On the first day of Christmas, I gave to you~

One chapter that was way overdue~

The gym feels even more like a cage than the facility as a whole. And that's kinda hard to accomplish when the walls that trap us are covered in barbed wire and whatnot. On the other hand, this is the place that shook us twice. And we can only guess to what Monokuma has to say this time.

"Probably another motive." Rea says cheerfully, most likely having guessed what I—and everyone else—was thinking. "He's predictable like that. Boring. But, maybe he's got an interesting one this time."

"As much as I despise agreeing with her," Mizuki says, trailing near the back of the group, "she has a point. Considering our circumstances, it's unlikely it's going to be something else than another motive."

"If I'm agreeing with one thing with Rea, it's that Monokuma's predictable." Shinri mutters from under his mask. He then sighs. "But I can see why. The…last case has already been a few days ago. Monokuma must be growing impatient, like last time. So, he seeks out methods to encourage us. Considering how effective the last motive was, you'd be an idiot to fix what isn't broken. Even if the motive is new, he knows that a good motive can strike the right nerve in someone. And...well…apparently that's all what it takes."

It's another blow to a sore spot. Ainosuke didn't have any intention to hurt any of us—until the motive forced him to. If revealing a past crime is already enough to push a creepy but otherwise sweet guy like Ainosuke to try and kill someone, what more could he have in store for us?

I hear muttering from next to me. Toshiya is talking to himself, loudly enough to hear, but too soft to understand what he is saying. Even so, I probably shouldn't eavesdrop on the only guy who I can rely on right now.

Tomoe grumbles. "He better hurry the fuck up. I wanna get this over with."

Yoru looks around nervously. "What if it has another time limit like last time? What if he threatens to reveal more secrets?"

Mizuki just stares ahead, waiting for Monokuma to show. "He will just have to tell us."

And with perfect timing, Monokuma shows up, just as quickly as ever. He left the suit behind this time, but he is still as energetic as ever.

"Good evening my dear inmates, how are you all holding up?"

"Fine. And then you showed up." Homura snarls at him.

"Ouch, how rude! I give you food, water and a place to stay and this is how you thank me?"

I'm getting too impatient. "We all know you're here to introduce the next motive, so get on with it."

"Oh, la, la, so eager." Monokuma grins. "Any particular reason?"

So now he's trying to lure me out. Nice try, asshole. "I wanna get the fuck to bed."

Isamu gets to the point. "Look, we all know you're here to show us another motive, so stop playing around and just tell us so we can move on."

Yuyami laughs nervously. "Yeah, come on dude, don't leave us hanging…"

Monokuma sighs. "Oh, kids these days are so impatient. Too impatient to appreciate the chilling and tense atmosphere from the terrifying unknown and—"

"I agree with them. Hurry the fuck up." Kumachrome grumbles behind the projector.

"Oh, the horror! Betrayed by my own brother! Oh well, not like that is a terrible thing. It's like when your sworn enemy says he dislikes you. Extremely repetitive and obvious. But, you want a show, you will get a show!"

"We never said we wanted a show…" I mutter.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Allow me to introduce your new motive! Kumachrome, play!"

And again, the projector starts up with a cough and a groan, the light shining on the screen behind Monokuma. A timer ticks down.

5

4

3

2

1

"Are you disappointed with your meaningless life?"

On screen, Kumachrome walks into view, holding a beer and wonder where he'd gone wrong in his life to end up in this hell.

"Are you not satisfied with your weak and disgusting body?"

The camera zooms in on Kumachrome, just as he scratches his butt. From the viewpoint, he looks chubbier than usual.

"Do you hate your boring personality?

Kumachrome narrows his eyes, and then turns around.

"Wait, are you filming me?"

"Do you in sort, hate every single aspect that makes you…well, you?"

"Hold up, what the fuck did you say about me!?"

"Well, have no fear, because we have just the product for that!"

One of the bird drones swoops in and grabs Kumachrome, who immediately starts swearing his head off.

"Get the fuck off of me!"

The drone drops him into a chair, attached to a huge and menacing looking machine. Just as Kumachrome attempts to get out, a collar restrains him.

"Despair Inc. introduces: the Changinator! With this machine, you can alter any aspect of yourself that you hate. Always wanted to get that haircut? The Changinator! Hate your body shape? The Changinator! Having trouble dealing with a traumatic memory? The Changinator!"

"H-hey, what are you—"

There is a flash of light. When it fades…Kumachrome is, well…

Buff.

"Jesus Christ Mono, I will strangle you one day."

"Everything is possible with the Changinator! However, because of popular demand, only graduates will be worthy of using it. Change yourself for the small price of killing your classmates! Only now, the Changinator!"

The screen fades to black and the protector falls still.

…What?

Monokuma chuckles. "Well, that was that! As you've heard, the amazing benefits of the Changinator can only be granted to those who graduate. So, if you want to become the perfect you, you'll have to do a little bloodshed first. Now, happy killing!"

Both bears disappear, leaving us to think about this new motive.

"Well, that could be worse." Yuyami says with a light grin. "At least we don't have to worry about secrets being made public."

"And no time limit." Homura chimes in. "Doubt we need to worry about this one."

"No." Isamu firmly says. "We do need to worry. Last time Monokuma preyed on our fear generated by pressure. This time, he preys on our desires, which is just as dangerous, if not more."

Mikzuki nods with a cold glint in her eyes. "The ability to remove our flaws will certainly attract weak people who see it as an solution for their self-loathing nature. It will also lend itself to people who wish to erase traumatic memories."

"Maybe we can schedule confidence lessons for those who feel like they need it?" Hanako offers. "You certainly seem prideful of yourself."

"That's because I am satisfied with who I am, and my only desire is to gain more experience and knowledge on my own." Mizuki replies, crossing her arms and standing firm. "I am not ashamed of who I am or what I've done. But those who are ashamed…those are the ones who will be affected."

Rea grins in her usual disturbing way. "The poor ashamed sheep…tempted yet scared to reveal themselves…unless, of course, it's really obvious they struggle with their own confidence."

I don't miss the way she looks at Toshiya as she says so. "But of course, with this motive, you may be surprised which people will fall in the abyss, and which will stand their ground."

Yoru tries to stay hopeful. "But Monokuma isn't putting any pressure on us, unlike last time when he installed the time limit. So no one will feel pressure to have to kill, right?"

Toshiya doesn't meet his eyes. "No, there is a time limit. A time limit on ourselves and our patience."

Shinri elaborates. "This game works in the way that it's first come, first serve. If someone kills before you do, that's it. Only one person can graduate and it's that person who will take the motive. So those who want to use the machine need to put their killing plan into motion before someone else does. That's why there is still a time limit. It's just an invisible one. And that's more dangerous than a visible time limit."

Yikes. To fall in despair and set up a plan, only to find out someone beat you to it. That would certainly motive people. Monokuma sure knows how to install paranoia in people.

Just like I expected, Isamu turns on his heels and walks out the door, not even bothering giving us an explanation. Because we all know he is going to hole himself up again until the next person dies.

More surprisingly is Rea giving another slight chuckle before leaving as well. No disturbing comment, no snarky answer, no toying. She just walks out of the door. And I get it.

She already knows despair has set in. She doesn't need to provoke us further.

Most of those who are left don't know what to do. Shinri is having another breakdown again, sobbing through his mask as he tries to fend off Hanako, who tries to help. Mizuki doesn't say a word, but she doesn't leave Yoru's side, calming his nerves. Homura is aggressively cracking her fists, but without anyone to direct it to, her threat falls flat. Tomoe's eyes dart over the group, probably to make sure no one makes a dumb move. Toshiya keeps muttering. Noriko tries to gain control again.

But the one who hits me the most is Masato. I expected him to break down again by the reminder of the killing game, but instead he is quiet. Too quiet.

"Yo, you okay?" I carefully ask him.

He doesn't respond. But his fist curls into a ball. Then, he turns around and walks away. But I manage to get a quick glimpse of his face.

It's filled with silent rage.

I don't know if that's better or worse than when he tried to drown himself.

The loaded atmosphere is too much. It's too heavy, too painful, too—

"Guys." Noriko's voice is calm yet firm. "We need to calm ourselves. The more we freak out, the more paranoid we become, the more we put ourselves in danger."

"Then what do you suggest we do?" Mizuki asks her.

Noriko takes a deep breath. "I think our number one priority is to not get too stressed over this. That's how Monokuma makes this game work, right? So, I think we should find a way to distract ourselves and release tension. That's why I'm suggesting we come back to the topic of the party."

For a single moment, it's silent. But then Shinri stands up and slaps Hanako's hand away.

"No. Fuck. That. I am not going along with another one of your plans, much less participating in a giant death trope. Last time, two people died. I refuse to be next."

No one tries to stop him as he walks out of the door. The silence he leaves behind is agonizing.

"Rude. At least Noriko is trying to do something." Ekorin huffs. "I am in favor of holding festivities. And I am very willing to provide music."

Yuyami looks a little pale. "Dude…I get it, and I love partying too. But this is a little soon, dontcha think?"

"I have to agree with Shinri. Someone could use the party as a way to commit murder." Mizuki says as she nonchalantly twirls a string of her hair around her finger. "It's far too risky."

Toshiya tries to defend Noriko. "On the other hand…Noriko has a point. The more we despair and fear, the more we play into Monokuma's hands. After all, it was pressure that truly drove someone to kill."

"Look." Hanako snaps. "Can we wait with this until morning? I think we all need to sleep now."

"But the stars…" Yoru whines.

"Come on Starlight, time for bed." Homura laughs as she pushes Yoru to the entrance.

"Everyone, go the fuck to sleep." Tomoe says in his usual growl.

"All right, we will talk about this tomorrow…" Noriko murmurs a little defeated.

One by one, everyone leaves the gym. So do I. The heavy tension hasn't completely left though, and so my heart and head feels heavy as I walk up the stairs. I just have energy left to change into my new nightgown. It's soft and smooth and feels alien.

Still better than facing Noriko's wrath…

But even alien sensations can't keep my eyes from falling shut and I fall into dreamland once again…

I need…

I can…

I must…

I…have to do it…

My eyes flutter open by the first ding of the morning announcement. My dream was hazy this time around, and doesn't tell me anything.

Great. More vague stuff is really what I need. Thanks brain.

I'm briefly confused why I'm wearing a nightgown, but then I remember Noriko. I probably shouldn't wait too long before going to the cafeteria. Everyone is already tense, shouldn't give them a reason to get more worried.

I quickly throw on my clothes and head down to the cafeteria. The atmosphere is tense, just as I predicted. Noriko beams when she sees me.

"Yurika! I'm glad you're here. Now that we have everyone, let's begin."

She stands on top of the table again, immediately getting everyone's attention.

"Alright everyone! Now that we all had a good night's sleep, I think we should review the prospect of a party again."

Isamu shakes his head. "Forget it. I will not go to such an obvious trap, especially considering what happened the last time you organized something."

Rea smiles eerily. "Are you trying to encourage the upcoming murder, my dear leader?"

Noriko huffs. "Of course not! But doing nothing won't work either. Patrolling for rule breakers didn't work, you're right, but if we focus on relieving the stress and tension of the situation, maybe that would take the steam away."

"Personally, I hate sitting around and feeling helpless, so I'm in." Hanako says as she crosses her arms. "Who knows, maybe Noriko's right and no one will die."

"Are you going to put all of this on a 'maybe'?" Mizuki sneers. "At least come with good and decisive arguments."

"All right." To my surprise, Shinri stands up. "Allow me to show you my insight."

"I meant someone in favor of the party. I can hold my own." Mizuki clarifies, sounding slightly bitter about being upstaged.

Shinri looks at her. "Then you'll be pleased to know I've changed my mind."

Wait, hold up, what? The guy who was against the party the most, now changed his mind?

I'm not the only one boggled by this, considering the amount of murmurs and whispers that are arising.

"Really? You, of all people?" Isamu sneers.

Shinri takes a deep breath and starts explaining. "Yes. I have thought it over…and it doesn't matter. Party or not, the motive still stands and it can still entice people. It's naïve to think we can stop it by not having the party. Whether or not we host it, the person willing to kill most likely made their choice already. Nothing changes if we do nothing. So, with that, I think it's worth trying to set up the party. If we assign multiple people to do the tasks we need, maybe it will throw a wrench in someone's plans. Having the party will lift our spirits and bring back the cheer we desperately need in these dire times. It can bring us hope."

He smiles. "And hope can save more than you think."

That last bit is spoken out of experience. I can hear it in his voice. But…why do I feel…

Yuyami grins at him. "Well, you sure convinced me! If I'm gonna die, I wanna go out partying!"

"Dude, same." Homura laughs. "Not bad of a speech."

"Sharing the load is a amazing idea!" Hanako praises him. "That way, it's not just one person stuck with the preparations."

"And therefor, less likely to kill?" Mizuki asks, still sounding a little skeptic.

"Well, I was gonna say that Noriko and I wouldn't have to do all of the work that way, but…"

Yoru interrupts them with a plea. "Ooh! I wanna help out! Please give me something to do!"

"Eager to die, aren't you?" Rea teases, her usual colors seeping through. Thankfully, everyone seems too worked up to pay too much attention to her.

"I can keep watch…but not the whole time." Tomoe grumbles. "I'm too stiff already, just standing around would be bad."

"I'm sure we can find a way to equally split the work." Noriko reassures him. Tomoe merely grumbles in response.

Ekorin claps in her hands. "I will arrange the most exquisite work of music to accompany the atmosphere."

Homura suddenly slams her fist on the table. "Dude, I just got the most brilliant idea in the history of ideas! How about we all show off our talents? That'd be awesome!"

"Hard pass." Isamu sneers.

Yeah, I have to agree on that. "Thanks but no thanks. Preparation is already far too much work. Besides, kinda hard to watch what I'm making on a computer screen."

Shinri however smiles. "Not bad. Maybe not everyone, but a few people can show off their talent or another trick. Yoru could teach us about a few stars, Yuyami could do a few tricks, Ekorin can play her violin and Toshiya could give us an interactive puzzle game."

Toshiya pales upon hearing his name. "No, no thanks, I-I don't do well in front of a crowd."

"Pussy." Homura teases, sticking her tongue out.

Yoru, brightens up like a spotlight. "I can do that? That's great! Oh, maybe Mizuki could do a simple chemistry demonstration!"

Mizuki immediately shoots it down. "No. I haven't even—"

He pouts, puffing up his cheeks like a five year old. "But it'll be fun! It doesn't have to be big, it can just be really small! Come on, I wanna see you on stage. You're awesome, and you will do awesome on stage!"

She visibly blushes, despite turning her head to avoid looking him in the eyes. "W-well…I am the greatest chemist to grace this earth…and if it's a small demonstration…I won't mind showing you all a simple equation…"

Yup, give to up to Mizuki to change her mind just to inflate her ego. Jeez, Yoru is surprisingly scary at manipulation.

"Great! I'll make a list of performers and Noriko can start assigning chores!" Shinri enthusiastically says as he grabs a notebook and a pen.

"I guess that means we're doing the party…" I mutter.

"I suppose so." Toshiya laughs nervously.

Noriko claps in her hands. "Alright. Let's get started. Considering that the cafeteria is the biggest room, I suggest we hold it here. If we want to have performers, we need a stage. Tomoe, Yuyami, can I count on the two of you?"

Yuyami scratches his head. "I dunno…I mean, I totally can do it, but with just the two of us it might take some time."

"If we start early, we can have it finished this afternoon." Tomoe says.

"And anyone nearby can lend you a hand." Noriko smiles at them.

"We are gonna need snacks for the evening." Hanako notes. "Unless you wanna make it a dinner party too."

"Somehow I doubt Kumachrome is going to make us dinner again…" I mutter sarcastically.

"Ooh, a dinner party." Ekorin says enthusiastically. "That would be lovely."

Noriko tries to choose her words carefully. "I don't think we have enough time and resources to make another buffet…but we could make a simple three course meal. Hanako, would you help me with it?"

Hanako laughs nervously. "Sure, but uh, don't you need to oversee everyone? Y'know, make sure everyone's doing their job?"

"I'd be willing to take over that role, if you don't mind." Shinri quips.

"Are you sure?" Noriko asks hesitantly. "It definitely won't be easy."

She mutters something more, and while I can't hear it, I'm 97% sure it has something to do with the group's intelligence, Rea, or both. Shinri just chuckles.

"I'll be fine. I have always wanted to host a party, and I won't let that chance pass." He pushes up his glasses, coughs, and takes control. "All right! If we want to party tonight we need to get started as soon as possible. Hanako and Noriko are in charge of dinner and Yuyami and Tomoe will be moving the tables. The performers might also need help moving equipment down here. Homura, Toshiya, Isamu and Rea, could you help them out?"

"Rea and helping out?" I snort. "Yeah, that'll be the day."

Isamu turns away, a scowl on his face. "I refuse to be alone with someone in one room, much less with Rea."

Shinri tries to salvage the situation, but thankfully(?) Ekorin steps in. "Don't worry about me," she giggles, "I promise to only bring my violin. And I only trust her with myself, so there will be no need for assistance."

"Homura, Toshiya, will you be able to help out the other performers on your own? Or do I need to assign someone else with you?" Shinri asks them.

Homura shakes her head. "Nah, I'll be fine. Fainter over there might need some help though."

Toshiya quickly shakes his head, blushing in embarrassment. "I-I can't do a thing about the fainting! And I think I can handle helping Yoru by myself, thank you very much."

"Guess I'll help Mizuki then." Homura shrugs. Mizuki merely rolls her eyes.

Shinri nods. "Okay then…Yurika, can you, Isamu and Rea decorate the cafeteria?"

Wow, wait, hold the phone! I have to do work!? I groan. "Do I have to do it with Rea?"

"I agree with Yurika." Isamu says, though the tone in his voice tells me he'd rather not. "I'd prefer to stay clear of Rea."

"Well, someone has to keep an eye on her." Shinri argues. "And with two people watching her, she'll have less opportunities to try something shady."

Ughhh, I hate it, but he's right. Someone needs to keep an eye on Rea. But she can't be let anywhere near Mizuki's equipment, or near food, or near Yoru in general. Decorating is the least dangerous thing for now. And with Isamu as buddy, I doubt I need to invest a lot of effort into it.

"Fine." I scowl. "But what about Masato? Do you think he's stable enough to be on his own?"

Shinri opens his mouth, but a small voice cuts him off.

"I-I'd…like…to help." Masato stutters, painfully similar to Kikoi's stutter. "I-I know…a few…recipes…for…treats…and stuff…"

"That's a wonderful idea!" Noriko quickly exclaims before anyone can protest. "Who doesn't love treats? You and Yuyami should make some. Ah, we could use the botany lab to pick fruits! Tomoe, would you mind taking care of that with some of the others?"

Tomoe rolls his eyes, but nods. "Sure, whatever. Don't make a mess."

Shinri nods and claps once in his hands. "All right, I think we have everything for now. Let's start early so we don't have to stress out too much. Hopefully we'll start dinner at 6 or 7, maybe 8 if it doesn't work out earlier for Hanako and Noriko. I hope you two can give us a heads up in time, so that everyone can prepare themselves for tonight."

Yuyami scratches the back of his head nervously. "Fancy-pancy wear isn't obligated, right?"

Ekorin audibly huffs at him, but Noriko quickly soothes them. "No, but it would be great if everyone will at least wear something clean for tonight. A party is meant to be special after all."

"Don't know where you hold your parties…" Homura mutters under her breath.

Noriko either doesn't hear her, or ignores her. "Let's do our best everyone!"

With a bit of mumbling, uncertainty and slight complaining, people start moving. Realizing that means I probably have to get started as well, I get up grumbling. I'm about to head for the Kumachrome shop to buy decorations when Shinri stops me.

"Ah, before you go and decorate, could you and your group help clean up the cafeteria? It won't take long if everyone helps."

I make sure my sigh of annoyance is loud and heard. "Fine…I'll make sure Rea won't fuck this up."

And so, against my will, I take a broom and start sweeping the place. Thankfully, I'm neither the only one helping nor the only one complaining.

"I don't wanna clean." Yuyami complains. "Why can't someone else do it? All Ekorin has to do is get her violin. I'm gonna make fruit pastries with Masato and I'm setting up the stage. This is unfair."

"Yeah, as if Noriko is gonna make that spoiled brat clean." Tomoe snorts. "Don't be a baby, this'll be over before you know it."

And he's right. Sure, I loath every second of it, especially because Rea seems far more interested in goofing around and annoying the shit out of everyone, but cleaning itself isn't taking as long as I expected. Especially when Tomoe gets eventually fed up enough to grab Rea and swing her over his shoulder to keep her in place. When she realizes there isn't really much she can do at this point, she seems to give up and remain quiet, probably in the hope to be let off easier to return to her deviant self. Not that anyone buys any of that shit, but it does make for a pleasant change. Everyone eventually deems it clean enough for Yuyami and Tomoe to start working on putting the tables together, which means its time for my group to start decorating.

"Can't we just throw some confetti around and call it a day?" I complain to Isamu as we make our way to the Kumachrome shop, a released Rea skipping ahead of us.

"As much as I want to agree with you, no, we can't." He answers. "Besides, if the three of us stick together, we'll be safer."

He really only cares about his own safety, huh…?

When we enter the Kumachrome shop, I'm surprised to see Kumachrome missing. In his place is a sign that just says: "Out to lunch. Don't steal my shit."

"Free stuff!" Rea cheers as she hops over the counter and starts trashing the place by pulling out boxes, opening drawing and throwing around everything that isn't bolted down. Neither Isamu nor I try to stop it. I even stifle a laugh, not wanting to give her the satisfaction of making me laugh. She probably is too busy with rummaging through the Kumachrome shop. Eventually, I get a large box and the three of us put in all kinds of decorations: confetti, garlands, ribbons, balloons, led lights in every color imaginable and glow sticks. I manage to hide a few cans of silly string when Rea pops up with two confetti cannons.

"This is gonna be so much fun!"

"Decorating or scaring the crap out of people?"

"Why not both?"

As long as she isn't using to it make people fall off tables and such, it's one of the less annoying things she can do. It also helps the shop only has like three of these, so if I can convince her to pop all three before the party starts, we have nothing to worry about. Besides, I don't feel in the mood to be targeted because I said 'no'.

With a box full of decorations in my arms and a pile of Kumacoins on the counter (because Isamu and I don't feel like pissing off Kumachrome either), we head back inside the main building. Tomoe and Yuyami are done with putting the tables together for dinner, and they've even started building the stage by putting a leftover table at the back of the cafeteria. I briefly wonder if the tables will be able to hold the weight needed. However, considering Noriko's standing on one of them almost every single day, it probably will unless someone does something stupid.

The moment we set down our box, I grab one of the confetti cannons and run up to Rea. Before she can react, I pop it into her face. "Ha! That's for the water prank!"

Yuyami bursts out laughing when he sees Rea covered in confetti, but quickly coughs and shuts up. Looks like he's still afraid of Rea. Speaking of, Rea seems to have merely a curious look on her face. It lasts for a second, before she morphs back to her usual Cheshire smile.

Isamu wastes no time grabbing the two other confetti cannons, throwing one of them at me. That proves to be a mistake, because Rea quickly dashes forward to grab it out of the air. She immediately points it at Isamu, who in retaliation immediately fires his at her. She laughs as she is again showered with confetti, and to my surprise, aims it at the sky before firing it. Confetti rains down on us, and Rea runs around to both catch it and throw it in the air. As I watch, I realize she is spreading the confetti around the room, so there isn't just confetti in one spot.

Is she…helping? Nah, there must be some ulterior motive. Maybe she wants to make cleaning everything up a bitch? I hope it's not that. I'm spending enough energy as it is; don't need to waste it on cleaning.

Whatever she's planning, it's not happening now, so Isamu and I start working on blowing up balloons, decorating the chairs, and making the table pretty. Yuyami quickly starts helping out, claiming it's more fun than doing nothing.

"Cuz if Shinri and Noriko see me slacking, they're gonna give me some boring chore. I'd rather do some decorating then."

I accept the help, of course. So, while Yuyami is tying up balloons with pretty ribbons, I take some of the garlands and try to hang them up. I quickly realize any hooks to hang them on are way too high up for me. I'm pondering standing on one of the chair or a table when I feel hands on my waist. I gasp as those hands lift me up in the sky with ease. I look down to see Tomoe holding me up.

"Hurry up." He urges, and I do. I quickly hang up one of the garlands. When I'm done, I signal for him to lower me. Instead, he raises me even higher. It takes me a moment to realize he is putting me on his shoulders. With a racing heart, I grab his head to stabilize myself.

"Aw, be careful!"

"Then what are you doing!?"

"Carrying you to the other end of the room, duh."

I'm in no position to object. And so, praying for whatever higher forces out there that I don't fall off, he walks to the other end of the room. I'm swaying with every step, but he holds me tight by holding my legs. Regardless, I can't wait until he puts me down. When we reach the other end, I waste no time tying the other end of the garland. Finally, he puts me down, huffing as he does so.

"You're heavier than I thought."

"WH-WHAT!?" Is he saying I'm fat!? …That's fair though…

"Thought you'd be as light as Rea. But I underestimated you. You're definitely lighter than Yuyami though, so don't feel bad."

That's…not really consoling…

"Anyways, you've got one more. Let's get that one too."

Wait, no, I don't wanna go up there again! Frantically, I look around me and see Isamu grabbling through the box. I immediately run up to him and shove the garland into his hands. He protests, but I cut him off.

"That's your problem now! I'm gonna go find Noriko and get her approval so I can leave!"

Isamu doesn't have time to put two and two together before Tomoe grabs him like how he grabbed me before and puts him on his shoulder. Isamu gives an embarrassing squeak, demanding to be put down. And while Tomoe doesn't smile, I can see the highly amused sparkle in his eyes, and that's all the confirmation I need right now. Isamu will take my place, whether he likes it or not.

Since I have no idea where Noriko might be, I just walk around hoping to find her. When I walk upstairs, I see Homura walking out of Mizuki's lab with a box of glass instruments in her hands.

"Be careful with it! I don't know if Monokuma will replace it, so don't you dare drop it!" Mizuki shouts from her lab.

Homura chuckles. "Girl, I work with glass every single day. I am literally the best person to trust this to." She spots me walking and gives a smile. "Yo, Yurika! Done decorating?"

"Yeah, pretty much." I answer. "Did you see Noriko by any chance? Hoping to get her okay so I can go back to my room."

She laughs, and the box shakes with her. Mizuki must have heard the rattling of glass, because she shouts: "Homura! I'm not warning you again!"

"Chill Mizuki, I'm doing fine." Homura shouts back before turning to me again. "Think I saw her walking to the botany lab. Might spot her there."

"Thanks."

As I walk past her, I finally manage to get a glimpse of Mizuki's lab. It's stark white, with some purple here and there. Shelves line up the wall, stacked with countless bottles. Chemical components, medicine and probably poison too. Poison…wait, no, what am I thinking? There is no way Mizuki would poison anyone…right?

But the thought keeps sticking in my head, and banishing it is more difficult than I thought. This game is poisoning my mind.

…Get it, poisoning? Haha, ugh, what am I doing?

Mentally both chuckling and groaning over my own joke, I make my way to the botany lab. Hanako and Toshiya are picking fruits, though Toshiya is standing rather awkwardly, trying not to make contact with the soil and simultaneously squatting to be able to reach some berries. Hanako is clearly trying to hold in her laughter.

"What the hell are you doing?" I finally ask him. That's proves to be the tipping point for Hanako, as she bursts in laughter, falling over, accidentally squashing a few berries of her own. She doesn't seem to mind though, giggling and laughing, as it's the funniest to happen in her life. Toshiya seems to be embarrassed by it, for good reason.

"I-I was just trying to keep from the ground. I don't want my clothes to get dirty."

"Well, you're doing…pretty…creative…?"

"Thank you…" Toshiya mutters. "Is there any reason for which you came to the botany lab?"

"Yeah, I'm looking for Noriko. Have you seen her?"

Hanako, still gasping a little for air but only giggling now, gets up into a sitting position and wipes the tears of her face. "Yup, said she was going to the laundry room to clean some of her laundry. I think if you hurry, you can still catch her."

Great, she's downstairs. That whole trip was for nothing. I mutter a quick thank you before heading downstairs again. I head immediately for the laundry room, praying to find her this time.

Luck must be finally on her side, because she is still in the laundry room. Specifically, storing away bottles of various liquids. I frown and walk up to her. When she still doesn't notice me, I gently tap her on the shoulder.

"AHHHH! She jumps up. "Wh—Yurika! Don't scare me like that!"

The way she flusters is very adorable. I smirk and cross my arms, giving her a playful glare. "What kind of suspicious thing are you doing?"

Noriko promptly gets up and wipes the dust from her clothes. "Making sure nobody will ruin this evening."

I lean a bit to the side, allowing me to look over her shoulder and see what she is talking able. In particularly, I see that one of the bottles is labeled as 'bleach'. I don't need to guess what's she is trying to accomplish.

Jeez, this school has more weapons than I thought, and not just kitchen knives.

"Any reason for scaring me?"

I shrug. "I actually wanted you to check if the cafeteria's okay. I wanna go to my room."

Noriko pinches the bridge of her nose. Rude.

"Alright, go. I'll check later, but if you did a barebones job, I'm dragging you out of that room."

"Hey in my defense, decorating is the easiest job. And I wasn't on my own."

"Just…go."

I can tell she's not in the mood for more talking. So, being led off the hook, I head back to my own room. I close the door behind me and sit on my bed, allowing myself to relax. As the hours go by, I realize Noriko hasn't come to get me, so I probably did an okay job. When 5 rolls around, I realize I should probably start dressing up if I don't want to stand out. I take a shower and put on my red dress. I am almost tempted to try on a bit of make-up before I realize I don't have any. As I stand in front of the door, I take one deep breath.

"Alright…it's showtime!"

I probably made this longer than I should have. Explain why it took so long for me to write it. Next chapter is gonna be fun, because I get to design new outfits!