BING BONG BING BONG

"Rise and shine everyone! Today promises another despairingly beautiful day, so let's get moving!"

…It's official. I hate the morning announcements.

Still grumbling from being disturbed from my sleep, I crack my joints and ponder whether I should sleep in. Unfortunately, I don't make the decision. The person who knocks on my door does.

I yawn loudly and slowly walk towards the door. "Yeah, yeah, I'm coming."

Of all the people I hoped it would be, it's a very pissed off Noriko. She shoves a pile of folded cloths in my arms and glares at me. "Do not expect me to do this every time for you."

"What? It's a good deal. I socialize, while you get to do something." I smirk.

"…Cafeteria. Fifteen minutes. Don't you dare sleep in. And take a shower. You reek. Honestly, how irresponsible can one person be?"

"Alright, alright, I got it. See ya."

I close the door before she can rant at my any longer. I sniff my armpits and decide that yeah, I do need a shower. The folded pile gets the honor of being neatly placed onto my bed, while my other clothes get thrown into a corner. Hopefully I can get Noriko to keep doing this.

The water is thankfully warm and welcoming. This place really isn't that bad of a place. Even at the cost of opening up to people.

Fresh clothes and clean skin is something I didn't realize I would miss until I'm standing fully dressed before the bathroom mirror. And strangely, I feel a bit more energetic from it.

Alright, time to feed my stomach.

Like usual, I'm one of the last to come in. I decide to take a seat with Toshiya again.

"Morning."

"Ah, good morning Yurika. Did you sleep well tonight?" He friendly asks.

"Yeah. Weirdly enough, ever since Monokuma does the night-time and morning announcements, I feel a bit more rested."

The look he gives me is a bit strange. "Pardon me if this feels like a rude question, but did you never have a strict sleeping schedule before? Or were you plagued by insomnia?"

Oh, damn, that's…a tough question. "I think it's the schedule. My parents were never too strict on when I should go to bed, so I often ended up missing a lot of sleep."

He nods and smiles. "That may be the explanation. I've read that if you keep to a strict schedule, even in the weekend, you end up getting a lot more sleep."

"I'll take note of that. Not that I much of a choice. The morning announcement is loud enough to wake me up and I've don't have much else to do after night-time."

"How peculiar. I certainly thought of you as a person who would read in bed or something. I'm ashamed to admit I've been rather engrossed in one of the books my dorm has provided for me." He wonders. "Do you not have any books in your room?"

I shake my head. "Nah, not really. I do have a computer in my room, but there is no internet on it. So, that leaves my options fairly small."

"But, if my theory is correct, everyone should have something in their room that corresponds to their talent, or at least to their personality. Shouldn't you have a 3D-program in yours, taking into account your talent as 3D-Designer?"

"Eh, I've never checked to be honest. I'm betting there is, but frankly, I'm feeling very uncreative lately. Maybe for the better. Once I've started, there is no escape from the dark side." I joke.

"Look! Yurika gets it! Once you've started on a project, there is no going back!" Homura shouts, gesturing loudly.

"I'm fairly sure everyone is dedicated to their work once they've started something." Mizuki says dryly.

"Still! That's 20% of all the reasons to keep going!"

"What happened to the other 80%?" Shinri asks amused.

"My dog and gay."

"Ah."

…I'm not sure if I want to know the context behind this.

Nevertheless, despite the entire situation, despite our doubts, despite Rea, the atmosphere feels nothing more but relaxed. Just a bunch of teenagers messing around and causing ruckus. Just…normality. It's funny that the first normality in such a long time is found in such a strange place. It makes me want to lean back into my seat and watch as 15 crazy teenagers goof off with each other.

But nice things never last long.

A black and white flash startles everyone. Monokuma swings his head back and forth, pausing occasionally, as if to observe the situation.

"What the fuck do you want, you fucking piece of shit." Tomoe growls, standing up straight and making himself as intimidating as possible.

"Weeeeelllllll…." He drawls out. "It's come to my attention that there haven't been any murders yet. Strange, because it's almost been a week. I surely thought someone would've kicked the bucket by now."

Noriko swallows her fears away and steps bravely forward. "It's means your plan has failed. Instead of growing anxious of each other, we have grown accepting of each other. Give up."

"Give up? After all my hard work?" Monokuma wonders, but there is a clear mocking tone to his words.

"Hell yeah! You ain't scaring us!" Hanako balls her fists. "You better believe we're not gonna follow your stupid plan!"

"Your attempt to turn us against each other has failed." Shinri glares at the bear. "We have only grown stronger together."

"That's right!" Yoru cheers. "We're going to work together to defeat you!"

Ainosuke chuckles. "And as you can see, not even Rea is willing to murder. And if she won't hurt someone here, no one will."

Monokuma remains silent while the students, one by one, speak up against him.

"Haha! You can't scare us! We're tough! And even if one wants to try, I'm here to knock them down!" Yuyami boasts. "Hey, why don't we beat him up right now and force him to let us go?"

"Have you forgotten that he has still fucking drones with machine guns to mow us down if we do as much as touch him?" Isamu sharply points out and Yuyami scratches his neck awkwardly.

"Oh, haha, that's right."

"Fuck yeah though! Let's show him we're not afraid of him!" Homura yells, cracking her knuckles.

"Everyone, calm down, this is getting a bit out of hand." Toshiya tries to calm down the group.

"Fuck off Toshiya!" Homura snaps at him. "Don't be a fucking pussy!"

Mizuki sighs loudly. "Idiots."

Tomoe growls at her. "I heard that."

"Guys what the fuck. We literally just established we're a team and now we're fighting each other already?" Shinri says but no one but me hears him.

"Yup, leave it to this 'class' to contradict our statement and fight in the middle of a crisis."

At least my sarcasm hasn't fallen on deaf ears. Masato chuckles while Kikoi lightly slaps his arm. "Don't laugh about that, this is serious."

"Sorry, sorry. It just sounded so funny."

"Charming."

"AHA!" Monokuma's yell shuts up everyone in the cafeteria. "I know what to do."

Before any of us can even process what he said, he disappears, only for the monitor to flicker on.

"Ahem. This is an official announcement from the facility's headmaster. Please come to the gymnasium immediately for a very important announcement. Attendance is mandatory, so no skipping like last time! Hope to see you there!"

Rea, who strangely enough hasn't said a word up til now, jumps off her seat. "Alright, let's what Monokuma's got in store for us."

Ainosuke quickly gets up and starts walking towards the door. "If you'd excuse me…" He mutters as he leaves. He probably doesn't want to risk getting into contact with the drones again. Can't say I blame him.

Mizuki looks at Noriko. "So, what do we do now, leader?"

It sounds very, very spiteful and for a moment I wonder why she is so hostile towards everyone. Noriko takes a moment to think before sighing deeply. "As much as I hate to say it, we really don't have a choice in the matter. I'm sure Toshiya and Yurika can attest to that."

"Yeah, I don't wanna run into those drones again, thank you very much." I reply.

Everyone is nervous, that I can tell. Some express it more, like Shinri and Yoru, while others try to keep their nerves steady, like Isamu and Tomoe.

"Fucking hell…what have we gotten ourselves into…" I hear Shinri muttering as he walks past me.

Hanako flashes a nervous smile at me. "W-well, let's go then. Want to go together?"

I just nod. One by one, we walk out of the cafeteria and towards the gym. Homura cracks her knuckles. "Dammit, I wish I could punch him in the face."

"Bad idea." Masato states the obvious. "But I can't say I don't feel the same way."

"We…just have…must…just bear with it. Nothing we can do anyway. Just gotta…just have to stay together." Kikoi softly tries to comfort her. Homura just grumbles.

The gym is just like last time. There is a speaker stand there, but no Monokuma. Oddly though, Kumachrome is standing there, adjusting what looks like a projector. "Fucking Monokuma…putting me up with this shit…"

I decide to ignore him.

"We're here. Where the fuck is that bastard?" Tomoe growls. "Don't tell me he made us come here for nothing."

"Monokuma definitely wouldn't have made Kumachrome mess with a projector if that were the case." Mizuki deadpans.

Ekorin fakes a hopeful smile. "Maybe he just wants to watch a film with us?"

Isamu huffs like usual. "As if. He should hurry up though, I'm not standing around here all day."

"Actually," Monokuma voice calls out "miss violinist here isn't far from the truth."

Once again, he appears on stage, curiously dressed in a blue elegant suit. He adjusts his bow a bit before turning to his brother. "Tell me it's ready, dear brother."

The bear in question just sticks up his…thumb and with a clap of his hands, the lights go out and a spotlight turns on, focusing our attention on Monokuma.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Today I have gathered you for a very special announcement."

"Get on with it already!" Yuyami boos. Thankfully, the headmaster decides to ignore him.

"My adorable mascot appearance has already been featured so much! Mugs, T-shirts, plushies…but, a true mascot always tries to aim bigger and better. My cute voice could be doing so much more and oh boy does it have a lot to say. That's why I've been working on something very special for my very special fans…"

Yoru shivers besides me. "I don't like where this is going…"

"May I present to you…" He points to the wall behind him. The projector spring to life. "…Our brand-new talk show: The Despair Show! Juicy gossips about the latest stars, despairing news from all over the world and featuring amazing guests, voluntarily or involuntarily!"

Pictures, mainly featuring the bear, slide on screen, accompanied by cheesy music blaring from the speakers. Most of the other faces on camera are blurred and I swear I even see scenes with blood on stage.

"And for our pilot, we have gathered some very juicy info about stars you may or may not have known existed. That's right, we have some dirt on the sixteen juvenile Ultimates imprisoned in Hope's Rehabilitation Centre! Always wondered why these poor children have gone to jail, well, after this episode, you'll know exactly why! These teens, whose crimes were kept from the public to 'give them a fair chance at a second life' are going to be exposed! No more secrets, no more safekeeping, no more unfair privileges for the talented. Because in two days…"

He jumps on his stand and throws his arms in the air.

"This episode will be broadcasted everywhere and the whole world will know their crimes!"

In two days…everyone will know our crimes?

I can't help but glance at the rest of the class. Most are stunned silent, watching in horror as the bear laughs. Seeing the look on their faces, I doubt anyone wants to have the world knowing what they'd done. Even Rea is raising a curious eyebrow at it.

"You…you can't do this!"

We all turn to look at Shinri, who is glaring at Monokuma with fire in his eyes. "That's a break of privacy! You can't-"

"Upupup…and I thought reviewers of all people would know that journalists don't care. That showmen don't care. If it can draw out viewers, it will be shown. Besides, who in their right mind would care about privacy when they know what kind of horrible things you have done…and got away with rehabilitation!"

Shinri visibly pales at the words and my chest is starting to feel tight. Soon, everyone will know what I did…and I will be the only who won't. What…what if I did something terrible?"

"Of course," Monokuma continues as if he were never interrupted in the first place. "it would be very inappropriate to broadcast if someone of the cast would have something…very bad happen to them. Like, being the target of murder, perhaps. I'd be forced to pull the plug on my brand-new show before it could air its first episode!"

"So, in other words…" Rea concludes "if we don't want the rest of the world, including friends and family, to know what bad things we did, someone has to die. Preferably, get murdered by another student."

Monokuma chuckles darkly. "You all are here because you failed to get away with your crime. Now, if you don't want the world to know of your failures and escape this place, you'll have to pull of the perfect crime…and get away with murder."

Yoru curls up into a ball on the floor. "No, no, no, shut up! Shut up! Stop talking!"

"Upupu…aww, are we upsetting our poor astronomer? Those are the rules you know. Get exposed or play the game. Or…"

The bear jumps off the stage, casually strolling over to Yoru, who weakly back off.

"Do you prefer to die instead? Well, those who are dead can't kill you. So, you might find there are more benefits than you originally thought."

"Enough!"

I turn my head and see Homura charging at Monokuma, fury coating her expression. She draws back her leg.

"Fuck off, you furry reject!"

Her leg comes straight for the bear, who does nothing to stop her. Alarm bells are screaming in my head and only pure fear is stopping me from interfering. She's going to get herself killed!

There is a flash of brown and suddenly, Homura is flying through the air and landing face-front on the floor, Kikoi pinning her down and holding her arm.

"Being reckless is only going to get someone killed. Don't let your emotions cloud your judgement. We all hate Monokuma, but right now, the only way to protest is to keep our bonds stable and reject his game."

The look on the dark girl's face is absolutely terrifying and I feel lucky to have her on our team.

"Ow, fuck, sure, just get off! You're gonna break my fucking arm!"

"Oh, wait, s-sorry, I, eh, keep underestimating my strength…not that you are strong or anything!"

Aaaaannnnddd she is back to her shy self again. Jeez, didn't think people could change faces so fast.

"Ignoring what just happened…" Monokuma drawls, jumping back on stage. "keep the time limit in mind and have fun! So long!"

Both he and Kumachrome disappear and once again, we're left in a gymnasium with a heavy atmosphere. Masato has kneeled near Yoru and is softly talking to him, making sure to keep a bit of distance. Noriko is lecturing Homura, who just rolls her eyes at her. Most people are quiet though, slowly trying to take in all of the information.

There is the sound of the door creaking and everyone almost at once looks at the source of the sound. Rea is standing blissfully in the doorway.

"Aah, how the stakes have risen. I wonder who will be first to crack."

"So you don't even care that your reputation will be ruined in two days?" Hanako screams at her and I'm almost afraid she's going to do the same thing as Homura.

Rea merely shakes her head. "Nah, to be honest, this is actually a win-win situation for me. But I'll enjoy seeing what will happen to this so-called class. It's a good reminder we're in a game of life and death after all. Friendships aren't going to erase reality, you know? But, do as you like. I'll enjoy the outcome either way. See ya."

She walks out and Hanako swears. "Fucking privileged bitch…"

"Don't do anything reckless." I hear myself saying to her. She freezes but turns around with a painfully fake smile. "Eh, don't worry. I'm much smarter than that! I'm not that dumb to kill her. I mean, didn't Monokuma mention we have to carry it out in secret?"

Ainosuke, still shaken, nods with her. "Monokuma is someone who enjoys the suffering of others, much like Rea. He wants the game to be as challenging as possible. He still must have an ace up his sleeve."

"And the only clue we have are his words…" Toshiya mumbles.

"Great! Just great!" Shinri yells, throwing his arms up in the air. "Not only am I going to die here, but if I don't die quick enough, everyone in the world will shun me. Fantastic. Exactly how I want to die: with shame."

"Shut the fuck up Shinri. No one's dying here. Not if I have a say in it." Tomoe growls.

Ekorin gives him a shaky smile. "T-that's right, n-no person here is so uncivilized to kill someone over such a thing."

"It's not like we will ever experience the broadcast, as we all are trapped here for the rest of our lives." Mizuki points out. "In a way, this motive is fairly useless. Only someone who holds too much value in keeping secrets and reputation will be affected by this motive. And it's not like murder is a very honorable thing to do."

Despite their words, the critic still looks angry. "Whatever. I'm going to cool my head. Don't approach me."

He leaves the gym and slams the door behind him.

"Jeez, what got him so worked up?" Yuyami mutters. "Talking as if he knows he's gonna die already."

Soft sobs come from near me. I look to see Yoru still sitting on the ground, crying. Masato sits near him, talking soft but firm words.

"No, no, no, don't say that. Look, I know it looks unhopeful, but you've got to pull through. Please don't lose trust in us. You'll be alright…"

It doesn't seem to work. He keeps crying. Isamu sighs loudly and leaves the gym without a word. I'm briefly considering staying, but I realize I'm the one who is the least capable of calming down a sad person. I leave the gym.

The moment I close the door of my dorm behind me, I feel incredibly tired. It's very similar to what happened when Monokuma and Kumachrome first showed up and announced the killing game. However…

"Hey, Monokuma. I know you're watching using the surveillance cameras. Come out."

It's dead quiet. For a moment, I'm afraid it didn't work. But then a familiar black and white bear jumps out of seemingly nothing.

"My, my, what's this? A student asking for my guidance?"

"Cut the crap. I just need to know…what are my parents going to learn after two days?"

He remains silent. The longer he stays still, the more anger builds up in my chest.

"Answer me!" I yell. "You must have access to my memories! What happened to me!? What did I do to get here!?"

"Upupu…detective novels aren't fun if the surprise is spoiled at the beginning. Wouldn't it be more fun to figure it out yourself?"

I want to scream at him, but he disappears just as quickly as he appeared.

"Come back here! I'm not done with you! Tell me! Tell me about my past!"

Nothing.

I bang my fist against the wall. The pain that spreads through my hand helps me calm down. The bastard! He knows what happened to me! Ugh, is this his idea of wanting me to commit murder?

Frustrated, I fall onto the bed. I bury my face in the pillow and let out a scream. None of this makes sense! Nothing! What is so special about me that my memory needed to be removed?

I don't know for how long I'm angry, but eventually, it slowly melts away, leaving me just tired and stresses. I don't even realize I'm falling asleep.

…

*Knock knock*

Again, I'm awoken by knocks on my door. I try to rub the redness off my cheeks and slowly shuffle towards the door. Unlike before, I carefully open it and take a peak.

"Hey." Hanako is still trying to be cheerful. "Dinner's almost ready. Are you coming?"

Despite the fact that Hanako is probably one of the more harmless people here, I can't help but wait. She awkwardly rubs her arm. "I'm not going to hurt you. You can trust me. You're hungry too, right?"

My stomach makes the decision for me. I fully open the door and step out. For a moment I'm afraid she's going to attack me, but she just smiles brightly at me.

"Come on! It's going to get cold if we don't hurry!"

I can't help but give a soft smile back as I close the door and walk with her to the main building and the cafeteria.

Everyone is already seated and despite the fact a few of them are trying to entertain the others, it's clear tensions are huge.

"You've got to see me working. It's like, the biggest flames you've ever seen!" Homura talks loudly to a small group of people.

Kikoi plays a bit with her short hair. "I don't want to discourage you…but somehow I doubt that."

Masato's grin grows wide. "You should see one of her shows. She is amazing! A huge motorcycle, cars to jump over and explosions! It blew my mind the first time I watched it."

Kikoi blushes and ducks away as Yoru beams. "That does sound amazing! I don't think I've got lots to show…"

"The stars are very interesting you know. You could tell more about them." Mizuki cheers him up.

On the other table, Shinri and Ekorin appear to be discussing with each other.

"You can't just claim a work of art garbage because of superstitions. You need to build your logic." The critic frowns at her.

"But you're work revolves around giving your opinion to people, right? So how does that make you any different from me?"

"Because I try to look at other perspectives too. You just take favorites because it's convenient for you. You're a violinist, of course you're going to prefer classical music. You need to look from more perspectives."

At a third table, Ainosuke and Toshiya are talking.

"Rituals are an important part of my life." Toshiya tells his companion. "I always attend as many group meals as possible. Strict schedules help me maintain structure in my life."

"Ah, how interesting. Not interested in breaking from those rituals?"

"Unfortunately, no. I guess it could be helpful to keep me a bit on edge, but I don't feel very confident…"

"Hm, I think you should try. As for me, coming to these meetings is a way to see everyone interact with each other."

Hanako guides me to the kitchen and gives me a tray of dinner. As I walk out, I see Yuyami animatedly talking to Tomoe. Isamu and Noriko are sitting quietly at the table next to them. Unsurprisingly, Rea sits alone, waving at me.

I ignore her and go sit at a table with Hanako.

Dinner goes by peacefully, not even Rea trying to throw the group in discord. It's at the end up the meal however, when a few people get up to leave, that Noriko climbs on the table and ticks the glass in her hand with a spoon.

"Everyone, your attention please."

"Tsk, this is getting annoying very quickly." Homura snarls. Noriko pretends she didn't hear her.

"I know everyone is on edge after what Monokuma told us. These upcoming two days are going to be hard. Because of this, I feel obligated to make the group feel as safe as possible. Now, I know the doors can be locked and that we made a curfew, but, as certain people stated earlier, there is no guarantee that everyone is taking this rule into account. Until today."

She takes out a few papers and a few flashlights. "Using the Kumachrome shop, I have purchased a few flashlights. And I want to use these flashlights and a few volunteers to help me patrol the school grounds tonight."

A patrol?

"Who'd want to sign up for that?" Yuyami laughs, but a hand cuts him off. Noriko nods at Kikoi.

"I want to join in."

"Great! Anyone else? The more people we have, the more ground we can cover."

Masato's hand goes up. "I'll do it as well."

"Patrol isn't meant for making out, you know." Rea smirks at him and the fisherman flushes red. "No, that's not my intention at all!"

"Guess I'll fucking help out as well." Tomoe grumbles.

Yoru enthusiastically raises his hand. "Oh, oh! Do me! Do me! I can stay up all night! No problem."

Noriko visibly flinches. "I'm…very sorry Yoru, but I need someone with a…more well-build body structure. You're a bit too light. And I don't think you'd have the attention span. We're patrolling, not stargazing."

Hanako thinks for a moment before raising her hand too. "Let me do it then!"

Noriko nods while Yoru looks down with disappointment.

"Is that everyone?"

"Actually," Ainosuke speaks up to my surprise "I'd like to join in as well."

She seems hesitant. "Are you sure? It's not going to be easy."

The matchmaker chuckles. "Ah, don't worry. It wouldn't be the first time I spend the entire night running about. Besides, I've got good eyes."

Noriko gives in and jumps off the table. "Alright, volunteers, come here to pick up your route."

The five volunteers walk up to her, each receiving a paper. Hanako grins at her. "Ah, looks like I've got the ground around the buildings. Nice."

Kikoi reaches into her leather jacket, but frowns. "I think I left them in my other jacket…"

Masato takes the paper from her. "Don't worry, I'll read for you."

"Looks fine to me. Don't think I'll be doing this every night tho." Tomoe grumbles.

Noriko looks determined. "We will go for as long as the group needs us. And hereby I officially christen us as the Patrol Squad! Looking out for our friends and preventing harm! Go Patrol Squad!"

She cheerfully raises her fist and after a moment, the others join in. "Go Patrol Squad!"

"Alright, to bed everyone. We'll take care of this." Noriko claps in her hands, as if we're school children.

I don't protest however, leaving the cafeteria in silence. I quickly arrive in my dorm and fling my jacket over the railing of my bed.

Oh boy, a patrol squad. I hope this ends well for us. Well, it's not like I had any reason to stay up any longer.

Tired from today's events, I drop onto my bed and quickly fall asleep.

...

BING BONG BING BONG

"Good morning everyone! Rise and shine, because it's a beautiful day! Remember, only one more day before the time limit ends!"

I groggily wake up from my unrestful slumber. Sleeping during daytime is a bad idea if you want to get any sleep during the night. Especially when you've been stressed out to hell and back. I crack my joints and roll out of bed.

After a few tries, I finally manage to get up, take my jacket and leave the room. I walk down the steps, greet a few people and head straight for the cafeteria.

Noriko is making breakfast this time. I give her a sleepy 'good morning' and take a plate. I take a seat next to Hanako and eat in silence.

Because I am so tired, it takes me a while to realize the group is quieter than usual. Huh, is everyone tired? I guess the patrol group is. I look back and see Noriko pacing around. I now notice she looks rather worried.

Unfortunately, I don't get a chance to ask her what's wrong, because the doors swing open and a tired-looking Yoru walks in. "Morning everyone!"

However, he catches onto the quiet atmosphere sooner than I did. "Is…something the matter?"

Yuyami drums with his fingers on the table. Kikoi shifts uncomfortable on her seat. Even Homura is quiet. Eventually, it's Mizuki who answers.

"Ainosuke and Toshiya are late."

All of the sudden, my chest aches, like something slammed into it. No, it…that's not possible.

"They could have overslept." Hanako offers but Noriko shakes her head.

"I would be considering that possibility had it been Yurika or Yoru, but those two have been coming on time every morning. To suddenly not do that is…worrying."

"Not to mention," I speak up quietly, remembering their conversation from yesterday "yesterday I heard them talking to each other. Toshiya said he has strict schedules, while Ainosuke uses these morning meetings to see everyone interact with each other."

"I-I think we should…start looking for them…" Kikoi rubs her arm. Masato disagrees. "It'll be fine. Let's not think too much into this. For all we know, Yoru may be right and they'll come in here sooner or later."

Noriko takes a firm stand. "No, I agree with Kikoi. Even if it's just nothing, we should make sure they're okay. Especially after Monokuma's motive from yesterday."

"It would explain a lot of they kicked the bucket." Rea innocently says, playing with a braid. Homura threateningly stands up, cracking her knuckles.

"Do you want to get kicked out again?" She growls.

"Easy everyone, settle down. Let's split up into groups and search for them together!" Ekorin says. Yoru immediately latches onto Mizuki.

"Can we go together?"

"This…isn't like a group assignment, you know."

"I know…but still, I trust you."

"Mind if I join?" Homura asks. "I totally beat up anyone who threatens you."

The silver-haired girl rolls her eyes. "Whatever. We will investigate the first floor."

The three of them walk out. Shinri looks at Isamu and coughs. The guy in question simply shrugs. "Sure. Let's inspect the dormitory. Might as well start with the obvious."

As they leave, I see Kikoi and Masato standing up together. "We'll check the gym!" He yells as they exit the cafeteria.

Rea whistles and makes eye contact with Yuyami. "I want to see the Kumachrome shop."

The poor boy seems a bit caught off guard but runs off with her anyways. This prompts Noriko to frown at them. "Ekorin, let's follow them to make sure they don't get in trouble."

Her companion blinks, but then nods.

"This is bullshit." Tomoe growls and before we can stop him, he is gone. It's just me and Hanako now. She laughs a bit awkwardly.

"Shall we go together then? We can explore the grounds around school."

"Fine. You're probably the expert on that front. Wait, did you see anything on your morning run this morning?" I ask.

"No. I was really tired when the night was over—still am—and Noriko asked me to guard the dormitory until the morning announcement. I didn't have a chance to run this morning."

Dammit. That would have shortened our search ground significantly.

"Guess we'll just have go out and search." I note. She nods and the two of us walk out of the cafeteria.

When we walk out of the building, I see Tomoe looking around. I grin evilly and walk up to him. "Looking for them?"

"Wha- of course I am! I'm not an asshole like Rea or Isamu."

"Calm down Tomoe, Yurika was just teasing." Hanako giggles.

"Tsk…in any case, I've looked around a bit, but I haven't seen them anywhere. The ground seems undisturbed as well, so they weren't buried either. Doubt many of us would know how to properly bury a body anyway."

Buried…

That single word is enough to send a hundred chills down my spine. It reminds me just where I am. Hanako doesn't look relax at the mention of that word either. I'm relieved we ruled out that possibility.

"Have you investigated the back of the school too?" I ask him, and he shakes his head.

"Nah, just the ground here. I wanted to make sure they weren't buried here. Because that would be a pain in the ass."

Hanako quickly grabs my arm and practically pulls me away. "Then let's go check out that part! See ya later!"

He nonchalantly waves and the two of us walk away. She sighs deeply, and I don't have to ask why. "Hey, don't worry too much about it. I mean, they could be, but let's just stall these thoughts until we actually find them."

Her smile is a little sincerer when she looks up at me and nods. "Yeah, you're right. No use wailing over something that hasn't happened!"

As if the universe was waiting for it, a loud scream pierces through the air. And it comes from just behind the corner of the back of the school. Hanako and I share a worried, but mostly scared look before we dash around the corner.

And it was right there, that the reality of the killing game hit me for real.

...

Masato is standing near an unconscious Toshiya, but his eyes are fixed on a much greater horror, leaning against the back of the school.

Ainosuke is slumped up against the wall. Blood is leaking from his back and is splattered everywhere. His eyes are closed, but I don't have to wonder if he is asleep or not.

Hanako screams, but her scream could have just as well been mine.

Chapter 1:

The Crow Cries When The Swan Stops Singing

Deadly Life