I made my way to the casino for a quick breather.

I went downstairs, just to find Ichiro playing with the MonoMono slots.

"Oh hey there!" Ichiro said. "How's it popping, dudette?!"

"Good, I guess." Eunji yawned.

"You tired?" The surfer asked.

"Just been going around, talking to others."

"Weird, didn't see you."

Is he seriously surprised? It's like this dude doesn't know how I feel about him.

"Um, anyways, watcha doing there...?" Eunji asked.

"Playing with da slot machine, bruh!" Ichiro said.

"Are ya winning, son?" Monokuma appeared.

"Gaahhh!" Ichiro was startled. "That's so creepy, breh!"

"I said... are ya winning, son?" Monokuma repeated.

God, the two most annoying things in the world, all in one room.

"Miss Blue is over here looking very displeased!" Monokuma remarked.

"Fuck off." Eunji replied.

"I suppose I'm winning." Ichiro replied. "Been making big bucks!"

"Heya, Eunji!" Monokuma said. "I can technically kick you out now that other people are using the casino."

"Monokuma, I got a question." The idol said.

"Yes?"

"Does spitting on you count as a violation of the regulations?"

"What?" Monokuma said. "You want to spit on me!? So naughty! I like it!"

"Ugh, never fucking mind."

Ichiro just laughed. "So hilarious!"

Eunji just sighed. "Anyways, what are you here for, Monokuma?"

"16 hours remain before I expose all your secrets!" Monokuma said. "Get to killing!"

"Shut the hell up." The idol replied. "I'm sick of you."

"Puhuhuhu! It's gonna get exciting real soon!" With that, the bear disappeared.

"God, that fucking bear gives me such a headache." Eunji sighed.

"I don't like him either, breh!" Ichiro said, giving another whirl on the slots machine.

"Since there's nothing else to do, you wanna play against me in Outlaw's Run?"

"Do I!? I'm a pro, Eunji!" The surfer replied. "Maybe I shouldn't play against you, though. I don't wanna make a girl cry!"

"Oh? It's on now." Eunji said. "Try me."

"Alrighty then, just don't yell at me once I win." The surfer took his winnings from the slot machine, and walked over to one of the Outlaw's Run machines.

Sometimes, Ichiro isn't so bad.

"Th-That's 5-0!" Ichiro said. "How are you so good!?"

"I've had practice." Eunji replied. "Wanna go again?"

"Yes, and this time I will beat you!"

With that, Ichiro started the game again.

We ended up playing for 2 hours, and the final tally ended up being 20-7. I kinda felt bad, but I would be lying if I said his upset reactions weren't funny.

"Sigh... I have been bested." Ichiro said, then he got on his knees. "I am just a mere peasant to you, my queen."

"Oh, c'mon, stop it!" Eunji lightly slapped his shoulder. "Get up."

"Well, that was a very fun!" Ichiro said. "Imma head ya, catch ya on the flipside!"

With that, Ichiro walked away.

I soon after took my leave.

Eunji made her way to the lab buildings, and saw Takashi.

"Hey there." Takashi said. "How's it been?"

"Feels like I've barely seen you around." Eunji replied. "Watcha been doing?"

"Trying to find an escape." The white-haired boy responded. "Doesn't seem like there's one. You'd think Monokuma would have a secret tunnel somewhere, but one never showed up."

"That's so irritating."

"Tell me about it."

"So, what was the deal with Masahito going after Yeeun?" Eunji asked.

"Honestly? Ask Masahito yourself." Takashi said. "But, I definitely am getting worried."

"What do you mean?"

"There's the whole Masahito and Yeeun thing, but Izumi has also been sketching me out."

"Yeah, Izumi has been off her rocker, lately."

"I get that she's the Ultimate Hacker, but her behavior lately is raising huge red flags."

"I don't think she'll do something, though."

"I didn't think Reika would have done something either." Takashi replied.

Eunji just fell silent.

He's right. Reika seemed so normal, just like all of us... But then she went on to murder Jutaro.

"I don't mean to get you paranoid, it's just a fear I have." Takashi replied. "But once Monokuna reveals our secrets, I'm sure this whole thing will just blow over."

"I hope so." The idol responded. "It's all a damn headache."

Miyumi and Kazuhiko walked up to the two.

"Oh hey." Eunji greeted. "How's it been?"

"Hirokazu and Kaori are getting all mushy." Kazuhiko replied. "It's kinda making me sick."

"That's funny." Eunji said.

"You played matchmaker with them, didn't you?" Miyumi and Takashi both said, at the exact same time.

"That's creepy." The racer remarked.

"Sorry." Miyumi replied.

"Guess we both had the same instinct." The white-haired boy said.

"I may or may not have spent time with Hirokazu, and I may or may not have mentioned something about him to Kaori." Eunji said. "But that whole is just on them!"

Kazuhiko sighed. "I wish you didn't. They're making me sick."

"Hey man, young love is something special." The idol replied.

"I-It is." The detective blushed.

"What's going on here?" Masahito said. "Seems like there's a party happening!"

"Definitely not." Takashi said. "Last party didn't go so well."

"You got that right." Kazuhiko replied. "I was going to head to my lab, would anyone like to join me?"

"Sure." Takashi said. "Miyumi?"

"Um... okay." Miyumi looked. "Bye, Eunji."

With that, the three left, leaving Eunji with just Masahito.

"I got a question for you, Masahito." Eunji said.

"Ask away." Masahito replied.

"What exactly happened with Yeeun?"

"Look, I know you two are buddy-buddy." Masahito replied. "But I don't need you coming after me, just like everyone else fucking is."

"Yo, dickhead, I'm just asking a fucking question." Eunji immediately got angry. "It'd be polite to answer it."

"Christ, you remind me of a yakuza." The CG artist said. "Fine, whatever. It's not going to matter tomorrow anyways."

What does he mean by that?

"I can't tell you the exact details, but Yeeun is not the person you think she is." The orange-haired boy said. "She's much worse. And I don't trust her. We're not safe with somebody like her around."

"I guess my question is, why do you immediately believe that letter?" Eunji asked. "Monokuma could be making up a lie to make us distrust each other."

"She's always been shady to me. Acting all high and mighty and confident. Remember when we first got here? She acted like she already knew there was something up with Monokuma's killing game. Nobody knew about the fucking class trials, all except for Reika, but she needed to know it so she could commit murder!"

"What are you saying, then? What, Yeeun is involved with the organization."

"I shouldn't even have bothered telling you, I knew you wouldn't believe me." Masahito said. "Tomorrow. You'll find out I'm right. Just watch."

With that, the CG artist stormed off.

I would go ask Yeeun herself, but she can't tell me anything either. Maybe I should go warn her, anyways.

I found Yeeun in the dining hall, with Naomori and Seungyeon.

"This tea is very good, Naomori." Seungyeon said.

"Thank you, I appreciate it."

"Hey, Yeeun." Eunji said. "I got a little worried so I came to find you."

"Oh?" Yeeun asked. "What happened?"

"Masahito told me a bit about why he distrusts you so much, and it's making me worried that he's going to do something."

"That's why we're here with her, Eunji." Naomori said. "Safety in numbers. And, the maximum number of people you can kill is two, so he can't get anywhere near three."

"We're just waiting for Monokuma to expose our secrets, and I think things will blow over."

Crazy how they already have a system in place.

"Wait, shouldn't there be people protecting Masahito, too?" Eunji said. "I know he's a prick, but somebody could come after him, too."

"He didn't want any." The herbalist sighed. "He's convinced the entire school is against him."

"That's dumb." Eunji sighed. "I just hope he takes proper safety measures."

"He's been constantly in his room, I think he's fine." Yeeun said. "Anyways, don't worry about it. Time's almost up."

"Yeah, I suppose so." The idol stretched. "Where's the others?"

"Youngjae's in his room playing chess, Ayaka is... somewhere, and Hirokazu and Kaori are at the pool."

"Izumi?" Eunji asked.

"Haven't seen her since this morning." Seungyeon replied. "That girl is worrying me."

"It's a little scary to see her go down such a dark path." Naomori said. "This motive is really getting to her."

"I'll go find her." The idol sighed. "See ya."

Eunji walked over to the laundry room, and found Ayaka.

"Hey there, Aya-chan." Eunji waved. "Have you seen Izumi, by any chance?"

"No, I don't think so." Ayaka sighed. "I've been in here just doing my laundry."

"What's wrong, Aya?"

"I dunno, I'm just kinda bummed out. I guess that fight last night probably didn't help."

"This whole situation is a mess. Monokuma is the worst."

"Yeah, I agree." Ayaka got up. "Have you checked Izumi's room? I'm going to go to the restroom."

Ayaka walked away.

It makes me sad to see Ayaka so down... I hope she cheers up soon.

Eunji knocked on Izumi's door.

This shit better not happen again.

There was no reply.

Eunji knocked again, this time louder.

Answer the fucking door.

Still no answer.

I swear to-

Izumi opened the door, looking tired as hell, with dark spots on her eyes.

"What?" Izumi said.

"Jesus, I didn't even notice you early this morning." Eunji replied. "Did you even sleep?"

"Does it look like I've slept?" The hacker replied. "What do you want?"

"Well, nobody has seen you, so I just wanted to make sure you're okay."

"I'm okay, there's your answer. Now leave me alone."

Just as quickly as she opened the door, Izumi closed it.

I don't normally take shit from anyone, but Izumi is so young. She's almost a child, really. So what the hell DOES she do?

"Izumi..." Eunji sighed, then left.

She went back to the dining hall, to now see Youngjae there, along with Hirokazu and Kaori, who were chatting and laughing away.

"Heya." Eunji said. "How's it been?"

"Well it's been going, I suppose." Youngjae sighed. "I'm just waiting for this whole thing to be over, honestly."

"Yeah, same." Hirokazu replied. "How bad could our secrets be, anyways? It can't be worse than murdering somebody, anyways."

"I'm sure Hope's Peak does a background check." Kaori said. "I don't think they would have accepted any of us if we had some deep dark past."

"The notes are all bullshit, anyways." The idol said.

BING BONG DING BONG!

"Everyone! Head to the dining hall, Monokuma has an announcement!"

With that, Monokuma appeared.

"Ugh, just as I was enjoying myself." Eunji replied. "What?"

"Not yet, gotta wait for everyone else!"

After everyone (yes, even Izumi) made their way to the dining hall, Monokuma spoke up.

"You all now have 12 hours until I expose all your secrets!" Monokuma said. "Come on! Get to killing already!"

"Not gonna happen." Miyumi said. "We won't play into your sick game again, Monokuma."

"Ugh... I didn't want it to come to this, but time's a ticking!" Monokuma remarked. "I'm going to reveal one of your secrets right now!"

"What!?" Kaori said.

"Just as a little more motive to make sure one of you kills!" The bear laughed, then pulled out a note. "This right here is Eunji's secret!"

"Oh fuck no, you little shit!" The idol walked over to him. "You better-"

"Eunji." Miyumi grabbed her wrist. "The regulations. Please."

"Fine..." Eunji said. "Go ahead..."

"It only makes sense for me to expose my biggest hater first!" Monokuma said. "This is my revenge for all that bullying, you spoilt brat!"

With a dramatic cough, Monokuma read the note aloud.

"Eunji Park has betrayed at least 5 different friendships to rise to her popularity!" Monokuma said. "Spicy!"

"WHAT? That's bullshit!" Eunji said.

"Ah-ah-ah! It's all 100% true!" Monokuma replied. "Come on, who are ya gonna trust, a traitor, or me? Your favorite headmaster?"

It is bullshit. I never betrayed anyone. So... this whole entire motive is all built on lies. What the fuck?

"Um..." Masahito fell silent. "I can believe it."

"You gullible fu-"

"EUNJI." Miyumi said. "Calm. Down."

"F-Fine..." Eunji replied.

"It's honestly insulting that you guys say that all of the letters are fake!" Monokuma said. "In all honesty, only 1 is fake!"

"Only... 1 is fake?" Masahito said. "Whose?"

"Obviously not gonna tell you! But the rest are indeed real!" Monokuma replied. "Especially Yeeun's!"

"Hey, screw you!" Yeeun said.

"I knew not to trust you!" Masahito said.

"Masahito, you have no fucking loyalty." Seungyeon growled. "You're really going to trust that fucking piece of shit instead of us?"

"If he has the resources to kidnap all of us and organize this whole damn "game", then I don't doubt that he has the power to get dirt on us." The CG artist replied.

With that, the entire class fell silent. Damn, he has a point.

"See? I have a point!" Masahito said.

"Alright, you guys got a freebie, so I expect a murder before the 12 hours are up!" Monokuma said. "Ciao!"

The bear disappeared.

"Guys, my letter isn't true!" Eunji said. "It's all lies! This entire fucking motive is built on lies!"

"Yeah, but can we really trust you?" Masahito said. "After all, like I said, he has enough resources to get this whole thing sorted out!"

"The K-Pop industry is pretty dirty." Kazuhiko replied. "I can believe it, to be honest."

"Kazuhiko, not you too..." The idol sighed.

"Me too, bruh!" Ichiro replied.

"W-What!?" Eunji was shocked.

At this rate, the entire class is going to turn on me! I'm in danger!

"Alright, ENOUGH!" Kaori smacked her hand on the table. "Let's disperse, get our bearings. It's almost time for bed, so let's just sleep this off."

"Fine." Masahito said. "I guess we'll just see what tomorrow holds."

We all left the dining hall and made our way to our rooms.

I sat on my bed, completely upset that Monokuma would say such a horrible thing about me, and especially that people believe it!

I would never fucking betray my friends!

My Monopad dinged, and I took a look at it.

Miyumi Takahashi: Hey, you alright, Eunji?

Eunji Park: Do you believe what Monokuma said?

Miyumi Takahashi: Of course not.

Miyumi Takahashi: I know that's not in you.

Eunji Park: Thank you, that makes me feel much better.

Miyumi Takahashi: Do you want to see me?

Eunji Park: Yeah, I'd like that.

Miyumi Takahashi: Alright, I'm coming to your room.

I heard a knock on my door, and opened it. The first thing I was greeted with was a hug from Miyumi.

"I'm so sorry, Eunji." Miyumi said.

Miyumi... her warmth, it's so comforting. God, just being in her prescence makes everything feel alright.

What is this feeling?

Is it...?

"We'll get through this, okay?" Miyumi said.

"Okay." Eunji replied. "It's almost 10. The bedtime announcement is going to ring."

"Yeah, I know." The detective replied. "I'm going to bed once it happens, but we can talk until then."

"I'm scared, Miyumi." The idol sighed, resting her hands on her lap. "Everyone's turning on me. I feel like I'm being dropped into lava or something."

"Don't worry, you always have me." Miyumi put her hand on one of Eunji's hands. "I know his letter is fake."

"Thank you, Miyumi." The idol smiled at her.

...I want to kiss her.

Why? Why am I feeling like this?

I know I'm lesbian, but...

Is this really...?

It was sudden. It happened so quick. But I felt a peck on my cheek, and it took a moment to realize that Miyumi had kissed my cheek.

Eunji blushed. "A-Ahh..."

"Sorry." Miyumi apologized. "I just... wanted to do that."

"That's okay." Eunji replied.

DING DONG BING BONG!

"Ahem, this is a school announcement." Monokuma said through the speakers. "It is now 10 pm, everyone should report to their dorms and get some rest, and prepare for another beautiful day!"

"Guess I have to go now." Miyumi said. "I'll come to your room as soon as the morning announcement happens, okay?'

"Okay. See you then, Miyumi."

With that, the detective left, and Eunji got up to lock the door.

Goodnight...

~~SPECIAL EVENT~~

~~Ayaka Suzuki Love Hotel~~

Every time I come here, I play the role of their "ideal." Like some shared fantasy.

Ayaka... I wonder what her fantasy would be? Hopefully not something scary...

"Hmm? What's this?" Ayaka replied. "After days, the Pulitzer Prize winner herself shows up?"

I guess we're both authors, then?

"What brings you here to my cafe?"

Cafe?

"Well, it's been a while. I just wanted to see you were doing."

"Still running a successful business, haha." Ayaka replied. "I know things were tough at first, but I'm glad everything turned out well for us."

But Ayaka is a horror writer, right? What is she doing working at a cafe? Her own, too!

"What's wrong, Eunji?" Ayaka asked.

"Um, nothing." Eunji replied. "It's just good to see you again."

"I'm happy." The blonde said. "Well, what'd you like?"

We're not actually at a cafe, though...

"Ah, forget that for a bit." Ayaka replied. "Can I be honest with you?"

"You always are."

"I'm happy to have this cafe, but I want to write my next story already."

Ah, so she is still a writer!

"Why haven't you?" Eunji asked.

"Well, my brother has been coming here a lot. He really loves the way I make coffee. I've asked him about what story he would like to me to write next, but he'd always smile and say "Ayaka, you've written so much wonderful stories for me already. Take a rest, you deserve it." Ayaka said. "I-I appreciate that part about him, but it's almost frustrating."

In this fantasy, her brother is healthy... But why the cafe?

"I see you must have forgotten some details." The blonde sighed. "It's okay, after all, you've barely been here."

"Huh?"

"Remember, my brother loves coffee."

He does? Well, I better act like I do!

"Right! Of course!" Eunji said. "Sorry, bad memory."

"Which is ironic for the writer of a 10-novel series." Ayaka giggled. "Lots of details to remember!"

Ayaka started to blush. "Ah, enough about me. Let's spend some time together, just like the old times."

"I'd like that." Eunji smiled.

"Let's go then. There's so much more I want to do with you, Eunji." The writer said. "Let's go."

Ayaka really cares about her brother... to write stories, and open a cafe.

Aya-chan... I will get you out of this school!

DING DONG BING BONG!

"It is now 7 AM! Wake up, and enjoy the beautiful day!" Monokuma announced.

Ugh... fucking bear.

That night with Ayaka... was that a dream?

Anyways, I got off my bed, and opened my door to see Miyumi.

"Well hello there." Miyumi said. "I was just about to knock!"

"Glad I caught you early, then." Eunji yawned. "Let's head to the dining hall."

Miyumi and I made our way to the dining hall, and Seungyeon, Hirokazu, and Takashi were there.

"Where is everyone?" Eunji asked.

"Meh, they're probably just taking a while." Hirokazu said. "Let them wait."

"Hey, Eunji, I need to speak with you." Takashi said, as Kaori and Kazuhiko entered the dining hall.

"Good morning!" Kaori said. "In two hours, this whole motive is going to blow over!"

Just right after them, Naomori showed up.

"Hey." Naomori said.

"Hey." Takashi said. "I'm going to take Eunji out for a walk, but we'll be right back."

"Alright, be careful you two!" Kaori said.

With that, Takashi and I exited the dining hall.

"What did you want to talk about?" Eunji asked, as they both walked.

"Haven't you noticed there's no nurse's office?" Takashi asked. "It's very inconvenient that there's nothing for us to take care of ourselves."

"I thought there were medical supplies in the warehouse?" The idol questioned. "Besides, isn't that one chained-up door suspicious? Maybe it's a nurse's office!"

"I sure hope so." The white-haired boy replied.

The two were startled when Izumi, freaked out of her mind, ran to them.

"I-Izumi!?"

"G-G-Guys..." Izumi stuttered. "Y-Y-Y-Y-Y..."

"Hey, calm down, you're hyperventilating." Takashi said, putting his hands on her shoulders. "Take deep breaths, okay?"

"W-We need to go upstairs." Izumi said.

Upstairs? I completely forgot about upstairs.

"Huh, I forgot about the upstairs." Takashi said. "What's wrong?"

"I-I was going to the r-rec room.." Izumi hiccuped. "A-And..."

"Let's go see." Eunji said. "Come on."

"G-Guys... i-it's bad." The hacker said.

I don't like this.

I haven't heard from Yeeun yet.

And with the whole Masahito thing...

Izumi and the other two went up the stairs.

"How bad is it it...?" Eunji said.

"W-We're... going to..." Izumi choked up. "C-Class trials..."

"No way." Takashi said. "You don't mean...?"

We stopped at the rec room.

"Izumi?" Eunji said.

"R-Right around the corner..."

Takashi and I looked at each other, but then we quickly followed Izumi to turn the corner...

Honestly, I don't know why I thought I could trust some people.

Monokuma's motive was too strong, after all.

All it took was setting off the right person...

And despair would take it's place once more.

Takashi and Eunji were both shocked by the harrowing sight in front of them.

Lying flat on their face on the cold hard ground, lying in a puddle of their own blood...

Was the corpse of Ichiro Arakawa, the Ultimate Surfer.