A/N: Why did this chapter take so long to make? Why did life, work, and writer's block all gang up on me for this chapter? Why did I feel like I had to scrap a bunch of ideas for this chapter? Ugh... But in all seriousness, this chapter too so much longer to make than I thought it would mainly because I kept failing at trying to execute ideas that I had and in the end I had to scrap some of them (which sucks cause one of those ideas I was really looking forward to writing). While I'm not completely satisfied with what I ended up with since I really wanted to do certain things, I am happy overall with what I do have for this chapter. Next chapter should hopefully be a lot easier.


"Whew!" I sighed as I wiped the sweat off my forehead. I then leaned back in my chair and put my arms around the back of my head. Today was something else, and it's not even halfway over. All of us spent the entire morning talking over everything we could do to help in our goal to prevent any murders from happening. Everyone had something to say, and we tried to go over everything. By the end, we had discussed a lot and had come to a few agreements. The first was keeping the night guard system the student council had set in place, but now, everyone was allowed to take part in it. We actually made a new updated list for that, adding everyone who wanted to volunteer for it. After that, we discussed things like what we would do with the underground tunnel, certain items that could be found in areas like the warehouse and some labs, and other things. It took a while, but we finally finished, and everyone's gone to do their own thing. Meanwhile, I'm still in the dinning hall to eat a decent meal for once.

But as I was eating, I couldn't help but think about what I should do next. I wasn't really sure. I had just finished tying up the loose ends for the day, and I felt pretty satisfied at that. So what now? I suppose I could go hang out with someone, but I'm not sure who to ask. I think I saw Kaede go with Kirumi to do something, and I believe Kaito and Shuichi went off to do something. I frowned at that thought. I still don't know how I'm supposed to talk to him. I fixed things with the student council and everyone else, but I still haven't apologized to Kaito. Not sure how to really. How am I supposed to apologize to him? I sighed as I pushed the thought away for now. I'll have to figure something out later, I guess.

On another note, I also saw Tenko go off with Himiko and Angie, with Tenko wearing a smile on her face and Himiko looking more at ease with those two. It seems everything really is looking up for us if Tenko is getting along with Angie and Himiko. In fact, everyone seems to be getting along splendidly now. There's a new peaceful atmosphere that's permeated the school. I wonder how long that will last? That's when I kicked myself. Stop that, Rin. You'll jinx us. Heh, when did I start worrying about stuff like that? At that thought, I felt my face frown more. Actually, when have I not been worrying about something or other? God, when I think of it that way, no wonder I felt so exhausted. But it can't be helped. I'm the oldest and really the only adult here, so I have to take charge and worry. It's my job.

But since I have my mind on what I should be worrying about, I haven't had time to really chew on those Foresight visions I've had. Not that it really matters, does it? Sure, I saw two deaths. Angie and Tenko. Both of them were dead, so that means one or both could be the target of the next crime, but there's no longer any motive for a crime to happen. The Necronomicon was a one time thing, and with Kirumi back, that's a moot point for a motive. Not only that, but Foresight has almost become useless when it comes to future murders, as seen with how I was completely blindsided with Miu's death. I haven't really put much stock in it after that, but that shouldn't mean it's completely useless. But it hasn't been happening nearly as much now. It's less frequent. The last time I got a useful Foresight was when it told me about something called the Gopher Project, but I haven't gotten anything more from that. I wonder if I could try to get more info out of Foresight. If I trigger it with some questions, maybe I'll get something. But I'm not sure what I could ask.

I sighed as I got up from my seat. Great. I feel pretty useless now. What am I supposed to do? Perhaps I could- no. I shouldn't even be thinking about this stuff. Why am I getting so hung up on this? Didn't I just make a point to make sure that I'm not overworking or overthinking about this stuff. I nearly collapsed under the weight before when I did that. I should just try to loosen up and rely on the others to help me when we get to that point. So off I went in search of something, anything really, to keep myself occupied. I needed something for my mind to do, as being left on my own would prove to only give me a massive headache.

"Yo, Rin?" I turned my head as Ryoma walked up to me with a smirk. "You doing anything right now?"

"Not really. Did you need something?" I asked.

"Actually, yeah. Mind following me to my lab?" He asked, prompting me to raise an eyebrow.

"You want to go to your lab?"

"Yeah, but you don't have to come if you want." I thought about his request and nodded.

"No, it's fine. Lead the way." I told him. He nodded and started walking to his lab with me right behind him. I couldn't help but wonder what exactly Ryoma had planned, but as soon as we got to his lab, I only became more confused when the man in question picked up a tennis racket and handed it to me.

"You've played tennis before, right? Rantaro told me you guys played a game."

"Yeah, that's right, but it wasn't a close game at all. Rantaro stomped me." I told him with a dry laugh.

"That won't matter with this." Ryoma said as he went and picked up his own racket. Now he had my curiosity piqued.

"Do you want to play a tennis match with me, Ryoma?" I asked with a small smile. He had always gone on about never playing tennis again and how he was no longer the Ultimate Tennis Pro due to his circumstances, so I was really happy that he seemed to be taking an opportunity to enjoy himself again. That happiness was then quickly shot down as Ryoma shook his head at my question.

"I wouldn't exactly call this tennis." Ryoma told me with a chuckle. I tilted my head at that.

"Then what is this?"

"You seemed like you needed a break from all of this serious stuff, and since I'm sort of need that too, I thought we could do something stupid to get our minds off our worries." He said.

"Umm…?"

"Here." Ryoma then tossed me a ball and gave me a serious look. "Aim a shot and hit me with it. Right in the face if you can."

"What!?" I shouted. "Why would you want me to do that!?"

"Are you saying you won't? I thought you had more resolve than that." Ryoma told me. For some reason, his particular wording on that made my eyes twitch.

"...Want to run that by me again?" I asked in a more aggressive tone than usual.

"Weren't you the same guy who walked up to an Exisal with not a hint of worry on your face? The same guy who walked into two death traps in order to trap the mastermind? The guy who threatened Monokuma to his face? The same guy who helped Kokichi steal the motive videos and helped Angie run the student council?" Ryoma asked me. "You did all of that, but you won't hit me? That's pretty pathetic, don't you think? I thought you had a stronger resolve than that."

PANG!

Not a moment after he taunted me did I nail him right in the middle of his face with the ball he had tossed to me. I don't know why, but him telling me that I didn't have a good enough resolve pissed me off. More than it should. When I realized what I had done, my face shifted from angry to worried within seconds as Ryoma recoiled from the blow. "Crap, Ryoma! Are you okay?"

"Heh, that was a nice hit. I'm glad I provoked you." Ryoma chuckled as he rubbed his jaw. "However, you've still got a ways to go!"

WHAP!

I didn't know what happened, but it all happened in a second. Before I could respond or react, something zoomed by me, brushing up against my cheek before slamming into the wall behind me. I turned my head after the fact to see a tennis ball now rolling on the ground. The implication drained me of any color I had. "W-Wait! I didn't know you would hit back!"

"I never said I wouldn't." Ryoma simply said. "I'm testing us. Both of our resolves. I needed an idiot to help me with that, and I knew you were that kind of idiot. Now, let's get stupid." I gulped as I braced myself. I knew I was going to regret this, but I didn't back down. Not when he was testing my resolve. I don't know why it felt so important to me, but I just knew I had to see this through now, for myself if not for Ryoma.

So our fierce battle began. Tennis balls were flying all over the place as the two of us waged our war against each other. Both of us had something important on the line: our pride and resolve, and we wouldn't let ourselves lose this on the spur duel. But as the battle went on, I think I began to realize what Ryoma was trying to do. In just a few moments after provoking me, he had gotten my focus off of what was draining me and distracted me with this. Not only was he testing my resolve like he said, he was also giving me an opportunity to focus on something else. This was just Ryoma's way of doing that. And he was right. We both were stupid for doing this, but I couldn't help but enjoy myself, and it seemed like Ryoma was having a good time too. By the time we had finished, we both were exhausted and a little sore, though I had suffered more blows than he had. We stood facing each other in a stalemate for a bit before we both broke down laughing, collapsing onto the floor as we did. We were being stupid. We were goofing off, messing around, but we were having fun.

"Why did you do this?" I eventually asked Ryoma as we both sat on the floor, panting heavily after what we just did.

"A couple of reasons." Ryoma told me with a small smirk. "You've had a lot on your mind these past few days, and I figured you needed a break."

"And this is considered a break?" I laughed.

"It worked didn't it? You look better than you did a few minutes ago. You get your mind off of stuff?"

"Yeah. I feel better now." I nodded slowly. "What about your other reasons for this?"

"The other reason was to help make a decision. And after watching you, I think I can finally make this choice." Ryoma told me. "Even if we get out of here, I'll still be in prison, but… If I ever get out...I'm going to go and pick up everything I threw away. It's too late for a lot of things, but if I can still reach some… I'd like to bear those stains again. Just like how you're bearing us on your back right now."

"Me?"

"Yeah. You're something else. Watching you, talking with you, being your friend- all of that makes me want to try harder to grasp whatever life has in store with me. Cause that seems like something you'd do." Ryoma chuckled. "You, Rantaro, and the others all could have listened to me and left me to my own devices, but you all stuck close by despite my warnings. The least I could do is at least try, though I can't promise anything." I was taken aback by his words, but soon found myself smiling like an idiot.

"I can't tell you how glad I am to hear you say that." I said. "I promise, Ryoma. All of us will be here with you, the whole way."

"I don't doubt it. I wouldn't be able to shake you guys off my back even if I tried."

"You say that like it's a bad thing." I laughed. "We all will get out. I'm sure of it. All of us…will bear each other and all of our stains. Together." I then got up from the floor and stretched my sore arms. "I don't know about you, but I could use a drink right now. Want to come with me?"

"Sure, if you don't mind." Ryoma nodded as we both left his lab. We made small talk on our way to the dining hall, but when we entered the dining hall's kitchen, we saw Kaede and Kirumi in there doing…something. Kirumi was obviously preparing to make something, but Kaede…seemed a little out of her element. Ryoma and I looked at each other in confusion as Kaede made a mess of her side of the large kitchen before turning back to watch the disaster in process.

"...Kaede?" I asked while Kaede was still facing away from us. The moment I spoke, however, I caused Kaede to jump so badly she nearly threw the bowl she was carrying into the air. After making sure she didn't drop her bowl onto the ground or stumble due to her shock, she turned to me before taking a deep breath.

"Oh Rin. It's just you." Kaede said as she set her bowl down and placed a hand on her heart as she took deep breaths. "And Ryoma's with you too?"

"Yeah. We came by to get a drink." I said as Ryoma walked over to the fridge and got us both some water. "What about you and Kirumi?"

"It looks like you both are about to bake something." Ryoma noted.

"Well…" Kaede began to say with a bit of nervousness in her voice. Before she could push herself to finish her sentence, Kirumi had finished gathering what she needed and explained things to us.

"While I was speaking with Kaede, she mentioned how she was trying to branch out and try new things in an attempt to gain new hobbies, so I suggested she try some cooking." Kirumi told us.

"Yeah. Kirumi is so good at cooking stuff, so I figured if I was going to learn how to do it, she would be the best teacher I could have, and I've always wanted to bake something anyway." Kaede added.

"Didn't you make us all breakfast that one time with Rantaro?" I asked.

"Yeah, but he was the one who did all the cooking really. I just came up with the idea and helped him whenever I could. I didn't really cook anything." Kaede admitted sheepishly.

"It's good that you're trying new things, though. It's never a bad thing to add more things to your skill set." Ryoma commented.

"That's true. A lot of people like to cook. Not only is it a practical skill to have, but it's also a way people can express themselves, whether in making tasty food or making food look like art." I agreed. "Actually, speaking of that, I wonder what Angie would do if she cooked." I mumbled that last part to myself as the thought entered my head. That's when Kaede seemed to have some kind of idea of her own that made her glow with new found energy.

"If you guys are interested, why don't you try it out too?"

"Hmm? You want us to bake with you?" I asked.

"Why not? We both agreed to try to branch out and gain new hobbies, right? Besides, cooking and baking seems like it's more fun with more people." Kaede told me with a smile. Yes, I remember making that promise with her, and we both have been trying new things since then.

"I would not mind showing you both how to cook as well. As Kaede said, it would be more fun with more people." Kirumi added with a small smile.

"I don't see why not since you're offering. I've never done this sort of thing, so it'll be good for me to try to learn it. What about you Ryoma?" I asked.

"Sure. Sounds like fun." Ryoma nodded. "I've never cooked before either, so it'll be an experience." Ryoma nodded.

"Great!" Kaede exclaimed. "I'll get you both some aprons!" With that, she walked off over to a closet that was in the back of the kitchen.

"So what are you guys planning on making?" I asked.

"Chocolate chip cookies." Kirumi told me. "It's something simple so none of you have too much trouble since this is supposed to be a learning experience."

"Sounds easy enough." Ryoma noted.

"Yeah, and who doesn't like gold ol' chocolate chip cookies?" I added.

"Ok! I got some aprons!" Kaede said as she came back. She handed us the aprons and Kirumi began to walk us through the process of baking. The way Kirumi had everything set up, we each would have enough ingredients so that we each could make a small amount of cookies, about 6 each. And despite how none of us other than Kirumi have a lot of experience with cooking and baking (if any in my case), I thought this would be pretty straightforward. Unfortunately, I gave myself too much credit when it came to my potential in the kitchen. Not even a few minutes in and I had already completely made a mess in my station when I tried to use the electric mixer to mix the dough, causing it to splatter everywhere on my part of the kitchen and myself. To say the others weren't amused by how clumsy I was in this would be an understatement. God I thought Kaede would never stop giggling like a child after she saw me with cookie dough splattered on my face. Looks like I can easily take 'Ultimate Cook or Baker' off my check list of possible talents, cause I'm incredibly bad at this.

Other than my lack of coordination when it came to what should have been a simple process, Kirumi was a wonderful teacher, clearly and precisely explaining each step we needed to take. And, unlike my incompetent self, Ryoma and Kaede seemed to quickly get the hang of things. Hell, Kaede looked like she was having some of the most fun she's ever had, and this was just simply baking cookies. Just seeing her smile and expressing herself in just a happy and energetic way was contagious, and by the time we had finished, we all were smiling ear to ear and laughing. Actually, scratch that. They were laughing, yes, while I was not. But that was because of how deformed my cookies ended up.

"How did your cookies end up looking so…flat?" Kaede asked, trying her best to hide the smirk that was cracking into existence on her face. I could literally hear the giggles in her voice, her voice cracking a little as she spoke. Ryoma and Kirumi also seemed to be highly entertained, as they didn't bother hiding their wide smiles. I, for one, was not as happy.

"Stoooop…" I groaned as I tried to hide my cookies with my hands. "Don't look at my shame!"

"Seriously, how did you manage to make these things like this?" Ryoma asked. "They're not even round? They're more rectangular and uneven."

"I just used the same scooper that you guys used to place your cookies on the tray! I did everything you guys did!" I shouted. "God, this is so embarrassing…"

"You shouldn't worry too much about about it Rin." Kirumi told me as she picked up one of my disappointing cookies to examine it. After taking a small bite, she nodded approvingly. "Aside from their unusual shape and the mishaps you had while making them, they aren't actually too bad. They're fine for your first time."

"Really?" Ryoma asked as she grabbed one and took a bite. "Hmm, yeah. They…definitely something."

"Gee, that makes me feel so much better." I gave a dry chuckle. "How the hell did I mess this up? This was easy mode! I did everything right!"

"Yeah, don't worry about it, Cookie Monster." Kaede told me as she patted my back. "At least you managed to finish despite the mess." I turned to the girl with a raised eyebrow.

"...Did you just call me 'Cookie Monster'." I asked.

"Oh yeah. I'm not ever letting you live this down." She immediately quipped. "I always thought that you were good at everything, but after seeing you mess up so much in baking, it makes me feel a little satisfied. I mean, how do you accidentally turn the electric mixer on the high setting? You nearly spilled all of your dough onto the floor!"

"I didn't know there were multiple settings! I didn't bother to look since I just assumed all I had to do was turn it on!"

"That's your own fault for being impatient and trying to use it before Kirumi told you how it worked." Kaede pointed out as she poked me teasingly. "Admit it. Even with Kirumi helping us, you had a lot of trouble with this. You're bad at cooking!"

"Stoooop." I whined as I swatted her finger away. I felt like I was a child being teased by my friend or an older sibling. I was the adult here damn it! And Kaede's smug smile is not helping at all. I guess this is payback for crushing her in Uno. "You're only happy because you found something you're better at than I am!"

"Weeeeeell, I won't deny that." She laughed.

"What a good friend you are." I mumbled sarcastically.

"We should do this again another day. It was an enjoyable and educational experience." Ryoma noted.

"Yes. I enjoyed teaching you all as well." Kirumi said. "However, next time, we will have to make sure Rin has additional help if he's in the kitchen as well."

"Hey!" I shouted. That got all of them to laugh more. I deadpanned as I watched them. "I'm glad you all think this is funny. Next time, I won't give you guys anything."

"That's probably for the best." Ryoma chuckled.

"Oh for the love of…" I sighed before finally a few chuckles escaped my lips. "Are none of you going to let me forget how much of a klutz I was with this?"

"Nope." Kaede and Ryoma said in unison. I looked at Kirumi with a desperate look in my eyes.

"Kirumi…" I pleaded. She said nothing as she calmly looked at me with a sweet smile. She then quickly turned her head so I couldn't see her face as I faintly heard her suppress her own laugh. "Traitor!" I shouted before giving a small smile. Despite my embarrassment and the teasing, I had to say this was still fun. I certainly didn't hate it. Just wish I was better at it so they wouldn't make fun of me.

"Oh? What are you guys doing here?" We all turned and saw Angie, who asked us the question. Beside her were Tenko and Himiko, who also looked curious as to what we were doing.

"Angie? What are you three doing here?" I asked in a curious tone.

"Nyahaha! I asked you first!" Angie quickly responded.

"I asked Kirumi to help me learn how to cook and bake, and Rin and Ryoma happened to come here before we started, so we let them join in too." Kaede explained.

"Really? How'd it go?" Tenko asked.

"Better than any of us thought." Ryoma answered. "Well, except for one of us."

"Ugh…" I groaned loudly as I leaned against one of the counters and cupped my face with my hands.

"Rin wasn't good at it?" Himiko questioned. "That's hard to believe. Aren't you an adult? Shouldn't that mean you're good at simple stuff like this?" Her words stabbed through me like a katana.

"Ow…my…pride…" I mumbled.

"Come now. I couldn't have been that bad." Angie said while waving her hand as she skipped over to my station and grabbed one of my cookies. She happily took a bite, and her happy smile quickly turned into a frown. "Oh wow… I didn't think Atua hated you so much as to curse you with such a lack of skill when it comes to making cookies." I felt whatever there was left of my ego shatter like glass being hit by a bullet after those words left Angie's mouth.

"And there goes the rest of whatever kind of pride I had." I cried out in defeat.

"Alright, let us give Rin a break. So what brings you three here?" Kirumi asked.

"We just came by to get some dinner."

"Hmm? Is it that late already?" Kaede asked as she took out her Monopad. "Oh wow. We've been at this longer than I thought. I must have been too focused to notice."

"If that is the case, then I can prepare something for everyone. It has been a long time since I made any of you a proper meal, after all. It would be my pleasure to do so once again." Kirumi happily said. Angie seemed to think about something before her face lit up again.

"Atua has given me an idea! Why don't we all help prepare dinner! Everyone will help cook up a feast! It'll be like a celebration for our future cooperation and Kirumi's return! Doesn't it sound fun? Nyahaha!"

"All of us helping to prepare dinner?" Himiko questioned with a unsure look, though it didn't seem like she was completely against the idea.

"That sounds like a great idea!" Tenko cheered, causing me to raise an eyebrow. Tenko agreeing with one of Angie's ideas? Even if this is one of Angie's more normal ideas or suggestions, it's weird hearing Tenko be the first to agree with it. The Tenko of yesterday would have disagreed out of spite if nothing else. Whatever these three did today must have completely changed Tenko's opinion of Angie. "What do you think, Himiko?"

"Nyeh…sure. Why not? It does sound like fun making dinner with everyone." Himiko then said, causing me to raise my eyebrow even higher. Okay, now I'm curious about what those three were up to. Himiko doesn't seem bothered by Tenko at all now. Did Tenko talk with Himiko like I suggested? I'll have to ask her what's going on, if just to sate my own curiosity about all of that.

"That's a great idea Angie!" Kaede exclaimed. "Kirumi, do you mind?"

"Of course not. I think it would be a wonderful idea to get everyone to participate in this." Kirumi nodded.

"Nyahaha! Excellent! I'll go get everyone!" Angie said as she ran off.

"There's just no stopping that girl when she sets her mind on something, huh?" I gave a dry chuckle.

"She's like you in that regard. Besides, it does seem fun." Kaede nodded. "I mean, this was super fun with just the four of us. It'll probably be even better with everyone helping."

"I guess. That is, if everyone is capable of doing this." I noted while making a hand gesture to myself. "I wasn't exactly competent with this, I doubt anyone would want to eat whatever I cook up. I think I'll just watch this time around."

"Don't be like that. It'll be another learning experience for you." The pianist insisted, though I wasn't hearing any of it.

"Nah nah. I've embarrassed myself enough for one day. Besides, I doubt Himiko and Tenko think I should help out either." I said as I saw the two girls tasting my disaster cookies, their faces turning into pitying frowns the moment after they took a bite of the treat. "But don't worry about me. I'll still enjoy whatever you all make."

"Hmm…" Kaede hummed as she narrowed her eyes at me. She was examining me with such an observational look that I might have blushed if she had been another girl, if I was around her age, or if this sort of thing even bothered me in the first place. After a few seconds of silence between the two of us, a small smile formed on her lips. "You really do look a lot better than the last few days." I was taken aback a little by that, though I couldn't blame her for her comment.

"Yeah, I probably looked really rough, didn't I? I was such a mess." I sighed.

"But the fact that you look like yourself again means everything really is looking up for us, right?"

"Yeah. You're right. It might sound cliche, but I think our future is looking a bit brighter now." I said with a smile before facing Kaede and moving my hand towards her. Before she could do anything, I flicked her right on her forehead, causing her to give a small yelp and put a hand on the area where I flicked her. "And that's for teasing me earlier." Kaede's cheeks puffed out as she pouted and glared at me.

"That's not fair!" Kaede shouted before she quickly flicked my forehead. "There. Now we're even."

"Keep telling yourself that. It'll make it sweeter when you do something embarrassing and I start teasing you." I told her while making a 'tsk tsk' motion with my finger. The two of us kept talking until Angie finally came back with everyone else behind here. How she managed to get both Maki and Kokichi to follow her back here, I don't think I'll ever know.

"Nyahaha! Now that everyone's here, we can get started." Angie cheered.

"Hey Kirumi. Since I have a lot of experience with cooking, let me help you guide everyone else. I'm sure you could use some help making sure no one burns down the kitchen and such." Rantaro told the maid with his usual easy-going smile.

"Of course. I would greatly appreciate it, Rantaro." Kirumi replied with a bow.

"So what exactly are we going to make? Angie just said we should all make something together to celebrate how far we've come and stuff." Kaito asked.

"I already have a few dishes in mind. But first, I will need to separate everyone into groups to make the process easier and simpler for you all." Kirumi said before dividing everyone into two groups led by both her and Rantaro respectively. I wasn't a part of any group though, as I didn't want to embarrass myself further in front of everyone else. Instead, I stood to the side and watched everyone enjoy cooking together, chatting with them when I could. At least that was the plan, however, this plan quickly derailed a little when the pan Kaito was using caught fire after he poured some oil or something on it. The flame immediately rose from the pan like a pillar, causing everyone to panic and rush to put it out. To say I was dumbfounded at how that could have even happened would be a gross understatement.

And so, that's what led to Kaito being sidelined alongside me while the others continued cooking. Despite the sound of laughter around the two of us as the others continued cooking and speaking to each other, it felt strangely quiet where Kaito and I were standing. The two of us were both leaning against the wall on the side of the kitchen we were at as we watched the others, not saying anything to the other. I could immediately feel the awkward atmosphere around the two of us, and I bet Kaito was feeling it too. We may have agreed to work together this morning, alongside everyone else, but that didn't take away anything that had happened prior to that. Kaito hurt me with his distrust, and I hurt him back with my words and actions. We both had messed up, and the worst part about it was I was certain both of us knew that, yet we still didn't say anything.

I couldn't help but berate myself in my thoughts for my cowardice on the matter. All I had to do was start a conversation with him and apologize. I just had to get the ball moving, and yet I stood my ground on this crumbling hill I had for some reason decided to die on. I just couldn't swallow my pride on the matter. I was practically screaming in my thoughts now. Half of me just wanted to apologize and laugh with Kaito again, but the other much louder half of me still felt betrayed. Betrayed that one of the people that I trust the most here, the one who helped pick me up and regain my confidence and courage, would so stubbornly refuse to trust me with what I was doing, despite repeating my reasoning multiple times to him and the others. He refused to trust me at all, and kept insisting I was the only one in the wrong. That I was being tricked, or that I was making a mistake. It brought out an ugly feeling inside me, one I despised more than anything: the feeling of betrayal.

It had already burned inside a few times, particularly when it came to Tsumugi and Kiyo committing murder, breaking our trust in the process, and each time I felt like everything that I was had been emptied out. Like they had carved me up and violently ripped out my heart and soul. It made me feel numb, another feeling I hated while here at this academy. The feeling of betrayal hurt me so much, worse than any other feeling I had, though I couldn't begin to understand why. And Kaito made me feel that way.

Maybe I was just a hypocrite. This place is one that breeds both despair and betrayal, and I had been betrayed other times. Kaede tried to kill someone as well, and I almost died because of it, and Kokichi threatened me. Heck, it wasn't just Kaito who refused to trust me, it was everyone not in the student council. And yet, I didn't feel nearly as bad with those examples. Kaede was trying to save everyone, and she didn't target me specifically, I had just ended up being in the trap. Kokichi was lying, at least that's what I believe, and he just wanted me off his back. And the others not trusting me…it hurt, but out of everyone, I thought the one person who would support me would be Kaito. I thought I was his sidekick, or was I mistaken?

I stole a glance at the astronaut, only to see him trying to do the same with me. We both immediately looked away, which only made me mentally sigh once again. I couldn't do it. Not right now. There was too much to handle in trying to fix the problem right now, and I don't think I'm ready for it. I guess that's just who I am. I'd rather hide from my problems or ignore them entirely. No matter what I do or how I try to act, that's the truth, isn't it? I suppose that means I really am a coward.

"And we're done!" Angie's shout snapped me out of my thoughts as I turned to see everyone else celebrating a job well done. When I actually looked at what they had accomplished, I couldn't believe it. It was like I was looking at a feast you would see at a party or something, and it all looked fairly good. I would expect this kind of skill if not more when it came to Kirumi, but everyone making this together, even with the help of Kirumi and Rantaro, who might be the only people here with real experience in the kitchen, was quite incredible to say the least. Everyone looked ecstatic, with happy cheers sounding out from all of them.

"Man, I'm beat! That was harder than I expected, but we pulled through in the end!" Kokichi proudly stated as he put his arms behind his head.

"Don't lie, you degenerate! You didn't do a thing!" Tenko shouted.

"Nuh huh! I totally helped!" Kokichi denied the claim.

"Really? I only heard you pestering your group with taunts." Rantaro chuckled.

"Well, I wanted to have a bit of fun while we did this, so it's only natural I tease you guys a bit for your terrible cooking skills." Kokichi said with a smirk. "I helped make sure no one did anything stupid like Space Idiot did when we started this shindig. Afterall, I had to step up since my minion Rinny was ostracized for his own terrible skills."

"Now that's just hurtful." I deadpanned, but his only response was sticking out his tongue like a child.

"Now now. You've all done exceptionally well. So instead of bickering with each other, why don't we go ahead and just enjoy the meal we all helped make?" Kirumi suggested, receiving a loud group cheer as an answer. And so, our 'celebration/party' for Kirumi's return and our future cooperation began, and I must say, it was better than I thought it would be. Everyone was getting along with each other. We were just eating good food, talking with each other, and just acting like a bunch of teenagers. At least the others were for the most part. I still tried to act my age when it came to enjoying myself, meaning I wasn't going around messing with people like Kokichi was. Surprisingly, Kirumi was doing much of the same. She wasn't running around trying to serve everyone like I thought she would. She seemed to be trying to relax a little, which definitely made me feel better. I guess she is taking my advice from before.

"Hey, what are you doing by yourself over here, Rin?" I turned to see Tenko asking me that, which was a little surprising. "Don't you want to talk to everyone else?"

"It's not that I don't want to." I told her while taking a sip of my drink. "It's more like I'm just taking it all in. It's kinda like it's finally beginning to sink in."

"Hmm? What do you mean?"

"Well, Kirumi's back, the student council is gone and we've all agreed to work together instead, and…no one has died in a while. We've gotten into a relatively normal setting again, haven't we?"

"Y-Yeah, I guess, but you shouldn't say stuff like that! You'll jinx us!" Tenko shouted.

"Hahaha, yeah, I guess so." I couldn't help but laugh at that. "But I'm also surprised that you chose to come and talk to me, I thought you saw me as a degenerate male?"

"H-Hey! I-I already told you that you are at least decent as a male and I can tolerate you a bit!" Tenko defended herself with an embarrassed expression, which got me to laugh a bit more. "But as for why I'm here, I just wanted to thank you."

"Thank me?" I asked. "What did I do?"

"Well, you stopped all that 'student council will take care of everything for you' nonsense for starters, but I'm really grateful for the chance you gave me with Himiko." Tenko told me with a soft smile. "After you suggested the two of us talk, I actually managed to discuss things with her. It took a while but," Tenko then looked over to where Himiko was. She was sitting next to Angie, the two of them laughing at something they were talking about. "I think it really helped. She's starting to express herself more. She's starting to not deny what's happened, or trying to fall into escapism. Of course, she still needs a little help, but I feel like we're really friends now at least."

"I'm glad to hear that." I gave her a nod. "What about Angie? You two seem chumy now too."

"Yeah. Angie…she surprised me." Tenko sheepishly admitted. "Himiko wanted to do things with me and Angie today. I was a little nervous about being around Angie, but I went with it since it made Himiko happy. But when I got the chance to just sit down and hang out with her with Himiko and get to know her a little, I realized that perhaps I had pegged her the wrong way. She's…really kind, actually. She just wanted to help Himiko too when she introduced her into her religion. When the three of us were together today, she was a lot of fun to be with, even if she's a little weird."

"You're one to talk. You're just as weird, if not weirder." I noted.

"You are entitled to an opinion. Unfortunately, the opinion of a male, decent or not, has no weight in my mind." Tenko dismissed my comment entirely in just a second.

"I'll take that over being thrown across the room for having an opinion as a male." I jokingly teased her, which only made her more embarrassed.

"I already apologized for knocking you out before!" Tenko cried out as I chuckled at her flustered response. However, that expression then changed into a more serious one as she continued. "...Why haven't you talked to Kaito yet?" Her question was so sudden, I choked on my drink and had to spit it back into the cup so I could try to calm down the coughing fit I was now in.

"W-Why are you suddenly bringing that up?" I asked once I found my voice. Tenko just made a face at my question before she replied.

"Stupid males. You always make things harder than they have to be. You and your filthy degenerate male pride!" She sighed. "Just go over there and apologize, and then demand that he apologize to you! After that, you both can finally be friends again!"

"B-But-"

"No buts! It's obvious both of you want to apologize. It's so obvious it actually distracted me while I was cooking back there because seeing you both refuse to do anything about it upset me so much!" Tenko shouted at me before her face became softer. "Go on. You helped me with talking to Himiko, so I want to help you with talking with Kaito. You're overthinking things again, so just force yourself to do it. That'll be your aikido spirit!"

"But I'm not an aikido person like you, so does that even apply to me?" I sighed, but I soon felt a small smile form on my face. "Thanks. You're right. I guess it really is just my stupid sense of pride holding me back. If you of all people want to help me with this, then I don't really have a choice, now do I?" Tenko gave me a smile and nodded before pushing me in the direction where Kaito was. I gave her a 'fine, fine' gesture before shrugging. Guess I do have to do this sooner or later. Might as well be sooner. But just as I took that first step, something horrible happened.

"My, my. What an absolutely sickening scene we have here. I can practically taste the cheerfulness and hope in the room. Why don't I fix that? Pupupupupu…" The sudden new voice made everyone freeze. Everyone knew that voice. We hadn't heard it in a few days, but that's what made hearing it so suddenly terrifying. I slowly turned my head towards the voice, praying that it wasn't who I thought it was. Unfortunately, in this world, in this academy, no prayer could be heard by any god. "Oh? Is Mister Wakuri happy to see me?" There in front of me was the Bear of Despair himself, Monokuma, smiling a wide and cruel smile towards all of us as his red eye glowed. "Pupupu… I'm baaaaaack!"