"THANK YOU ALL FOR ATTENDING. NOW, TO REITERATE, DURING THIS TRIAL, YOU WILL ALL BE TASKED WITH ROOTING OUT THE KILLER AMONG YOU. IF YOU ARE SUCCESSFUL IN DOING SO, ALL BUT THE KILLER WILL BE FORGIVEN. OTHERWISE, ALL WILL BE PUNISHED."

"You said that last time," Mareo pointed out.

"Eh-heh. It seems that Kimi and Haru aren't the only ones that are becoming repetitive in their behavior," Bankei said. "Speaking of, however, though it pains me to say this, Kimi is going to be our topic of discussion. And not in a very nice way, either."

"As if we needed you to remind us, freak," Kimi snapped back.

"Kimi, will you stop being so rude to people?" Eryu demeaned. "It's not doing you any favors."

"Oh, Eryu, how sweet of you," Bankei said with a smile. "It's been oh-so nice to see your heart in the right place for once."

"For once?!" Mariko snapped back. "What are you trying to say about him?!"

"Eh-heheheh. Nothing, of course."

"Jeez, what's the deal with you people?" Haru butted in. "We're right outta the gate and we're already sidetracked on some bullshit. Can we just do what we're actually HERE to do?"

"HARU IS CORRECT IN HIS THINKING. WERE IT NOT FOR HIS TONE, I WOULD SAY THAT YOU ALL COULD LEARN SOMETHING FROM HIM."

"We're not here for you to make jabs at us, tin can," Haru retorted.

"Insults aside," Yori cut in, "Haru is correct. Kimi, there are some serious accusations against you. Do you have anything to say about them?"

"Well," Kimi began, fire in her eyes, "I'd say that I do! I didn't do jack shit!"

"Fair enough," Takeshi said calmly. "Anything else you wanna share with us? It'd be nice if you elaborated."

"Fine, Takeshi," Kimi said bitterly, "I'll elaborate. Look, I went to the laundry room, like I told Naoko."

"Hang on a minute," Mareo cut in. "Why did you feel the need to go there?"

"Because Haru spilled his drink on me, like he did on our first goddamn day. I needed something else to wear."

"Huh?" Hoshi said. Before that point, Hoshi seemed rather out of it. He was still in his chair and looked as miserable as he did in the game room. However, he perked up a bit when he heard Kimi say that. "What do you mean you needed something else to wear?"

"I said what I said,'' Kimi replied annoyedly. "As much as I'd rather you fucking not, one look at my damn chest will show what Haru's oafness did to yours truly's favorite article of clothing."

Hoshi gave Kimi a look of bemusement. "Your, ahem, sweater, you mean?"

Kimi looked back at Hoshi with what could best be described as visible sarcasm. "No, my gym socks. Of course my sweater! Just look!"

She then gestured indignantly at her sweater, showing off the stain that, while faded, was still definitely there. It was all an odd place to start, from Naoko's perspective, focusing on a stain on Kimi's shirt. Still, he had an idea of where things were going.

"Well," Hoshi began, "if you left because of a stain on your shirt...well, that'd be convenient for you, wouldn't it?"

"What the hell are you even talking about?" Kimi asked.

"If we were to assume that it was all an accident," Hoshi continued, driven in tone, "then it wouldn't be convenient. But, if you needed an excuse to leave, you could, perhaps, seek out an opportunity to do so."

"Wait," Mareo cut in, "are you saying she wanted her sweater to get dirty? That's just silly."

"That does sound strange, for sure," Takeshi agreed.

"Well, why else would she be wearing her clothes during a pool party?" Hoshi argued. "It'd certainly make her stand out."

"No, that's wrong," Naoko cut in. "I don't think that her being clothed or not has anything to do with the murder."

"And, to elaborate on that," Yori added, "Kimi wasn't the only clothed one."

"She wasn't?" Hoshi asked, winding down significantly.

"Indeed, Hoshi," Yasuo confirmed. "I was clothed as well, remember? When we found the body, Bankei and I didn't have nearly enough time to change, and neither did anyone else."

"Oh, I'm sorry," Hoshi said dejectedly, "I suppose given the shock, I didn't give it much thought."

"I'm actually rather offended at that assumption," Bankei noted, calm as ever. "Me? Act so immodestly in public? I'm surprised, really. You've seemed to me as something of a scholar, yet you seem quite a poor judge of character."

Hoshi hung his head low. "I suppose, yes. That's true."

"Don't let Bankei get to you, Hoshi," Yori advised. "All that will do is cause our debate to fizzle out, and if that happens, I don't look forward to the results."

"So, we should, like, keep asking Kimi about what she did?" Ishi asked.

"That seems to be the best course of action at the moment," Yori replied.

"I already told you guys," Kimi said, "I went from the pool room to the laundry room."

"And then?" Takeshi asked. "What did you do while you were there?"

"I looked through the room for another sweater to wear, of course. I didn't exactly rifle through them, 'cause then I'd have more shit you guys would want me to tidy up for you, but I certainly looked."

"Well, how long did that take?" Eryu asked.

"I, um," Kimi said hesitantly, "I don't exactly remember."

"You don't remember?!" Mine exclaimed. "How is that possible?"

"I don't know!" Kimi snapped back. "All I know is that I was looking for a new sweater one moment, the next my memory goes dark, and I'm lying on the ground of the music room, my head pounding like someone ran a jackhammer on the back of my skull!"

"You're saying that there's a gap in your memory?" Yasuo asked. "That's odd."

"Well, it's true," Kimi asserted.

"Wait a fuckin' second," Haru interjected. "Are you sayin' we're just supposed to believe that you don't remember jack shit?"

"Hey!" Kimi exclaimed. "I told you, I remember a little. That's a lot better than nothing, right?"

"It doesn't explain why you ran out holdin' one of my goddamn mallets," Haru pointed out.

That specific point looked like it actually frightened Kimi, as she went wide-eyed at it being brought up. "W-what? Look, I wasn't thinking straight! Th-the mallet was in my hands when I woke up! I ran out with it!"

"That's definitely what she told me," Naoko added.

"It's kind of weird, though, right?" Mariko pointed out. "I get maybe picking up the murder weapon. I'm pretty sure I played a game where someone did that. But...running out with it?"

"I'm telling you guys! That's what happened!" Kimi yelled.

"Now, now, Kimi," Bankei said patiently. "There's no need to act so aggressive." She then attempted to place her hand on Kimi's shoulder, only for Kimi to slap it away.

"Ew! Don't touch me, you hormone-addled sociopath!" she snapped.

This act didn't seem to sit well with Bankei, as she seemed to go from calm, to a bit annoyed. "I was only trying to comfort you, Kimi," she said. "But, if you believe you do not need my assistance, then fine. I will respect your feelings. However, since I am no longer coming to your aid…"

Bankei gave Kimi a mischievous smile.

"...allow me to share my honest take on this matter."

Uh oh, Naoko thought. Whatever Bankei was going to suggest, it most likely wasn't good.

"Despite some of Hoshi's odd reasoning," Bankei began, "it's not absurd to think that you capitalized on your opportunity away from prying eyes. Why Sasa was also away from her group, I am not sure, but I think the product of those circumstances is obvious: you killed her in cold blood."

"But, wait," Ishi cut in, confused, "why would she do that, though?"

"Ah, the motive," Sasa replied. "That's a factor, yes."

"Could it have been because Sasa, like, was in love with someone she liked?" Ishi suggested.

"Kimi? In love?" Eryu asked.

"Well, yeah. Y'know, because of the Lighter stuff in her?"

"No, that's wrong," Naoko interrupted her. "Don't you remember what IMONO said a couple of days ago? Kimi is immune...apparently, at least."

"Wait, did IMONO actually say that?" Ishi asked.

"They did, yes," Hoshi replied.

"I'd like to let everyone here know that I have NOT had ANY sort of romantic interest in ANYONE," Kimi said loudly.

"I'm not sure if that really needed to be said," Mareo weighed in. "You've never struck me as being prone to such feelings."

"Haha, very funny, asshole," Kimi replied with bitter sarcasm. "Keep your observations to yourself."

"What I'm getting from this," Takeshi cut in, "is that she probably didn't kill for love, or anything like that."

"She could still kill for an entirely different reason, however," Bankei pointed out. "I'm sure you all remember Kimi snapping at Sasa in front of everyone."

"Oh, yeah," Mariko replied, "I remember that. That was...really upsetting for her."

"It was," Hoshi agreed. "Clearly, Kimi didn't care much for her. Could she, perhaps, have been willing to kill her?"

"Woah, woah, woah!" Kimi interrupted. "Just because I snapped at her once, you think I hate her enough I'd want to kill her?!"

"Well, let me ask you a question, then," Eryu replied. "Why did you feel the need to snap at her?"

"It was circumstantial!" Kimi proclaimed. "You guys were all riling me up, and then she decided to speak up, telling me to calm down. Can you believe that?!"

"Eh-heh," Bankei chuckled. "I suppose I can understand your frustration to an extent. Sasa always was a...strange girl." She actually looked a bit disgusted when referring to Sasa as strange.

"...Excuse me?" Hoshi glared accusingly.

"Oh, I'm sorry, Hoshi," Bankei apologized politely. "Did that peak your curiosity? It was just an observation of mine, nothing more."

"Hoshi, don't worry yourself too much," Yori advised. "If you let her provoke you, we'll risk going off-topic again."

"Right. You're right," Hoshi sighed. "Thank you."

"Well, Yori, it's good to see that you care about him," Bankei replied, "but I'm afraid your kind gesture has caused you to overlook something that I'd say is very...interesting."

Yori cocked her head at Bankei confusedly. "Interesting?"

"Of course," Bankei smiled back. "I'm surprised you have yet to comment on it, yourself. You've always seemed rather perceptive and thoughtful. Has that changed, or are you willfully ignoring it?"

"You're being cryptic, you know," Naoko pointed out, getting a bit annoyed. "What do you mean you noticed something Yori hasn't?"

"It's simple," Bankei replied. "My eyes are that of the Sphinx. My gaze sees into the hearts and souls of men. Though, I should point out, one does not need such a keen eye to notice that Sasa's death has affected Hoshi. Quite dramatically, I'd say."

"Well, it's affected everyone," Mariko replied. "Hasn't it?"

"Perhaps to an extent," Bankei responded. "Death is...well, I wouldn't say it's a pretty sight. And the loss of someone close to you is very painful, that is for certain. However, I must ask, what was everyone's connection to the girl?"

"I don't understand, Bankei," Mine said, sweating nervously and moving quite animatedly in her chair. "Sasa was our friend, wasn't she?"

"Oh, Mine, dear," Bankei replied softly, "there's no need to be worried. All I'm saying is that in order to be affected by someone's passing, an emotional connection is required. The stronger the connection, the stronger the effect is. With this in mind...Hoshi. What kind of connection did you have with Sasa?"

Hoshi looked at Sasa like he was about to start yelling at her, but the yelling never came. Instead, he broke his gaze, looked around at all the others, and his anger faded. A look of sorrow soon replaced it.

"I…" Hoshi began to speak, though definitely didn't enjoy doing so. "...I never told her how I felt."

"How you felt, you say?" Yasuo asked curiously.

"About her?" Kimi asked incredulously. "I'm like 99% sure you were starin' at me like a goddamn creeper!"

"Oh," Hoshi said regretfully. "I remember. That was when we were anticipating some sort of event to occur. I remember I started to have these...feelings. It was wrong of me to even entertain them, and I'm sincerely sorry to anyone who I might have upset with my careless disrespect. Still, Sasa I remember fondly even before that."

"You're saying that you were in love with Sasa?" Mariko asked sentimentally. "That's so…"

"Please," Hoshi replied solemnly, "don't worry about me. Yes, I suppose during our time together, I felt...attracted. She was kind and gentle, and her being a fellow writer intrigued me. Most of all, though, her demeanor...it made me want to help her. But now I can't."

"I wanted to help her, too," Mariko replied regretfully. "I just...I didn't know how. I'm really, really sorry-"

"No need for that," Hoshi interrupted her. "This isn't important to the matter at hand, is it?"

"Well," Yasuo weighed in, "we now know why you've been acting the way you've been. It's because you were, well, in love. I don't want to seem intrusive in any way, but would you say you are feeling, perhaps, vengeful?"

"That would probably be an accurate assessment, yes," Hoshi answered. "You must share my sentiment, don't you?"

"Hm," Yasuo hesitated. "Well, at the moment, you've...No, I'm sorry. I shouldn't comment on such things. Too negative for my taste."

Hoshi sighed at this and shifted his attention to everyone else. "If we don't find Sasa's killer, we know what will happen from there. Not only will we die, but we will allow a truly monstrous individual to return to civilized society. Thus, I invite all those willing to assist me. Kimi is our prime suspect, and I will doubt her innocence until I can be shown to be wrong."

"Hang on a minute," Eryu spoke up, "are you saying we're supposed to "assist" you? Including me?"

Hoshi gave him a confused look. "That depends. Do you agree that Kimi is most suspicious?"

"Oh, absolutely," Eryu replied. "I don't see how it could be anyone else."

"He's upset because he'd be assisting you," Mariko astutely pointed out. "He's the leader, y'know? You should really help him."

"Uh, thanks." As expected, Eryu was having trouble taking the praise.

"Oh," Mariko replied, looking worried. "I'm sorry. I'm not saying that you need help, it's just that-"

Mareo got everyone's attention by coughing loudly.

"Excuse me," he said, "but we have something to get to. We all remember that, right? It's not just me?"

"Oh, he's right!" Mine exclaimed. "We need to keep going with the trial!"

"His manners could use work, methinks," Bankei replied. "Otherwise, yes, dear, you are correct."

"So you all want to keep accusing me, huh?" Kimi said unhappily. "Whatever. Better than this lovey-dovey talk. All it's doing is adding to my urge to puke."

"Let's move on quick, then," Takeshi suggested. "Would rather you not lose your lunch. Anyway, if you guys are gonna throw accusations her way, you gotta figure out where to start. I don't know what kinda questions I'd ask myself, if I'm being honest."

Hoshi looked at Takeshi somewhat disdainfully. "If you're not sure, then I can provide a question myself. Kimi, you say that you went to the laundry room, and don't remember what happened after that. Truth be told, I have my doubts."

"So, you're saying that she could've, like, gone somewhere else?" Ishi asked.

Hoshi looked straight at Kimi. "Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying. Kimi, what really happened after you left the pool room?"

INTERMISSION