Tsumugi snuck to the women's bathroom on the first floor of the school, late at night. She looked behind her every few seconds, her head jolting back and forth so much she felt her neck would snap. She didn't want anyone following her, after today's conversation.

Yet, no one did. Which made sense; the only one she expected to follow her would be Kokichi. But as much of a rebel that boy is, he wouldn't dare enter the women's bathroom. Tsumugi took a deep breath and exhaled slowly as soon as she entered and closed the door.

She stood there for a while, simply breathing, unable to move. Today was a long day, and her body prompted her to just slouch down here and fall asleep. She could feel her eyes drooping slightly with every passing second.

But no. She couldn't fall asleep yet. Not tonight, of all nights.

Tsumugi clenched her fists and took steps towards the secret entrance to her hideout. She opened the passage, and made her way down the hallway.

Her future with Rantaro was relying on the outcome of this Killing Game. If she didn't adequately prepare, then it could all vanish in the blink of an eye...

She did have all night to discuss next steps, so she didn't have to spend all their time thinking up plans... Which was nice... She feared she'd fall apart due to all the pressure if she didn't have time to relax...

Anyways, there was something she needed to do first, before she even thought about doing anything else. Well, two things...

Tsumugi approached the end of the hallway, and pressed her hand against a panel on the wall. The door flew open, and she hurriedly walked inside, her eyes instantly darting towards the couch that she left Rantaro on.

Rantaro was lounging on the couch, his emerald eyes fixated on the television a few feet away, the dull blue light illuminating the room.

Tsumugi smirked, stars beginning to form in her eyes. She didn't think it'd be this easy to force her hobbies onto someone else...

Rantaro was watching anime. At her recommendation.

The boy's eyes flitted towards her, and she froze, instinctively placing her hand over her heart. After a couple seconds, they darted back towards the tv.

Tsumugi stared at the boy for a bit, and couldn't think of anything better to do than to greet him.

"Rantaro..."

"Hey. Everything go ok out there?"

His voice was light, yet with enough sympathy that Tsumugi knew where his focus was, even though his eyes were glued to the television.

"Um, yeah... I'll be right there..."

Tsumugi approached her control panel, and her fingers found their way to a metallic dial with Keebo's face on it. Along the sides were colored bars, ranging from red to green; the pointer was somewhere in the yellow at this point. Just as she started to turn the dial, Monokuma popped up behind her.

And not just Monokuma - it seems the Monokubs were woken up for this very meeting, as well.

"Rise and shine, ursine!"

Monokuma shook a fist at the girl, stomping up to her.

"Hey, HEY! Tsumugi! What do you think you're doin? This is a Killing Game! And you're the Mastermind! So start actin' like one!"

And one by one, the Monokubs joined in, supporting their father.

"A woman shouldn't go back on her word. This Killing Game must go on!"

"I THOUGHT WE WERE FRIENDS"

"Ooh, pops is gettin' real angry! You better apologize fast!"

Tsumugi's eyes shifted from one bear to the next, surrounding her and bombarding her with their arguments. She turned around quickly, to her control panel.

"I-I don't need you anymore."

Monokuma grabbed onto the girl's leg and started pulling it, in the hopes that she'd fall.

"What did you say? This is Danganronpa! Danganronpa without Monokuma is like bread without butter! A bear without honey! You are the Mastermind! And this Killing Game needs to continue! Now, make the right choice and-"

Tsumugi slammed a red button on her control pad, displaying the face of Monokuma. The color faded from the button, and in the same vein, consciousness faded from the bear.

"Not the... dreadfully... wrong one..."

The Monokubs all jumped back as their father was put out of business. They stared at Tsumugi with angry eyes, but she had five more buttons waiting for them. She systematically pressed them, incapacitating the Monokubs. Only Monodam had the strength to mutter a few words.

"BUT... WHAT ABOUT..."

Like metal being thrown into a dumpster, the bears fell with a light clang. Tsumugi turned towards Rantaro, who was apparently watching them intently. She didn't notice that sound wasn't playing from the television; he must have paused it to focus his attention on them. His eyes locked with hers for a second, and she froze again.

Without a word, he simply shrugged and unpaused the episode, letting Tsumugi go about her own business.

She turned back to her control panel in anticipation. She'd have to see which show he was watching...

Her hand flew to the Keebo dial, and she turned it from yellow to red. Finally done, her footsteps rushed to reach to the couch that Rantaro was laying on. But before she could take a seat, he paused the television and began asking her questions.

"So? Do they think I'm the Mastermind?"

"Yeah... Even though I tried to convince them that you were captured instead..."

Rantaro turned towards the girl, and nodded. His eyes seemed to lighten up when they reached hers.

"Right... You did tell me you were gonna say that... So what's their plan now?"

Tsumugi put a finger to her cheek, and responded. He understood why the boy was questioning her... But couldn't he at least wait a while? They were finally together again...

"Um... Well, tomorrow, they're gonna start looking for the secret entrance to this place... I'm nervous that they'll find it..."

Rantaro gave the girl another shrug, and reached down next to the couch.

"You never know..."

He pulled out two pairs of handcuffs. Tsumugi had them laying around somewhere... But she didn't know why he decided to fish them out now...

He motioned to put them on his arms and legs.

"These might convince them that your story is true. All I gotta do is-"

"Rantaro!"

Tsumugi instinctively shouted out towards him, a hand darting in his direction. Her volume was a bit louder than she would have liked. But she didn't want him in handcuffs. At least not yet. Cuddling someone in handcuffs was pretty tough...

"N-not yet... Please..."

Rantaro stared at the girl, and then gave her a warm smile, then dropped the handcuffs.

"Can't really object to that. Your game, your rules... Besides, we need to think of a plan, right?"

Tsumugi's eyes narrowed in on Rantaro's. He didn't get what she was saying. Or, maybe he did, but he didn't show it... She couldn't tell if he was simply toying with her, or if he was that dedicated towards their future... She wanted to escape from the stress, for even a little bit, but Rantaro was making it difficult... Why wouldn't he understand...

"Well... That can wait, right?"

"Wait till when? We don't have that much time, Tsumugi."

Tsumugi sighed lightly. When will he learn... Could she even convince him?

As a last-ditch attempt, she decided to bring up something else. It was an unwritten rule that would hopefully give them at least some time to themselves... Tsumugi gave the boy a smirk, hoping that he'd understand...

"Until the end of the episode. Everyone knows you can't just quit watching an episode halfway through."

Rantaro chuckled a bit, and then stared at Tsumugi, as if trying to unlock her mind. As their eyes locked, it was getting harder and harder for her to keep the same, neutral expression...

He copied her smirk as he answered, unpausing the television and turning back towards it.

"I guess you do have a point."

His expression told all. Rantaro knew her goal this entire time... She rolled her eyes at him and smiled, finally able to see what show the boy was watching.

"Soooo... How are you liking it?"

The screen showcased a caped figure dressed all in black, with a dark blue visor covering their face. Albeit the glazed look on Rantaro's, he seemed to be interested in the show. After all, it was getting pretty late...

But the time didn't really bother Tsumugi. She was tired before, but now that she was next to Rantaro, it was as if she was miraculously filled with energy, even forgetting about creating a plan. She plopped on the couch next to him, her glasses bouncing on her face. She stared at the boy until he gave her a casual glance. Her wide smile and twinkling eyes were contagious, and Rantaro couldn't help but grin as well. He didn't take his eyes off the television as he spoke.

"Well... That first one you recommended, I didn't like it too much..."

Tsumugi's arms shot towards Rantaro, her fingers gripping his left shoulder. She shook him playfully, her eyes wide in surprise.

"But how? It's a classic! How could you not like it?"

Rantaro looked at the girl in the corner of his eye and gave her a shrug.

"I mean... The dude's smart and all... But the show's all about hiding your identity and killing people by writing their names in some evil book..."

Tsumugi couldn't wipe the startled expression off her face. She ripped the remote from Rantaro's hand and paused the television. The boy turned towards her slowly, raising an eyebrow.

"What? B-but the battle of wits that the two of them have... It's just... insane to watch..."

Rantaro raised his arm and placed it on Tsumugi's shoulder. He gave her a natural smile that melted her emotions, her heart skipping a beat.

No one else could make her feel that way, she thought. He was always so casual, so caring, even when others opposed him. And not to mention that magical smile he had... The fact that she was able to be here with him was a blessing in of itself.

"But killing people... No matter how right he says it is, I know that it's wrong. It reminds me too much of-"

Tsumugi turned away, understanding where he was going with this. She didn't really feel like opposing him anymore.

"Of the Killing Games?"

"Yeah... That's why I can't watch it..."

Tsumugi nodded at the boy, slumping down in her seat, dropping her arms onto her lap.

"But... The apples... And the potato chips... And the cake..."

Rantaro chuckled at her comment, taking the hand on her shoulder and inching it closer to the back of her neck. They never did have a moment like this before... All the time they spent together previously, they never knew how they felt about each other... Not until earlier today... Rantaro knew he loved her, everything about her, her shining sapphire eyes, her long, navy hair, her bubbly personality... Now he knew she felt the same. And if watching anime would bring them closer, then who was he to decline? Not that this particular show wasn't interesting...

The boy threw his right finger at the television. The image was paused on a shot of a brown-haired boy and his sister, sitting in a wheelchair.

"But this show is different. I can see why you'd like it... It's still about someone who wants to take over the world, and all the espionage and trickery associated with it... But his motivations are a bit better..."

Tsumugi nodded swiftly, smiling in agreement, her posture straightening up. Rantaro couldn't tell if Tsumugi simply didn't notice his hand on her upper back, or she didn't care, but he wasn't one to question it. He assumed the latter.

"Yeah! He motivates a suppressed community to rebel against their oppressors for his own personal gain! Not to mention the characters are great to cosplay, too..."

Rantaro facepalmed with his free hand, shaking his head and compulsively laughing. It's natural for her to think that way... From all that she's been through... But he'd just have to show her the other side. He waved his finger at the girl, giving her a sly grin.

"Tsumugi... You don't quite get it, do you? I don't care that he wants to take over the world. What really matters, is that he's doing it for her."

Rantaro moved his hand so his finger was pointed at the girl in the wheelchair.

"He's so dedicated towards his sister that he's willing to change the world for her... And doing things for your sisters is something that I'm very accustomed to... All twelve of them."

The pair of them exchanged glances, and their eyes locked for a couple seconds, time freezing around them. Rantaro thought she looked beautiful sitting there, as her natural self. She didn't need to pretend to be anyone else. As much as she cosplayed and roleplayed, Rantaro truly liked her best the way she was.

However, Tsumugi looked away, her face growing somber.

"...Even though your sisters are all fake?"

"Even though they're fake."

"I... I'm sorry..."

"For what?"

"For giving you fake memories..."

Rantaro chuckled. It didn't matter that his memories were fake. The only thing that mattered right now, was her.

"Don't worry about it. The fact that the memories were made up doesn't make them any less real to me. So many positive thoughts... I could practically feel them... If my sisters did exist, I'd do anything for them."

The boy then put on a mischievous grin, taking the girl by surprise.

"Just like all the times I painted their nails..."

Tsumugi's mouth gaped at the boy, and she turned away, pouting. Her arms folded across her chest, holding her nose high.

"Hmpf. You just had to bring that up... I'm still mad that you interrupted Kaede's makeover..."

Rantaro rubbed his hand along her upper back, still toying with her.

"Well maybe I'm just better at painting nails than you."

"No you're not! And stop touching me!"

Tsumugi didn't budge, and Rantaro almost took back his hand, but he had a better idea. He shifted his left hand to her far shoulder and attempted to pull her closer. Tsumugi did her best to resist, turning to look at the boy with a pout. Rantaro knew the anger on her face wasn't how she truly felt. She did look cute when she was angry, though...

Tsumugi eventually gave in, leaning her head on Rantaro's shoulder and wedging her arm behind his back, her blue hair tickling the boy's neck. Rantaro ran his fingers down her left arm, giving her a light smile.

"Besides my sisters, there's a certain other woman I'd do anything for..."

Rantaro could tell that Tsumugi was grinning. She reached over him and dropped the remote on his lap, grabbing his side. She tugged at him.

"Rantaro..."

They sat there in silence for a couple seconds, after which Rantaro picked up the remote and pressed the play button. Dull voices began sounding from the television again, and Tsumugi turned her head to watch, still laying against Rantaro.

There were only five minutes left... And then it'd be over... At least for now, anyways. Tsumugi already saw the show, so she didn't feel the need to pay attention, especially with the timer looming over her head. It ticked down, and with every second, it meant one second less of this bliss, this simple pleasure of not having to worry about the Killing Game, not having to think about anything... Tsumugi tried her best to enjoy it, to revel in Rantaro's presence. It was difficult to not look at the clock, but she felt her eyes constantly drifting in that direction.

Stop!

Gripping Rantaro harder, she told herself to focus. To not look at the clock.

She turned back to the television just as the main character threw his hand in the direction of another man, as if giving him an order. That man, even though he seemed to be an enemy, interestingly complied to the request, almost as if his mind were being controlled. Rantaro let out a light chuckle.

"Wouldn't that be nice."

Tsumugi responded lightly, not moving from the comfortable position she was in.

"What?"

"If we had his ability. The power to control people, the power to give someone any command and have them execute it, no matter what. That'd make all our problems vanish. Our situation'd be a hell of a lot easier to get out of..."

Rantaro sighed quietly before Tsumugi responded, growing more alert.

"Yeah, you're right..."

"If only you were him, though... If only your cosplay was magic..."

Tsumugi's eyes lit up upon hearing about cosplay. She jumped off the couch quickly and ran over to her closet, grabbing a white sheet and throwing it over her shoulders like a cape. Pointing at Rantaro, she imitated the character to the best of her ability.

"Tsumugi Shirogane commands you! Forget this Killing Game, and everything about it!"

Rantaro gave the girl a warm smile. Seeing her like this, as her natural self, it was captivating. She looked like she was truly having fun, not having to bottle up her emotions trying to hide the fact that she was the Mastermind. This is right, he thought. This is how it should be. Well, except for the fact that the Killing Game wasn't dealt with yet...

But suddenly, Tsumugi's sapphire eyes widened, and she froze. Her mouth opened in revelation as she released the makeshift cape off her back. It fluttered to the ground as she ran back over to Rantaro.

"The Flashback Light!"

Rantaro was surprised at her outburst, so he wasn't prepared to respond. He simply repeated her words, comprehending them as he spoke.

"The Flashback Light..."

"Yes! The tool I used to give the players fake memories. There's a version of it called the Blackout Light that erases memories!"

Rantaro nodded his head. Right. He did remember this. Tsumugi used it in the last Killing Game he was a part of.

"Right..."

"We can use that to erase everyone's memories of this Killing Game!"

The gears in Rantaro's head began turning... Yes... This was exactly the solution they'd been looking for... A way to end the game without killing anyone...

"Yeah, that's right... You'll have to manually program that into the system, though... And that'll take some time..."

"Yup! It's not hard, though! It should only take a few hours. If I start now, I'll be done by morning!"

Still enthralled by her idea, Tsumugi started to run towards the secret entrance, but Rantaro grabbed her wrist again.

"Tsumugi, wouldn't it be suspicious if you met the others without getting any sleep? And you don't know if anyone is gonna get up early and see that you're missing. It's too risky..."

"But... But once it's done, it won't matter, right? I could just use it on them."

Rantaro pulled her closer and stared into her eyes, showing concern.

"What if it doesn't get finished in time? There are too many questions, Tsumugi. It's better to wait and do it when everyone is wandering around the school searching for that secret entrance. At least then, you'll have an excuse if you were off doing something else..."

Tsumugi contemplated Rantaro's proposal, putting a finger to her chin. She eventually let out a sigh and looked away, dejected.

"Yeah, I guess you're right..."

Rantaro nodded, then gave her a smug grin, throwing a finger at the television.

"Besides, the episode isn't over yet."

Tsumugi nodded, and sat back down on the couch. She leaned her head on Rantaro's shoulder in the last couple minutes of their time together. As much as she wanted more, she was relieved that they had a plan now. It was honestly a load off Tsumugi's chest: to have a hope for the future, her future with Rantaro... It was very fulfilling.

But it wouldn't be an easy plan... Monokuma wasn't there to help her anymore... And everything was always planned beforehand... The stress of the situation was building up in Tsumugi's head. One wrong move, and everything would be over.

Rantaro turned off the television just as the show ended, and the room was once again enveloped in silence. Only the lights of Tsumugi's machinery lit the area.

"Welp, I guess that's it, then."

Rantaro got up and held a hand out for Tsumugi, which she took. They stood together in silence, looking at each other.

"Be safe out there. And remember the plan."

Tsumugi nodded, an unlikely aura of confidence emanating from her. However, that all dissipated once she threw her arms around Rantaro and pulled him close. Tears started flowing from her eyes, falling on Rantaro's shoulder.

"Why... Why can't it be easy... Why do we have to do this, now..."

The boy wrapped his arms around her as well.

"I know it's tough... Just stick it out a little bit longer, ok? Everything will be fine. I know it will."

Tsumugi nodded, her head pressed against the boy's neck. After a couple seconds, she pulled away, wiping her eyes with her sleeve.

"Yeah... You're right..."

Rantaro put a warm hand on Tsumugi's shoulder and gave her a grin.

"I'll see you later. Get some sleep."

"You too."

Tsumugi turned around and started walking back, to leave the hideout, her stomach still fluttering. Hopefully a good night's sleep would calm her, at least a little bit...