Hi guys! I can't believe we are already on the first part of chapter 4! Thank you so much for those who are still reading this story!

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this!

It was a bright and windy afternoon. Nao was sitting on a rock beside a blue clear lake. In the lake were different schools of fish. Birds hovered the surface of the lake waiting to sweep a school for their snack. Several feet below the lake were pebbles and sand that was spread to the edge of the lake. Surrounding the lake is an orchard of trees with emerald green leaves forming canopies from a great height. The sky was a clear blue with flocks of birds flying.

The scenery was peaceful. The wind made its way through the trees creating a symphony of rustling leaves. Hovering over the surface of the lake, the wind made waves crashing on to the rocks near where Nao was sitting. The refreshing air gently touched his face.

He took it all in and paused for a while to relax. This is beautiful. I wish my life is as peaceful as this lake. Nao finally felt at peace after a long time. What can I do to have this? I just want to feel like this all the time.

He continued to bask in the sunlight. As he was lounging around, he heard footsteps coming from behind him. He turned to see a lady in a white sleeveless dress. She was wearing white flipflops and a white wide-brimmed hat. He tried to see her face but it was covered by the hat.

The lady continued to walk until she was in front of Nao. She stopped and took off her hat. She gave Nao a smile and sat beside him. It was Umeko.

Finding out it was Umeko, he quickly averted his gaze from her. He was looking at the lake again. Nobody said anything. It was as if nothing happened. Nao continued doing nothing. He tried to shrug Umeko's presence but he could not. It was quiet but it was not peaceful.

Nao felt a great wave of awkwardness travel through his body. He felt uncomfortable. He tried to fix the way he was sitting on the rock numerous times but he could not go back to the way he felt earlier. It was obvious and Umeko could not help but giggle.

"Is everything alright?" Umeko asked.

Nao was still acting as if Umeko was not there. He kept on changing his position when Umeko suddenly put her hand on his chin. She made him look at her. Umeko tried to lock eyes with him but Nao's eyes continued to avert his eyes.

Umeko stood up and smiled. She looked at Nao and said, "Goodbye!" After that, she walked away. When Umeko was already far from him, he shouted, "Wait! Don't go…". No matter how loud his words were, it was already too late because Umeko was gone.

Nao slowly woke up from his dream. He opened his eyes to see he was in his room and not anywhere near a lake. He reached for his tablet to see what time it was. It was only a quarter after five. He put back his tablet and tried to go back to sleep.

As soon as he closed his eyes, all he could think about is Umeko's kiss. Umeko really did kiss me. Umeko kissed me. She kissed me on my lips. Nao could not think straight and was annoyed by this. Knowing that he cannot fall back to sleep again in his current state, he got out of his bed and got ready for the day.

He did his usual routine. He showered and got dressed. He took his tablet and was about to put it in his jacket. He was about to put it in when he noticed something. Huh… That is strange. There is no new floor plan. Usually, after a trial, I get a new floor plan. Maybe it still too early. Monokuma might send it later.

He shrugged it off and went to the door. Before he opened the door, he had a thought. I hope Umeko does not come out of her room at the same time as me. Nao slowly opened his door and looked around to find he was all alone. Seeing this, he let out a sigh of relief.

Nao continued and walked to the kitchen. As he was walking, all he could think about is the kiss. Why am I so bothered by her kiss? It is just a kiss. Just calm down Nao! Maybe, she was not in the right mind after the trial. I can't say that.

Nao cannot shake it off. He knew he was not mad about it but he does not know what he was feeling. That is the reason why he was completely uncomfortable. What is this? I can't think straight! All of this is happening because of a kiss!

After a few minutes, he was finally in the cafeteria. He stopped and looked at where they kissed. Stop looking at it! You are just making yourself worse. Nao continued to walk to the kitchen. He opened the door and immediately saw Umeko.

Umeko was already cooking. She was smiling from ear to ear. She was humming as she flipped a pancake. When Nao opened the door, she looked at him. Her smile suddenly shrank. Just like Nao, she could not look at him straight in the eyes.

"Oh! Hi Nao!" Umeko greeted him with less energy than she usually does.

"Yeah… Hi Umeko…" Nao said. What am I doing?

After that, the two just stood there waiting for someone to break the awkward silence. Nao was the one to break it. "So… Uhmmm… What are you cooking?"

"Oh, this? These are just pancakes that I made." Umeko answered.

After that, it was dead silence again. Nao walked to her to look at the pancakes. Nao tried to look nothing happened but it was obvious he was not acting like his usual self. He stood beside Umeko who was only looking at the pancakes.

"What are you going to eat?" Nao asked.

Umeko briefly answered, "This."

"Oh, it's vegan. That's cool…" Nao said. There was nothing else he could say. He continued to look at the pancakes as Umeko flipped several of them. It was completely awkward none of them could do anything about it.

Out of the blue, Monokuma's morning announcement was aired. "Wake up! It's already six! Time to do something useful!" After that, it was completely silent again.

After a few minutes of awkward silence, the door opened. The two looked and saw Asuka come in. The two were shocked to see her. "You're early!" Umeko said.

"That's right! I am here to help! What do you guys need me to do?" Asuka asked. She looked at the two. The kept on glancing at each other not knowing what to say or who to answer. Thankfully, Asuka came up with something. "I know! I can make a mean milkshake for everyone! That is going to be fucking amazing!"

"That sounds amazing Roxanne!" Umeko said.

Immediately, Nao said, "I should fix the table." Nao quickly grab plates and utensils and went to the cafeteria in rush. I can't stay in there. I might do something that could make things even more awkward.

Nao went out of the kitchen and saw Samuru sitting at the table. Nao was surprised to see him there already. He smiled and said "Hi Samuru! Why are you awake already?" Nao asked. Nao walked to the table to set it up.

Samuru answered, "Roxanne made me wake her up."

"Just like how she made Manon wake her up last time?" Nao replied.

"Yup but when I came to her room, she was already awake and full of energy. She looked like she did not need me to wake her up." Samuru said.

"If that is the case, why didn't you just go back to sleep?" Nao asked.

"I thought I needed to make sure she is okay. Manon was her closest friend." Samuru answered.

Right, Manon is dead… "So far, do you think she is doing fine without Manon?" Nao asked.

"I think so. She is still in the process of moving on." Samuru answered.

After that, Nao continued setting up the table. After a few seconds, he was already done. He looked at the kitchen. I think it is best for me to just stay here. Nao sat down. Samuru looked at him with surprise.

"You are not going back to the kitchen?" Samuru asked.

Nao shook his head. "They are almost done anyway. I might as well just stay here and not get in their way." Nao answered.

Samuru continued. "That's a surprise."

Nao was curious why Samuru said that.

"Why is it a surprise?" Nao asked.

Samuru looked at Nao with amazement. He laughed and decided to stay quiet. This just only made Nao more curious about Samuru's thoughts. He wanted to get Samuru to say what he was thinking. He was about to ask when Hana entered the room.

"Good morning Samuru!" Hana greeted.

She walked to the table and sat down beside Samuru. She was shocked to see Nao with them. "Why are you here? Who is cooking our breakfast?" Hana asked.

"Don't worry about breakfast. Roxanne and Umeko are already on it." Nao answered.

"Why aren't you helping them?" Hana continued to ask.

"They don't need my help." Nao answered.

"How come?" Hana continued with her questioning.

"They seem to be doing just fine without me." Nao said.

"Even your princess, Umeko?" Hana asked.

Nao was silent after hearing Hana's question. Princess? Why is she saying Umeko is my princess? Hana saw Nao's speechless reaction. A playful smile formed on her face. "Something happened. I am going to get to the bottom of this. Hihihihihi!" Hana claimed.

After that, one by one, people came. Eri was the next to come with her teddy bear, Honey. She greeted everyone with Honey. The next person to come was Takashiro. Takashiro greeted everyone with his puppet, Tori-chan. Unexpectedly, Mako came.

Mako's eyes were puffy probably from crying. They sat near to Nao and greeted everyone. "Good morning…" Obviously, they are still grieving over Jitsunori's death. Nao turned to him He put his hand on their shoulder.

"We are just here if you need someone to talk to." Nao said.

Mako simply nodded.

After a few moments, Asuka and Umeko went out of the kitchen with their breakfast. Everyone was excited when they saw the pancakes and the milkshakes the two girls made. Asuka made different milkshakes. There was a milkshake that chocolate drizzle. There was one that had this pink drizzle on top of it. And, there was one that had caramel on it.

"Those look delicious! I can't wait to eat one!" Hana shouted.

"These are delicious! I was the one who made it!" Asuka shouted.

"You did? But they look so dainty." Hana teased.

"What the fuck are you trying to say? I can be dainty from time to time." Asuka shouted.

People laughed. "Yeah right! Dainty as poison ivy!" Hana joked.

Asuka just rolled her eyes. She randomly distributed the milkshakes. Nao got the caramel one. He took a sip of it. He immediately loved it. "This is coffee caramel!" Nao shouted.

Asuka turned to him and said, "That's right! I made a chocolate milkshake, a mixed berry milkshake, and a coffee caramel milkshake!"

Hana looked at Nao and said, "You love coffee, don't you?"

"Yes, I do! I love coffee so much that my most favorite dessert is coffee jelly!" Nao said.

Eri suddenly jumped into the conversation. "Is this…coffee caramel as well?" Eri asked.

"Yup!" Asuka answered.

"Is anyone willing t-t-to exchange milkshakes with…me?" Eri asked.

"Why?" Takashiro asked.

"I am allergic to coffee." Eri answered.

"Oh! If that is the case, we could swap milkshakes. Mine is mixed berry if you don't mind." Takashiro offered. Then, the two swapped milkshakes.

After that, Umeko finally sat down. It was obvious she was reluctant to sit beside Nao. Nao just shrugged it off and tried to act like everything is normal. Everyone started eating. After a few minutes, someone opened the doors. Everyone stopped eating and looked at the door. It was Norio.

Norio walked towards the group and sat in between Nao and Mako. Norio looked at the table and saw the food. "So this the breakfast for today." Everyone was still shocked to see Norio sitting with them.

He looked at everyone who was staring at him. "What? Am I not allowed to join you guys to eat?" Norio asked.

Umeko was the one to reply first to Norio. "Sorry! We just did not think you would join us for breakfast."

Hana added, "Why are you joining us all of a sudden?"

Norio snappily answered, "I thought it would be better if people see me so that no one will be suspicious of me. Would you rather me not join you guys?" Everyone was still taken aback by his sudden appearance. People were clearly weirded out by this. Nao decided to say something.

"Finally! We are complete! Let's just continue with our meals. It is not like this usually happens." Nao said. He looked at everyone. Everyone went back to eating. Nao was saddened thinking of what he said. We are complete but there are only nine of us left. Only one more than half of our original number.

Nao stood up to get Norio a plate and utensils. He grabbed a set from the kitchen and gave it to Norio. "Thank you!" Norio said when Nao handed him the plate and utensils. The group continued to eat.

The group had their breakfast like they normally would. Hana would make up some jokes. Asuka was extra loud today. She definitely received some eye rolls mainly from Norio but it did not bother her to behave. Samuru acted like Asuka's parent. Takashiro tried to lighten up the mood with his puppets.

Nao was happy with what he was seeing. At least everyone is having fun, right? Nao turned to Norio who looked stoic. What did I expect from him? After that, he turned to Umeko. At the exact moment, Umeko looked at him as he looked at her. They immediately averted each other's gaze.

What is this? What is our problem? We are acting weird. Too weird! Nao tried to brush it off and went back to listening to the conversation at the table.

"Eri, when we get out of here, you better make me a fucking plush that looks like me. It will be a great merchandise!" Asuka said.

"Sure… I think I can make a d-d-draft already." Eri said.

"Awesome!" Asuka said.

In the middle of their conversation, Norio decided to butt in. "Your plush sounds nice but can we talk about something important?" Norio said.

It definitely killed the light atmosphere in the room. "What is more important than my plush doll?" Asuka asked.

"A new room was unlocked." Norio said. Everyone was shocked to hear this except for Nao and Umeko. The two knew what Norio was talking about. It was the file storage room.

Samuru was the first to respond. "What room are you talking about?" Samuru asked.

"The door near the front desk was opened by these two." Norio pointed at Nao and Umeko. Everyone looked at them with confusion.

Nao was the one who explained everything. "Umeko and I opened the door with a password."

"Password? How did you figure out the password?" Hana asked.

"Remember the code we found in the computer lab? We were able to decode it and figure out it was meant as a passcode." Nao answered.

"What is the password?" Samuru asked.

"0016" Nao answered.

"Why did you only tell us about this now?" Samuru continued.

"We keep forgetting to tell you guys because a lot of things keep on happening. First was your match with Reyes. Then, the murder happened." Nao answered.

"We should go there and check it out." Samuru said.

Umeko finally spoke. "Don't bother. There is nothing in there that important. It only contained files of previous students of this school. There is only one folder that caught out attention."

"What is it?" Eri asked.

"Nao has it." Umeko said.

"Oh right, it's in my room. Wait here, I will get it." Nao said.

Nao stood up and left the room. He quickly went to his room and grabbed the folder. As soon as he got it, he went back to the cafeteria with the folder. He put it on the table. Norio was the first to grab the folder.

"Our class folder…" Norio said.

"That's what it says." Nao replied.

Norio told the group what it contained. "It has our files with our grades on it. Why do we have grades?" Norio said. After he was done, he passed the folder around. Everyone was shocked to see their files.

"What? My average is 93.6. I never got a grade that high in my life!" Asuka said.

After everyone was done, the folder was given back to Nao. Nao continued. "It's not just that. We supposedly have another classmate." Nao put out a file from the folder. It was Isamu Hiroshi's.

"He should be our classmate. According to this folder, he is the Ultimate Prison Warden. Does his name ring any bell?" Nao said.

Samuru suddenly interrupted. "Isamu Hiroshi… I think I know him."

"You do?" Nao asked.

"Yes! Because of our line of work, I think we have met before. He sent me his prisoners who were up for execution. He is just our age just like the file says. From what I can recall from our brief interaction, he is kind but awkward."

"What do you mean by that?" Norio asked.

"He once tried to talk to me about a game. I just did not understand what he was trying to do so I just looked at him. He was extremely awkward." Samuru answered.

"Where could he be?" Nao asked.

"Well, wherever he is, I hope he is not in a situation like ours. Nobody deserves to be locked up like us." Hana said.

"We also have an adviser named Kioshi Sadao. Does anyone know who that is?" Umeko asked.

Everyone had no idea who their supposed adviser was. Because of that, they moved on to a new topic.

"I was going to open a door with the same keypad in the basement last night but Monokuma banned me. He made a rule just to make sure I can't open it." Nao said. He showed everyone the new rule.

"It looks like Monokuma has some secrets he wants to keep hidden." Norio remarked.

"I wish I know what is behind it." Nao said.

"It must be something too important for us to mess up." Hana said.

"Ooohhh! Maybe we can make a bomb and blow the place up to open it." Asuka suggested.

Norio chuckled. "That's dumb! Before you could even lit the bomb, Monokuma, for sure, would have your ass gunned down or something. Plus, how can we even get there? The only way to get there only appears whenever we have a trial." Norio told the group.

Everyone was silenced by this. It was clear everyone was stumped with what they can do with their newfound information. Norio broke the silence by saying, "At least we have something new."

After that, everyone went on with their day. Even though there were only so few of them left, they still hung out with their own groups. Eri and Takashiro isolated themselves from the group. Asuka and Samuru went out of the cafeteria to check the new room. Mako went straight to their room. Hana was all alone while Norio was sitting silently looking at everyone. Nao and Umeko stood up at the same time.

The two looked at each other and said, "I'll wash the dishes."

"It's alright! I can do it." Umeko said.

"I'm also okay with doing it." Nao said.

The two just stood there silently not knowing what to do next. It was awkward just like how they were earlier. Norio broke the silence when he said, "Why don't you two just wash the dishes like you normally would."

The two looked at each other after Norio suggested. Nao sat down and let Umeko clean up the table. She went to the kitchen with the dirty plates and left Nao alone with Norio. Nao was silent. Norio could not help but say something about it.

"You two are awkward. What happened?" Norio blatantly asked.

Of course, Norio noticed it. What else can I expect from him? Nao turned to Norio and said, "Is it that obvious?"

Norio chuckled and said, "Anyone with two perfectly functioning eyes can see that there is something wrong between the two of you. Something definitely happened. What is it?"

Is there really any use hiding this from him. He will eventually find out. Nao reluctantly shared what happened to him and Umeko. "Last night after the trial, we stayed here and talked about the trial. Then… something happened."

Norio immediately said, "Did you two kiss?"

Nao quickly turned beet red. "I did not kiss her, ok! She was the one who kissed me!"

"Does it really matter? Based on your reaction, I am guessing it was lips to lips." Norio said.

Nao was turning redder. "Of course it does!"

"Did you stop her?" Norio asked.

"How can I stop someone from kissing me?" Nao asked.

"Well, did you want her to stop kissing you?" Norio continued to ask.

Nao could not say anything. He silently embarrassed with his whole face red. Norio chuckled seeing Nao's reaction. "I hope that made things clear for you."

Norio stood up and continued with, "I am going to join Asuka and Samuru. You might have missed something." After that, Norio walked out of the room. Nao was left silently sitting with his face still red.

After a few seconds, someone sat beside him. It was Hana.

"Is it true?" Hana asked.

"What?" Nao asked.

"What you and Norio were talking about! Is it true?" Hana continued to ask. Not Hana… Out of all people who could have heard it, why did it have to be Hana? Nao looked at Hana who was all giddy from what she overheard.

"Yes…" Nao weakly said.

"Yes?" Hana said.

"Do you really need me to say it again?" Nao asked.

"OMG! It is true! Ahhhh!" Hana shouted. She jumped up and down feeling giddy about hearing Nao's confirmation.

"How did it happen?" Hana asked.

"Do you really need to know the details?" Nao asked.

"Yes!" Hana answered.

Nao told her how everything went down. Hana was definitely happy hearing his story. After Nao ended, Hana said, "That was so cute! So are you two a couple now?"

"Have we been acting like a couple to you?" Nao asked.

"You two are so awkward with each other. What is up with that?" Hana said.

"After that kiss, we are so awkward. I could not even look at her or talk to her properly. We can't even have a proper conversation!" Nao said.

"Well, did you say anything to her after the kiss?" Hana asked.

"No… She just looked at me and left." Nao said.

"What! You did not do anything? No wonder you two are so awkward with each other!" Hana said.

"What should have I done then?" Nao asked.

"Come on! Really? You don't have any idea?" Hana asked.

Nao shook his head.

"Tell her what you feel about her! It is awkward because she has no idea what to do! Does she act like a friend, a girlfriend, or a stranger?" Hana said.

"Is that what I should have done?" Nao asked.

"Yes! Dummy!" Hana said.

I should be honest with Umeko. What do I want to say to her? Nao thought about it. He was deep in his thought. Suddenly, he smiled which showed Hana he knew what to do.

"Imagine I am Umeko. Tell me what you want to tell her right now." Hana said.

Nao was taken aback by this. "Why should I tell you?" Nao asked.

"Practice!" Hana said.

Nao stood up and told Hana, "Thank you but I don't think I can do it." Hana was confused by this. Before Hana could say anything, Nao walked away from her and went out of the cafeteria. I appreciate Hana's advice but I can't tell her what I want to say to Umeko. It is only for Umeko to hear. I need to get away from everyone. I need to clear my head.

He went straight to the gymnasium where he thought no one would be there. He opened the door and saw someone jogging around the gymnasium. "Mako!" Nao greeted. He went straight to the bleachers and sat down to think.

Umeko, I… I… I… Fuck! I can't say it! Should I really say it if I can't even say it? This is so stressful! Nao was so deep in his thoughts that he did not realize Mako was already in front of him. Mako tapped him on his shoulder.

"What are you thinking about?" Mako asked.

Nao looked at them. Mako sat beside him. "What is your problem?" Mako continued to ask.

"It is nothing really." Nao answered.

"Nothing? But you are so deep in your thoughts. It is definitely something." Mako answered.

"What about you? Why are you here?" Nao asked.

"You really don't want to talk about it, do you?" Mako said.

Nao stared at the center of the gymnasium.

"I answer your question. You answer mine. Deal?" Mako said.

Nao simply nodded.

"I can't stay in my room. It is too quiet. I can't sleep." Mako said.

"Why?" Nao asked.

"Because all I could think of is Jitsunori." Mako answered.

Nao said, "You two were really a great couple."

Mako immediately said, "Couple? We could not even say our feelings for each other."

Nao turned to Mako and said, "You never told him you like him?"

Mako shook their head. "I didn't… and I regret every bit of that fact…" Mako suddenly teared up. He continued speaking. "I knew how much I meant to him. I hope he knows what I truly feel for him. I hope he knows I love him. I wish I said to him how much I love him! I really wish I could tell him right now that I love him. But I can't… because he's gone. He is gone."

Nao tried to console Mako. "I am sure Jitsunori knew what he meant to you." Nao said.

"I really hope so. Nao…" Mako looked at him.

"What is it?" Nao asked.

"If you ever fall in love with someone, tell them you love them every time you can because you never know when the next opportunity to say it will come." Mako said.

It pierced Nao straight to the heart. Mako is really going through it all.

Mako wiped his tears. Then, they turned to him and said, "Now that I have answered your question, it is time you answer mine."

Nao took a deep breath before answering. "I was thinking of what to say to Umeko actually."

"Why?" Mako asked.

"She… she kissed me last night and I did not say anything." Nao answered.

"You did not tell her how you feel." Mako added.

"Exactly. I don't know what to say and how to say it." Nao continued.

"Do you hate Umeko?" Mako asked.

"What?" Nao asked.

"Do you hate Umeko?" Mako repeated himself.

"Of course not! I can't possibly hate her." Nao answered.

"Is she a friend to you?" Mako asked.

"Yes…" Nao answered.

"Is that what you really want to say or is that what you think you should say?" Mako asked.

Nao could not say a word.

"Just tell her what you really want to say. I am sure she can handle it. She confessed to you. That has to mean she is ready with whatever you have to say." Mako explained.

"You really think so?" Nao asked.

"Of course! Tell me what you want to tell Umeko right now!" Mako said,

"You too?" Nao said.

"What do you mean by that?" Mako asked.

"Hana told me the same thing. She said I should tell her what I think of Umeko. I can't!" Nao said.

"Why not?" Mako asked.

"Because I want to tell it to Umeko, not to you guys." Nao answered.

"I understand. I just want you to say it because I want you to hear yourself." Mako said.

"What will that do for me?" Nao asked.

"It will make you more firm with what you feel. Try it!" Mako said.

Nao was hesitant. "Should I really do it?"

"Go for it." Mako said.

Nao took a deep breath. "I… I… I…"

"You what?" Mako asked.

"I like her, okay! I like her a lot! I just can't say it because I don't know how to tell her. I don't know if it was real. I thought it was something else. I am so bad at this, aren't I?" Nao said.

"You are!" Mako said. The two quickly laughed about it. I can't believe I said. I said I like her. Am I really doing the right thing? This is my first time and I don't know what to do.

"So, you really like Umeko." Mako said.

Nao suddenly blushed. Mako laughed seeing him turn beet red. "Good luck with whatever happens to your confession."

Nao stood up and looked at Mako. "Thank you for the advice."

"Oh, it's nothing! Go tell her!" Mako said.

Nao was about to leave the gymnasium when Monokuma suddenly spoke through the audio system. "Hello! Everyone, proceed to the gymnasium, immediately!"

Nao stopped and looked at Mako. "It looks like me confessing will have to wait."

"I hope it is nothing bad." Mako said.

"When did Monokuma ever announced something good?" Nao replied.

After that, the two got off the bleachers and went to the center of the gymnasium. One by one, people came in. Everyone was readying themselves for anything Monokuma might throw at them. I can't let Monokuma manipulate me. I won't let another murder happen again.

That is for this update! I hope you enjoyed it!

What do you guys think of this new chapter? Tell me through the comments.

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Anyway, thank you so much for reading again!

Good luck to all of us!