Chapter 3- A game of cat and mouse part 1
It was getting late and Nagito laid on his bed waiting for the nighttime announcement. He was surprised when the Monitor clicked on early. "Alright everyone, I've waited long enough! Everyone head to Jabberwock park." And with that Monokuma's face disappears. "I figured it wouldn't be that easy." He grabbed his jacket without bothering to put a shirt on, and zipped it up while heading out the door. He met up with everyone at the park but Hajime was still missing. Nagito began to panic but Byakuya placed a stern hand on his shoulder. "You know he is always the last to arrive, he's alright. See there his is now." Byakuya pointed, earning a relieved sigh. He ran up to his friend waving, "You need to stop being so late." He teased lightly punching the other's arm. "Sorry, I was getting dressed." He said nervously. "I didn't even bother." Nagito unzipped his jacket partially, expecting a chuckle, but Hajime just looked away shyly. Monokuma made a loud growl that echoed against the pavement, "Now that I have your attention, I am very disappointed in you all! It's like you didn't even want your memory back." The bear roared as he walked along the student's, "You couldn't even kill yourself!" He directed that growl to Nagito who hid his face when Hajime gave him a questioning look. "So I have another motive for you!" The bear patted his paw on the new arcade machine. "Can you solve the mystery of the game before someone gets killed?" He laughed hysterically as the group of students stood their ground. "Why would we play it if it could get us killed?" Mahiru questioned the laughing bear. "Because ~ if and when you get your memories back one of you might go on a rampage ~ better to find out who right?" Monokuma chuckled, "Play at your own risk, or maybe not playing it will be a risk. Who wants to find out? I have a feeling this one will push at least one of you to the edge, one way or another!" He chimed with a playful twirl.
"Not while I'm here!" Byakuya started to argue with Monokuma, making the perfect destination to slip away. But Nagito didn't realize that Hajime had followed him. "Nagito?" He called when the noise from the park was no longer able to be heard. Shivers went up the lucky one's spine as he dreaded any and all questions the other would provide. "I... don't wanna talk about it Hajime." He didn't even turn to face the other teen as they walked down to the end of the bridge, where the sand from the beach met the concrete. Nagito waited for the other to say anything, but nothing left ether pair of lips. They silently walked down to the beach and Nagito dipped his feet into the freezing cold water. "You'll catch a cold if you stay like that." Hajime warned as he stood besides his friend. Nagtio didn't say a word as he unzipped his hoodie. "Nagito what are...?" Hajime was surprised when he was splashed with water. Nagito had dove into the night sea. "Nagito!?" Hajime called as he picked up the abandoned green hoodie. Hajime fallowed his gut and pulled off his shirt. He dove in after the other and felt around the sandy floor. He gasped for air when he reached the surface and chocked when Something started to pull on his hand. "Hajime! Are you alright?" The sweet voice of Nagito's soothed the other's nerves. Hajime jumped onto his captors and hugged him tightly. They could both touch the bottom but Nagtio stumbled backwards into the water, bringing the other down with him. They both went up for air before laughter filled the beach. "Don't scare me like that!" Hajime demanded as he splashed the other in the face. Nagito spat some of the water out and splashed back, "You didn't have to follow me." Nagito retaliated. "I just wanted to make sure you were alright." Hajime smirked as he swam closer to the lucky one. "I'm... fine. How are you?" Nagito gave a forced smile, but Hajime chuckled. "I have my concerns, but I'm alright as long as you are."
They swam to the beach and sat on the shore with their legs still in the water.
"So you're not going to ask?" Nagito looked down with a blank expression.
"Not if you don't want to talk about it. I'm here whenever you're ready."
Blush covered both faces as they avoided eye contact. "What if I'm never ready?"
"Then I'll wait forever."
"Maybe you're the Ultimate patience." Nagito joked, earning himself a chuckle.
"That sounds better then the Ultimate Klutz."
They filled the beach with laughter once more, afterwards Nagito laid his head against the other's shoulder. "I was going to kill myself... to make everyone stronger ... but... you and TeruTeru saved me... in a way."
Hajime stayed silent, but gently rubbed his thumb along the other's shoulder.
"Thank you for being my friend. Who knows what would have happened..."
"I don't wanna think about it. Let's do our best to get out of here, together!"
"Together!" Nagito cheered as he bolted up and held out his hand. "Now let's get some sleep. We have a game to play tomorrow!"
Hajime took the other's hand before processing what he said. "Wait what!?"
The morning sun was shining and the two boys made their way to the park with a container of food for the prodigy. He had been guarding the new motive all night. "Are you sure this is a good idea?" Hajime voiced his concern as they walked across the bridge. "Maybe. My luck will guide us, one way or another. We all survived the first round." Nagito chimed happily. With a groan, Hajime followed behind reluctantly.
"Morning Byakuya!" Nagito beamed. The prodigy huffed before he spotted the bento. "Is that for me?" He asked longingly.
"Of course! Our fearless leader deserves breakfast too!"
Byakuya gave a warm smile before he broke out into a monstrous yawn.
"Are you alright?" Hajime asked as Nagito handed Byakuya the box. He quickly unhinged it and began to scarf down the food between breaths.
"You look tired, why don't you go take a nap? We can watch the game for you." Nagito smiled.
Byakuya eyed the two as he finished up the offering. "I can watch for a bit longer."
"But if you fall asleep then anyone could walk up." Nagito argued happily.
Byakuya hummed as he looked back at the game then back to the boys. "You don't plan on playing it do you?" He growled.
"Why would I? I barely survived the last attack." Nagito rubbed his hand with a small pitiful whimper.
Byakuya looked over at Hajime, who looked unhappy to be there.
"I don't want to even watch it let alone play it." Hajime raise his hand in defense.
Byakuya hummed before another yawn broke out. He rubbed his eyes sleepily before crossing his arms. "Alright, but only if you watch each other." He struggled to keep his eyes open.
"We promise! I'll keep a close eye on Hajime!" Nagito winked making the other turn away shyly.
The prodigy smiled as he began to walk away hazily with a wave. "Im counting on you two!"
Hajime looked over to the cheerful lucky student. "You're gonna play it aren't you?" He asked in annoyance.
"Of course!" He hopped over to Twilight Syndrome Murder Case and began with the start button. It started with day 2, so the two looked at each other. "Why day two?" They both asked, now a bit more interested in the investigation.
"Down 5?" Hajime asked as the game over screen appeared. Nagito looked the game up and down before starting the game over. "What are you doing?" Hajime asked as he hovered over the lucky one's shoulder. "Unlocking the full game." He answered as he began to press the down button 5 times.
"Hu?" Left Hajime's lips as he saw the screen change. "How, did you know?!?" He asked in Aw.
"What did you think it meant?" Nagito asked casually.
The shocked boy began to admire his companion. He leaned in closer to watch the other play. "You're amazing Nagito." Slipping from his lips, influencing the lucky one to blush silently as he continued to play.
"I don't see how this awful game is the motive." Hajime complained, scratching his head. Nagito hummed, and as soon as the credits began to scroll he thought he lost. He bit his lip before the character names began to show. "Hajime!" Nagito pulled at the other's sleeve and pointed at the names. "This game wasn't supposed to be fun! It was a true story from Hope's Peak!"
The two sat there contemplating until a figure caught their eyes. Fuyuhiko walked closer until he spotted the guards near the game. He quickly turned away and scampered off. "That was Fuyuhiko right?" Hajime asked. "Ya, maybe he wanted to play the ga...!"
"Well Hello there!!! Congratulations on being the first to complete the game!" Monokuma popped out of nowhere with what looked to be a forced grin. "Good Morning Headmaster." Nagito smiled earning a pleasant pat on the leg from the bear. "You're a lousy killer but I appreciate your respect." The bear walked over to the game and gave it a pat before continuing, "Did you enjoy it? I worked really hard on this!"
Nagito smiled, "I liked the secret but the story telling could use a bit of work."
Monokuma frowned, "That wasn't very nice! You try making a game within a night." The two boys laughed making the bear angrier. "Fine, no prize for ether of you!" He growled before popped away. "Prize!?" The two looked at each other in shock. Nagito bit his lip, "Sorry Hajime... I shouldn't have been so honest." Hajime placed a hand on the other's shoulder with a caring rub, "It will be ok. We didn't even know about the prize."
Nagito thought for a moment as the two conversed, and something struck him as odd. "I wonder what took Monokuma so long."
"Hu?"
"What took him so long, we won the game a good five to ten minutes before he appeared, and normally he is eager to talk."
"True, but maybe he was busy."
"Busy doing what?" Nagito placed a hand on his chin as he looked out towards the ocean. "I think we should talk to Fuyuhiko." He walked in a circle as Hajime watched.
"But what about the game? Byakuya would be upset if he found out we left."
"We can wait for Byakuya to get back."
"He looked pretty tired."
Nagito huffed as he leaned against the game. "You're right."
"You can go. It's pointless for both of us to wait."
"But What if you get attacked?"
"I'll be fine Nagito, don't worry."
Nagito looked away then straight into the other's eyes, "I will come back, don't go dying on me."
Hajime gave a warm smile and nodded, and with that confirmation Nagito rushed out of the park with a wave.
"Fuyuhiko? Can I talk with you?" Nagito knock gently on the door. When no answer came he gently turned the knob. It was locked. "Fuyuhiko? Hey come on, locking yourself in your room is unhealthy." He called out. "I've been out all day." Came a voice behind the lucky student, making him jump. "So what do you want?" The Yakuza asked as he held a yellow envelope in his hand. Nagito eyed it but shifted his glance quickly. "To talk." Nagito smiled but the other scoffed before pushing him out of the way. He used his key to open his cottage and stepped inside, "Leave me alone." The Yakuza growled trying to slam the door but Nagito placed his foot in the way. A shot of pain ran up his leg from the force. "Please Fuyuhiko?" He begged removing his aching foot. The other barley batted an eye before slamming the door shut successfully this time.
Nagito limped over to his own cottage and sat on the bed. He left the door open to watch passing students as he sat putting pressure on his now bare foot. It was forming a dark spot around the toes. "He's strong for a little guy." He winced as be tried to flex his toes. "That's gonna hurt for a while."
"Nagito?" A call from his door caused him to look up. "Oh, Byakuya. Did you sleep well?" Nagito smiled at the prodigy. "Yes, thank you. Now what happened to your foot?"
Nagito tried to stand but ended up leaning to one side as he debated what to tell the strict leader. "I was investigating a suspect of the motive." Nagito studied the face of his visiter, who had a stern look. "And you got attacked again?"
Nagito raised his hand in defense, "No I kinda went overboard, it was my fault."
"I see. Are you alright?"
Nagito smiled at the others concern, "Ya, it's just a bruise."
"Good, I'm gonna grab some food before I head over to the park. Hajime is still guarding the game right?"
"Of course, we didn't leave it unattended."
"That's fine then. If you can walk I wouldn't mind the company."
Nagito slipped his shoes on with a painful hiss before fallowing the fearless leader. Limping with every step.
"Hello you two!" Monomi smiled at the two feasting boys as she continued, "It's good to see everyone getting along."
Nagito, and Byakuya looked at each other before the rabbit. "How are you Monomi?" Nagito smiled as he took a bite of his food. "Much better then earlier. That Monobeast gave me a hard time." She scratched her head. Byakuya stood up with surprise, "What about the Monobeast?!"
"Oh that's right you two and Hajime weren't at breakfast, I took care of one. Now you have a whole other island to explore!" She cheered. The two looked back at each other in shock.
Nagito softly smiled as he pat the bunny teacher on the head, "Thank you. You worked hard so take it easy alright?"
Byakuya watched the kindness Nagito showed. "Don't worry about me, just keep doing your best!" She smiled as she trotted off. "So another island Hu? Would you and Hajime mind taking a longer shift so I can take a look?" Byakuya asked as he pushed up his glasses.
"If Haiime won't then I will. It would only be fair. I left him alone, And I didn't even get to talk to Fuyuhiko."
"Fuyuhiko?"
Nagito, sat up and realized he hadn't told Byakuya the whole story. "Ya, he stopped by the park earlier and turned away when he saw us. I think he was trying to play the game." Nagito explained as Byakuya took in the new information. "He also had a mysterious envelope earlier, but it could have been just a misunderstanding."
"I don't know, but you have done a lot today. Take care of yourself alright? I'll see you in a little bit." The prodigy patted the other's shoulder before heading out.
"He's not so bad, just a little ruff around the edges." Nagito said to himself before getting up with a grunt. "I should bring Hajime something!" He meowed before stepping down. A jolt of pain made him wince, but he moved towards the kitchen with hope and determination.
