Ch 24
Apologies for the later chapter. Still very busy IRL and had a brief illness.
Anyways, enjoy! I should have ch 25 out sooner than later…
The next morning, Kaito woke up early. Very, very, early.
Eyes fluttering open, he groaned and checked his alarm clock.
It was a quarter past six.
Sighing, he lay there for a few minutes and then got up. There was no point in wasting time in bed.
He had a long shower, got dressed, and went outside.
The cafeteria wasn't open. So, he decided to wander around the school and search for clues.
He started in the basement and worked upwards, eventually ending up at the computer lab on the fourth floor.
Is Miu in there? He listened at the door. I can hear someone crying.
He grabbed the doorknob, but didn't turn it.
What if she yells at me again? He thought, remembering what had happened the day before. No. I can't hesitate. Not when lives are at stake.
He entered the room.
Miu was sitting in a chair, hugging her knees and crying into them. Papers littered the floor around her.
She raised her head when he entered, making him recoil.
She looked terrible; her hair was all matted and she had very dark circles under her eyes.
"M-momota? What the fuck are you doing here?"
"I couldn't sleep." He gazed softly at her." "And you? Are you okay? Did you get any sleep last night?"
"No. I- go away." She snapped.
"Hey. It's okay. I understand." He stepped closer.
She shook her head and hugged her knees again.
"Can I sit with you?" He ventured.
She bit her lip, then nodded.
He sat down next to her.
A few uncomfortable moments passed.
"Do you want to eat breakfast together? I could bring some food here, when the cafeteria opens?" He offered.
"I'm not hungry."
"Okay. Just tell me if there's anything I can do to help."
Miu didn't say anything. She had stopped crying.
Kaito took a deep breath. "I'm worried about you. I even miss your crass jokes."
Miu grimaced, still not speaking.
He sighed. I'm just making her more miserable. She isn't going to open up to me.
"I'll leave Iruma. I'm sorry for intruding." He said, standing up.
Miu winced. "No. Stay."
"Okay. Okay. I'm staying." He sat back down, raising his arms in a pacifying gesture.
"I- do you consider me a friend Momota?" She asked, almost pleading with him.
"Yes."
"Why?"
He bit his cheek, thinking furiously. He had to choose his next words very carefully.
"Lemme see …well, I think you're interesting. I like your awesome intellect. I like spending time with you. You can be very feisty and very driven. But sometimes you can be a bit much. I am awed by some of your inventions...and disgusted by others."
"Do you really mean that?" She said hopefully.
"I do Iruma." He insisted. "I also like how you refuse to put up with Kokichi and his antics. He really is a "little shit", isn't he?"
Her mouth quirked up. "Yeah. He's really fucking annoying."
"To be fair, I want to punch him sometimes." He admitted. "But I don't, because I know he doesn't really mean it."
"I understand the feeling." She chucked lowly, then groaned. "God I'm fucking tired."
"Then go and rest. Clear your head."
"No." She gritted her teeth. "I've done so much…but you…I need to think."
"Okay." He smiled at her. "It's almost eight. I'm going to go eat breakfast. You're free to join me if you want to."
The morning announcement rang out as he left the room. He ignored the Kubs and went straight to the cafeteria.
Surprisingly, Maki and Kirumi were already there, preparing their breakfast.
"Good morning Momota. Can I make you anything? I already made coffee, but I could make you something to eat?" Kirumi offered.
"She makes very good omelettes." Maki admitted grudgingly.
Ah. He smiled. Good to see that they're getting along.
"I'll make my own breakfast, but I'd love to have some coffee. With plenty of milk and sugar please."
He still didn't trust her for…obvious reasons, but he couldn't turn down coffee. Not today. He needed to be awake.
Kirumi nodded and went to get him a mug.
He made himself some toast, then sat down next to Maki.
"Good morning Harumaki!"
Maki harrumphed. She was eating fish- it looked like mackerel- and vegetables, covered in a brown sauce
Kaito inhaled. It smelled delicious.
"Enjoying Tojo's cooking?" He quipped, feeling jealous.
"Yes." Maki said bluntly.
He sighed and ate his toast.
Kirumi came back with the coffee and a second plate of fish. She sat down next to Maki and started eating.
"So, what are you two doing today?"
"Cleaning."
"Primarily Harukawa-San's lab." Kirumi said. "She has so many weapons."
He frowned. Something was bothering him.
They were being purposefully evasive.
"You two have a secret, don't you?"
"I'm just doing my job Momota. The one you gave me." Maki gave him a pointed look.
"Harumaki…" He felt conflicted. He didn't know if he should tell the others, or if he should even tell Kokichi…
"Momota, Maki is teaching me a new skill. It gives me purpose. Stops me from…thinking about other things." Kirumi said suddenly.
"She hasn't been up to anything Momota." Maki assured him.
"Okay, Harumaki. I trust your judgement. I won't tell anyone." He said, biting his lip.
"Thank you." Kirumi nodded, sipping her coffee.
Kokichi entered the room, closely followed by Korekiyo.
"Momota-chan!" His partner gave him a massive grin, ignoring the two girls.
Kaito immediately felt guilty, but quickly grinned back at him.
"Hey Kokichi."
"You're not cooking anything?" Kokichi pouted.
"Nah. You have to make breakfast yourself. There's toast. And coffee."
Kokichi looked at Kirumi's food.
"Ah. So, you turned down Tojo-chan's fancy crap."
"I'm not cooking for you." Kirumi glowered at him.
"Good. Because I know you'll poison me the first chance you get." Kokichi laughed.
"You're not worth poisoning." Kirumi muttered, gathering up plates and heading for the kitchen.
Kokichi laughed again.
Maki glared at him from across the table.
"Did you sleep well Ouma?" Kaito tried to distract him with a mundane question.
"Nope." Kokichi replied cheerfully. "What about you?"
"Terrible." Kaito said. "I woke up early and went wandering around the school, looking for clues."
Kirumi returned, along with Korekiyo, who sat down with a plate full of fried vegetables.
"You can tell me about it later." Kokichi purred, marching into the kitchen to get his own breakfast now that it was free.
"I wish you'd go on ahead Harukawa. It takes time to set things up." Kirumi grumbled.
"I have to stay with you. I can't leave you alone for a single moment." Maki said.
"It would only be for a few minutes…"
"Let's discuss this in my lab."
The two girls left the room.
"Well, they're off to plot a murder." Kokichi cackled, sitting down with a piece of toast.
"I don't think so." Korekiyo cocked his head. "Although, Tojo-san is certainly more relaxed around Harukawa-san. I wonder…"
"Tojo-chan could easily murder someone in a few minutes. Harumaki can't leave her alone." Kokichi said.
"You would need more than a "few minutes" to murder someone. Unless they're working together? Because of the motive?" Korekiyo suggested.
"I know that. I'm just messing with ya!" Kokichi snorted.
Korekiyo huffed in annoyance.
Ryoma, Tsumugi, and Gonta came in, chatting about that they were going to eat for breakfast.
No Kiibo. Kaito noted. He doesn't eat food, but he usually comes in and sits with us. Even if Iruma isn't around.
"I have to get going. I have work to do. I'll eat upstairs, in my lab." Korekiyo announced suddenly, vacating the table.
Kaito watched him go, frowning at the door as it swung shut.
"Momota-chan, what are you thinking about?" Kokichi asked.
Kaito looked around. They were alone. For the moment.
"A certain robot isn't here." He whispered.
"He's probably with Iruma-chan."
"I don't think he is. I mean…I saw Iruma this morning. She was crying. I tried to comfort her."
"Did you sleep with her?"
"Kokichi…"
"Sorry. Force of habit."
"Woah. You apologised." Kaito grinned.
Kokichi glared at him and then glanced at the kitchen. "Quick, tell me what happened."
"She didn't get any sleep either. She was working on the "VR machine" all night. She's very conflicted about her plans. She's having second thoughts…Kokichi, I think I can talk her out of it." Kaito said hopefully.
"Momota-chan, don't be stupid." Kokichi chided him.
"Or…maybe Kiibo can talk her out of it?" Kaito echoed.
Kokichi glared at him again.
There was a sudden thump, making both of them jump.
It was Gonta. He'd made himself three pieces of toast and covered them in a large amount of jam. Ryoma and Tsumugi were still in the kitchen.
"Gonta want to spend time with you- both of you." Gonta said. "It's been several days."
"I'm busy today." Kokichi grinned. "But Momota-chan isn't."
"I'd love to spend time with you. Looking at bugs- as long as they're moon themed." Kaito said quickly.
"Like the Luna Moth. Very beautiful. Can Gonta show it to you?" Gonta asked shyly.
"Sure."
Gonta laughed and hugged him close.
"G-gonta." Kaito wheezed. "C-can't breathe."
"Oh. Sorry" Gonta winced and released him.
Kokichi laughed shrilly, just as Ryoma and Tsumugi joined them.
"You okay Momota?" Ryoma gave him a worried look.
"I'm fine."
"Good." Ryoma relaxed.
Kokichi looked between them, then shrugged. "I'm going to make myself another piece of toast. I have a feeling today is going to be a busy day!"
"One second Kokichi."
"Yes Momota-chan?" Kokichi sighed.
"For not making you breakfast, I promise that I'll make you lunch." Kaito said. "But can we meet up beforehand? At the dorm? At around half past twelve?"
"Sure." Kokichi smiled. "Now I really need to go. I am very hungry." He sped away.
"Gonta needs to eat his breakfast too." Gonta eyed his food hungrily.
"Go ahead Gonta. I'll see you at your lab in half an hour…" Kaito checked his monopad. "Just after nine?"
Gonta nodded and started shovelling jam into his mouth.
Kaito pursed his lips and decided to get going. He could look for clues outside the school.
I can start with the casino…
"See you around Momota." Ryoma said.
"See you Momota-kun!" Tsumugi waved at him.
"See you guys." He grinned and left the room.
Kaito approached Gonta's lab slowly.
He hadn't found anything in the school grounds, or the outer buildings.
No matter. He swallowed nervously and knocked on the door.
"Come in!" Gonta yelled.
Kaito entered, peering at the walls full of bugs.
"Momota-kun!" Gonta clapped his hand together excitedly.
Kaito smiled, apprehension vanishing in the face of Gonta's joy.
"Gonta thought you might change your mind. Because of insect meet and greet." Gonta said carefully.
"Never. When I make a promise, I keep my word." Kaito joined him at the table.
"Thank you." Gonta said. "Oh, this is Luna Moth!" He picked up a tableau of a pale green month, with long, long, wings.
"It's huge." Kaito said, whistling in awe.
"And very beautiful." Gonta nodded. "It's one of biggest moths in North America."
"Can I hold it?"
"Yes. Just be careful."
Kaito took it from him and peered at it closely, admiring the pale colours.
"It named after Roman Goddess. Of the moon."
"The moon." Kaito murmured, shutting his eyes.
He thought about space.
The stillness. The stars. And the moon…beautiful and luminescent and perfect.
He opened his eyes and smiled. "Thanks for showing me this."
"Gonta happy for you. Glad you can appreciate it." Gonta blushed with contentment.
"Do you have any similar bugs?" Kaito said, handing the moth back to him.
Gonta blinked. "You want to see more?"
"Yes."
Gonta squealed and gave him another hug.
Kaito accepted it and patted him on the back.
Gonta showed him lots of months. All from the same "family".
Some of them had very long wings. One moth from Africa was an incredibly vibrant green. And all the while, Gonta rambled about how special and unique they were and how much he loved all of them.
Kaito didn't understand everything he said, but nodded along politely.
"These moths only live for a few days. Up to a week." Gonta explained, showing him a group of "Actias"; Asian-American moon moths.
"That short?" Kaito said weakly.
"Most bugs live less than a year!" Gonta stated. "But it like a cycle; they reproduce and have children, then their children have children. They go on and on and on. It's beautiful."
"So, it's what they do with their life that matters, not how, or when, they die." Kaito frowned. He felt like crying. Over a bug.
It's pathetic of me to relate to a bug so much …but it shows me that I'm never going to reach the stars, because I'm not going to live long enough to.
"Momota-kun? Are you okay? Is…is it Gonta's fault?" Gonta asked, biting his lip
"No, it isn't. I just…I haven't been feeling well lately"
Gonta widened his eyes. "Is it serious?"
Kaito knew that if he told him the truth, Gonta would just panic and tell the others.
So, he smiled and shook his head. "No. It's probably just stress. I've been working very hard…trying to find a way to end this killing game."
"Momota-kun should rest. Until he feels better." Gonta said seriously.
"Not yet. Maybe after this- I want to see some more bugs. Do you have any favourites?"
Gonta looked like he was about to explode from happiness.
Kaito ended up enduring an hour-long lecture about bugs.
Gonta showed him everything from spiders, to beetles, to a cicada.
Thankfully, the entomologist took great care to give him space and not thrust any of the bugs at him. In return, Kaito managed to keep his cool and even ask a few questions.
"This is how Gonta should've shared bugs in the first place." Gonta said, putting away a beetle in a terrarium.
"Because of "The Insect Meet and Greet"?"
"Yes. It scared everyone." Gonta sighed. "No, Gonta scared everyone. By trying to force them to love bugs, instead of asking first."
"Gonta…it wasn't your fault. You didn't mean any harm." Kaito said gently. Although, I'm not sure any of our classmates would've been interested anyway.
"It was Ouma-Kun's lie." Gonta shook his head. "But Gonta can't be angry at him. He's trying to save everyone. He's just a prankster."
"Yeah, he can be very mean sometimes. But it's just how he is. He loves messing with people." Kaito said.
"You really like him, don't you Momota-kun?" Gonta gave him a knowing look.
"Yeah. But not when he's mean. I like him when he's clever and thoughtful and witty." Kaito said, feeling heat rise to his cheeks. "Or when I'm down and he lifts my spirits. Or when we argue, but not really argue. Or when we discuss things and he surprises me- I'm rambling. Sorry."
"No need to apologise." Gonta said brightly. "Gonta can see that Ouma-kun makes you happy. Which is great!"
"Heh. He annoys me more than me makes me happy." Kaito complained wryly.
Then he yawned.
"Momota-kun should lie down." Gonta scolded him. "Promise Gonta that you'll rest."
"I will." Kaito chuckled.
"Lie down now."
"Okay, okay." Kaito said. "What will you do now?"
"Gonta has work to do. Need to study bugs. Make sure they're all okay." Gonta looked around the room and smiled. "Then in the afternoon will spend time with Chabashira-san and Yumeno-san. Yumeno-san wants to show me some magic tricks."
"Sounds like fun. I'll see you later Gonta."
"See you Momota-san!"
Howzat?