For the longest time, my life had peace. There were no crazy adventures nor antics. There were no melodrama nor rivalries. There was me, my family, and my question as to who I was. Life in Romania was quiet in terms of the crazy and unusual events. As a smaller country, we didn't really play that big of a part in the world's functioning. We stood in awe as the United States pressed forward with their space technology. We watched as skyscrapers in Germany grew to reach the horizon. In Japan, technology only continued to evolve. The world all around us was advancing, and we simply followed along.

It always felt like a capsule, compared to the rest of the world. A place with farms that aren't handled by robots. A place where you could look up to the sky and still catch a glimpse of the stars. How could trouble ever arise here?

Well...it started with two words. Faceless Kidnappings. That was what the news and media called the disappearances of students around the world. At first, it was said to be an issue contained in the Americas. But...once word broke out that a boy from Spain was taken...it exploded. Every country in Europe was allerted, even Romania.

"Ah, what the hell?" My father dropped a stack of newspapers onto the dining room table. "Marches to support the victim's and spread awareness?"

"Do not swear in the house, skŭpo." My mother turned to my father. "It's impolite."

My father scratched his head while looking to the papers. "I don't get it. Marching around isn't going to do any good. They should be working together to find these kids."

My mother patiently smiled. "They have good intentions. They might get the attention of someone who will be able to help them."

"And what are their parents and families doing about this?" My father grabbed some banitsa from the counter and set it on a plate.

"Actively looking to find their children, of course." My mother watched as my father opened the fridge to get some boza.

"If it were me, I'd beat the shit out of anyone who'd dare hurt my children." My father opened the cap to the boza and took a sip. "Like that Daisuke man."

"Tetsuya?" My mother inquired.

"What's-his-face. Is that his name?" Father shrugged with a smile. "Heard he's been off his rocker doing anything he can to get his son back. He's being active, unlike some of the other ones."

"Well, some of the other ones are ill or have reasons for being unable to go on a manhunt for the kidnappers responsible for this." My mother stood up from her chair and closed the blinds. The sun was setting, signalling the time for my little brother to be tucked in to sleep.

My father took another sip of boza before going to eat some banitsa. "I hope those kids get home safe and sound."

"Me too." My mother sighed, walking over to my brother. "Come on, bed time for you."

My father and I watched as my mother carried my brother out from the room. My father then chuckled and turned to me. "Riko, if anyone ever tries to lay a finger on you, you can count on me to fuck them up for you."

I sighed with a smile. "No swearing in the house, tatko."

…

And then, as cruel as fate would have it, I was taken.

"The whole damn country is doing what it can to help you." My father told me over the phone in the recent Loved One's Call. "Riko, tell me who Erito Hajimoto is. I'll fuck them up for you."

I looked to the side. "I am sorry, tatko. I do not know who Erito Hajimoto is."

"Ah, well...when you find out, let us know." My father replied. "I will - no, Romania will beat the shit out of him. You're going to come home safe to us, Riko."

I smiled and squeezed the phone, lightly. "Romania will?"

"You're our musical sunshine girl." My father proudly asserted. "Our representative, if you will."

"Don't say it like that…" My mother sighed quietly through the phone.

"Hey, sis!" I heard the sound of my brother yank the phone out of my father's hands. "You and your friends are gonna come home soon, okay?"

"Me and my friends…" I repeated to myself as reassurance.

"Yeah! Like that flamingo boy!" My brother confidently replied. "And that blueberry boy, the orange boy, the - hey!"

My father took the phone back.

"Riko, promise your father something, okay?" He asked, seriously.

I worriedly gripped the phone. "What is it, tatko?"

"Remember what I taught you." He beamed. "To always be kind."

"I thought that's what maĭka taught her..." My brother muttered.

"You be kind, too!" My father grumbled to my brother.

I giggled quietly and lowered the phone for a moment to wipe my face. I felt like for the moment I was back home with my family. My proud father, my gentle mother, and my sweet little brother.

When the call ended, I closed my eyes and pressed my hands over my heart. I felt as motivated as ever to survive. My family, my country, my life was waiting for me to return.

How much longer will they have to wait for me?

I overslept when I woke up the day after. It was hard to remember anything that stood out from that day, as I had spent the entire day thinking about what I learned from Tobi. I wanted to know more, I wanted to find the answers to questions I didn't even know I had.

My mind was trapped, being held by the alleged lab assistant. No matter how many times I wanted to think of something else, I couldn't. My mind kept going back to him. To Tobi, to Fraize, Kozaki, I didn't even know any longer. I just knew that I wanted to see Tobi again.

But Mikanne and Zraiko would not allow it. The pair were actively guarding the inside of the room, keeping me away from Tobi. When I insisted on coming inside, the pair walked over to me and closed the door behind them.

"Please, Riko...this man is dangerous." Zraiko crossed his arms. "Part of the cult, he's probably looking to play mind games with you."

"After all…" Mikanne glanced to the side. "Isn't Tobi...holding on to your clarinet?"

I nodded, quietly.

Zraiko raised an eyebrow. "From that response, it looks like you gave it to him. Why would you do that?"

I let out a sigh. "He...gave me information on Fraize in exchange. I had to know the truth…" I looked up. "For his sake."

Zraiko worriedly crossed his arms. "How would you even know if that cultist is telling you the truth?"

I looked down. "I would hope he was…but I would not know."

The pair picked up on the insecurity of my answer.

"What did he tell you?" Mikanne asked, holding his left wrist.

I looked back up as I began to relay the information I had learned from the interloper.

"And you really believe that?" Zraiko adjusted his glasses.

"Unfortunately...there is nothing to verify or reject this." I held my hands together. "For now...I have to just believe it to be the truth. There currently doesn't seem to be anything to contradict this."

The pair sighed and dismissed me from the area. I knew they had my safety in mind and were excusing me with their best intentions. However, deep down inside, I felt an emotion of some kind that was a mix of resentment and anger, though it was quite watered down. These were my friends who were cutting off my access to the alleged lab assistant - cutting off my access to find answers. While I trusted them to take care of the situation, I wanted to be involved as well. It felt like part of my responsibility to take care of Kozaki.

…

Soon it was tomorrow, and then the day after that. A repetition of events was happening just as it did before. Just as it did, before Mei and Fraize were gone. Waking up, eating, spending free time, going back to sleep, a mindless cycle of repeated events.

Everything was the same. The sullen looks on our faces, the tension in the atmosphere. The interloper looming our minds, and Kozaki still locking himself away from us.

I laid in my bed, staring up at the ceiling without any will to move. I ran out of motivation. I could not go to Tobi to find out more information, and Kozaki was still keeping himself locked in his room. I could spend my free time with Kyohi and Weise, however...I was just too tired.

My bed felt warm, and my blankets hugged me softly. I hugged one of the spare pillows as I closed my eyes. I wanted to stay in this cocoon, to rest and go through some sort of metamorphosis that would give me the energy I needed to go on.

I was forced to come out of bed upon hearing my door knock.

"Who is it?" I slowly sat up and brushed my hair with my fingertips.

"It's Mikanne. Could I come in?" The voice called through the door.

Something about that made me excited. Or, was that the right word? It felt like something different and important was happening. Quickly, I slipped out of bed and walked barefoot to the door. My pajamas were shifted and I had a severe case of bed-head, but none of that mattered for the moment. I opened the door, looking up to the tattoo artist. "How may I help you?"

"It's nothing, really. I just came by to return this to you." Mikanne handed me my aunt's clarinet. "We finally got that guy's grubby 'paws' off of it."

I hesitated on taking it back. "Oh, well...thank you."

Mikanne seemed to be confused by my hesitation. "Is everything okay, Riko?"

"A-Ah, it is nothing." I quickly took the instrument from his hands. "I am just waking up, is all. I really do appreciate it."

Before he could speak any more on the matter, I asked him to leave so I may get dressed. He did so right away, allowing me to close my door and lock it.

Lying to my friends, it feels terrible. I can feel it in my chest, the guilt that is slowly but surely starting to grow.

I opened the closet door and carefully buried the clarinet under a pile of spare clothes. Shutting the door, I leaned against the closet as I sank to the floor.

I was so willing to stupidly give up something that wasn't even mine for Fraize. I didn't even know if this cultist would tell the truth, and I made a ridiculous gamble that was a complete disrespect to my aunt.

I felt disgusted with myself. I no longer felt any sense of worthiness to handle the precious instrument.

Asking for forgiveness would be too selfish of me. I allowed Tobi into my head, just as he wanted. He had no real power over me. There was no real reason to let his hands touch the clarinet. Nothing ever stopped me from taking it back except for myself.

Because silly, silly Riko does not deserve the instrument. My aunt, my family, they must be so disappointed in me. I am truly sorry.

…

"He's tied up real good, right?" A voice asked from outside the door.

"Right." Another voice affirmed.

I slowly rose to my feet and pressed my ear against the door.

"We can't go making any decisions without everyone knowing. This includes Kozaki. He has to know."

"Alright. Let's ask him then."

I rushed to get dressed and braid my hair. I then hurried to the door and opened it.

Outside were Zraiko and Mikanne. It seemed like they were surprised by my sudden entrance.

"Woah there, take it easy Riko." Mikanne awkwardly chuckled. "You look like you're ready to run a marathon with that speed."

"Actually, you really shouldn't sprint in a marathon." Zraiko corrected him. "It burns out your stamina and-"

Mikanne squinted his eyes to the hacker. That got him to go quiet pretty quickly.

"If I may ask," I caught my breath, "What is going on?"

Zraiko adjusted his glasses. "We're looking to collect opinions on what to do about Tobi. Weise and Kyohi already shared, and Kyohi is watching over Tobi for us right now."

Weise shyly waved hello to me, to which I waved back with a small smile.

"We're looking for Kozaki." Mikanne glanced over to Fraize's room. "Let me guess. He's inside, right?"

I nodded. "Indeed."

Zraiko then worriedly looked away. "...Riko, you've been keeping check of him, right?"

I nodded again. "Yes, I have been."

Zraiko turned to look at me. "What's this salad? The one just laying in front of the door."

I blinked, confused by the question. "It is a salad I made for him to take when he gets hungry."

"Ahuh…" He seemed to grow even more worried. "And...may I ask when did you make it?"

I felt at my chin. "Around the time I had that deal with Tobi. Why do you ask?"

Zraiko and Mikanne worriedly exchanged glances. Weise also seemed to be very nervous.

"Riko…" Mikanne grew very anxious. "When was the last time you spoke to Kozaki?"

"About the same time, a bit earlier." I held my hands together. "Tobi said some insulting things about Fraize. It caused Kozaki to lock himself in the room because it made him greatly upset."

Mikanne turned to the door. "Did he come out since then at all?"

I shook my head, slowly.

Zraiko quietly muttered, "Oh boy…"

Weise gulped and twiddled his fingers. "Oh no…"

"What is the matter?" I tilted my head, a bad feeling crawling on my back.

Zraiko took in a deep breath. "Riko, that was three days ago."

"Y-You've gotta be kidding me." Mikanne's voice held disbelief as he walked over to the door and knocked on it. "Zaki? Kozaki? Open the door, please."

There wasn't an answer.

"Damn it…" Mikanne muttered. "I'm going to break it open."

"Please wait!" I tried to discourage him. "Monobotto would not take this too kindly!"

"The last thing I care about right now is what that bucket of bolts thinks." Mikanne firmly grabbed the doorknob as he slammed the weight of his body into the door. "Damn it…!"

"Maybe we can pick the lock." Zraiko offered, calmly. "Do you have a paperclip?"

Mikanne shook his head.

The hacker glanced to the side. "Mmh... we'll need to find something else, in that case."

"How about looking in the arcade for a prize to use to pick the lock?" Weise offered, looking panicked for ideas.

Mikanne frowned. "He's already been in there for three days. I'm not going to just go and play a game."

I looked to the side in thought. "Would it be possible for Weise to find something?"

"Weise?" The tattoo artist was surprised.

"Me?" The young fashion designer looked in my direction. "But if not the arcade, from where?"

I nodded. "Your Shift Room. Do you think you could get some needles or anything similar from there?"

Weise confidently nodded before hurrying away. "I am on it!"

He soon came back with a cup filled with needles of different thicknesses. Zraiko carefully used them in an attempt to unlock the door.

One, nothing.

Two, nothing again.

Three, nothing still.

Four, five, six.

Click.

"Got it." Zraiko twisted the doorknob and pushed the door open.

…

The smell of the room was the first thing that hit me. It was repulsive, as though I had gotten a whiff of a skunk's act of defense.

The sight itself was difficult for me to even comprehend. Everything was in disarray. Paper balls were crumbled and tossed across the floor, the desk was covered in scraps and scribbles of work, clothes were dropped onto the floor without a care, and Kozaki was laying in bed. He was completely indifferent to it all.

"What the hell?!" Mikanne stormed over to the former arsonist. "Have you been leaving yourself to rot in here?!"

Kozaki did not reply. He only looked at Mikanne with sullen, lifeless eyes.

"You haven't been eating or drinking, not even taking a shower, not even putting in any effort to take care of yourself!" Mikanne frowned, pointing at Kozaki. "You need to clean yourself up, first thing. Actually, I don't even think I can trust you to take a shower on your own! Get out of bed, Zaki. Get out."

Kozaki did not respond.

"Fine, whatever." Mikanne picked up Kozaki and carried him on his back. "We're going to get you back to life now, okay?"

I watched as they left the room, Kozaki doing nothing to retaliate.

…

"I don't even think fifty air freshener cans will be enough to get this stink out!" Weise covered his nose.

"If he didn't leave the room for three days..." Zraiko slowly took his glasses off and groaned as he placed a hand onto his forehead. "To not even care in the slightest about his health and wellness...he looked like he was ready to die."

I felt guilt wash over me. He left himself to decay, he let himself give up on everything.

As someone who was asked to protect him, I felt like a failure.

Zraiko nodded to the young fashion designer. "Weise, go inform Kyohi about this for me. I'll start to make an effort to clean things up, and maybe I'll ask that tin can while I'm at it to get it to clean up this place."

Weise nodded in return and hurried off.

"I'm...going to be back." I looked for an excuse to leave, then picking up a pile of blankets stained with Kozaki's regurgitation. The smell was putrid. "I-I will take care of the blankets."

I then hurried out to the laundry room on the first floor, even stripping off my own clothing minus of undergarments and putting them in the wash. Letting out a heavy sigh, I turned on the machine and rubbed my arms, shivering lightly.

The next thing I decided to do was dash into the downstairs girl's bathroom. Going upstairs would be too much of a risk of being seen.

I needed to shower, not even just from carrying the filthy blankets. It was difficult to swallow the fact that my own hygiene had been suffering recently. It took this moment to actually get me to realize this. This killing game...it is getting to me.

And not only me. Everyone.

It felt quite wonderful to be washed by a wave of hot water. I took a seat on the floor, just wanting the heat to wash my worries away.

I could take as much time as I want here...after all, I am the only girl left. Nobody will be waiting for me to come out.

Well, I suppose the boys may want help with cleaning up the room…

They will be fine.

The thought is quite saddening, how not many of us are left. So many of our friends have perished in the cruelest of ways.

Erito Hajimoto...he could be any one of my friends as Tobi claims. He could be the intelligent hacker, trying to organize us and keep us together. After all, he spent quite a lot of time in the beginning alone except for the tattoo artist's company. He could be Mikanne, the childhood friend of Kozaki and the one who knew the truth about his identity. Dare he be Kozaki, the experiment of this entire killing game. The one who knows the least of the truth, yet had saved us so many times in the past. Could he be Kyohi, the hockey player looking to energize our group? Or even Weise, the young and naive fashion designer just being an act?

Does Erito Hajimoto even exist?

…

All I know is that he isn't me.

I wish I did not have those doubts. I wanted to keep believing in my friends.

However, this game is pushing us to our limits. If I am pushed any harder...I might be the next one to perish.

How horrible...to die out in space, with an audience eating up all of your misery.

…

Alas, all I know for certain is that I need to protect Kozaki. What is most frightening about this is that I do not even know what I am protecting him from. Is it from Erito, the cult, Monobotto? Or...is it something else entirely?

…

The hot water felt especially nice on my shoulders. It was as if it was giving me a massage as comfort. It was telling me to relax, to stop thinking of such ridiculous things.

The trust in my friends...it's all I can believe in. If that makes me a fool, a clown, or whatever else that robot uses as an insult...then so be it. I refuse to give Monobotto what it wants. I refuse to satisfy it.

What is it that I can do, then? What can I do to save my friends? What can I do to end this game?

…

I thought about it for quite a while as I brushed my hair with my fingertips. To end the game…

Where have we gone wrong so far?

Yuuta and Kamiyaki tried to end the game through the Puzzle Room. We were given a riddle just before Ingreis and Soro died. When Neizami, Tikari, and Anne passed, Kozaki was given the Danganronpa envelope - a prize from the Puzzle Room. Sayino died in the room itself, trying to solve whatever the riddle was.

We never did solve it, did we? Could it be that solving this riddle will be what it takes to end the game?

Is it even possible to solve it now?

...

I know what I am going to do today.

As I walked through the hall back to my room, towel wrapped over me like a tight hug, I passed by Weise.

"Oh, Riko!" He smiled at me. "Your hair is down!"

I smiled in return, holding my hands together. "Ah, well...I did just take a shower."

"You look really pretty with your hair down." The young fashion designer complimented me. "You should do it more often! Besides, it's not healthy to keep your hair tied up all the time. It needs to breathe every now and again."

I gave my hair a small whip with my hand to test the feeling. "...Thank you, Weise. I will consider it."

"You seem like you've been doing a lot of thinking." He nodded.

Looking away for a moment, I turned back to him. "I have indeed. In fact...wait here. There is some place I would like you to visit with me once I am ready."

Weise tilted his head in confusion for a moment before slowly nodding. "Oh, okay. I'll wait in my room. If I stay around Fraize's any longer, I might pass out from the smell…"

I sighed quietly as I glanced to the room. "I understand."

I made the trip to my bedroom quick, putting on a fresh outfit and leaving my hair down. It is true that I've kept it braided this whole time. Perhaps this new look with give a little pep in my step for the day.

I then met Weise at the Grand Staircase before walking all the way to the entrance to the Puzzle Room. I stopped and turned to him. "Weise, may I ask you something?"

The fashion designer tilted his head. "What is it?"

"This place...what do you make of it?" I turned to look back to the entrance. "This final puzzle. What would happen if we were to solve it?"

Weise twiddled his fingers. "I'm not sure. Monobotto made it sound like solving it could end the game, but...I don't believe it very much."

"Haven't you noticed that almost everything happens because of this room?" I held my hands together. "The deaths, I mean."

Weise looked down in discomfort. "Well...it does seem like it. That is why I do not want to go inside. Actually, I want to stay far, far away."

"Can you answer a question I have honestly?" I closed my eyes."

"I always answer questions honestly!" Weise insisted. "Because that is what my mentor taught me. If you make something that is not your standard, be honest and work harder! Don't just give your customer something when you know you haven't given it your honest effort!"

His analogy actually was somewhat fitting here. I giggled lightly before looking to him with a smile. "Should I try to solve this puzzle, Weise?"

The young fashion designer shook his head. "No, Riko. You should not. Because...I don't want you to get hurt. I don't want you to be cursed and die."

I patted him on the head, smiling. "Thank you for your honesty."

We stood together in a short silence before Weise's stomach grumbled.

"It looks like you're hungry." I teased him, poking him in the belly. "Come on, I will make us crepes."

Today's crepes: Banana, strawberry, apple filling with chocolate sauce on top. Percentage of crepe burnt: 15 percent. I'm getting pretty good!

We sat down together on the table in the kitchen.

"Oho, look at these strawberries!" Weise lifted up one in his bite. "The crepes taste much better with them." He then took a bite before setting down his fork to chew and swallow properly. "Riko, do you like strawberries?"

I took a bite of my own crepe, nodding. "I do like them."

"They were my mother's favorite." Weise smiled, sadly. "Mother loved everything with strawberries. Ice cream, crepes, even more strawberries...I feel like I should eat more. It would make Mother happy, I hope."

"Weise…" I lowered my fork and looked to the fashion designer.

"If Mother sees me enjoy strawberries...I think she will be able to enjoy them, too." Weise nodded. "So I have to do my best to give my Mother lots of strawberry happiness."

That was very heartwarming to hear. I nodded to him in return. "I am sure that you will always bring your mother happiness, so as long as you are kind and loving just as you are."

"Really? Oh, thank you Riko." He finished his crepe, then showing me a beaming, chocolate-stained smile. "You're probably right."

I then closed my eyes, relaxing myself lightly.

But then...those little thoughts started to creep in. The doubt in my friends, the shadow lurking around me. The alleged lab assistant's words slipped into mind.

'Fraise is French for strawberry, did you know? It is funny because Master Erito used that word to insult Ramón once.'

…

Fraise.

Fraise is French for strawberry.

French.

No, that couldn't be it. There is no way I could suspect him just because of a word. Right?

Of course not. And to prove that my suspicion is ludicrous, I will ask him about his story from before the game began.

"Weise?" I turned to the young fashion designer. "May I ask you something?"

Weise looked back over to me, smiling this time without flashing the chocolate stains on his teeth. "What is it?"

I looked to the side. "I suppose I am a bit curious...what was life like for you, before the game? I know you have told me about your mentor, and about how he was a strong parental figure to you. I know about your parents, and how they unintentionally did not give you the attention you needed to be raised. I know about your cat, your butler, but…"

"Hmm?" The young fashion designer tilted his head, not quite following me.

"I want to know...how you were taken." I let out a heavy sigh. "You sounded like you were under constant watch over your family and your mentor, even the paparazzi. So...what happened to you?"

Weise puffed his cheeks as he twiddled his fingers. "It...makes me sad to remember."

"Sad?" I asked, worriedly.

He nodded, slowly. "It was the day my father gave me an errand. He wanted me to design him clothes for an upcoming speech. Or...I believe so. It has been so long, after all…" He felt at his head. "B-But now, because of what happened to Fraize and Kozaki...I'm starting to question my own memory."

I got out of my seat to walk over to him. I patted his shoulder, gently. "It is alright, I understand." I closed my eyes. "I believe at times...I have felt the same."

Weise gave me a light hug. "It's scary, Riko."

I hugged him gently in return. "It is, truthfully."

"I remember I was alone." Weise nodded, slowly. "Because I wanted to be. I wanted to prove that I could be responsible and get everything I needed from everywhere I had to go without relying on my butler to escort me. It wasn't very long until I was recognized...so I tried to slip away, up the Eiffel Tower." He looked up to me. "The view is always so pretty. I liked to go there often, since…it inspired me."

"And from there, you were taken?" I held my hands together. "Wouldn't you have been witnessed by anyone?"

Weise shook his head. "I do not know. I passed out...though, my father told me when I spoke to him...a helicopter was spotted nearby." He then turned to me.

I looked to the side for a moment to think about this. The one time Weise wanted to prove to himself he could be outside on his own without the watchful eye of the people in his life, and yet...look how it turned out. It was like a slap to the face for everyone. A sort of 'I told you so' moment that left his family, butler, mentor, and even his cat in deep sadness.

"Riko?" Weise poked me in the arm, looking for my attention. "You look like you're staring off into space...a lot like Kozaki, yes?"

I turned back to him and shook my head with a smile. "A lot like him? Well, I suppose Kozaki does tend to go to his own world when he thinks deeply about things. Maybe he's rubbing off on me."

"You're not going to swear and commit crimes, are you?" Weise asked in what I believed to be a joking manner.

I shook my head. "No worries, Weise. My family taught me that swearing is indecent. Or, well...atleast my mother did. I will not be cussing here, nor anywhere."

The young fashion designer giggled in response. "Oh, goodie."

I took some time to clean up everything in the kitchen before looking to the exit. "We should be going. Zraiko shouldn't be left to take care of the bedroom all on his own."

"Oh...but do not want to get stinky!" Weise pouted. "I was happy you bumped into me in the hallway to give me an excuse to stay away from that room."

"What did Kyohi say, by the way?" I tilted my head, curious about the hockey player.

"He's staying with Tobi, still." Weise nodded. "He has to keep watch, after all. Though, he did say he would be willing to help if we really needed the extra hands."

"Better not to leave that lab assistant unguarded." I held my hands together. "Who knows what may happen then?"

Weise nodded. "Oho, I understand. He may need help with finding the bathroom!"

A short giggle escaped from me as I smiled. "Yes, I suppose Tobi would need help with going to the bathroom."

On our way back upstairs, Weise looked to the side. "Hmm, hmm…"

"Is something on your mind?" I asked, turning to him.

Weise looked back to me. "I need to finish a surprise now that Kozaki is out of his room."

"A surprise?" I asked in a - for lack of better words - surprised manner.

"Yes, yes!" Weise pridefully nodded. "I have been working on a special gift, and it's almost finished!"

"I take it that you won't be returning to help clean the room." I crossed my arms, looking at Weise as though I were a mother about to tell off her child.

Weise puffed his cheeks and turned away. "Hmph!"

Giggling lightly, I looked forwards as we climbed the steps. "Alright. Just don't take too long."

Smiling gleefully, the young fashion designer skipped away towards the Shift Rooms. Meanwhile, I headed into Fraize's room.

The smell wasn't as strong as it was the first time. In fact, it was almost faded out by now. I caught a glimpse of the hacker leaning against the wall, so I walked over to him. "Is everything going okay here?"

Zraiko smiled. "Just perfect. Look at this."

I turned to see Tobi grumbling as he scrubbed the floor with a large wet sponge. Kyohi was holding a large bucket of soapy water nearby.

"Zraiko…" I placed my hands onto my hips. "I do not believe this is appropriate."

"What?" Zraiko crossed his arms, still smiling and feeling no regrets. "I think this is perfect."

Sighing, I shook my head and changed the subject. "Mikanne and Kozaki, how are they?"

Zraiko's expression grew to be more serious. "Mikanne said he finished giving Kozaki a much needed refreshing. Though, when I saw him for myself, something just felt weird."

"Weird?" I tilted my head.

"Like…" Zraiko felt at his chin. "He wasn't like himself at all. He just stood and looked around mindlessly. He looked possessed, even."

That caused me a great deal of worry. "Oh dear, I should hurry to check on him…"

"You shouldn't." Zraiko shook his head. "He needs time alone right now."

"I'll only be a moment." I insisted.

Adjusting his glasses, Zraiko critically asked me, "Why?"

"Ah?" That caught me off guard.

"Why are you so protective of him recently?" The hacker questioned me. "I understand he is going through a heartbreak, but you are acting like some helicopter that hovers over him and watches his every move."

I gulped, not even realizing this from myself. "Truely?"

Zraiko nodded in response.

I let out a sigh. "It may be that I have become protective of him. But I...made a promise to Fraize." I nodded, firmly. "And I have the fullest of intentions to keep that promise."

Zraiko did not respond.

"Please, let me do this." I felt like I was begging to him. "Let me keep protecting Kozaki."

Zraiko took off his glasses and held his forehead with a long sigh. "Damn, you really are certain of doing this." He put his glasses back on and faced me. "But...aren't you being too invasive of his space?"

I looked to the side for a moment as I pondered over this. Zraiko brings up a valid point. I have been almost...forcing my presence onto Kozaki. Making him food he didn't ask for, trying to spend time with him when he wanted to be alone, I could not even trust if he had gone to the bathroom on his own.

Goodness, what is wrong with me? Silly, silly Riko.

Zraiko took notice to the lack of response I gave. "You need a break, Riko. Stop worrying so much about him." He then frowned, lightly. "You need to worry about yourself, as we all do. If you spend all your time trying to protect him, you're going to wither away."

I sighed, closing my eyes to think. "You may be right, Zraiko. However...I made a promise to Fraize. I have to keep it."

Zraiko then placed a hand on my shoulder and looked me in the eyes. "You may have made a promise, but you are the one that chooses how to keep it. Are you willing to give your mind, body, and spirit up for this?"

I wasn't sure if even I knew the answer.

"Go get some rest, Riko." Zraiko moved his hand away. "Kyohi and I will finish taking care of things here."

I took a quick glance over to the hockey player, as well as the alleged lab assistant.

Tobi locked his eyes with mine, mouthing something to me. I couldn't quite make out what it was.

I then looked back to the hacker and nodded. "Alright, I will be going. Take care, Zraiko."

Zraiko nodded back to me and watched as I left the room. I could still feel Tobi's gaze locked into me. It felt like he was getting closer and closer, reaching towards my throat again.

When I blinked, I then realized that the alleged lab assistant had ran right past me.

I stood still as I watched Zraiko and Kyohi chase after Tobi. In a blink of an eye, everyone was gone. I felt like I was completely alone in the universe. No more voices, no more people, just myself. That was how desolate and lifeless this place had become.

I closed my eyes to recall the first few days here. I remembered my friends. Yuuta, Kamiyaki, Ingreis, Soro, Tikari, Neizami, Anne, Sayino, Mei, and Fraize.

And Fraize.

Fraize.

Fraize, Fraize, Fraize.

I couldn't get him out of my head. He was everywhere. All I could see was him. His wild orange hair, his golden eyes with the rays of the sun, and his warm grin.

It was like he was never gone. I couldn't believe he was gone. He felt too alive when I closed my eyes. His smile, his laugh, his everything. I couldn't stop seeing him.

He was here, there and everywhere. He wouldn't get out of my head.

Was this how Kozaki felt about this? Was this why he left himself to rot away in Fraize's room?

And all those papers scattered about...what were they?

Pausing for a moment, I decided to walk back inside his room. It took me a mere few seconds to notice the trash bin was stuffed full with all the scrap papers Kozaki had been writing on. Zraiko might've been the one to do this while cleaning up.

Reaching into the trash, I picked up one of the papers and fixed it up to read it to myself.

Scribbles. Tons and tons of incomprehensible scribbles.

...Or were they?

The more I stared at it, the more things started to look like a code, or some puzzle.

I picked up another paper. More of some kind of code.

I pulled out each and every sheet of paper and took pictures of them with my Bottolet. After all, the others might think I've started to develop the same delusions Kozaki had. After returning the papers to the trash, I stepped out of the room and decided to find a private place to study.

The classrooms near the auditorium should be good enough. Hardly anyone goes there, and...it's one of the few places left where nobody has died.

Tucking away my Bottolet, I walked down the Grand Staircase and headed towards the Compass.

By chance, I spotted Kozaki laying down on a bench in the Compass by the fountains. He seemed to be in better condition than he was when we first found him. He had taken a shower, and was wearing fresh new clothes.

Ah, wait a moment. He's wearing new clothes?

His pants were now grey instead of black, and rather than his usual maroon sweater he was wearing a maroon button-up underneath a black cardigan. There was some sort of metal piece strapped to his chin. It made me wonder if it was meant to support a gas mask of some kind. His hairstyle also was new. It looked like Weise was finally given the chance to give the former arsonist a haircut. His hair was now swept to the side, trimmed just a bit to keep it in order.

Only two consistencies remained: His sneakers and Fraize's locket.

Did Weise put this outfit together for him? It must have been over the past days. Kozaki must've just gotten the outfit as a get well soon gift today.

I decided not to approach Kozaki, figuring he would need the space. Though, I was curious as to what he was doing.

Fraize's locket was in his hand. He seemed to be staring at it while contemplating on doing something. He then sighed and pressed a tiny button to open the locket. Though I couldn't see what was inside...it seemed to give Kozaki solace as a shy smile appeared on his face. He whispered something, though I could not hear what it was.

…

I should leave him alone for now.

I then continued on my way to the classrooms, stepping inside the North one.

The classroom had books - as the library did - but it also had papers and worksheets that I could sit down at a table and work with. To be honest, I wasn't so sure how to feel about being in this room. I believe that Tikari spent a lot of her free time here, studying for nothing.

Ah, I shouldn't say for nothing. Any studying is good studying, right?

Right now, I should be studying these papers that I found.

Wait a moment, there are cameras here. Should I really be reading these papers in front of the cameras? After all...the dorms are the only place, allegedly, without cameras. Maybe I should go back to my room.

But then coming here was a complete waste of my time. Silly, silly Riko…

Ah, well...I could still find some information in this room to help me. After all, I've never been here to study before. I wonder what things Tikari must've learned about while she spent her free time here.

Picking up a book, I sat down at a desk and prepared a sheet of paper and a pen for myself. I will be learning about...

The Daisuke family?

My first instinct was to put everything back and leave. Looking at this...it would be far too invasive of me to read through and study.

But, on the other hand...it could give me a chance to learn more about Haiji Daisuke.

…

Then it is decided. I will only be looking at Haiji's material.

Cracking open the book and flipping past chapters for who I believed to be Kozaki's grandparents, I stopped at Haiji's section and began to read.

Haiji Daisuke entered into a killing game unbeknownst to his parents and older brother. He had a great love for the show Danganronpa, and wanted to join in the fun. Though, there are some other reasons for him joining besides just being a fan. He wanted to win. He wanted to escape alone, to win the prize money, to feel untouchable. Perhaps this was because he was the younger sibling. Winning in his eyes would make him feel superior.

Well...he did win. Despite the fact that his memories were lost, despite the fact he made friends to survive with along the way, his one selfish desire led him to the outcome he wanted.

Haiji, as Erito Hajimoto, survived class trials and tribulations. Haiji, as Erito Hajimoto, killed his closest confident Tsubomi Nono with her own cooperation and painted it as her suicide. Haiji, as Erito Hajimoto, cunningly manipulated his friends into believing that Tsubomi had taken her life. Haiji, as Erito Hajimoto, watched as his friends were executed and their blood was spilled all over the floor. Haiji, as Erito Hajimoto, received the prizes from winning.

And it didn't stop there.

Haiji chased after his brother Tetsuya into the United States. Haiji wanted his brother's approval and respect. Instead, his brother left him and his family for a wonderful woman named Lauren. Haiji spited Lauren for ruining his brother. Keeping him stuck in a community where he could barely make a living. Keeping him stuck to her with the birth of their son.

Haiji wanted revenge. Haiji took it out on their son. Everything. He was abused and beaten, but Haiji always managed to slip away.

Is this the truth?

Kozaki Daisuke. Born in New York, not in Pennsylvania. Kozaki Daisuke. Experimented with during his childhood, not spending his days happy and carefree.

Kozaki Daisuke still doesn't know. Or, I believe he still doesn't. Fraize asked Mikanne to tell him the truth, but I have reason to believe Kozaki must know somehow, somewhere within his mind...his memories are fraudulent.

Being unable to remember these labs. Even just moments after stepping out of the elevator. What had the cultists done to him? What had his uncle done to him?

Why does his uncle seem to hate him so much?

…

Perhaps it isn't hate at all. It could be a feeling I cannot recognize or comprehend.

Revenge.

How does it feel to want to take revenge on someone? Are you filled with hatred, with passion? When Haiji took everything out on Kozaki, was it because he hated him, or because he loved his brother so much so to protest this new life he had?

Protest? Abusing a child is hardly a protest. It's a horrific thing to do.

And again, with Fraize. What was he thinking when he killed Mei? Did he hate her, or did he love Kozaki that much to kill her?

I think I know.

But that does not mean I understand the feeling.

And I hardly think I understand Haiji Daisuke at all.

Kozaki's uncle Haiji adored Tetsuya. This is what I know from reading this.

Then was it because he loved Tetsuya, or because he hated Lauren? Because he hated Kozaki?

I closed my eyes to ponder. Besides his last name and his Japanese blood, there's nothing Daisuke about him. His eyes, his hair, his freckles, his heart, his mind...he was a child of Lauren, not a child of Tetsuya.

Maybe this is why Haiji hated Kozaki.

Hated him enough to abuse him. Hated him enough to put him in a killing game. Hated him enough to experiment on.

The more I thought about it, the more I realized...Kozaki may have been doomed the moment he was born. And it wouldn't matter if he was Kozaki or Kanna or Kairi or Ken or any other name or any other child of his parents.

For being the child of Tetsuya and Lauren, he was doomed to suffer by his uncle's spite - his jealousy - his hatred.

I looked away, sighing. The only thing I could feel from reading this was sadness.

It's no wonder you are who you are. Why you trip and fall and struggle to get up again without help. Why you feel like you'll never be enough. Why you feel like we won't accept you.

All this time, you made it to be because of your talent and your history. Because you were an arsonist, you were less than us.

I never saw you like that.

I see now, Kozaki. I think I finally understand. Maybe you do, too.

Then I must come to you and speak about this book.

This book…Why was this book so conveniently placed for me to find? It's as if...someone wanted me to find it.

"He-he-he."

I turned around slowly, coming face to face with Monobotto.

"Hello-Riko-Hamoizumi." Monobotto teased me. "Enjoying-your-history-lesson?"

I frowned while closing the book shut. "You wanted me to read this, didn't you?"

"I-did-?" The robot tilted its head to the side. "What-in-space-gave-you-that-idea-?"

"I have a hunch." I looked away as I kept a hand over the cover of the book. My fingertips just slightly rolled over the edge of the leather cover. Such a fancy book, but why?

"Have-you-finished-reading-it-?" Monobotto asked me, intrigued.

I shook my head. "I have not. I only read what I needed to read: The story of Haiji Daisuke."

"And-that-is-all-?" Monobotto rolled its body back and forth. "You-do-not-want-to-know-more-?"

I pulled the book towards me in a cautious manner. "Not without Kozaki's permission, no. I will not invade his life like that."

"But-you-have-already-read-part-of-it." Monobotto stopped rolling.

"I think Kozaki would want any information about his uncle to be known." I nodded, firmly. "Because we have to stop him and whatever his plans are for us."

Monobotto seemed to be indifferent to it. "I-see."

I then held the book tightly in my hands as I investigated the robot. "Why are you here?"

Monobotto looked at me with its cold, lifeless glassy eyes. "The-beginning-of-the-end-is-near. Do-you-have-the-potential-to-become-an-elite-?"

"An elite…?" My hands gripped the book tightly.

"As-of-now," Monobotto hummed, "I-think-you-have-an-uncertain-future."

I stood up rather quickly, disinterested in giving the bucket of bolts any more of my time. "In short, you have come to screw with me."

Monobotto seemed as though it was flashing a sly grin. "Screwing-with-you-clowns-is-an-enjoyable-pastime-of-mine."

I sighed, turning my back to the robot and leaving the classroom.

Though, I believe that was exactly what Monobotto wanted me to do. When I entered the hall, I could hear a conversation of some kind. Or, perhaps it was...a confrontation.

"Why won't you let me do this for you?"

Ah? That voice...it's Tobi. He's not referring to himself in the third person now. In fact...he sounds very serious.

"No response? Come on, you can't just leave me hanging like this. Everyone is waiting for you, didn't you know?"

"I don't know what the hell you're talking about."

That other voice...it's Kozaki.

"You're the star of the show, don't tell me you didn't know!" Tobi exclaimed in a mocking sort of manner. "Protagonist, Kozaki Daisuke, that's you! Though, I have to say...you sure don't act that way. In fact, I would even say-"

"Just leave me alone." Kozaki cut him off. "Stop stalking me, damn it...I don't know what you want from me."

"I want you. Isn't that conspicuous enough?"

I quickly opened the door before anything more could happen. Kozaki was standing with his back pressed against the wall, the alleged lab assistant leaning forward and whispering something I couldn't hear.

"Oh, do we have a guest?" Tobi smiled as he turned to look at me. "Why, it's pretty bird. What are you doing here?"

I frowned slightly in return. "I could ask you the same question."

"Oh?" Tobi shrugged, casually. "I'm just...settling some business with Number One. See, I need to take him back with me to the lab. Everyone's waiting."

"Like hell I'll let you just take me wherever you want." Kozaki muttered, looking away. It looked like he was trying to find a chance to slip away.

"Don't be like that…" Tobi turned back to the former arsonist with a sly smile. "Come now, there are people waiting for you. It's been too long since you've had your...medication."

"Get away from me!" Kozaki attempted to slip to the left.

Tobi grabbed him by the collar and shoved him into the wall. "Now I see why your uncle was so mad. This really is all a game to you, isn't it? You're wasting everyone's time."

Kozaki shut his eyes and shook his head.

"Look at you…" Tobi caressed Kozaki's cheek. "It's so sad, honestly. Why? Why won't you? Why are you ruining everything we all worked so hard for?"

"That's enough!" I pointed to Tobi. "You will leave him alone, or else I…"

"Or else you…?" Tobi turned to look back to me, amused.

"I…" I frowned. "I will put a stop to this by my own hands!"

Tobi didn't react at first. He then bursted into laughter and looked back to Kozaki. "Did you hear that, Number One? Pretty bird is going to stop me. Oh, how I chortle...isn't it funny?"

Kozaki shut his eyes and looked away.

"Aw, how sad. Pretty bird doesn't exist to you anymore, does she?" Tobi then began to stroke Kozaki's hair, provocatively. "Your flesh bag bodyguard is dead because of her, after all."

I wanted to shout out that Tobi was wrong, that he was lying. I wanted to defend myself, I wanted to regain Kozaki's trust in me.

But I couldn't, because Tobi is not wrong. Fraize is dead because of me, and all this time I've tried to protect Kozaki...I've failed.

I'm nothing more than a silly, silly, useless little girl.

…

"Come on, come on already." Tobi leaned in extremely close to Kozaki's face. He then whispered, "Let's go already."

…

No.

No, I won't allow it!

Reacting quickly, I rushed forward with the book in my hands and slammed it into Tobi with all of my strength. This caused the alleged lab assistant to look over to me in a daze.

I hit him again.

I hit him again.

Hit him again.

Hit him again.

Again.

Again.

Again.

"S-Stop!"

I paused just before I was going to slam the book into Tobi's head one more time. I then looked over to see the owner of the voice that called for me to stop.

Kozaki stepped back, away from me. He seemed to be horrified.

I…I didn't...

Kozaki was tearing up now. He didn't say anything at all, only covering his face and sinking to the floor.

I lowered the book as I approached the former arsonist, completely ignoring Tobi lying on the floor. I knelt down and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Kozaki…"

He uncovered his face and looked at me, still not saying anything. His eyes were full of fear, as though he were looking at someone...who would attack him next.

"Let's...get you back to your room…" I helped him to stand up.

He still didn't say anything to me. In fact, he didn't say a single word as I walked with him past Tobi's unconscious body. Nor did he say anything as we walked down the hall and up the stairs.

"I'm- I'm sorry." I whispered, half hoping he wouldn't hear me. "I'm so, so, so sorry…"

I felt like no matter how many times I said sorry, it wouldn't matter. That no matter how many times I said sorry, nobody would ever forgive me - not even myself.

My apologies were cut off when I felt Kozaki wrap his arms around me, pulling me close. I looked up to him, surprised.

"Please, don't do that again...don't protect me." He squeezed me lightly. "I already lost someone precious to me because of this. I don't want to lose you, too…"

I slowly returned the embrace, resting my head in the crook of his neck. I sniffled and sputtered until I just couldn't hold it in any longer and cried.

I finally understood what it was that Tobi had mouthed to be back in Fraize's room. I finally realized it all, how foolish I had been.

You're turning into Ramón.

~Chapter Six, Daily Life Two, End~