A/N: Got this chapter out later than I intended, sorry about that. The fall semester started up a few weeks ago, and midterms week is going on right now so I didn't have as much free time on hand to get it out before then, and I ended up putting the story on hold for a few weeks. Still, I hope that this story manages to entertain all of y'all!
Mythgirl Writes: Yeah, the best friend characters tend to have a bad time in these stories, don't they? Let's hope Ochiyo lasts at least a bit longer, eh? And I'm so glad everyone's enjoying Fumio as a character! I'm so surprised he's gotten this popular!
NostalgiaSucker96: Fumio's just a chill guy, what can I say? The man likes making folks happy! Also don't worry about the Rurouni Kenshin reference, I'm sure the audience got the reference! ...right? And yeah, I tried to put my own unique spin on the 'first chapter involves the loved ones' deal that tends to happen in Danganronpa.
A Random Role Player: Hey! Glad to see ya join the party! Yeah, I decided to follow the example set by previous writers like Legacy of Despair's Magorgle and follow a semi-script-like format. I think it works well to help get across the visual novel-type aura. And I'm flattered that the worst thing you can say about this so far is the chapters aren't long enough! Don't worry about keeping track of the cast, though. After all... we're going to be cutting down some of them soon. Upupupupu...
BING BONG DING DONG
Monokuma: Rise and shine, inmates, for another beautiful day of murder is about to begin! It's now 8:00 AM! AKA, it's daytime! So get off your butts and get moving, inmates! The courtyard and the gym are now officially open again! C'mon, let's make today another despairfully wonderful day, huh?
(I let out a tired groan as Monokuma's ever-annoying voice echoed out through the prison. Wearily, I pulled the covers off of myself, before looking down at myself. God, my mouth tastes like shit... My clothes didn't look that much better, given that they were all rumpled and scratched at. What even happened last-)
Monokuma: Figured it out yet, Little Miss Blackjack? There's no one waiting for you outside these prison walls. No one in the world truly cares that you've been carted away into Hope's Bastion Rehabilitation Facility! Honestly, I almost feel sorry for you!
Kasumi: Right... the phone call.
(I slumped back down in bed, Monokuma's mockery of a message replaying in my head over and over again. No one cared about me to want me to escape this prison. Not a single soul cared that I was gone. I wanted to scream. I wanted to cry. I wanted to tear down this prison from top to bottom. But what's the point...? It'd change nothing. I'd be alone in or out of this place. No matter what, the situation is the same.)
Kasumi: No one cares about me... no one ever will.
(Silently, I pulled my covers back over myself, huddling in my bed and waiting for sleep to overtake me once again.)
[POV Shift: Ochiyo]
Ochiyo: Where is she...?
(I pulled out my MonoPass to check the time. 12:00 AM. I still hadn't seen hide nor hair of Kasumi all day. She didn't show up for breakfast, and even after I had taken my shift to guard the phone booth, no one that I've talked to had seen her... Just what the heck happened to her?)
Yuuto: Oi, Corporal Cuck, I'm here for my shift.
(I looked up to see the Ultimate Bed Tester walking in, a sour expression on his face as always. Honestly, I worry about him. How can one man that short have so much anger packed inside him?)
Ochiyo: Thanks, Yuuto. I guess I'll go grab lunch now.
Yuuto: Yeah yeah.
(Before I left my post, I couldn't help but turn back towards Yuuto. He took a seated position in front of the phone booth, and idly, he began fiddling with his tie.)
Ochiyo: By the way, Yuuto. I'd like to ask you something, if you don't mind.
Yuuto: If yer wondering about that Card Shark bitch, I haven't seen her today.
Ochiyo: Huh? How did you know I was going to ask about that?
Yuuto: If you hadn't noticed, you've been bugging everyone about if they've seen her or not today. Jeez, if you two dykes wanna rub clams then do it already. Just screw and leave me out of it.
(I resisted the urge to roll my eyes at Yuuto's abrasive comments. Regardless, if he's right, then Kasumi's been in her room all day. What happened? Why hasn't she come outside? I had to get to the bottom of this.)
Go to the Dorms(YES)
(I stood in front of Kasumi's room, the pixelated image of the card player hanging in the same place it was before.)
Ochiyo: Kasumi... please answer the door...
(I raised my knuckles up and prepared to knock.)
[POV Shift: Kasumi]
RAP PAP PAP!
Kasumi: Nnngh...
(I slowly opened my eyes, blinking away some of the crust built up on them, before slowly sitting up in bed, sending a glare towards the door.)
Kasumi: Go away. I don't want to talk to anyone.
Ochiyo: Kasumi? Oh thank god, you're awake.
(Ochiyo? What does she want? Whatever, it doesn't matter. Let her have her pretend stint as leader. What do I care? I pulled the blanket over my body, letting out an annoyed sigh, hoping that she'd take the hint and leave me alone.)
Kasumi: Go away. Just let me sleep in. Not everyone's a morning person like you, Ochiyo.
Ochiyo: Morning person-?! Kasumi, it's already well past noon! We've gone far past 'morning person'. What's going on in there?!
Kasumi: I said go away.
Ochiyo: Kasumi...
[POV Shift: Ochiyo]
(This is bad... she's holed herself up in there good. She wants me to leave her alone... but if I do- No. No, Ochiyo. Don't think about stuff like that. Taking in a deep breath, I knocked on the door louder.)
Ochiyo: I'm not leaving you. Not while you're feeling like this.
Kasumi: What do you care?
Ochiyo: Kasumi, we're friends, of course I care about-
Kasumi: Shut up! Just... shut up. Don't say shit you don't mean, Ochiyo.
(I took a step back, surprised at the sudden hostility in her tone. What is she talking about? Why is she suddenly so angry all of a sudden? And what does she mean by 'not meaning' it?)
[POV Shift: Kasumi]
(I pulled my knees in tighter, trying to control my breathing as my body began to shake violently.)
Kasumi: No one cares about me, Ochiyo. There's no one in this entire fucking world that cares. So don't start acting like you do all of a sudden. Don't give me shit like pity or your sympathies. We both know you don't mean it.
Ochiyo: Kasumi...
Kasumi: Just go, okay?! Leave me the hell alone!
(For the next few minutes, there was nothing but silence. From the shadow that still showed through the crack underneath my door, I could tell that Ochiyo didn't get the hint. Instead, she chose to sit down, refusing to move.)
Ochiyo: Did... did you use the phone booth last night?
(There it was. The question I knew that she would ask eventually. I bared my teeth at the door, imagining the thoughts she was probably thinking. "You used it!" "I trusted you!" "I should have known, you were nothing but a crook!" Or worse still. "Oh, I feel so bad for you!" "I know how you feel!")
Kasumi: What about it? Even if I did, it's not like I'm going to kill anyone. Not from here.
Ochiyo: What... what was in your call?
Kasumi: You know what was in my call. I told you. Nothing. Absolutely nothing was in the call. I have no parents. I have no siblings. No friends. No family. Not even minor acquaintances. No one in this fucking world gives a shit about me, Ochiyo! Okay?! Is that what you fucking wanted to hear?!
(In my anger, I'd gotten to my feet, marching to the door angrily as I screamed so loud, I was almost certain that the whole prison could hear me. But I didn't care. All I saw was red, and all I wanted was to scream myself to the point of death.)
Kasumi: I'm alone, Ochiyo! I always have been, and I always will be! So if you're going to give me a fucking spiel about 'friendship', 'hope', or any more of that shit, you can save it for someone who will actually care about that stuff, okay?! Because it won't matter at all to someone like me!
Ochiyo: Kasumi, I-
Kasumi: Shut up. Just shut. The fuck. UP!
WHAM!
(Angrily, I lashed out with a kick, slamming the door with my foot. My breathing... when did my breathing get this heavy? When did I fall to my knees? When did I start crying? Rage. Sadness. Fear. Despair. All these emotions came surging to the forefront as I cried even harder.)
Kasumi: Why...? Why does no one want me?
Ochiyo: Kasumi... please, open the door.
(I don't know why, or how, but something in my urged me to obey Ochiyo's words. Silently, I raised my hand, and the lock was undone. I didn't even bother looking up as Ochiyo quietly opened the door. She kneeled down next to me, holding a hand under my chin and looking me in the eyes. I don't know what I saw in her face. Disgust? Pity? Confusion? I don't think it even mattered to me at this point. The drill sergeant knelt down, giving me a sympathetic look.)
Ochiyo: Kasumi. I have no possible way of knowing what you're going through right now. I don't think I'll ever know what you're going through right now. But I can promise you. For as long as I'm here with you, you won't be alone.
Kasumi: No. Don't just... don't do this to me. Don't give me this...
Ochiyo: I mean it. You said that you don't have anyone who cares about you, didn't you? Well then, let me be the first. Is that okay with you?
(I looked over Ochiyo's face, trying to find something, anything resembling a hint that she was lying. That this could be a ruse, a trick, anything. All I saw in her face... was kindness. A bold, outright childlike look of innocent sympathy on her face. How long had it been since I had seen something like that on someone's face? Against all odds, I felt my lips curl upwards into a smile.)
Kasumi: God... fucking look at me, huh? I don't think I've cried since I was seven. Heh... Ehehehe... Ehehahahahaha! EHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
(Despite everything, I couldn't help but laugh. As I lay there in Ochiyo's arms, I laughed louder and harder than I think I ever did in my life, even as the tears streamed down my face. And Ochiyo was right there, by my side, watching my shoulders shake as I sat there in my room. After what felt like hours, both my laughter and my tears subsided, and gently, Ochiyo guided me to my bed, gently rubbing my back. Awkwardly, I rubbed at my now-burning eyes. My throat burned, my eyes stung, everything all over hurt, and yet somehow, I didn't mind any of it. The opposite, honestly. It was as if everything building up inside had disappeared, and all of it was thanks to Ochiyo.)
Ochiyo: Feel any better?
Kasumi: Y-yeah... thanks a lot, Ochiyo. God, I'm sorry you had to be here for this... I must-
Ochiyo: Don't.
Kasumi: Huh?
Ochiyo: Don't put yourself down like this, Kasumi. Like I said, I want to care about you. Kasumi. No matter what happened before with you or your family, you are going to be loved here. That's a promise.
(I could feel the blood begin to rush into my face at that. Loved, huh? That honestly didn't sound too bad... Wait, what the hell am I thinking?!)
Ochiyo: Can you stand up, by the way?
Kasumi: Wh-um, yeah, sure, thanks.
(I got to my feet, my legs wobbling at the sudden attempt at standing. God, I'd been sitting down all day, huh? A short laugh came from the side, and I saw Ochiyo standing next to me, giving me a grin.)
Ochiyo: I guess a little shakiness is okay. I just checked the Monopass, it's 1:30 PM right now. You mind if I step out? I'll ask Fumio if he can make something for you. You haven't eaten since yesterday, yeah?
GROWL...
(The grumbling sound that filled the room answered all the questions that the former drill sergeant had. My face turned red as Ochiyo let out a giggle. Damn you, stomach, traitorous bastard...)
Ochiyo: Yeah, I figured so. If you're up for it, try and get some exercise around this place. More than a few others were worried about you today, Kasumi. Meet me back in the dining hall at... let's say 3:00 PM?
Kasumi: Y-yeah, sounds good, Ochiyo. 3:00 PM.
(With that, she took her leave. When I was confident that I was alone, I let out a strained breath. God, what happened? I let my guard down for a day, and now I'm blushing like a schoolgirl. I pressed my hands to my face. I could start screaming now if I had the energy to. I shook my head and slapped at my cheeks. No, none of that now. Ochiyo's right. I need to stop sitting around feeling sorry for myself. Might as well try to do something today, half the day wasted or not. I took in a deep breath, before leaving my room.)
[FREE TIME BEGINS]
Move to Courtyard
Move to Library
Move to Dining Hall
Move to Main Hall(YES)
Move to Laundry Room
(I guess the best bet for finding people would be to check the main hall, huh? Shaking off the pinpricks in my legs, I headed out, not necessarily in a good mood, but in a better one that I started with.)
(Like I thought, there were more than a few people hanging around in the main hall. Currently performing a set of push-ups off to the side was Akio. Man, that guy loves working out, doesn't he? Standing a fair bit off was Kira, who was seated on the fountain, eyes closed. Was he... sleeping?)
Talk to Akio(YES)
Talk to Kira
(To be honest, Kira still creeps me out... And I don't think he likes me all that much either. Akio seems like the friendlier option between the two of them. My decision made, I walked over to the still-working out Akio. It barely looked like he was breaking a sweat as I nearly felt the foundations of the prison shake with every pushup. Geez, was he pushing himself up, or was he pushing everything else down? Eventually, the walking brick house finished his sets, and leaped up to a standing position in a single fluid motion.)
Akio: Phew! Another good workout! Bwahahahahaha! Now I'm even more fired up!
(Suddenly, his head turned down, and he gave me a look of surprise. Did he just notice I got here?)
Akio: Oh, hey, Kasumi! I didn't see you there! How're ya doin'? Feeling any better since this morning?
(There's the answer to my question...)
Kasumi: I'm doing okay. Mind if we hang out?
Akio: Mind?! I'd love to! GAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Say, I just finished my warmups! How about we walk and talk for a bit?
I decided to spend my time with Akio.
Kasumi: Sure, I guess I can do that.
(With a wave of one of his massive arms, he motioned for me to follow him out of the Main Hall, smiling that bright smile he had since we last met. I followed behind, every step the Goliath of a priest took requiring me take two of my own just to keep up.)
Akio: Y'know, after a good workout, there's nothing better than taking a walk to let everything cool off. It's even better with someone to talk with!
Kasumi: I guess. Never was one for exercise myself, if I'm being perfectly honest.
Akio: Really, now? You should really change that about yourself. "Mens sana in corpore sano", after all.
Kasumi: "A healthy mind in a healthy body", huh? I didn't except you to be the scholarly type, Akio.
(At that, Akio gave me a confused look of his own. Did I just say something stupid?)
Akio: What d'ya mean?! 'course I'm a scholar! I'm the Ultimate Priest. I don't just stand around and look pretty! I have to do a lot of work, studying philosophy, history, theology, and a bunch of other stuff! I take my talent seriously, don't ya know? Don't tell me that you just thought I was nothing but a meathead, did ya?
(If I'm being perfectly honest... Yes. When we first met, I thought you were something like the Ultimate Pro Wrestler, or Ultimate Weightlifter. From the looks of you, you look like the type to suplex a huge boulder, just because you can.)
Akio: Ah... so you really did just see me as a big lug, didn't ya?
Kasumi: What? How did you...?
Akio: Like I said! I'm the Ultimate Priest! It's in my job description to be able to help folks out with their issues! I've got a lotta experience in reading what people are thinking and understanding emotions! MY INTUITION IS UNMATCHED BY ANYONE! GAHAHAHAHAHA!
Kasumi: Yeah... I guess that makes sense. Erm, sorry about that, Akio.
Akio: GAHAHAHAHA! Don't worry, I get that a lot from folks! You're alright by me, Kasumi!
THWACK!
Kasumi: ACK!
(Akio's gigantic arm slapped me on the back, nearly knocking me off of my feet and onto my face as he let out a hearty laugh. Hard to keep a guy like this down for long, ain't it?)
Akio: Still, like I said. I'm not a musclehead like folks might think. I take my job as a man of God seriously. It's my calling to find people who are in need of consul and help them out. No matter the person, no matter what mistakes they've made in life, it's my sworn duty to help them find the right path in life.
Kasumi: "Find the right path in life", huh? Guess it's convenient for you that you ended up in a place like this, isn't it? Since we're in a massive super-prison run by an evil bear, I guess you've got no shortage of wayward lambs to lead to 'salvation'.
Akio: Heh. That's a bit much, don't ya think? Nah, I don't think I could bring folks to 'salvation' or anything, but... if I can help people out with their issues in life, make them feel like they're a little less alone in this world... I think I'd be able to say that I lived a life worth living. Wouldn't you agree?
Kasumi: Hmph. I'll be honest. I've never been the religious type either, Akio. I don't think I'm the best person you should be talking to about this stuff.
Akio: Then what can I talk to you about?
Kasumi: Huh?
Akio: I have good intuition, Kasumi. I told you that earlier. I have a knack for knowing when folks have something weighing on their minds. I knew since we first met, you had something bothering you. And it's still bothering you now, isn't it?
Kasumi: I... I...
(How... how does he always seem to know stuff like this? It's like my soul's bared to him completely... I took a step back from him, and on instinct, I could feel my body begin to shiver a bit. What else does he know? Why does he want to know?)
Akio: Ah, sorry 'bout that! Guess I was moving a bit too fast then, wasn't I? If I'm prying a bit too into personal matters, I'll stop.
Kasumi: Yeah... I think that'd be for the best.
Akio: So, how about you, Kasumi? What do you want to talk about?
Kasumi: Me?
Akio: Yeah! What do you do for fun? What's something simple that we can talk about?
Kasumi: Well... would you like to listen to some of the stories I picked up while gambling?
Akio: Sure! I don't know a lot about card games, myself, but if it's from the Ultimate Card Shark, then it has to be good!
Kasumi: Alright, here goes. This was actually a dice game back in a big city known for its gamblers. Card games, roulette wheels, you name it. The guy's name was Ryuji, thought most folks knew him as "The Duke"...
I spent time walking and talking with Akio.
(I don't know how much time the both of us spent talking. From our hobbies, to our schedules around the prison, to even a few philosophy lessons courtesy of Akio, it just felt so easy to talk to the big guy about almost anything. After we finished walking around the whole prison, we ended up back at the Main Hall. Kira had already left a while back, leaving it empty, save the two of us. A loud yawn echoed out through the cavernous room, and I saw Akio stretching back with several loud 'POP's.)
Akio: That was a good walk, wasn't it, Kasumi?
Kasumi: Yeah... yeah, it was, actually. Thanks for letting me go with you, Akio.
Akio: No problem! Give me a holler if you ever wanna talk again. I'm always willing to lend an ear!
Kasumi: I'd like that.
(With that, Akio walked off, a noticeable spring in his step as he exited the Main Hall, leaving me alone with nothing but the infectious air he carried with him.
Akio Saishi. Despite appearances, he's a fair bit deeper than I think anyone would initially give him credit for.
[FREE TIME END]
(After saying my goodbyes to Akio, I pulled my Monopass off of my neck, before turning it on. 2:45 PM, huh? I spent more time talking with him than I thought. Guess it's time for me head over to the kitchen now like I promised.)
Move to Dining Hall(YES)
(As I made my way to the dining hall doors, I saw two figures standing there already. Yoshino and Shuei were in the middle of a conversation, and a few pieces of their discussion made their way to my ears.)
Yoshino: ...very well, it seems like we're in agreement, Shuei?
Shuei: Quite. This game seems to be filled with mostly bit parts and background characters, from my observations. However, the few standout characters seem to be worthy of being considered 'protagonists'.
Yoshino: Hm... Izzat so? Yeah, things definitely won't be boring in our stay here. Now then, I think we should probably move. After all, it looks like we've rather rudely been standing in the way of Miss Card Shark.
(Suddenly, both Yoshino and Shuei turned to me, and I couldn't help but feel so very, very small under their scrutinizing gazes. How long had I been standing here listening in? And how long had they been aware I was here?)
Yoshino: You know, Miss Card Shark, I gotta say, it's a surprise that I woke up earlier than someone for once. Usually, I sleep in until noon, and then Shuei wakes me up. And yet, here you are, out and about at three in the afternoon. Did something happen, Miss Card Shark?
Kasumi: ...yeah, I guess you could say that. It's a long story, and I'm kinda in a hurry right now.
Shuei: 'in a hurry' indeed... What a disappointingly cliche response...
(With that, the mangaka walked off, likely in search of someone else to terrorize with his creepy observations. Yoshino let out a sigh, placing a fist to her chin in thought.)
Yoshino: Y'know... I worry about him sometimes...
Kasumi: Yeah, I'd bet. Though probably not for the reasons I'm thinking of.
Yoshino: Shuei always has a talent for analyzing folks, and yet... that's why I fear that's going to get him killed one day.
(H-huh?! Where's this coming from all of a sudden?)
Kasumi: Killed...? What do you mean?
Yoshino: I love Shuei, but he's always been... naive, I guess is the term. He looks at the world as if it's a storybook or a fantasy world. He believes all the world's something that can be broken down into character archetypes and tropes. It's honestly adorable with how childlike his view of the world is, don't you think?
(There are many words I'd use to describe Shuei. 'Childlike' is not one of them. Unless you mean those kids with magnifying glasses who terrorize ants.)
Kasumi: I guess. He's your boyfriend, not mine.
Yoshino: Still, I don't think he truly understands the situation we're all in... The risk we're all under right now. The fact that death could be upon us at every moment. Does he really know what this means?
(Man, this must have been bothering Yoshino for a while. I don't think I've ever seen her this stressed. Her breathing's gotten heavier, and I could see her hand begin to shake. Her head was faced down, masking her eyes with her hair. Without thinking, I reached out, grabbing her by her shoulder.)
Kasumi: Yoshino. Everything's...
(I wanted to say "Everything's going to be fine". I knew that would probably be the right thing to say. But was it true? Would everything really be fine? Would all of us somehow survive this massacre? I didn't even know if I would be a survivor, if I'm being honest. I took in a deep breath, before looking back up at Yoshino.)
Kasumi: Everything... Everything will sort itself out. For better or for worse. Okay? All you need to do is look out for yourself and your boyfriend.
(Yoshino gave me a look of surprise at that, before smiling at me. She clapped me on the shoulder once.)
Yoshino: Well! You sure know how to talk to a girl, don't you, Miss Card Shark? Thanks for the pep talk. I guess I should go catch up to Shuei before I lose him. Enjoy your meeting with Miss Drill Sergeant and Mister Barista.
(I blinked in surprise. How did she- But before I could ask how she knew, she was gone. To think that Yoshino had these issues on her mind... I've been acting like a child, and here she is, walking around and smiling while worrying about if someone she loves is going to live through the next night... I wish the both of them the best of luck. I shook my head, getting back to the task at hand before pushing the doors to the Dining Hall open. I was greeted by the sight of Fumio and Ochiyo seated at a table, having a talk with each other. Upon hearing the doors open, Ochiyo turned and waved me over while Fumio went back into the kitchen.)
Ochiyo: Hey, Kasumi, have a seat!
Kasumi: Hey. Sorry to bother you-
Ochiyo: Ah-ah-ah! Remember what we talked about, Kasumi. You're not a bother to us. Besides, we invited you over in the first place!
Kasumi: Right. Sor-erm... yeah.
(I took a seat across from the two, and Fumio returned from the kitchen, setting down a plate stacked high with pancakes, and another plate filled with bacon, eggs, and hash browns.)
Fumio: After what Ochiyo told me, I knew I had to whip up something extra for you! Don't worry, dig in!
(Wait, Ochiyo told him about what happened?! I turned my head rapidly back to glare at the former drill sergeant, who shrugged sheepishly back at me.)
Ochiyo: Don't worry! I just told him the bare minimum. All the other... 'girl talk' is just between us. I promise.
Fumio: Yeah... still don't know what happened, but what Ochiyo told me was enough. Don't worry, Kasumi! We got your back.
THWAP!
(Gently, Fumio punched me in the am, grinning that same stupid grin he always did. Honestly, both these idiots with their big dumb grins... But despite myself, I couldn't help but smile back at the both of them. Great. Now I think they're infecting me. Still, at least the food's good. Without another word, I dug in, the hunger from not eating in so long finally settling in as I tore through breakfast(lunch?) like a wild animal.)
Ochiyo: By the way, Kasumi, I was just talking with Fumio about your shift.
Kasumi: Wha bah eh?
Fumio: Uh, I'm glad you're enjoying my food, but do ya mind swallowing before talking? It's kinda gross, dude.
Kasumi: Ah. Rhaght. *gulp* What about it?
Ochiyo: Are you sure you're up for continuing with being a guard? After all...
(Ah. That's what this is about. I set down my utensils, before giving Ochiyo a long hard look.)
Kasumi: Ochiyo. I know what happened last night. But it's fine. I volunteered to help, so I'm going to help. Besides. Now that I know what Monokuma has in store for me, he can't hold it over me anymore. The way I see it, I have even more reason to stay as a guard.
(At that, Ochiyo gave me a wink and a thumbs up, as if she was some sort of cheesy action hero from the 80s.)
Ochiyo: That's what I'm talking about! I knew you could handle it! Let's see... it's 3:30 PM right now, so you still have some time to kill if you want to. Do you have anything planned?
Kasumi: Not at the moment, really, but I'm sure I can think of something.
Ochiyo: Well, if you ever need some time with a friend, you know who to call!
(With that, Ochiyo left her seat, leaving just me and Fumio alone in the cafeteria. Something seemed to be on the barista's mind as he drummed his fingers on the table, his brow furrowed in thought. He turned to me, cocking an eyebrow.)
Fumio: Hey, Kasumi. Mind if I ask ya something?
Kasumi: Shoot.
Fumio: Last night... did you happen to stop by the kitchen?
Kasumi: The kitchen? No, I went straight back to my room the moment my shift ended. I... well, I didn't really want to go anywhere else that night, to say the least.
Fumio: Yeah, yeah, I figured as much... Ugh, this is going to bug me all day at this rate...
Kasumi: 'Bug you'? What about?
Fumio: It's nothing big, but... remember when we took inventory of the medicine yesterday?
Kasumi: Yeah, what about it?
Fumio: When I was taking stock of everything in the kitchen this morning, some bottles were missing... I asked around at breakfast, but no one mentioned having taken everything. Granted, given what was taken, I can guess why.
Kasumi: Why? Was it something bad? Poison or something?
Fumio: Huh? Whoa! No, nothing like that stuff! Trust me, there's nothing that major stored in the kitchen of all places. No, it's... well, it's really embarassing.
(A small grin made its way to Fumio's face as he started snickering like a little kid. I cocked an eyebrow at that. Embarassing? What would be so embarassing to take from the kitchen that no one would want to admit taking it? After supressing his laughter, Fumio gave me a big smirk.)
Fumio: Y'see... What was missing... *snrk* was a couple of bottles of laxatives.
Kasumi: ...ah.
(Yeah, that'd explain it. No one would be willing to fess up to being the one to need stuff like that. Much less during breakfast. Fumio's laughter grew louder, his hand on the table as he began wheezing. Man, anything can make that guy laugh, can't it? After a few seconds, he calmed himself down, though judging by the crooked smirk on his face, he was still thinking about the whole situation.)
Fumio: Anyways, thanks for the help regardless. I'll figure out this issue eventually!
Kasumi: Have fun, 'inspector'.
(With that, Fumio walked off, taking my now-cleaned plates into the kitchen. I checked my Monopass. 3:45 PM. I had a bit of time to kill. Guess I might as well find something to do again...)
[FREE TIME START]
Move to Courtyard
Move to Library
Move to Laundry Room
Move to Main Hall
Move to Dorm Rooms(YES)
(Honestly, I'm feeling kind of tired now... maybe I can go back to the dorms and catch some Z's before my shift starts.)
(To my surprise, I found Aiya standing around in the dorm area. Well, I guess standing around wasn't exactly the right word. She seemed to be busy doing a workout of some sort, jogging in a circle along the walls of the girl's dorm. I could feel the wind from her sheer speed as she literally ran circles around me. Honestly, I was getting dizzy just watching her move faster than my eyes could even follow.)
Talk to Aiya(YES)
Aiya: Ohhithere,Kasumi! Didn'tseeyathere! Wannabeworkoutbuddies?
(Ever the chatterbox, aren't we, Aiya? Ever heard of taking it slow in your life?)
I decided to spend time with Aiya.
Kasumi: Sure. I needed to stretch my legs today anyways.
(After giving me a few minutes to go to my room and change into something that wasn't a formal suit and tie, I joined Aiya as we began to run in circles along the inside of the dorms. Even knowing about Aiya's energy and sheer speed, I couldn't help but be impressed as she left me completely in the dust.)
Aiya: Onyourleft!
Kasumi: Huh?
(I only heard that brief fragment of a sentence before I felt an intense wind current rush by me. I couldn't help but blink in surprise. Wow. I knew she was fast, but this-?)
Aiya: Onyourleft!
Kasumi: Wait, what?
(I think I turned my head around so fast I ended up giving myself whiplash. When did she-?)
Aiya: Onyourleft!
Kasumi: What the-?!
THUD!
(My brief confusion was suddenly interrupted as I ran face-first into a door, before falling head-first onto the ground. Ooouuughhh... That's gonna leave a mark, isn't it? Aiya soon jogged over, a look of concern on her face. Funny, Aiya never told me she was one of septuplets...)
Aiya: You okay, Kasumi? That looked like a pretty nasty fall.
Kasumi: Yeah, sure. You don't need to worry. All... seven of you.
Aiya: Here! Lemme help ya up! Upsie daisy!
(Before I could protest, Aiya pulled me back to my feet, letting me lean on her shoulders for support. I shook my head, shaking out the cobwebs as Aiya led me to a sitting position on the ground.)
Aiya: Just have a seat. I can finish up the rest of my laps and then we can get you some aspirin!
Kasumi: No, no, it's fine, really. I just bumped my head, that's all. How are you so fast, anyways? Is it even possible for a human to move that quickly?
Aiya: Oh that? I've always had a lotta pep in my step! Ever since I was a kid! Plus, it helps that my delivery job gives me a great workout running from place to place. Couldn't you tell from my muscles?
(Now that she mentioned it, she did seem a lot more muscular dressed in exercise gear then when she's dressed in her usual outfit. Her legs especially were really toned-WAIT, NO! STOP IT! BAD BRAIN! I shook my head violently, my face turning a flush red color. Geez, maybe I hit my head harder than I thought...)
Kasumi: Wait, running? As in, you go from place to place on your own legs?
Aiya: Yep yep! No bikes, no scooters, no cars! Just my own two legs carrying me everywhere in thirty minutes or less! I have a moped back home, but that's just for fun, not work!
Kasumi: Thirty minutes or less... How far does your family's restaurant deliver out to?
Aiya: Oh, we deliver everywhere across the five islands! If an order requires me to go from island to island, I just swim across! It's real easy, actually! Plus, it's just refreshing to take a dip sometimes, ya get me? Fun times!
(There's no doubt about it... Aiya's an out-and-out freak of nature in terms of physicality... I don't think any normal human could possibly contend with her...)
Aiya: Anyways, you said that you're okay, right, right?
Kasumi: Yeah, I just needed a breather. I should be okay-
Aiya: Fine by me! C'mon, c'mon, let's go!
Kasumi: Alright, let's-WHOA!
(Before I knew what was going on, I was dragged to my feet, before Aiya disappeared so quick, I'm pretty sure I felt a sonic boom shake the surrounding area.)
Kasumi: Hoo boy... This is going to be a handful, isn't it?
Aiya: Onyourleft!
Kasumi: Oh, come on!
I spent time doing exercises with Aiya.
Kasumi: *gasp* *pant* *wheeze*
Aiya: That was a fun little warm-up, doncha think?
(Lungs... burning... Vision... blurring... Oh god, I think I'm gonna die!)
Aiya: Anyways, it was fun working out with you, Kasumi! Let's do it again sometime!
(With that, Aiya ran off, leaving me in the dust one final time. With her out of sight, I finally felt the last of my energy leave me as I fell face-first onto the ground, dragging myself into my room to change out of the exercise gear.)
Kasumi: Oooogh... Everything hurts...
Aiya, Aiya, Aiya... Who would've thought that someone with so much energy could exist in this world?
[FREE TIME END]
(Tiredly, I pulled out my Monopass. 5:30 PM, huh? Wait, 5:30?!)
Kasumi: Shit, I'm late!
(I immediately got to my feet-and quickly regretted it as the soreness in my muscles flared up almost as fast.)
Kasumi: Ugh... Yuuto's gonna kill me... if my back doesn't first.
Move to Library(YES)
(Moaning tiredly, I hobbled as fast as my body would allow to the library.)
(After what felt like a century, I finally managed to drag myself up the stairs to the second floor, where Yuuto was sitting, glaring at me with so much intensity, I was afraid I was going to catch fire.)
Yuuto: You're late, asswipe!
Kasumi: Sorry... *pant* Got caught up... *pant* In something... WHOA-!
(Before I knew what had happened, Yuuto had dragged me up to his eye level, to the point where I could see the veins in his eyes. Suddenly, I felt very much afraid for my own safety...)
Yuuto: Listen here, and listen good, punk. If you make me wait a whole half-hour for your scrawny ass to show up, I will kill you! Got it?!
Kasumi: Y-yeah. Got it.
(With that, the bed tester tossed me into a nearby chair, before he stormed off, muttering angrily to himself. I managed to pull myself into an upright position, dusting off my now-wrinkled vest as I gave Yuuto's back an angry glare.)
Kasumi: Jeez... That guy's in more dire need of a blowjob than any man in history.
(I let out a sigh as I ran my fingers through my hair. Great. Now I've gotta wait almost three hours before I can eat... Fantastic. Idly, I pulled out a new deck of cards, before shuffling through them. Guess it's gonna be a night of solitare for me... I fanned out the deck, before stacking the cards all together and dealing them out across the table.)
Kasumi: Klondike isn't exactly the most fun game... but it's something.
Yoshino: Enjoying ourselves, Miss Card Shark?
(I idly looked up from my dealing to see Yoshino walking in, carrying a small parcel at her side. Judging by the scent, it was something good, too.)
GROWL...
(I looked down at my grumbling stomach in annoyance. Once more, my own hunger has betrayed me today. You'll get yours, you traitor... A small giggle could be heard, and I turned my head upward to see Yoshino smiling back at me.)
Yoshino: Hungry, are we, Miss Card Shark?
Kasumi: Yeah... I was planning on meeting up with Fumio before my shift started. I wanted to get something to eat before I took watch, but I guess that's a bust.
Yoshino: Is that so? Well, I guess you're going to be happy now then. Because this is for you!
(She held out the box of food in front of me, and once more, I felt my stomach grumble, the aroma of Fumio's cooking mind-numbingly tantalizing to the senses.)
Yoshino: Mister Barista told me that he was worried when you didn't show up earlier, so he asked me to deliver this package for you.
(I couldn't help but cock an eyebrow at Yoshino's words.)
Kasumi: Fumio already had food prepared for me under such short notice? Why didn't he deliver it himself, then?
Yoshino: Mister Barista said he was taking stock of everything in the storeroom. Medicine, food, all that.
Kasumi: Oh yeah... he did mention something like that when I talked with him this afternoon...
Fumio: When I was taking stock of everything in the kitchen this morning, some bottles were missing... I asked around at breakfast, but no one mentioned having taken everything.
Kasumi: Guess he still hasn't found that missing medicine...
(Still... should I really be accepting something like this from someone who's basically a stranger? It could be laced with poison, or razor blades? No, no, if something that dangerous was missing, someone would have mentioned it, right? Still, maybe I shouldn't... Eventually, hunger won out over reason, and I took the package from Yoshino, nodding in her direction.)
Kasumi: Thanks, I guess.
(I pulled up a chair and unwrapped the dinner. Hm. A burger and fries, huh? Plus two cans of soda and a cookie. Fumio's spoiling me. I picked up a french fry and was about to pop it into my mouth, before I noticed that Yoshino was still standing there, unmoving from her spot. The two of us remained there in silence, looking at each other awkwardly for a good several minutes, neither of us moving. Mercifully, Yoshino finally broke the silence.)
Yoshino: If I may, Miss Card Shark... There is something that's been on my mind ever since we've met. I'd like to ask you a question. If you don't mind me intruding, of course.
(I ran a hand through my hair as I let out a defeated sigh, setting down my cheeseburger as I gave her a look.)
Kasumi: I won't be able to eat if you keep standing there anyways. Fine then, shoot.
Yoshino: You remember the conversation that you and Shuei had two days ago, yes? His stuff about character archetypes, and how each of us fit in with them.
(I winced at the memory, rubbing at my throat. While the bruise faded quickly, the memory of how much the punch had hurt had definitely not.)
Kasumi: How could I forget? Getting psychoanalyzed by a guy like that out of the blue tends to stick with someone for a good while.
Yoshino: Then if you don't mind, I'd like to ask... why are you a card shark?
Kasumi: Huh? Well, I picked it up playing Poker when I was a kid. It was a-
Yoshino: No. You misunderstand me, Miss Card Shark. I'm not asking how you became a card shark. I want to know why.
(The expression on her face turned serious, like last time. Her eyes had narrowed, her lips were pursed int a tight frown, and she leaned back against the nearby guardrail as she looked me over. It was as if someone had flipped a switch in her mind, and she had suddenly had become a different person. I felt like I was back at the tables, facing down a master.)
Yoshino: You're far more emotional than one would expect from someone of your talent. You have outbursts of rage and frustration. You step into situations where you would gain no benefit. You seek to befriend others, keeping company with everyone and not wanting to keep yourself alone, to the point of baring your own heart and soul to them if they allow it. In other words, Miss Card Shark. You're an honest person. So tell me, then. How does a person like you become the Ultimate Card Shark?
(The glare she gave me was hungry, predatory even. And I knew for a fact that she was the type who wouldn't let me go without getting the answers she wanted. Fine then. I gave her a glare of my own as I sat up straight, laying my palms flat on the table as I stared her down.)
Kasumi: I became a card shark because that's the only means I had of living.
Yoshino: Ah. Now we're-
Kasumi: Shut up. You're the one who wanted to hear this shit, so either zip it or buzz off.
(The racer gave me a surprised look, as if she didn't expect the sudden hostility. However, she quickly got the message and pursed her lips, motioning for me to continue on with my story.)
Kasumi: I never wanted to be a card shark. If I had my way, I wouldn't have ever gotten into cards. But surprise surprise, life doesn't care about what I want. It never has. For a good chunk of my life, I was homeless. I had to make my money somehow. People all around the world only care about one thing. Surviving. So I had to learn how to do the same. I lied, cheated, and stole to survive. Just because I don't act like what everyone expects me to for my talent doesn't mean I don't know how to. I've ruined lives with these hands, Yoshino. You and your damned boyfriend don't know shit about who I am or what I've done. So if you're done psychoanalyzing me, then leave me alone.
(Yoshino gave me a look of surprise. I could tell that she wasn't expecting the sudden burst of hostility that came from me. If I was being honest, neither did I. However, her composure returned to her in mere moments, and she nodded towards me once.)
Yoshino: I guess that will suffice for now, Miss Card Shark. I would love to hear more, but I know when I'm not wanted. Enjoy your meal.
(With that last bit of dialogue, the Ultimate Racer walked away, humming to herself. I admit, I felt bad for snapping at her like that, but after the shit few days I've been having, I felt a bit entitled to being an asshole. Especially since she and her boyfriend have been grilling me for the past few days.)
Kasumi: Speaking of grilling...
(Pulling up the bag of food that Yoshino had given me, I set it on the table, the food taking up a good portion of the surface. I unwrapped the burger, smiling as I looked over my meal. Still warm. Must be my lucky day. Taking a moment to savor the smell of medium rare steak, I took a bite, grinning to myself as the mixture of flavors ran over me. I quickly began wolfing down the rest of the meal, and to my surprise, I ended up finishing it faster than I expected. Guess I was hungrier than I thought. Sighing, I crumpled up the wrappings of my dinner into a ball, before tossing it into the nearest trash can. Welp. The fun part of guarding's over with already. Still, I at least have one of the extra soda cans for later. I'll put that in my pocket for safekeeping. Guess there's nothing left to do but keep watch. I leaned back in my chair, before turning my head towards the very thing I was meant to guard. I couldn't help but give it an annoyed grimace.)
Kasumi: You're way more trouble than you're worth, you know that?
(Of course, the damn thing was silent, but I couldn't help but think about all the other phone calls that happened.)
Kira: The person on the other end of the line... was my mother.
Monokuma: Figured it out yet, Little Miss Blackjack? There's no one waiting for you outside these prison walls.
(Whoever this Head Warden is, they know a lot about us. Too much even, if they're able to know so much about our personal lives. But what really concerned me...)
Max: GET YOUR HANDS OFF OF ME!
(Max is a nice guy. A bit dim sure, but nice all the same. What kind of dirt could Monokuma have on him? Especially something that could make him freak out so bad? Ugh, my stomach curdled at the thought of it.)
...
(Why is my stomach still curdling?)
GROWL...
Kasumi: Ngh...
(My hands flew to my stomach as I felt my insides flip up, down, and all around. It was if I'd eaten an unholy mixture of chanko stew, borscht, and chocolate, blended together with chili peppers for flavoring. I pressed a hand to my mouth, suppressing the increasing urge to vomit. Palms... sweaty... legs... weak... arms... heavy...)
Kasumi: What... what the hell?!
(My body was screaming at me to get to the nearest bathroom, but I gave a weary look back to the phone booth. Damnit, if I leave now, then no one will be around to guard this place at all! Anyone could just waltz in... and after that, who knows what they'd do after hearing their message?)
GLURGLE...
(I winced as I leaned over in my chair, my body nowhere near as inclined to my 'civic duty' as it were. I held out a hand, stabilizing myself on the table I was leaned over. My breath was more haggard now, and if this went on, something would be coming out of me, from one end or the other. My eyes darted back and forth between the phone booth and the stairs as I tried to figure a way out of this situation. Squinting my eyes shut, I made my choice.)
Kasumi: AUGH! Damnit, I can't take this anymore!
(My body won out over my better judgement in the end as I knocked over the chair I was sitting in, clenching my teeth as I tried to prevent my bodily functions from giving out before I made it to the nearest bathroom.)
Move to Bathroom(YES!)
(I don't know how fast I was moving at that time, and quite frankly, I don't think I cared anymore. My eyes looked up and down, left and right as I desperately tried to find the nearest bathroom. Finally, I saw the telltale sign, a strange pink rabbit with a design similar to Monokuma's. To be honest, I could care less for the Vice-Warden's strange aesthetic tastes, and I reached my hand out, intent on ripping the door off its hinges.)
CLICK!
(Suddenly, the door was pushed open, and out stepped Margot, the Ultimate Fashion Designer somehow looking as immaculate as ever even after stepping out of the bathroom. Upon seeing me, she momentarily froze like a deer in headlights, and unfortunately, I didn't have any time to hit the brakes.)
Margot: Kasumi?!
Kasumi: Bwah!
CRASH!
(We collided in a mess of limbs, clothes, and people as I practically tackled Margot back inside the bathroom, leaving both of us in a groaning heap of pain. I held a hand to my head as I tried to stave off the oncoming headache. And why did the world suddenly get darker? I pushed myself off of the Fashion Designer, getting to my feet before helping her back up.)
Kasumi: Ugh... sorry about that. I didn't think that you would come out of there...
Margot: O-oh, it's no problem! Honest! I'm sorry that you had to run into me... you really seemed in a rush... U-um... could you...?
Kasumi: Huh?
(Realizing that I had no clue what she was talking about, she pointed up at her forehead, and I realized that something was missing from her ensemble. I raised a hand to my face, and I pulled off a pair of lenses from my face, and the world got brighter. I guess in the fall, Margot's sunglasses somehow fell on my face.)
Kasumi: Oh, sorry, here you go!
Margot: Thank you. Umm... why were you in such a rush, anyways?
GURGLE...
(Once again, my stomach had perfect timing, as I felt pain run through my gut, and I bent over, wincing as I felt my body scream at me to get into one of the stalls. I pushed my way past Margot, fiddling with the buttons as fast as I could, as I reached for the nearest stall door.)
Kasumi: Sorrystomach'skillingme,Igottago,youmightnotwannabeinhereforafewminutes!
SLAM!
(I immediately locked the door behind me, before sitting down, bending over, and clutching my stomach as what felt like Krakatoa was going on in my insides.)
Kasumi: Oooooouuuuuugghhh...
Margot: K-Kasumi? A-are you feeling okay?
(As I was sitting there, stewing in my own pain, I could see a pair of black boots awkwardly tapping back and forth through the small gap underneath the stall. What was she still doing here? I let out another pained groan, hanging my head.)
Kasumi: Do you mind? It's kinda weird to have someone just standing around while I'm doing my business.
GRUMBLE...
Kasumi: Urk!
Margot: U-um... Sorry, but are you sure that I should leave you alone? Y-you don't sound like you're feeling well, Kasumi. D-do you need any help?
(I sighed in annoyance, pressing a hand to my face. I did not want to deal with this right she'll go away if I tell her to do something...)
Kasumi: Y'know what? Sure. Just... ulp... Go to the kitchen... ask Fumio if he has any stomach medications lying around. I'm not picky, I'll take-Geh! I'll take anything at this point!
Margot: A-alright. Kitchen... ask Fumio... stomach medication-
Kasumi: GO!
Margot: EEP!
(With that, the boots immediately turned around and dashed off. With another click of the door, she left, finally giving me the privacy I needed.)
Kasumi: Finally... I'm alone.
BLURBLE...
Kasumi: GEH!
(I winced once more, and I could almost feel my teeth begin to crack as I clenched my mouth shut. Oh, god, I'm in here for the long haul, aren't I? I reached down to grab the deck of cards in the pants that were on the floor, but I hesitated. I did not want to drop them around the bathroom. Especially with the emergency I had right now. Grimacing, I pressed my hands into my face as my insides tried their damndest to get on my outsides.)
Kasumi: I shoulda brought a magazine or something...
(I don't know how long I was sitting there for, and with how badly my stomach was hurting, I don't think I really cared. All I wanted was for this stupid stomachache to go away already!)
CLACK! CLACK! CLACK!
Margot: U-um, Kasumi? Are you still in here?
(Guess Margot came back from the kitchen, judging from the pair of black boots that peeked out from under the door. Her voice was a bit muffled. Ugh, was the smell that bad? Just in case, I pulled my own shirt over my mouth and nose.)
Kasumi: Yeah. I'm here. Did you bring any medicine?
Margot: U-um, actually, Fumio wasn't in the kitchen when I arrived. I didn't know what kind of medicine to bring so I... erm... Just grabbed a bottle of these...
(A bottle rolled underneath the door of the stall. It was a container full of chewable gummies. At least they were labelled for upset stomachs... I opened up the bottle, squishing one of the soft and chewy pink gummies between my fingers. I don't think I've had one of these since I was five.)
Kasumi: Beggars can't be choosers, I guess... Thanks, Margot.
(I popped a handful of the little buggers into my mouth, and almost immediately, I regretted it, buckling over again and extending an arm against the door for support.)
Kasumi: GWEH! BLEH! GEHEH! Oh, god, this tastes awful!
Margot: E-eh?! It does?!
Kasumi: Ugh, I don't know which is worse right now, the shit that just went down my throat or the shit that's been coming out of my ass!
Margot: M-maybe you should get something to wash it down with! D-do you have a water bottle or something?
Kasumi: Why would I have-?! Wait, I do actually!
(I reached into the pocket of my trousers, pulling out the spare soda can. In one fluid motion, I cracked it open and downed its contents. Fortunately, in a matter of moments, the disgusting taste began to vanish from my mouth. After finishing the rest of the drink, I immediately started to feel my stomach stop aching, and I leaned back, letting out a sigh of relief. I guess a bit of time in the bathroom along with the gummies actually helped.)
Kasumi: Oh, god, that feels so much better. Thanks for the help, Margot...
Margot: N-no problem! I'm just happy that you're not d-dying anymore...
Kasumi: Yeah no kidding. Alright, I'm coming out now. Watch the door.
(I slowly got to my feet, wincing as I felt my legs begin to buckle underneath me. How long had I been sitting for? God, I'm gonna be feeling like crap for the rest of the night. Pulling up my trousers, I buckled everything up, before flushing the toilet, and unlocking the door. Note to self, close off that stall for at least the rest of the night.)
Kasumi: How long was I in there, by the way?
Margot: Well, it took me at least half an hour to find that bottle of medication, since Fumio wasn't there to help me. Might have been longer, I didn't really bother to check my Monopass...
(Half an hour...? What the hell happened that messed up my insides that badly? Shaking off the thought, I turned on the faucet. It'd take me ages for me to feel clean again.)
Kasumi: Well, the important thing is that I feel better, right? I gotta go back to my shift, or else I'm gonna be in trouble with Ochiyo.
Margot: O-oh, right. You're one of the g-guards, aren't you?
BING BONG DING DONG!
(Both of us froze as the sound of the school bell echoed out through the halls. An announcement? I pulled out my Monopass. It's 7:00 PM. Wait, that doesn't seem right...)
Margot: I-it's way too early for Monokuma's Nighttime Announcement, isn't it? Wh-why is he-?
(That answer would get answered before Margot could even finish talking, and both of us froze at the words that came from the loudspeakers.)
Monokuma: A body has been discovered! Now then, after a certain amount of time has passed, the class trial will begin!
(The bear's voice vanished as quickly as it came, and Margot and I slowly looked at each other in horror.)
Margot: A b-b-body?! Now?!
Kasumi: Shit! We gotta go, Margot, c'mon!
Margot: W-wait, what? G-g-goOOOOAAAAH!
(I grabbed the Fashion Designer by the hand, ignoring her protests as I pushed the bathroom door open, practically dragging her with me as I ran off.)
Margot: W-where are we going?! We don't even know where the b-body is!
Kasumi: Believe me, I know where it is.
(And I hoped to whatever god would listen that I was wrong.)
Move to Library(YES)
(I shoved the library doors open, my breath gone heavy as I finally slowed down, something Margot no doubt appreciated. A small crowd of people had already gathered at the base of the stairs to the second floor. Their words were an insane cacophony of accusations, rebuttals, and arguments that swirled around the normally quiet room like banshees.)
Max: Get away from me!
Yuuto: Don't give us your 'innocent' act, fuckwad! Just fess up already!
Akio: Max... why? Why did you do this?
Max: I DIDN'T DO ANYTHING!
(All the shouting, the arguing, the screaming, all of that was drowned out by the deafening sound of my own heartbeat as I stared straight ahead. It was almost astounding. His body looked so still, so calm as he lay there. No visible wounds or injuries could be seen on his body at all. It was as if he had simply collapsed, died peacefully. But I knew that was impossible thanks to three things I saw.)
(The name 'Max' written in blood...)
(The horrified wide open eyes...)
(And the sickening angle at which Fumio Hojo's neck had been snapped...)
[SURVIVOR COUNT: 15]
A/N: And then there were fifteen... Not gonna lie, after seeing how much of a good reception Fumio got, I feel bad for killing him off this early. I legitimately wasn't expecting him to be a favorite. But alas, we had to have one first victim for the story, and it just so happened to be our favorite pun-loving Barista. But now the real question comes into play. Who was the one to kill off Fumio? Do you guys have any early guesses or hunches yet?
We head two suggestions for FTEs this time around, those being Aiya and Akio, and I think I did them justice. Here's hoping that you guys think so too! Obviously, what with the whole 'murder and trial' thing, FTEs will be put on hold, but feel free to submit early suggestions to me in the reviews! Or just give feedback in general! It's always appreciated!
P.S. Can you believe I actually was suffering from stomach issues while I was writing the bathroom scene? Wonder if the world's trying to tell me something...