyumi: [happy] This cottage would be perfect for me and my dolls! [as Ms. Shortcake] And it's a short distance away to the bakery! [as Dr. Creeper] You're celebrating too much. You've probably just jinxed yourselves because the only thing that can ruin this is-

Yoshihiki: [excited] Dibs on the one next door!

Miyumi: [annoyed] No! [as Dr. Creeper] Told you...mwahahaha!

Taro: [nervous] I g-g-g-guess I'll take the c-cottage on your other side, M-Miyumi...

Miyumi: [annoyed] Ugh, can't you just leave us alone?

Yoshihiki: [playful] Oooh, there's a 'us' now, huh…?

Miyumi holds Nico up to her ear, as if the dummy is whispering a secret to her.

Miyumi: [as Nico] [whispering] We don't like him the most out of all… [as herself] [whispering] Yeah. I agree. He's awful! The absolute worst!

[Talk to: Hanako]

Umeko: You alright, Hanako?

Hanako was fiddling with her hat. She turned to me and nodded.

Hanako: I'm fine. I was just thinking about...stuff.

Umeko: Like what?

Hanako: Nothing. I was just...worrying about what Monokuma might have in store for us. [thoughtful] This 'Beast' seems to be our new priority, in place of the flies from last time. I was thinking about how we, as a group, can best combat an unknown enemy.

Umeko: Personally, I won't believe Monokuma until I see hard evidence.

Hanako: I, for one, think that Monokuma definitely has something up his sleeve to try and make us comply with his demands. He's already tricked one of us into murder...let's hope he doesn't succeed again.

[Use: Umeko's Door]

Walking up to the cottage I'd chosen, between Taro's and Azuma's new residences, I opened the door and stepped in.

Home sweet home?

It was a quaint, two-room cottage, consisting of a living room, and a small, cozy little bedroom. There was only one tiny toilet tucked away to the side, and a minibar squeezed in between my bedside table and the wall.

It was no mansion, but still an improvement from the inn.

Sighing, I collapsed onto my new bed, and rested my hands behind my head, staring up at the dreary ceiling.

How is Monokuma and his 'Beast' going to torment us now? If I've learned to expect anything from his last motive...it's that he wants to see us break. He wants us to give in to committing the ultimate sin.

There was a knock on my door, and I sat up hurriedly.

Umeko: Come in. It's not locked.

Azuma entered, looking sheepish.

Azuma: You probably should lock it.

I shrugged.

Azuma: [uncomfortable] Hey, so, I didn't get much of a chance to talk with you about all this much earlier, what with Wakako and all…

Umeko: Yeah, how's being new neighbors with her working out for you?

Azuma: Hey, we're neighbors again too, you know.

Umeko: Oh, I know.

Azuma: [uncomfortable] I'm already dreading it. She just showed up a couple minutes ago asking to 'borrow a cup of sugar', and I told her we didn't even have sugar in our cottages because all the food's at the supermarket. She had a measuring cup and everything! I don't even know where she got it from.

Umeko: Sounds to me like she's pulling every cliche in the book to get to spend time alone with you.

Azuma: [embarrassed] Hey, come on, it's not like I ask for this attention…

Umeko: What? Oh, it doesn't bother me. You can flirt with whoever you like. I mean, it's not like…

My throat went dry and I tried to play it cool.

Umeko: Why should I care who you flirt with?

Azuma: [playful] You know I don't flirt back, right?

Umeko: Ugh, stop it. I can tell you're enjoying this.

Azuma shrugged.

Azuma: [playful] Sorry. I'm not trying to tease you, but I mean, you did bring it up.

The question burned inside me. Do you think we used to date? But I suppressed the urge to just blurt it out.

I was always so flustered around him. Azuma's presence alone made me self-conscious, and I tried not to be, but it happened.

I clearly liked him, even though I wasn't batting my eyelashes at him all the time like Wakako did. He just always seemed so sweet and kind and genuine even though he looked like he should've been a total meathead.

Maybe it was just this unexplainable connection I felt with him. I was confident that if Eizo and Hanako were a couple before we lost our memories, then it was possible...maybe Azuma and I…

We had to have at least been close before we both had our memories wiped. There was no other reason for me to feel so strongly about him above all others. Just like how Eizo had gravitated to Hanako and appointed her his assistant...maybe this was the same thing.

I tried to picture Azuma and I together and blushed. Then I remembered Kenji, and I remembered Nagatomo's last words to me, and the happy feelings faded.

There was a sudden, frantic knocking on the door and before either of us could react, it spilled open and Fukumi fell inside.

Fukumi: [excited] Hey, Umeko! You'll never guess what…

She blinked.

Fukumi: [shocked] Oh. Hello, Azuma. What're you doing here?

Azuma: [embarrassed] Nothing. We were just...chatting.

Fukumi: [snide] Teehee! Okay...riiight…

Umeko: Fukumi, what do you want?

Fukumi: [excited] It's that locked building behind the amphitheatre! Did you guys see it?

Umeko: Yeah, I remember passing by.

Azuma: What about it? I just assumed that was our new passageway down to the Trial Room.

Fukumi: [excited] It's open now!

Umeko: For real?

Fukumi: [excited] Yeah, Samira kicked the lock open!

Because of course she did.

Fukumi: It was just a little frozen but we got through. And it looks glorious! C'mon, Eizo's having everyone gather to check it out!

Umeko: Ah, alright then.

The locked building in the corner of the map...now unlocked? I wondered what it was to have gotten Fukumi so riled up. Then again...it's not like it takes much for her to get pumped up.

Azuma: Shall we go?

Umeko: You sure Wakako doesn't want to hold your hand as we make our way over?

Azuma: [annoyed] Oh, har har.

[Move to: Bathhouse]

Azuma and I joined the others outside the previously locked building. The busted lock lay on the floor, and Samira was smirking proudly as she stood by the entrance.

Samira: [snide] That was an easy place to break into. I'd wager it wasn't even meant to be a challenge.

Eizo: At any rate, the doors are open and we're free to explore. Samira, you looked inside, right? What is it?

Samira: See for yourself.

We followed her in, and found ourselves in a small entrance hall, with two doors leading out - one blue and one red.

Kaori: [confused] These...are locker rooms?

Fukumi: Yup! The boys are blue and we've got the red room.

Eizo: So what is this place? A swimming complex or something?

Shizuko: [annoyed] A swimming complex? Really? In the middle of the effing Alps?

Eizo: [distressed] Well, I don't know! It could be a sauna of some sort…

Samira: That's pretty close.

Eizo: Is it? Well...should we split up and come out the other side?

Wakako: [confused] Huh? Why are we splitting up?

Eizo: [distressed] Tch...you know! Because...boys and girls can't go through the same locker rooms?

Ichiro: [annoyed] Are you an idiot? What for? It's not like anyone's gonna get changed right now!

Eizo: [distressed] ...F-Fine. Let's just head on through.

We followed Eizo's lead as he led us all through the boys' locker room. The wallpaper and floor tiles were all appropriately different shades of blue - typical. And when we left the locker room and emerged on the other side…

Fukumi: [excited] Cool, right?

Wakako: [shocked] Whoa…

Shizuko: [shocked] Hm...I'm impressed. This actually looks pretty neat.

We were in a bathhouse. There was a vast pool of water in front of us, with water jets installed in the sides. There was a small shelf with various multi-scented soaps, and another rack full of towels and bathrobes.

I was a little disturbed to see that the towels and bathrobes were all emblazoned with Monokuma's face, and the soaps were carved into the shape of his face too. Ichiro snorted, picking up one of the Monokuma soaps.

Ichiro: [annoyed] He really likes to have as much merchandise as possible, doesn't he?

Shizuko: [snide] I certainly don't blame him. I myself have plenty of merch under my own personal brand. Perhaps I can interest you in some Shizuko Ikehara mugs or clothing once we get out of here?

Fukumi: [shocked] You have your face on a mug? That's so cool! I want my face on a mug!

Ichiro: [annoyed] Pfft. Rich people.

Mordecai: [distressed] What? What is this place?

Eizo: Is...isn't this a swimming complex?

Shizuko: [annoyed] No, you big dummy! This is a bathhouse! Haven't you ever been in one before?

Taro: [worried] A what…?

Wakako: Oh, you know...one of those places where people go to take baths together?

Eizo: [distressed] S-Seriously? Places like that exist?

Taro: [shocked] W-W-Why would you ever w-w-want to take a b-b-bath with other people?

Wakako: [playful] Oh, I don't know...I could think of a couple good reasons...

Yoshihiki: [laughing] Hehe, alright! This just keeps getting better and better! You know, places like these have earned a lot of dubious reputations!

Mordecai: [confused] Like what?

Yoshihiki: [excited] It's obvious!

Miyumi: [distressed] Ewwww! [as Ms. Shortcake] You're so gross!

Yoshihiki: [sad] Gross? Me? That's so mean...but I'm such a pure and innocent soul…

Shizuko: [annoyed] As if we'd ever do anything uncivilized in here! Although maybe that's what you commoners do…[snide] But celebrities like myself hold ourselves to higher standards. The bathhouses I've been to have always been very luxurious and my personal security detail always ensures I enjoy absolute privacy as I-

Fukumi: [excited] Forget about that! I want to try the baths out! This place was here for a reason, right?

Samira walked up to a control panel, and with a flick of the switch, managed to turn on a few of the water jets. Steam rose into the frosty air, fogging up a few of the windows installed on the roof.

Fukumi: [excited] Oooh! The water's all nice and warm now. C'mon! It's way too cold out there anyway! I've been dying to get a proper hot bath!

Eizo: [distressed] I don't know about this...I feel like Monokuma will have hidden a camera somewhere...

Hanako: He can't, for the same reason he didn't install cameras in our bathrooms back at the inn...

Fukumi: [excited] I don't know about you guys, but I'm totally trying this out even if no one wants to! I need to destress, and I think we all need to too! Especially in this cold environment!

Wakako: [playful] Hey...Azuma…we could...go in together…

Azuma: [uncomfortable] Um…

Subtle.

Eizo: [distressed] Hey, hold on now...we shouldn't have too few people going in.

Kaori: [confused] Why not?

Eizo: [uncomfortable] It...might be dangerous.

Samira: [annoyed] What, you think one of us might drown someone?

Eizo: [uncomfortable] No, but there is still the threat of this… 'Beast'. We really shouldn't have too few people unprotected and vulnerable in a place like this…

Hanako: We can do the sensible thing and go in groups, based on our gender.

Wakako: [shocked] W-What? No, that's a horrible idea!

Hanako: [annoyed] And why is that?

Wakako: [nervous] Erm...because...uh…

Azuma: [uncomfortable] …

Wakako: [disappointed] Oh, never mind.

Yoshihiki: [annoyed] Nuh-uh, she's totally right. I don't want to get in the pool with just a bunch of guys! That'd be so boring.

Samira: [accusatory] You can dream on if you think you're gonna get the chance to see anything you shouldn't!

Hanako: Let's just be civil about this. The girls can go in together, and the boys can do the same - we'll just take turns.

Eizo: Anyway, uh...I guess you ladies can go first.

Kaori: [bored] What a gentleman.

Samira: [nervous] You guys don't mind, right?

Ichiro: [annoyed] Tch...it's not like I cared about going in anyway…

Yoshihiki: [shocked] What? C'mon Ichiro, what're you scared of? [playful] It'll just be us guys hanging out! What, you think I'm gonna prank you?

Ichiro: [uncomfortable] No, I just...would rather not go in with…people.

Azuma: Don't force him to if he doesn't want to do it.

Eizo: [distressed] We can't have someone going in alone now, can we?

Shizuko: [annoyed] Speak for yourself. I'm not getting in that pool with anyone but myself!

Fukumi: [confused] Huh? You too, Shizuko?

Shizuko: [bored] Sorry, not sorry. I can't possibly be taking baths with a bunch of...commoners!

Samira: [disappointed] If I had a dime for everytime she called us that…

Shizuko: [annoyed] You can say I'm being difficult all you want, but that's where I put my foot down! As a celebrity, I prefer to bathe alone and in my own company. I have an image to protect!

Eizo: [distressed] So now what?

Hanako: Let her go in alone. We can have someone wait for her outside.

Eizo: [distressed] But then Ichiro wants to go in on his own too…so that's two people who'd be going in on their own...

Ichiro: [annoyed] Ugh, fine! Whatever. I'll go in with the guys, alright? Big fucking deal. Let's just wrap this up already…

Taro: [nervous] H-H-Hey, it'll be f-f-fine, Ichiro...n-no one's gonna m-m-make fun of you or a-a-anything…

Ichiro: [annoyed] Since when did I ever imply that I was afraid of being made fun of?

Taro: [nervous] I d-d-don't know…? I just assumed that was wh-why you were h-h-hesitant…[disappointed] S-S-Sorry…

Ichiro: [annoyed] Mmf…[uncomfortable] You don't have to apologize...

Samira: Well, does the high and mighty princess mind going in after the boys?

Shizuko: [annoyed] What? Why should I have to wait the longest?

Hanako: Because it doesn't make sense to have the boys wait even longer just because you don't want to be with the group. It's only fair.

Wakako: [confused] Yeah, and don't you still need a girl to stay behind to wait for you?

Shizuko: [annoyed] Ugh, whatever! I'll wait, but Shizuko Ikehara never bathes with commoners! I need to dedicate time to properly treat myself…

Samira: [bored] Suit yourself.

Eizo: Boys...and Shizuko...we should take our leave.

Miyumi: [shocked] W-Wait!

Miyumi runs up to Taro and thrusts Nico and Dr. Creeper into his hands.

Taro: [confused] H-Huh?

Miyumi: [uncomfortable] Well, those are my male dolls! I can't possibly leave them in here! They can't…[embarrassed] you know...see anything they're not allowed to…

Ichiro: [annoyed] Oh, give me a break…

Taro: [nervous] Heh...uh...sure. I'll hold onto th-them for you…

Kaori: Buddy! In here!

Kaori whistled and Buddy came trotting in, barking and wagging his tail.

Yoshihiki: [shocked] You've got to be kidding me! The effin' dog gets to be in there with them?

Samira: [annoyed] It's just a dog. I think we'll be fine.

Yoshihiki: [playful] Hah! What a lucky dog, getting to be in here with all the hot chicks...oh, and Miyumi.

Miyumi: [annoyed] Hey! What's that supposed to mean?

Yoshihiki: [disappointed] Man...can't believe a doll and a dog are luckier than I am…

Eizo: [distressed] Alright, enough yapping! Can we just go?

Yoshihiki: [playful] Relax, no need to rush me! Jeez...lay off being a tyrant a little, Eizo. Can't a guy have a couple wistful dreams before letting them get crushed?

Laughing to himself, Yoshihiki left, and the other guys followed after him.

Eizo: [distressed] Ngh…!

Shizuko: [shocked] Hey, wait up!

The door to the boys' locker room closed, and at last we were left alone, in silence. Miyumi was busy propping Ms. Shortcake up on one of the benches, as the rest of us got ready.

Wakako: [disappointed] *sigh* I wish Azuma would be here…

Fukumi: [shocked] You're still hung up on him?

Wakako: [distressed] I've never met a guy I couldn't lure into a showmance before! Why is he being so stubborn?

Though I don't exactly feel good about myself for it...I can't deny a small twinge of vindictive delight, hearing how Azuma's seemingly immune to Wakako's influences…

Samira: [annoyed] I just hope that stupid bear doesn't come in here…

Kaori: [disappointed] I wouldn't put it past him.

I turned and was mildly surprised to see that Kaori wasn't bothering to get in the water. Instead, she was perched on the edge of one of the smaller pools, and was using a towel and a sponge to clean Buddy.

Umeko: Kaori? You're not getting in?

Kaori: Huh? I don't really care. I just wanted to make sure Buddy had his bath…

Wakako: [shocked] Jeez! You care so much for that dog, it's like he's more important to you than...well, you!

Kaori: Well, dogs require more care than humans. They can't wash themselves. We have to do it for them.

Wakako: [happy] You're really crazy about dogs, huh?

Samira: [snide] Aren't you just as crazy about boys? Specifically, Azuma?

Wakako: [playful] Well, who wouldn't be?

Kaori: I don't care much for him.

Wakako: [shocked] Wha…? But...B-But he's so…

Hanako: Just drop it. Not everyone's as thirsty as you are…

Wakako turned to shoot back a retort, but stopped short upon seeing Miyumi. Miyumi was trembling, clutching a towel that she had wrapped really tight around herself, and looking reluctant to get in.

Wakako: [laughing] Haha...Miyumi, what's the matter?

Miyumi: [embarrassed] N-Nothing...I just…

Wakako: [playful] Girl, you're way too demure for your own good! Get in here! We're all girls; no one'll knock you down for anything.

Miyumi: [uncomfortable] …

She eventually got in, blushing all the way as she let her hair down.

Wakako: [playful] There you go! Now...since we've finally got all the girls together on our own, minus Shizuko...let's get into the gossip.

Hanako: Gossip really isn't my thing.

Wakako: [disappointed] No surprise there, Hanako. [excited] But Miyumi! I want to hear from you!

Miyumi: [uncomfortable] H-Huh? What about?

Wakako: [excited] Tell us honestly...what's the deal with you and Taro?

Miyumi: [shocked] H-Huh? N-Nothing! There's nothing going on between us! There's no deal! None!

Fukumi: [playful] Someone sounds defensive.

Wakako: [annoyed] That was way too flustered an answer! [playful] There clearly is something more than meets the eye here...so spill the tea!

Miyumi: [embarrassed] R-Really...there's nothing...we're just fr-friends...that's all.

Wakako: [playful] Oh yeah? You like him?

Miyumi: [embarrassed] I mean, he's nice and all...and he's really sweet...he's not a jerk like Yoshihiki...and he's shy like I am...and he's-

Fukumi: [shocked] Whoa! What, do you have a list or something?

Buddy barked as if in laughter and Fukumi chortled, splashing Miyumi with water.

Fukumi: [playful] You're burning up!

Miyumi: [embarrassed] …

Fukumi: [playful] Hey, don't feel bad. I think you and him are cute together...

Hanako: Alright, enough teasing.

Wakako: [playful] What about you, Hanako? You want to talk about Eizo?

Hanako: [shocked] Huh?

Fukumi: [playful] Yeah...we all saw that picture.

Hanako: [worried] ...I don't want to talk about that.

Fukumi: [confused] Why not?

Hanako: Whatever Eizo and I might've had before all this...neither of us remember any of it. It would only complicate matters to try to pursue any kind of relationship while both our memories are not intact. It's best not to let Monokuma confuse us any further, because that was his plan when he showed that photo to all of us.

Wakako: [disappointed] Well that was a boring answer.

Hanako: [annoyed] Sorry. I've been told I'm such a boring person.

When we were all done, we got up to towel ourselves off, and returned to the Locker Room to get changed again.

Fukumi: [excited] Woo! That was fun! It almost felt like a girls' night out!

Wakako: [excited] Yeah, we should do that again, sometime. And you're invited too, Miyumi, so don't try to weasel out of it! You've got to get out more!

Hanako: [happy] I will admit...I do feel much more refreshed.

Samira: [happy] It should feel much better to be stepping out into the cold after a nice, warm bath…

It seems that, crazy as it had appeared at first, Fukumi's idea of us taking a bath together actually seemed to bond us girls together a little more. Well...us girls sans Shizuko. And Kaori spent more time grooming Buddy than actually talking with us, but...at least a bunch of the other girls look much happier.

Umeko: Heh. I guess in a way...that was helpful for lifting our spirits.

And of course, as soon as we left the bathhouse...almost immediately, our good moods were thrown into jeopardy…

Yoshihiki: [excited] Girls! Just the ladies I needed to see!

Eizo: [accusatory] Hey! I said, stop!

Yoshihiki was running up to us, red in the face, and Eizo was stumbling along behind him, looking concerned.

Hanako: [annoyed] What's going on now…?

Yoshihiki: [excited] Ooh! You won't believe what I witnessed earlier! Go on! Guess!

Samira: [annoyed] Don't waste our time! Say what you want to say and go!

Eizo finally caught up to Yoshihiki, who had easily left him in the dust by being smaller and nimbler.

Eizo: [distressed] *pant* Don't…*pant* listen…*pant* to his…*pant* nonsense…

Yoshihiki: [snide] Oh, you girls will be thanking me for telling you this. [excited] I totally just caught Mr. Suede Shoes over here being a peeping Tom!

[Track: watch?v=50yShkEarT4]

Wakako: [shocked] W-What?!

Samira: [angry] You what?!

Hanako's nostrils flared dangerously.

Hanako: [angry] Explain yourself.

Eizo: [distressed] He's lying! He's up to his stupid pranks again!

Yoshihiki: [excited] Nuh-uh! Not this time! This time, I almost couldn't believe it myself! See those crates over there?

He pointed to a stack of crates by the side of the bathhouse. Directly above them, was one of the windows near the roof.

Yoshihiki: [excited] I was bored and I took a walk and I totally caught him climbing up there and spying on you girls inside! Who would've thought it?

Eizo: [distressed] I can't believe you! You're such a liar!

Yoshihiki: [excited] Haha! First he vandalizes Samira's mural, and now he does this! Something tells me Eizo's not as obedient or moral of a guy as we thought he was! Hanako, what do you think? You used to date this guy!

Eizo: [angry] I said, shut up! All you ever do is spout filthy lies from your mouth!

Samira: [angry] I hate to say it, but…[disappointed] even though he destroyed my mural, I'm inclined to believe Eizo on this one…

Eizo: [embarrassed] Th-Thank you, Samira…

Yoshihiki: [shocked] What? No, I swear! This time I'm telling the truth! I'm doing you girls a favor here! I totally caught him peeking in on you girls in there! Why would I lie about that?

Samira: [annoyed] Because you're you, and you like to joke around, even when it's mean and uncalled for?

Kaori: [annoyed] This isn't really the kind of thing to joke about…

Yoshihiki: [shocked] What? But no! No, this time, I'm being serious! He was really gawking at you girls, honest!

Eizo: [distressed] You...you jerk! I don't know what I did to you, but to slander me with falsehoods like this…[accusatory] I am a gentleman! I would never do such a thing to the girls! If anyone here would do such a thing, it's you!

Yoshihiki: [shocked] M-Me?!

Fukumi: [snide] Yeah, I'd be more inclined to believe Yoshihiki was the one spying on us than Eizo!

Wakako: [annoyed] Especially with how much you like to tease me...that's definitely much more likely! [snide] And for someone with your stature...I think you'd be the one more used to having to climb up on top of things to be taller.

Yoshihiki: [angry] Y-You…! I don't believe this, I'm actually trying to help you girls out here!

Wakako: [annoyed] Help us out? Yeah, like you'd do that out of the kindness of your heart. You're just up to your old, childish pranks again!

Fukumi: [disappointed] Jeez, don't you ever quit?

Miyumi: [bored] ...You're so pathetic.

Yoshihiki: [sad] I...but…

Hanako: Eizo.

Eizo: [distressed] Huh? Yeah?

Hanako: We're done here. The boys are free to go in, if they'd like.

Eizo: [distressed] Mm...okay. I'll go tell them.

Yoshihiki: [angry] Fine! Don't believe me! That's just what I get for trying to be nice for once! This is why I don't trust associating with people! All that ever happens is they just get suspicious and distrustful of me! What's the point?

Umeko: Hey, Yoshihiki, wait-

But he'd stormed off, looking genuinely hurt. I was surprised. I did think he was just up to another prank, but...I hadn't been expecting that kind of outburst. Evidently, the others weren't either.

Fukumi: [shocked] Wow. He almost looked a little upset there.

Wakako: [uncomfortable] Yeah, well...forget him. He was just up to his usual shenanigans…

Fukumi: [thoughtful] I'd rather give Eizo the benefit of the doubt.

Kaori: [worried] I know he did something horrible to your mural, Samira…But I can't see him having done what Yoshihiki said he did.

Hanako: I think we've all been with Eizo long enough to know what kind of character he is.

Eizo: [nervous] Th-Thank you...really, I thought...you girls wouldn't believe me…

Samira: [annoyed] I can't say I forgive you so easily for having just...vandalized my mural the way you did...it was really insensitive. But...I definitely take your side over that idiot boy.

Eizo: Heh. Thanks. Listen...you girls can head over to the amphitheatre in about an hour...we'll be done with our bath by then and Azuma's offered to fix us up a meal for our first night outside the inn.

Fukumi: [excited] Yay! Azuma's a great cook! Come on!

Fukumi skipped off, as Eizo left to get the rest of the guys.

Wakako: [thoughtful] Hey, wait...before we go…

Samira: What?

Wakako: [excited] You know...I had an idea…

She was looking at the pile of crates that Yoshihiki had claimed to have witnessed Eizo climbing, and it was like a light bulb was slowly flickering to life in her head.

Wakako: [excited] What if we-

Hanako: No.

Wakako: [shocked] Huh?

Hanako: [annoyed] You better not be thinking what I'm thinking you're thinking.

Wakako: [excited] I totally am! We should spy on the boys back, to get revenge for what Eizo did!

Samira: [annoyed] I thought you said you believed Eizo.

Wakako: [annoyed] Well, there's always a sliver of a chance that Yoshihiki really was telling the truth...I mean, you saw how he reacted just now.

Samira: [angry] That guy probably has a history of spilling crocodile tears. I wouldn't trust him as far as I can throw him.

Kaori: [thoughtful] He looks pretty light. You could probably throw him pretty far.

Samira: [angry] That's not the point! It's a figure of speech!

Hanako: You just want to see Azuma in there, don't you?

Wakako: [nervous] Heheh...whaaat? No…[excited] So come on! Who's with me?

Samira: [embarrassed] I...could never do that…

Miyumi: [uncomfortable] That's so embarrassing! Bleurgh…

Hanako: [annoyed] You do anything of the sort, and I will out anyone who does such a disgraceful thing.

Wakako: [disappointed] ...You girls are such spoilsports.

And sure enough, just like that...the good mood's ruined.

[Move to: Amphitheatre]

I spent an hour whiling away the time in my cottage, before leaving to join the class for dinner. The girls were all mostly there, except for Shizuko, who I assumed was still having her bath. Azuma had carted out a grill from the Store, connected it to a socket by the stage, and was busy frying up some meat. Wakako was hovering over his shoulder, almost salivating, though whether it was from the smell of cooking food, or from being so close to Azuma, was anyone's guess.

A few of the other boys were there too, back from their bath. Miyumi was using her dolls to have a conversation with Taro on the benches, and Ichiro was sitting by himself, tending to Charlie.

I heard laughter from elsewhere and turning, I saw that Mordecai and Kaori were playing a game of fetch with Buddy. Kaori actually looked like she was genuinely having fun for once, as Mordecai threw a frisbee - which he must've picked up from the Store - in the air, for Buddy to chase after.

Kaori: [excited] Go long, Buddy!

Buddy woofed happily, running after the projectile.

This has got to be the most energetic I've ever seen Kaori...

Hanako: [confused] Hey...has anyone seen Eizo?

Hanako had come over, and seemed sincerely puzzled.

Hanako: I didn't find him at his cottage.

Azuma: Oh, yeah. Shizuko needed someone to stay behind with her, and because all the girls left...she had to pick a boy.

Umeko: Oh...did we forget to have one of us stay back to wait for her?

Azuma: [nervous] She was kinda pissed about it when us guys left the bathhouse. I'd offered to run back and ask one of you girls to wait with her but she just made Eizo do it instead.

Wakako: [shocked] For real? And she didn't pick you?

Azuma: [uncomfortable] Nah...she said the choice was obvious. She said she'd rather die than ever let Yoshihiki be her guard, and that while she wasn't suspicious of Taro, he seemed the least likely to be able to stop Yoshihiki in the case of him barging in on her. Ichiro wanted nothing to do with her and left even before she had finished choosing, and she said Mordecai was the biggest lunatic of them all.

Wakako: [annoyed] And she still didn't pick you? What was she thinking?

I would've thought Wakako would be relieved Shizuko wasn't making a move on Azuma...

Wakako: If it was me…[playful] I...would have you watch over me anyday…

Azuma: [uncomfortable] …

Wakako: [playful] Besides...haven't you heard? Apparently, Eizo's a total Peeping Tom…

Azuma: [confused] Huh?

That's right...Shizuko wouldn't have known that, would she? She was the only girl not around when Yoshihiki and Eizo ran up to us…

Hanako: [annoyed] I thought you didn't believe Yoshihiki. Would you make up your mind already? Stop spreading gossip just for the sake of it.

Wakako: [playful] Sorry. It's a habit. I'm always in reality-TV mode, and when you make your confessionals, you want to bring as much drama and entertainment to the camera as possible.

Hanako: [annoyed] Eizo wouldn't do that. I...trust him. And because of that liar, now there's always going to be rumors flying around about this. It's all his fault.

She glared across the amphitheatre to where Yoshihiki sat alone, looking uncharacteristically withdrawn.

For someone who claims to not want to learn more about her past relationship with Eizo, it's pretty clear that Hanako does feel something for him.

Eventually, Shizuko and Eizo returned, and Shizuko looked pleased with herself, all cleaned up.

Shizuko: [happy] It certainly felt much better to loosen up after a long day…

Samira: I'm so glad us commoners didn't ruin your perfect bath for you.

Azuma helped to distribute the food out for us on paper plates, and we ate in small clusters. I sat with Azuma, though Wakako made it a point to sit with him too, so we didn't particularly talk much.

When dinner was over, Eizo got up to make his usual nightly announcements.

Eizo: Alright. Now, with that done with...obviously, there are no more night shifts. So...have a good night's rest, everyone.

And with that, we all dispersed to return to our separate cottages.

*ding dong bing bong*

I ignored Monokuma's Nighttime Announcement as I returned to my room. I only stopped to listen when I realized he'd added something different at the end of it.

Monokuma: Upupu...and remember. The Beast is out there, so lock your doors and board up your windows, because he could be coming for you! Upupupu!

Snarling, I turned to the monitor just as it flickered off.

This had to be his purpose - to drive us mad with senseless fear and worry over a creature that couldn't possibly exist. And yet…

I found myself double-checking that my door was locked on impulse, before I collapsed onto the bed and let the darkness overwhelm me.

Wait...what was that?

When I next opened my eyes, I wasn't quite sure what time it was. It felt like I'd slept for a couple hours only, so why was I suddenly awake?

Wait a second...that sound...I think I just heard something…

I raised my head off my pillow, frowning into the darkness. And then I heard it again, soft, in the distance…

Howling…

An eerie...bone-chilling howl, that seemed to go on for ages…

And then...I fell back asleep.

...

*ding dong bing bong*

Monokuma: Good morning, everyone! It is now 7a.m. and nighttime is officially over! Time for another b-e-a-utiful day!

*knock knock*

Azuma: Umeko? You awake?

Grumbling, I stumbled out of bed to get the door.

Azuma: Hey. Eizo told me to wake you up early today.

Umeko: Hm? *yawn* Why?

Azuma: [worried] You don't look so good. Didn't get a good night's sleep?

I briefly wondered if I should tell him about the howl I'd heard last night. That howl...could it just be a wolf beyond the walls? Had it been my imagination? Or...or could it have been the Be-

Azuma: Umeko? Hello? Did you hear me?

Umeko: Huh? Oh, sorry Azuma. What'd you say again?

Azuma: [worried] I said, Eizo told me to get you because today's your turn for kitchen duty.

Umeko: Really?

Azuma: Yeah, he said that…[uncomfortable] the 'Peeping Tom' incident from yesterday got to him and it totally slipped his mind to remind you. But you're taking over for today's duties. It's not really a 'kitchen' anymore but you're in charge of the grill. Need my help to teach you how to work it?

Umeko: Thanks, but I'll figure it out.

Welp...looks like it's finally my time to try my hand at cooking. I guess I should just put that howl from last night out of my mind...it was probably my imagination.

[Move to: Amphitheatre]

The grill was still where it was from last time. I swept a blanket of snow off the cover and flipped it over, turning it on. A tray of raw patties had been left on the table for me - I assumed Azuma had grabbed some from the Supermarket earlier.

I guess I'm making burgers today…

People began to arrive and started filling the seats. When I finished a burger, they formed a queue to get them from me.

Fukumi: [happy] Thanks Umeko!

Miyumi: [as Ms. Shortcake] Thanks!

Eizo: So, how's cooking suiting you?

Wakako: [excited] Yeah, like - maybe that's your SHSL Talent? Does it feel familiar to you?

Umeko: No...not really.

Eizo: Well, I'm sure you'll remember it in due time.

When everyone had gotten a burger, I sat down to eat with the rest. I noticed Kaori had made sure to bring Buddy's dog bowl from the inn and was keeping him happy and fed with the dog food that had been provided.

Eizo: I only have one announcement today.

Eizo had stood up, and he beckoned over to Samira.

Eizo: Samira has finished with her map of the North Sector. She'll be pasting it up on the noticeboard outside the supermarket, for reference.

Imgur link to Map: /GSXlt7I

Samira: [snide] No need to thank me. [bored] At least with that out of the way, I can get to work on what really matters: starting up a new art piece. [annoyed] Maybe this time, you won't destroy it, huh, Eizo?

Eizo: [embarrassed] I said I was sorry…

Yoshihiki: [annoyed] Yeah, how could the perfect prefect Eizo Oshima ever do anything that cruel?

Eizo: Anyway, that's all. You're free to go about your business for the day. I'll see you guys tonight.

It looks like I have some free time today. What should I do?

[[FREE TIME]]

[Talk to: Ichiro]

Ichiro: [annoyed] What do you want? I'm busy. [uncomfortable] Huh? You actually wanted to talk to me? [embarrassed] Fine, whatever. I don't really care. You can stay.

I decided to spend some time checking out a few of Ichiro's plants with him. Looks like Ichiro and I grew a little closer today.

Ichiro: [uncomfortable] Say, uh...do you have a favorite kind of plant?

Umeko: A favorite plant?

Ichiro: [annoyed] I'm not gonna repeat the question.

Umeko: Oh, well...I don't really remember, but...I guess sunflowers look pretty bright and happy.

Ichiro: [snide] Hmph. I guess that makes sense for you.

Umeko: Just like how a cactus is your favorite?

Ichiro: [annoyed] …

Umeko: Sorry. That was just a joke.

Ichiro: [annoyed] I… [embarrassed] Look, I care a lot for plants, okay?

Umeko: I can see that.

Ichiro: [annoyed] Honestly, I think plants are a lot better than people.

Umeko: ...I can see that you think that too.

Ichiro: [uncomfortable] People are always so hard to talk to and complex to understand. It's so much easier with plants. All they need is water, sunlight, decent living conditions and a little bit of love and they'll bloom and blossom like there's no tomorrow. I don't understand why that's so hard to get.

Umeko: 'A little bit of love'?

Ichiro: [annoyed] ...Tease me again and I'm leaving.

Umeko: Alright, alright, I'm just messing around. Seriously, I think it's kinda cute that you have a soft side and all.

Ichiro: [uncomfortable] Tch...can you not?

Umeko: Sorry. Perhaps you were just born with a natural green thumb? It's the talent you're famous for, after all.

Ichiro: [thoughtful] I guess. I get very passionate when it comes to nature. [angry] I hate it whenever people are uncaring or disrespectful towards greenery. It's so irresponsible and completely unethical!

It's clear how much Ichiro is outspoken on this topic…

He's obviously not the sort that has a lot of friends, though admittedly, a lot of that is on him for being really rude half the time…

I don't necessarily think he's a bad guy, however...I just think he's really awkward and suffers from cripplingly low self-esteem. He may not stutter like Taro does, but I'd wager that out of all of us, he probably has the hardest time communicating.

His plants must be the only friends he has, the same way Miyumi cares so dearly for her dolls. I almost feel a little sorry for him...

Ichiro: [annoyed] ...I know what you're thinking.

Umeko: Huh?

Ichiro: [accusatory] You're thinking about how much of a loser I am for caring so much about plants! Aren't you?

Umeko: Oh, uh...no, of course not! You can't keep thinking that people are always making fun of you or talking behind your back, Ichiro. Everyone has their own interests and hobbies. I'm sure no one thinks any less of you for being into plants.

Ichiro: [uncomfortable] 'Being into plants'? Did you have to phrase it like that?

Umeko: Heh. Sorry. But seriously, it's a cool talent.

Ichiro: [disappointed] You're just saying that. There are way cooler talents out there, like the SHSL Spy or the SHSL Commander. I'm just a lowly botanist.

Umeko: Nonsense, being a botanist IS cool! I mean...you get to cultivate new life and watch it grow! Life literally flows from your fingertips and into the soil. And without trees and plants and nature...our world would probably look a lot less colorful.

Ichiro: [nervous] Hm...guess I...can't argue with your reasoning...

Umeko: How was it that you got into botany in the first place anyway?

Ichiro: ...That's a story for another time.

Umeko: Really? Will I ever hear it?

Ichiro: Hmph...maybe.

Umeko: And maybe someday, you can show me how to grow and take care of a plant of my own.

Ichiro: [annoyed] Like I said, how hard can that be? You just need to make sure their needs are all met. It's not even as taxing as taking care of a pet fish.

Umeko: Will I need to give it a 'little bit of love'?

Ichiro: [annoyed] ...Goodbye.

All things considered, that conversation didn't go as awkwardly as it could've. I feel like I understand Ichiro and what makes him tick a little bit better now. Slowly but surely, I'll get Ichiro to warm up to me and the others...eventually.

[Ichiro's Report Card has been updated based on your experience with him.]

Leaving Ichiro's cottage, I returned to my own room for the time being.

I still have some free time left. What should I do?

[[FREE TIME]]

[Talk to: Yoshihiki]

Yoshihiki: [playful] Umeko - just the girl I was hoping to see! Wanna help me carry out this outrageous prank? I'm gonna switch Miyumi's toothpaste with mayonnaise, and it's gonna be awesome! She'll never see it coming!

I decided to spend some time with Yoshihiki, following him a little guiltily as he went about setting up prank after prank. Looks like Yoshihiki and I grew a little closer today.

Yoshihiki: [playful] What should I do to prank Miyumi next? I'm running through the list of all the pranks I've used on Wakako thus far...maybe I'll reuse one…

Umeko: Say...why do you like to prank Wakako so much anyway? I mean...no one here's safe from your pranks, but she's the girl you've singled out the most.

Yoshihiki: [playful] Maybe it's just 'cause I like her.

Umeko: That can't be it...I know the effect she has on guys but do you honestly think she'll like you back if you tease her this much? I mean, yeah, isn't there that old saying, that when a guy likes to make fun of a girl, it actually means that…

1. He's into her

2. He hates her

3. He's playing hard to get

...

...

Answer: 1. He's into her

Umeko: But...don't you think you go a little overboard at times?

Yoshihiki: [playful] Maybe I just enjoy playing pranks on hot girls. Especially the busty cheerleader-types like her.

Umeko: She'll never reciprocate - you know that, right?

Yoshihiki: Look, when I say I like her, I don't mean I want to get into a relationship with her or anything. I'm not that oblivious. Me and her? Together? It'll never happen, and I wouldn't want it to, either. It doesn't even have anything to do with the way I treat her. A guy like me would never have stood a chance with a chick like her. Wakako's the kind of girl who goes after guys like Azuma or Kenji, but she's not the kind of girl to settle down in a relationship. She just wants to 'get in a showmance', and then she moves on to the next hot guy that appears in her crosshairs. I see it happen all the time.

Umeko: All the time, huh? You know, you almost sound like a hopeless romantic there.

Yoshihiki: [confused] Where'd you get that idea?

Umeko: Talking about how Wakako's not the kind of girl to settle down...why, have you ever thought about getting into a stable relationship?

Yoshihiki: [embarrassed] Psh, what? No! Commitment's for pansies. [playful] Besides, I would make a terrible partner. I'd be like one of those pranksters on YouTube. The people I'd get into relationships with would never be able to let their guard down around me. A relationship like that is just toxic. You're supposed to be able to trust the person you're dating, not be constantly plagued with...suspicion and...paranoia…

Yoshihiki was falling silent, and I picked up the conversation.

Umeko: So...you don't want a girlfriend?

Yoshihiki: [playful] Heh. Who'd want to go out with me?

Umeko: You've never had one then?

Yoshihiki: [angry] Hey, hold on now! Where's this conversation going?

Umeko: Sounds like someone doesn't want to admit he's never gone out with a girl before…

Yoshihiki: [angry] What, that's not true! I'll have you know I've gone out with loads of girls before, and I've been on a gazillion dates! I'm the biggest hot shot among the ladies.

Umeko: But committing to a relationship...isn't for you?

Yoshihiki: [playful] I've got better things to do with my time than that! Like getting up to more hijinks! And speaking of which, it's now time for me to go prank someone else! Catch ya later, Umeko!

Yoshihiki ran off, and I was left to wonder what really went on in that head of his.

He jokes a lot and is hardly ever serious, but if anything...that just makes me feel like he's hiding his true feelings the most…

For someone as outspoken as he is...he's really one of the most private people here.

[Yoshihiki's Report Card has been updated based on your experience with him.]

When all was said and done and I'd spent the day with the others, I left for the amphitheatre to go prepare that night's dinner.

[Move to: Amphitheatre]

On my way over, I passed by the field nearby, and saw that Taro and Miyumi were reading from a large book together underneath the shade of a tree. Kaori was back in the centre with Buddy, and was hanging out with him, as per usual.

Mordecai and Fukumi were passing by on a walk, chatting animatedly with one another, and Kaori called out to him.

Kaori: [excited] Hey, Mordecai! You up for another round of catch with Buddy?

Mordecai: [thoughtful] I was actually curious about this… 'snowball fight' I've been hearing so much of…

Fukumi: [excited] A snowball fight? OMG. I'm in!

Kaori: Well...I suppose that wouldn't be terrible...

Taro: [excited] H-Hey, that actually s-s-s-sounds kinda fun! Miyumi, want to join in?

Miyumi: [shocked] Huh? Uh, sure! [happy] If you think I should.

Taro: [excited] It'll be f-f-fun! You can put Ms. Shortcake and the others d-d-down by the b-benches where they'll be safe…

Miyumi: [worried] I don't know...I usually don't like to leave them unattended…

She spotted me and waved me over.

Miyumi: Could you help me watch my dolls while I'm with the others?

Umeko: Sure. I was just about to make dinner for everyone.

Miyumi: [happy] That's perfect! I'll just put them on the bench over there, and you can glance over every few seconds to make sure they're safe and comfortable!

Umeko: Uh...right, yeah.

Not too sure about that last part…

Miyumi: [as Nico] Thanks, Miss Umeko!

Miyumi carefully set her three dolls down, before running off to join Taro and the others in a round of snowball fighting.

Mordecai was marvelling at the texture of the snow as he moulded a handful of it into a sizable ball. Fukumi was going absolutely nuts, forming snowball after snowball and pelting a hapless Taro with them before the latter could even move to take cover.

Buddy was barking and running around from person to person, eager to join in the action, and Kaori looked happy as long as he was too.

Part of me almost wished I could join in...but I had to stay behind.

Sighing, I flipped the cover of the grill open and started it up. I'd gotten a bit of meat from the market beforehand, and got to work prepping the grill for cooking.

Samira: [excited] Hey, Umeko!

Umeko: Oh, hey Samira.

Samira had arrived, and she had on a pair of overalls - which she must have picked up from the store - and there was paint and ink smudged on her front, as well as on her cheeks and fingers.

Umeko: You look like you've been having fun.

Samira: [happy] I have! Monokuma can try as he might, but he's not gonna throw me into despair! I'm gonna keep working on my art pieces to keep my spirits up! I've just finished a mural on the side of the supermarket! You should check it out later!

Umeko: I'd love to! I don't know if it'll be too dark when we're done here though…

Samira: No worries! Those streetlamps stay lit in the evening.

Umeko: I'll check it out on my way back then.

Samira grinned and plopped down on one of the benches nearby, watching the other five and Buddy having fun and frolicking in the snow.

Samira: It's good to see them having fun, at least.

Umeko: I know...it's important for the group to keep morale up right now.

Samira: [disappointed] Wish I could say the same for some of the others though…

Umeko: Like who?

Samira: [annoyed] Well, duh. I'm obviously talking about Ichiro and Shizuko.

Umeko: Yeah...I guess I expected that.

Samira: The two of them are always sulking and keeping to themselves. I'm more surprised by Shizuko than anything; you'd think a celebrity like her would know to keep up appearances, even here. But no. She's just stuck-up through and through.

Sighing, she leaned back, resting on her elbows.

Samira: Still...I like them more than Yoshihiki.

Umeko: He's getting on your nerves too?

Samira: [annoyed] He gets on everyone's nerves! Mine, Wakako's, Hanako's, Miyumi's - no one here can stand the guy! There's not a soul in the group who actually likes him.

Umeko: That's a little harsh, don't you think?

Samira: [annoyed] I just think it's fucked up for him to have tried to frame Eizo the way he did. That was absolutely despicable. Sometimes, he's gotta realize when he takes a prank too far.

I knew Samira was the impulsive, brazen sort, unafraid to speak her mind and be straightforward about how she feels, but wow...I would hate to get on her bad side. It really comes as no surprise her personality was undoubtedly going to clash with Yoshihiki and his carefree, fun-loving and frankly immature nature.

Umeko: The guy is the SHSL Prankster. That's how he's always been, from the start. It's the very thing he's known for. You put a bunch of SHSLs together and ultimately, people aren't all going to get along...

Samira: [annoyed] He still gives me a headache, and I'm not gonna sugarcoat it. I mean, gosh, there are seriously times, Umeko, when I just want to punch him in his big, stupid-

Yoshihiki: [sad] Man...what'd I do to deserve such treatment?

Umeko: Ah! Yoshihiki...how...long have you been there?

Yoshihiki: [playful] Long enough.

Yoshihiki had been lurking by the shadows near the stage but came out into the light now. Samira tried to play it cool and act like she didn't care but I caught her ears turning bright red.

Yoshihiki: [playful] Oh please, don't stop talking smack about me just because I'm here. By all means, do continue.

Samira: [annoyed] Trust me, you don't want me to blow my fuse right now, because when my temper is unleashed, there's no telling what I'll do.

Yoshihiki: [playful] Wow. Are you hearing yourself? Did you catch that, Umeko? That sounded like a threat to me. How did you say that with a straight face?

Hanako: Cut it out.

Eizo and Hanako had arrived, like two figures of authority coming to break up a playground spat. Yoshihiki grinned and slunk back.

Yoshihiki: [playful] What? I wasn't doing anything wrong.

Hanako: You're provoking people. Keep this up, and we'll find a way to deal with you just yet.

Yoshihiki: [shocked] Whoa! That sounded like a threat too!

Eizo: [distressed] Seriously...give it a rest for once! No one has time for you right now! Let's just have one dinner in peace...please! It hasn't been easy to get the whole group calm and happy together for long...so don't ruin it.

Yoshihiki: [annoyed] Fine, fine…

Gradually, more people were arriving. Ichiro arrived, with Charlie as usual, and Shizuko came down the path, shivering, and wearing a large beige coat.

Yoshihiki: [shocked] Shizuko? What, is this a new fashion statement of yours? You look like you're in a giant tube!

Shizuko: [annoyed] Oh hush. You're being irritating. [distressed] It's just too damn cold here! I picked this old thing up from the store because I need to stay w-warm...and cuddling up with you commoners for warmth is not an option!

Umeko: Hey, everyone! Dinner's ready!

I began loading up the food into the available plates, as people came to grab their servings.

Azuma: You know, you're not a bad cook.

Umeko: Thanks?

Azuma: [happy] I wouldn't mind having you cook again.

Umeko: Unfortunately, I think someone else is taking over tomorrow. I think it's...Shizuko?

Shizuko: [annoyed] What? Me? Ugh, why am I always getting stupid jobs alongside you? First, it was that dumb night shift so Mr. Fussypants could guilt-trip me into taking his shift-

Eizo: [annoyed] Mr. Fussypants?

Shizuko: [annoyed] -and now this? Shizuko Ikehara doesn't cook for commoners! You people should be cooking for me! What has this world come to, honestly…? It's absolutely topsy-turvy that a celebrity would cook for commoners...

Eizo: [annoyed] I didn't guilt-trip you into doing anything. You abandoned your task, and so you had to make up for it.

Shizuko: [annoyed] Don't get hung up on it...I'll do my damn duty. But I won't be happy about it!

The five snowballers were coming over too. A lot of them were sweaty and red in the face. Kaori was lovingly brushing the snow off Buddy's fur first.

Fukumi: [excited] Hey, Umeko! I won! I won the whole game!

Umeko: Really?

Fukumi: [excited] Yeah! Me and Mordecai were a badass team! With his eagle-eye vision and my unparalleled energy, we were unstoppable together!

Mordecai: [snide] It is indeed a battle hard-fought and won on this day...on this white, bloodless battlefield...

Fukumi: [excited] I think I hit Taro, like, fifty times!

Taro: [nervous] H-Heh...I c-c-can't help it...you g-g-guys are too good...everytime I th-think I'm safe, I get a snowball to the f-f-face…

Fukumi: [excited] Hey Mordecai! Tomorrow, you and I should go head-to-head, so we can see which of us is the true champion!

Mordecai: [excited] I accept your challenge! Tomorrow, we shall fight valiantly to vanquish the other in this brutal sport of icy intensity! May the best fighter emerge a victorious spirit!

That'll truly be a battle-of-the-ages…

Miyumi: [shocked] H-Hey!

Taro: [confused] M-Miyumi? Wh-What's wrong?

Miyumi: [shocked] Ms. Shortcake! She's missing!

Taro: [shocked] Wh-What?

Miyumi: [worried] Umeko! I told you to watch my dolls! Where's Ms. Shortcake gone off to?

Umeko: Huh?

Sure enough, only Nico and Dr. Creeper were sitting by themselves on the amphitheatre bench, where Miyumi had left them and told me I was in charge. I felt a twinge of guilt as I realized I'd been far too distracted with other matters to have paid much attention to them.

And in all honesty...I hadn't been terribly bothered to watch out for a trio of...dolls.

I immediately felt awful about misplacing Miyumi's most precious possession. Damn...how could I have been so careless?

Umeko: Shoot...Sorry, Miyumi. I must've taken my eyes off them for a little too long…

Miyumi: [worried] H-Has anyone seen Ms. Shortcake? Guys…?

There was a couple shrugs and murmurs, but no one volunteered any information.

Taro: [accusatory] H-Hey! Come on, you guys g-g-gotta help her get her doll b-b-back!

Yoshihiki: [bored] How should anyone of us kn-kn-know where her dumb doll went?

Ichiro: [annoyed] And who would want to steal a doll to begin with?

Yoshihiki: [laughing] Maybe it's Nagatomo's ghost! Haha!

Wakako: [confused] Perhaps Kaori's dog mistook it for a chew toy?

Miyumi: [scared] Eep! No, don't say that! That'd be horrible!

Kaori: [angry] Hey! Don't implicate Buddy! He's innocent!

Ichiro: [annoyed] Is this really an important matter?

Miyumi: [sad] You'd be upset too if one of your plants got taken!

Ichiro: [distressed] Tch…! Th-That's different! My plants are actually alive!

Hanako: Alright, everyone just look around and shout out if you find it.

A few of the more compassionate members of the group decided to get up and help Miyumi and Taro search. Feeling bad, I joined Azuma and Fukumi in searching under the benches.

But of course, there were those who didn't seem to care. Ichiro simply sat there, scowling. Kaori was busy feeding Buddy, and Shizuko crossed her arms snootily, sticking her nose up in the air.

Miyumi: [in tears] It's no use! I can't find her!

Taro: [shocked] D-D-Don't cry, Miyumi...I'm s-s-sure she's around here s-somewhere…

Umeko: Miyumi...I'm so sorry. It was my fault, I should've-

Mordecai: Look! Up there! Is that her?

Mordecai jabbed a finger up at the tree, and sure enough, just barely obscured by thick branches and leaves, was the hem of Ms. Shortcake's dress.

Miyumi: [excited] Eee! You're right! I'd know that dress anywhere! Thank you so much, Mordecai!

Mordecai: [happy] All in a day's work for a keen sharpshooter such as myself!

Fukumi: [confused] What? How did Miyumi's doll get all the way up there?

Yoshihiki: [playful] Yeah, that's really weird, isn't it? Maybe it really is alive and it grew a pair of wings and flew up into the tree!

Miyumi: [angry] Ughhh! I should've known you'd be behind this.

Yoshihiki: [playful] I don't know what you're talking about...

Wakako: [snide] I'm surprised you even got her doll up there. Isn't it too tall for you?

Yoshihiki: [angry] I have my ways.

Azuma: Do you need a boost up, Miyumi?

Miyumi: No, it's alright. I got it…

Miyumi reached up, standing on her tiptoes to try and get Ms. Shortcake back.

Miyumi: Almost...got it...There!

She grabbed Ms. Shortcake and pulled her out from amidst the leaves. Everything that happened next took place so unexpectedly I barely had time to react. The next thing I knew, globs of a strange, white substance was falling out of the tree, splattering all over Miyumi, and her high-pitched shrieks filled the air.

Miyumi: [scared] Aiiiieeeee!

Taro: [scared] Gah! Wh-What happened?

Eizo: [distressed] What the hell?

Miyumi: [uncomfortable] Wh-What is this? [angry] Yoshihiki!

Yoshihiki: [playful] Hah! This is almost getting to be too easy!

An empty bucket now hung off the tree, tied to a string and swinging from a branch, its suspicious contents dripping out and forming a puddle by Miyumi's feet. Most of the white goop had landed in her hair and on her dress.

Eizo: [angry] Where do you keep getting all these buckets?

Yoshihiki: [playful] Wouldn't you want to know…

Miyumi: [distressed] What is this stuff? It smells terrible!

Wakako: [uncomfortable] Eww! That's not what I think it is, right?

Azuma: [shocked] Huh? What were you thinking of?

Yoshihiki: [playful] Relax! It's only tartar sauce. [excited] I found an aisle full of all kinds of sauces in the supermarket!

Eizo: [angry] Alright, that tears it! Yoshihiki - you pull off one more prank, and we're going to find a way to punish you for it!

Yoshihiki: [disappointed] Aw, but...pranking's my whole life! I can't do without it!

Hanako: That's just too bad.

Eizo: [angry] You've been going way too far! Everyone's had enough!

Yoshihiki: [playful] How do you plan on punishing me anyway? You gonna execute me too?

Eizo: [distressed] Ngh…! We...don't joke about that. But do something like that again and we'll find a way to deal with you! That's my final word on this matter!

Yoshihiki: [annoyed] Gr...fine, whatever. Sourpuss. You people are no fun.

Miyumi: [uncomfortable] H-Hey...can someone help me out? I need to get this...foul gunk off me!

Hanako: You'd better go to the bathhouse and get changed. Wash it out of your hair too.

Miyumi: [scared] B-B-But...could somebody come with me? I don't want to head out all the way there in the dark on my own…

Eizo: [accusatory] Of course! We can't possibly have that! That wouldn't be safe!

Ichiro: [annoyed] Because of what? The 'Beast', prowling around?

Taro: [nervous] D-Do you want me to c-c-come with you, M-Miyumi?

Miyumi: [nervous] S-Sure...th-thanks...

Fukumi: [shocked] What? You two can't go together!

Taro: [confused] H-Huh? Wh-Why not?

Fukumi: [shocked] Duh! Boys and girls can't mix! That's the rule!

Yoshihiki: [playful] Real sneaky, Taro...you thought you could get in some alone time with her in the baths, huh? It's always the innocent ones that are the most corrupt…

Taro: [shocked] H-Huh? N-No, I sw-swear, I wasn't thinking of th-that! [distressed] I j-j-just...I only wanted to...I was only b-b-being-

Shizuko: [annoyed] You're only digging yourself into a bigger hole here!

Hanako: This isn't an issue. Can a girl just accompany Miyumi instead?

Most of the other girls pretended not to hear.

Kaori: I have to stay here with Buddy to make sure he's eaten.

Fukumi: [bored] I dunno...I'm really hungry after that intense round of snowball fighting!

Shizuko: [annoyed] Shizuko Ikehara is no one's escort!

Umeko: ...Fine. I'll do it.

Miyumi: Umeko?

Umeko: It's my fault for not having kept a close eye on Ms. Shortcake anyway. And because I was the cook, I'm the only one who hasn't gotten started on eating yet. I'll go with her.

Eizo: Fine. Then come back quick. I've still got to take attendance before we all turn in for the night.

This whole thing was my fault anyway. I told her I'd take care of her dolls but I let Yoshihiki get to them first. I might as well try and make up for it.

[Move to: Bathhouse]

I stood outside, as Miyumi joined me, a bag of clean clothes in her hand.

Umeko: Ready?

Miyumi: [nervous] Uh...j-just a minute…

Umeko: Hm?

Miyumi: [nervous] Listen, um...you...really don't have to follow me in.

Umeko: Huh? What's wrong?

I saw her go dark red again and knew instantly why.

Umeko: Oh, that's right. You're...still not too comfortable about that, huh? Hey...if you're still shy, that's totally fine, okay?

Miyumi: [happy] Thanks, Umeko. [nervous] Um...could you, just...maybe, wait outside here?

Umeko: Sure thing. Be careful on your own inside there, alright? Don't, like, slip and fall on a bar of soap or anything. Call if you need me, and I'll come running.

She nodded gratefully and went inside. I sighed, pacing up and down in the snow outside the bathhouse, hands in my pockets, looking up at the night sky.

Just don't think about how hungry you are...don't think about your stomach grumbling...don't think about the smell of those sausages just now…

Wow...my stomach is really getting louder and louder. I must really be starving.

It got to the point that I realized something was up. I put a hand on my stomach and frowned. I was a little hungry, sure...but that growling was not coming from me.

What...what was that?

I whirled around, expecting to find someone or something - maybe Yoshihiki up to his typical tricks again. Instead, there was nothing.

I heard an electrical chittering, and looking up, I saw the streetlamps nearby were flickering. They flickered and spluttered until they finally died out, plunging this part of the village into semi-darkness.

My breathing got heavier as I slowly backed up against the wall. The gloom had only seemed to grow thicker, and it seemed like the fog in the air had started to increase as well. In a matter of seconds, it felt like everything around me in a five-foot radius had been completely obscured and lost in the darkness.

Umeko: Hello?

It felt like someone, or something, was close by. I got the strangest sensation that I...was being...watched…

The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end, and I was overcome by a sudden urge to run into the bathhouse and scream for Miyumi - though knowing her, that would probably just end up with the both of us shrieking and running around frightened.

Swallowing my fear, I called out again.

Umeko: Hello? Is anyone there?

Silence.

Umeko: Show yourself! I'm not scared of you!

Yeah, that was real convincing.

Umeko: ...Yoshihiki? Is that you?

And that's when I heard it.

Guttural Voice: ...U...m...e...k...o…

My breath caught in my throat, as my heart began to beat ten times faster. It felt like at any moment, it was going to explode out of my chest.

TERRIFYING CREATURE OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN

Umeko: No...it can't be…

There it was, a dim silhouette in a sea of shadows. I could see an animalistic form approaching me...

ROAMING THE VILLAGE

I could hear the creature's soft growls...

Umeko: It's a lie!

ALL RESIDENTS: BEWARE!

It got closer and closer...

Umeko: It's not real!

BEWARE: THE BEAST!

A scream was torn from my lips as the creature charged out of the darkness, its razor-sharp claws cutting through the air and swiping at me ferociously.

Umeko: SOMEONE! HELP!

Surviving Students: 14
Eizo - SHSL Commander
Mordecai - SHSL Marksman
Ichiro - SHSL Botanist
Azuma - SHSL Spy
Taro - SHSL Bookworm
[DEAD] Nagatomo - SHSL Thief [DEAD]
[DEAD] Kenji - SHSL Skateboarder [DEAD]
Yoshihiki - SHSL Prankster

Umeko - SHSL "Amnesiac"
Hanako - SHSL Band Leader
Miyumi - SHSL Ventriloquist
Shizuko - SHSL Actress
Kaori - SHSL Dog Whisperer
Samira - SHSL Street Artist
Fukumi - SHSL Daredevil
Wakako - SHSL Reality TV Star