Act Two: If I could take you far away from here…

Kokichi groaned as his alarm blared. He switched it off and looked at the clock.

It was 7:45AM.

He forced himself out of bed and went into the bathroom to relieve himself.

He'd woken up early so he could sneak around the school while everyone else was still asleep.

Well, except for Maki. But she would be in her lab.

He had a lot to do…like continuing his secret message.

Ever since he'd discovered the rock with "Horse A" written on it, he'd been modifying it after every trial to mess with the mastermind's plans.

He had a quick shower, brushed his teeth, and then got dressed.

It was 8:10. The morning announcement had just gone. He could have a quick breakfast and explore the school before anyone else got up.

Buttoning up his jacket, he quickly ran out of his room, eager to start the day.

Unfortunately, he almost ran straight into Kaito Momota, only avoiding him due to his lightning fast reflexes.

Kokichi scowled at him.

Kaito just grinned vibrantly at him in return.

He must've been waiting for me…but why? Kokichi thought, cocking his head.

He took a deep breath and smirked, putting up his façade.

"Momota-chan, what are you doing here?" He said leisurely, feigning amusement.

"I came to get you! How are you, Kokichi?" Kaito addressed him by his first name.

Kokichi blinked.

Is this a ploy to get under my skin? He thought, suddenly on guard.

"Please leave me alone. I have stuff to do." He said quickly.

"You haven't eaten anything since yesterday morning. I have good intel that you weren't at dinner last night." Kaito observed.

"And? I don't need to eat every day." Kokichi said.

"Yes, you do." Kaito insisted.

As if to prove his point, Kokichi's stomach suddenly growled very loudly.

Kokichi sighed.

Kaito was correct.

He should eat something…but he couldn't waste time. He had important shit to do. Like his message-

"You see? This is unacceptable. If you want to be a real man, you need to keep your strength up by eating regularly. I'm going to make you breakfast. A proper breakfast!" Kaito declared, seizing his right wrist and dragging him towards the front door.

Kokichi flinched and immediately started struggling.

But it was no use, Kairo was too strong.

"I already have all the ingredients ready. And Gonta is assisting me." Kaito said brightly, trying to assure him.

But it had the opposite effect.

Kokichi felt his paranoia spike.

He had to get free.

"Momota-chan! Release me!" He whined childishly.

"Don't you want a delicious breakfast? I'm making Okayu[1]! It's my grandma's recipe." Kaito said, winking at him and dragging him outside.

Kokichi swallowed nervously, deciding to change tactics.

"You're a molester! I'll tell everyone that you assaulted me!" He snapped.

Kaito shrugged and then chuckled.

"Kokichi, after yesterday, everyone knows you're a prankster. They won't believe you. They'll just think it's a joke." He countered.

Kokichi tried to pout, but only managed a bitter sneer.

He hadn't expected this.

Somehow, of all people, Kaito fucking Momota had caught him off guard.

"Let go of me right now, or I swear that later on…I'll fucking cut you." He warned, flashing Kaito a perfect slasher smile.

It was an expression he only used when he really wanted to creep people out. Even his fellow pranksters in D.I.C.E had sometimes fallen for it. And they had known him for years.

(At least according to his probably fake memories given to him by his motive video.)

But Kaito just shook his head and smiled happily at him, not taking him seriously at all. If anything, he seemed flattered by the attention.

"Really? What will you use to "cut" me?" He teased.

"Yumeno-chan's sword. The one that was used to kill Shuichi. Monokuma put it back inside the Iron Maiden." Kokichi said quickly.

Kaito froze completely. His energetic smile withered into a grimace.

Kokichi instantly felt guilty, but quickly brushed it aside.

He had to make his classmates hate him. They couldn't get close to him. It would ruin all of his carefully laid plans.

So, he took advantage of the situation and tried to free himself.

He almost managed it, when Kaito abruptly increased his hold.

The astronaut took a deep breath and then grinned brightly at him.

"Kokichi…you're trying way too hard. It's over. You can't lie to me anymore." He said carefully, gently squeezing his arm before dragging him onward.

"I'm not lying. I'll do it. I'll hurt you." Kokichi said desperately, unable to stop himself.

He didn't know what else he could do.

Kaito wasn't playing fair.

Momota-chan can't be serious. He thought desperately.

"I don't believe that. You're a pacifist. No, words are your weapons, not swords." Kaito said sagely, easily dismissing him.

"I never lied to you Momota-chan." Kokichi jibed.

"Uhhh, yes you did. You lied- lie to everyone. I think it's kinda cute." Kaito said.

"Cute…you think I'm cute?" Kokichi muttered.

"Yup." Kaito said.

Kokichi bit his lip.

He could try one more thing.

"Momota-chan, do you want to fuck me?" He asked bluntly.

Kaito almost tripped up, but alas, he didn't let go.

After a few moments, he glared at Kokichi with wide eyes.

"W-what?" He muttered, blushing furiously.

"I dunno. That's just the vibe you're giving me." Kokichi stated with faux innocence.

"I'm just making you breakfast, because I'm nice. I want to be your friend. I have no ulterior motives." Kaito muttered.

"Really?" Kokichi teased.

"Yes. Jesus, Kokichi." Kaito muttered, shutting his mouth and looking away.

He hurriedly hauled him the rest of the way to the cafeteria, ignoring his weak protests.

Kokichi was fuming. Nothing had worked. He had let Kaito get the better of him.

Only Gonta and Kirumi were in the cafeteria.

When he saw them, Gonta leapt out of his seat and hurried towards them, grinning from ear to ear.

In contrast, Kirumi didn't even bother to look up. She sat on the other end of the table, drinking a cup of coffee.

"Gonta, did you keep an eye on everything?" Kaito said.

"Gonta did. Gonta ready for hug." Gonta said.

"Hug?" Kokichi said, frowning sharply at the entomologist.

Kaito just smiled and released him.

Finally. Kokichi cheered, only to yelp when Gonta suddenly enveloped him in his big strong arms.

Kaito laughed and went into the kitchen.

"Gonta keeping you in place. Gonta not let Kokichi hurt anymore!" Gonta said proudly.

"Gonta…? What the fuck?" Kokichi yelled.

Gonta shook his head and held him tighter, taking care not to crush him.

Kokichi looked at Kaito.

The astronaut was fiddling with the stove, trying to cook several things at once.

"Momota-chan! Make Gonta stop! He's crushing me!" Kokichi complained fruitlessly.

"No, he isn't." Kaito said minutely, not even bothering to look away from the stove.

"Gonta not crushing you! Gonta loving you!" Gonta stated unhelpfully.

Kokichi sighed. He was a prisoner.

He glared lightly at Gonta, but only got an innocent smile in return.

Kokichi quickly deflated, losing all of his fury.

He couldn't be angry at Gonta.

He sighed and glanced at Kirumi.

She was gazing at the kitchen with longing eyes.

It was obvious what she was upset about.

Kaito was cooking them breakfast. Not her.

She hated seeing someone else intrude on her domain.

She usually did everything for them; cooking, cleaning, whatever.

After yesterday's trial, no one would ever trust her again.

She was completely alone, without purpose or company.

Good. But she deserves worse. She's a murderer. She should've died instead of Yonaga-chan. Kokichi thought darkly.

He recalled Angie's execution…

The screaming…the blood…the smell of burning flesh…

He huffed and shut his eyes.

He was a goddamn hypocrite.

As much as he hated murder…he had to let the killing game continue.

More murders meant more class trials. Trials that he could easily solve, meaning that Monokuma would open more of the school.

Which meant new rooms.

And that was all he had.

The miniscule hope that the mastermind would slip up and give him something to work with, something that he could use to ruin the killing game for the audience.

He relaxed and opened his eyes, deciding to just wait for his breakfast.

If you can't beat them, then join them. He decided.

There was a yell of triumph.

Kokichi scowled at Kaito.

The astronaut was grinning like a little kid. He had just added several things to the main pot and was stirring it vigorously. He was very pleased with himself.

A few minutes, he turned off the stove, grabbed a ladle, and filled three bowls.

He brought two of them over to the table.

"It's ready and it's good!" He announced cheerfully.

Kokichi felt his face heat up.

Despite his resistance, he found Kaito's happiness infectious.

Kaito put a steaming bowl down in front of him, before turning away to serve Gonta.

Kokichi leaned forward and inhaled deeply.

The Okayu had salmon, ginger, and a few beans in it.

It smelt good.

He quickly swallowed, stopping himself from drooling.

Goddamn it. He swore.

Next to him, Gonta was drooling freely, letting saliva drip onto his clothing and tabletop.

Kokichi wrinkled his nose.

"You can let him go now." Kaito said. "I'll join you in a moment."

He headed back to the Kitchen to get his own bowl.

Gonta nodded and finally released Kokichi, before picking up his spoon and hurriedly shoving food into his mouth.

He immediately gagged, having burned his tongue.

"Gonta! Wait for Kaito to come back! You're being very rude!" Kokichi chided him gently.

"Gonta sorry. It smelt too good. Gonta couldn't resist." Gonta said meekly, hurriedly putting down his cutlery.

Kokichi glared at him, feigning anger.

Kaito returned and they began eating.

Gonta ate much slower than before, blowing carefully on every mouthful.

For a moment, Kokichi fantasised about running away, then he sighed and reached for his chopsticks.

Silence descended.

All of them ignored Kirumi completely. But she didn't ignore them. She glanced at them now and then, a conflicted expression on her face.

"Did you sleep well Kokichi?" Kaito suddenly asked.

"No. I had terrible nightmares. I dreamt about you…you were wearing a thong." Kokichi easily countered, using humour as a defence mechanism.

He still felt very paranoid about things.

Gonta choked on his food and blushed profusely.

Kaito just smiled and laughed.

"What colour was the thong?" He shot back.

"Bright pink." Kokichi snarked.

"Huh. I thought it would've been purple. That's my favourite colour." Kaito muttered lightly, before shrugging and moving on.

Gonta recoiled and stared at them, furrowing his brow in confusion.

"Just eat, Gonta." Kokichi said kindly.

Gonta nodded.

When they were almost finished, Kokichi decided interrogate Gonta.

"Gonta, what did you mean by not letting me "hurt anymore"?" He inquired casually.

"It was your video. Gonta feel sorry for you. Gonta have two families, and Momota-kun have grandparents. It was Momota-kun's idea. He wanted to do something nice for you." Gonta revealed.

"It was also revenge for the bugs." Kaito supplied readily.

"That too." Gonta said brightly.

"Nishishi. I'm not apologising for that." Kokichi said, grinning mischievously.

"Of course, you wouldn't…Kokichi, do you wanna investigate the new rooms together?" Kaito asked, smiling gently at him.

Kokichi bit his cheek, mulling it over.

He could just tell Kaito to fuck off, but on the other hand…

"Sure." He said.

He wanted to keep an eye on the astronaut and figure out what he was planning.

"Great!" Kaito cheered and then looked at him pointedly. "Finish your food, it's getting cold."

Kokichi stuck out his tongue, but listened and hurried up.

Soon enough, the others started arriving. Chiefly, Korekiyo, Tsumugi, Miu, and Kiibo.

"What that smell? It's so good!" Tsumugi said.

"I believe that it's Okayu. Momota-kun has cooked breakfast for himself, Gonta, and Ouma-kun." Korekiyo noted.

"Why didn't he make any for us?" Miu complained.

"Because you're a bitch-whore?" Kokichi jibed as he finally finished his meal.

Miu turned very red and collapsed.

Kaito rolled his eyes.

"I made Kokichi and Gonta breakfast because they're MEN and they need their strength. Gonta is already big, but look at Kokichi…he's all skin and bones." He said dramatically.

Kokichi frowned.

"Momota-kun, you're calling Ouma-kun by his first name…Are you friends now?" Kiibo asked steadily.

Kaito smiled.

"Not yet. But I wanna be his friend. So, I'm making every effort I can to get closer to him." He declared jubilantly.

"Well, I don't want to be your friend. Momota-chan is so annoying." Kokichi snapped.

Kaito preened.

Kokichi looked away.

"Let's just get on with it and make our own breakfast." Miu stated. She'd recovered from her blushing fit.

The others agreed and went into the kitchen.

"I'll clean up." Kaito said quickly. He picked up their bowls and went to the sink, humming tunelessly.

Gonta smiled warmly at Kokichi.

Kokichi shook his head and leaned back in his chair.

Today was going to be a long day.

The door to the cafeteria opened and Tenko, Himiko and…Ryoma? came in.

The tennis player looked very bored.

Tenko stepped forward and loudly cleared her throat, getting everyone's attention.

"Yumeno-san has decided that we must all help Hoshi-san regain his will to live." She announced. "Even if he is a degenerate male, he shouldn't be suicidal."

"Atua wants us to help him." Himiko shouted.

"They ambushed me and dragged me here." Ryoma said, chuckling dryly.

"Momota-chan did the same thing to me." Kokichi revealed.

"Hey! I cooked you a delicious breakfast!" Kaito complained. He shook his head and smiled warmly at Ryoma.

"Yumeno and Chabashira are right. We should help you. Shuichi…would've wanted us to."

"I don't want this. You should just let- "Ryoma started.

"Let you die? We can't do that. Your suicidal feelings are a danger to our survival. Yesterday, you admitted that you would've let Tojo-san murder you if you had seen your video the night before." Korekiyo cut in smoothly.

"I've learned my lesson. I'm not going to let anyone murder me. What I mean is, there's no point in helping me. You'll just be wasting your time." Ryoma countered.

"Hoshi, you need to learn that life is worth living. That's why we're all gonna spend time with you, to show you that you're not alone." Himiko declared strongly. She seemed fired up.

"This morning, I- Chabashira and I are gonna show you all of my magic tricks! Seeing some real magic will make you feel better!" She added.

Tenko grinned.

"It's great that Yumeno-san is finally opening up." Tsumugi said brightly.

"It gives me hope." Kiibo concurred.

A familiar jingle played.

"Rise and shine ursine!" The Monokubs announced, appearing in the centre of the room.

There were only three of them left; the pink Monophanie, the orange Monosuke, and the green Monodam.

Kokichi took a deep breath and braced himself, hiding his apprehension beneath a smirk.

He hated them.

"*Ahem*, we're here to reward you for surviving yesterday's class trial!" Monophanie said.

"You guys know the drill. We give you objects and you use them to unlock new rooms around the school. Easy peasy" Monosuke said.

"If only Monotaro was still here. We didn't get a chance to properly mourn him." Monophanie muttered.

She glared at Monodam.

Monodam stared blankly back at her.

Monophanie swallowed and back down.

"Here are the objects." Monodam said quietly.

He threw three items on to the table; a pixelated key, a scroll, and a golden hammer.

"Chop chop. You guys better get going. You know there's a flashback light hidden somewhere." Monosuke said.

"More memories mean more answers." Monophanie piped up.

Monophanie and Monosuke both left. Monodam stayed.

"…Good Luck…" He intoned.

He vanished.

Everyone heaved a large sigh of relief.

"Thank goodness. I can feel myself think again." Korekiyo said.

"They are a disgrace to robot kind." Kiibo muttered.

"Well, they're gone. So, with the new rooms…how are we gonna do this? I mean…last time, Shuichi unlocked them." Kaito said, frowning and biting his lip.

Kokichi grinned.

"Momota-chan, I thought that we were investigating…. together." Kokichi said silkily, winking flirtatiously at him.

Several of their classmates flinched and stared at them with wide eyes.

Kaito blinked, then smiled at him sultrily.

"Of course, we are." He agreed.

Kokichi pretended to be flattered and blushed lightly.

Kaito turned to the others.

"Is it okay if Kokichi and I take the items and investigate together?" He asked.

"I think it is. But at least let us explore the school with you. I don't trust Ouma-kun with the flashback light." Kiibo said quickly.

"Neither do I. The little shit would probably destroy it. Just to mess with us." Miu cursed.

Kokichi laughed shrilly.

"Very well." He conceded. "But eat quickly. I'm not gonna wait around forever."

What followed was fifteen minutes of agonizing boredom as his classmates slowly prepared and then ate their breakfast, chatting endlessly all the while.

Kaito was the worst, ignoring him in favour of talking to Ryoma and Gonta.

At some point, Kirumi left. She seemed thoroughly depressed.

When Kokichi tried to tell Kaito, the other teenager just smiled and told him not to worry about it.

He must've done something... Kokichi thought, slumping in his seat.

Soon enough, he couldn't take it anymore.

"Can we please go, Momota-chan? I wanna find the flashback liiiiight." He whined.

"All right." Kaito agreed, picking up the objects.

Kiibo, Miu, Tsumugi and Korekiyo followed them out, leaving Gonta, Ryoma, Tenko and Himiko behind.

"Any ideas?" Kaito said once they were outside.

Kokichi pursed his lips.

"The third floor. There's a pixelated door." He said.

The group went to the third floor, only to find Kirumi and Maki waiting by the aforementioned door. They had had the same idea.

Kaito let Kokichi do the honours.

Kokichi inserted the key and turned it. The door clicked open.

The ground started to rumble.

The door collapsed, revealing the stairway to the fourth floor.

Miu grinned excitedly and grabbed Kiibo's hand, dragging him upstairs before anyone could say anything. He was too overwhelmed to object.

Kirumi sighed and quickly followed them, sweeping majestically up the stairs. Maki shadowed her with a bored expression.

Only Tsumugi and Korekiyo stayed behind.

Kokichi stepped forward, then abruptly paused. Kaito stopped beside him.

Kokichi sighed. He'd just realised the significance of Maki's actions.

"I wonder what Harumaki is doing?" Kaito said, feigning innocence.

Kokichi glared at him.

"Harumaki?" He said pointedly.

"Yeah. What do you think?" Kaito said lightly.

Kokichi smirked, deciding not to press it.

"It suits her." He said.

Korekiyo cocked his head. Tsumugi just bit her lip and narrowed her eyes at them.

"You gave the Ultimate Assassin a nickname?" Korekiyo said.

"Well, yeah. She's my friend." Kaito said, acting as if it was nothing.

Korekiyo chuckled sardonically. Tsumugi gave Kaito a worried look.

"Are you sure that's wise? I mean- getting close to her?" Tsumugi said.

"He's already made his decision. Nothing will change his mind." Korekiyo stated.

Kokichi nodded sagely.

"Momota-chan is a force of nature. Once he's decided on something, he'll let nothing get in the way until he's achieved his goal." He said, giving Kaito a knowing look.

"That's why I want you to become my friend!" Kaito said, nodding vigorously.

He looked at Tsumugi and Korekiyo. "Do either of you want to be my friend as well?"

He's such an idiot. Kokichi thought, rolling his eyes.

"Thank you, but no. After yesterday I have trouble trusting people. Even you." Tsumugi admitted slowly, shaking her head.

"Kukuku, so do I. Can we please go upstairs? I want to see the new rooms. Before Miu messes them up." Korekiyo said.

"You're right. Who knows what that pig is doing?" Kokichi said quickly.

He laughed and sped upstairs, closely followed by Kaito.

The fourth floor was very gloomy. The floor and the walls made of tarnished wood.

He came to a fork in the corridor.

Left or right…? He thought.

He grinned.

Left.

He kept going, passing three doorways, only stopping when he came across Miu and Kiibo.

Miu was glaring stormily at a pane of glass that blocked off the rest of the corridor.

Kiibo was fidgeting with his hands and looking at her with a worried expression.

Kaito soon caught up to them. He was too out of breath to talk.

Miu whirled around and pointed at Kokichi.

"Hurry up and use the fucking hammer." She barked.

"Quiet, whore." Kokichi insulted her.

Miu's cheeks briefly pinkened, then she huffed and rolled her eyes.

"J-just get on with it." She snapped, managing to contain her embarrassment.

He smirked at her, then got out the golden hammer and struck the pane of glass with it.

They both crumbled into a fine dust.

Miu beamed and ran into the room ahead. Kiibo hurried after her.

"You ready Momota-chan?" Kokichi said.

"For the flashback light?" Kaito guessed.

"No, for my kiss." Kokichi joked, making kissing noises at him.

Kaito chuckled, then quickly sobered up.

"Later on, I want to talk to you. Alone." He said cryptically, before going ahead.

Kokichi waited for him to leave and then sighed dejectedly.

Kaito had no idea what he was getting into.

Well, there's no point in standing around here. He thought, entering the room.

[1] Rice porridge.

Notes:

Howzat?

Please leave me a comment/Kudos/subscribe/whatever!