A/N: Time to explore the new floor! Oh this should be so interesting, especially because we can all assume everyone reading this has probably watched/played the game at least once and already knows the layout of the school at least vaguely.

But, hey, there are pictures! (bottom of the page)

lol i swear I will be responsible and do one last check for mistakes. I swear.


Chapter 3.1: Thanks, I Hate It!

"Today's count kinda sucks, huh?" Hiro looked around the cafeteria with a dejected sigh. "Toko and Byakuya are still choosing to skip out, and…"

He didn't finish the sentence, letting it hang in the empty air. But we all knew what he meant. The others missing from our table. The ones who weren't just absent.

Usually a man in cheerful spirits, even Hiro looked crestfallen.

But Toko and Byakuya weren't the only ones missing.

Chihiro frowned, brow furrowed in puzzlement. "Hold on. Where are Hina and Leon?"

"II went to check on them first thing in the morning!" said Taka. "I figured I ought to see how Leon was feeling, considering…" Once again, the last night's events were left unsaid—remembered by the whole group like some kind of collective nightmarish fever dream.

"And, how's he doing?" asked Mondo

"Hmm… I'm not sure!" said Taka. "I didn't go inside. They said they weren't feeling well, so I let them be. I insisted perhaps attending breakfast as a group could help improve their mood and morale, but, if they're sick then they must attend to their health."

"What, both of them?" asked Junko. Her expression was dubious.

"Strange…" said Celeste. "Hina seems to be an individual who is usually in good health."

Taka nodded. "Yes!" he said, replying to Junko. "Perhaps a stomach bug is going around."

"So, what? We're just supposed to leave them?" asked Junko. "I don't know about what Taka said about leaving them. How about you, 'Kuro, you think that's a good idea?"

"I—" floundered a bit, feeling put on the spot. Nor did I want to start a fight with Junko. I could see her point, but I didn't want anyone else sick.

"No, let them be," said Kyoko.

I nodded to her, she nodded back. I was thankful for her diverting the attention, and speaking so I didn't have to.

"I think it's best if we let them be," said Taka. "And I recommend everyone exercise caution and good hygiene, lest it spread. Taking care of oneself is important! E—Especially now…"

"That is very true," I said. I turned to Taka. "Thank you for checking on them."

He seemed surprised by my thanks. "It is no trouble!" he said. "Considering our—our circumstances, I thought it a smart decision, and I figured someone should do it. And I am the earliest to rise, after all."

Junko rolled her eyes. "Humblebrag."

"Hmm… While we're on the subject," said Chihiro. "Do you think it's a good idea to leave Leon by himself?" she asked with an expression of worry.

"Nah, don't worry, he's got Hina," said Mondo, leaving it short and… short.

"I don't know…" said Chihiro. "Mukuro, what do you think?"

Why is she asking me?

After all, I wasn't the one who had checked up on him. Why did my opinion hold any weight?

Luckily, before I had to respond, Taka answered for me.

"Hina is keeping an eye on him," said Taka. "But she did inform me that he is feeling somewhat better after a night's rest!"

"They've been in the same room, all night?" asked Junko.

"I—I didn't ask," said Taka, frowning to himself as if the thought hadn't occurred to him.

"See?" muttered Junko, under her breath. "What did I say? Less than a day, and he's already moved on. Shocker." She rolled her eyes.

Hiro grimaced. "Ew. Don't even joke like that."

"Anyway, I doubt it's a problem. I don't think he's her type," said Celeste, with a small self-satisfied smirk.

I was surprised at the group's behavior. Apparently, Chihiro was, too, because she spoke up.

"Guys! He's grieving!" said Chihiro, tone surprisingly harsh in her amazement, despite that fact that she seemed to be keeping her voice hush for no real reason. "I can't believe you would talk like that."

Junko snickered. "Cheer up, Cheerio. It's a joke."

"Alright, are we done messing around?" said Kyoko, waiting for the others to calm their silent laughs behind their hands. "We actually do have some important decisions to make."

"Like?" asked Junko.

"How we're going to conduct ourselves from now on," said Kyoko.

"Mukuro?" Chihiro turned to me, as did the others. "What do you think we should do?"

Everyone's eyes were on me.

Oh, no.

Why was I becoming the decision-maker? Did they honestly expect me to lead?

That was far too much responsibility. I'd never been one for the spotlight. I needed out—as soon as possible.

"I—" What we did from this point hung on my next few words. "I would like to finish my breakfast before we have to make any major decisions. We can't talk on an empty stomach." I was stalling, but what the hell? "But, Kyoko is right, we do have to start thinking about our future. That includes planning any sort of resistance or escape."

Perhaps I could defer attention to someone else.

"If Makoto were here, he would know what to do..." said Chihiro, gaze diverted sadly at the floor as she hung her head.

"Hey, now," said Hiro, "Things will turn around. Besides, I've made a decision. As the oldest here, I've decided I'm gonna step up as team leader!"

As much as I adored Hiro, that didn't sound like the ideal plan, so I decided to speak up.

"That is very responsible of you, Hiro."

"Heh, thanks 'Kuro!"

I needed to think fast.

"And," I said hastily, "on the positive side of things, in your position as the new leader, I think you will do an excellent job of delegating your responsibilities. For instance…"

A moment of inspiration struck me.

"—Taka is very responsible and always punctual, I think if you were to put him in charge of our schedule, starting with this morning that would be an excellent decision as a leader."

I put on my best encouraging smile.

"Hey… Hey, you know what? You're right!" said Hiro. He turned to Taka, calling out to him. "Taka, you like this sort of thing, what do you think?"

Taka looked surprised, eyes going wide as he pointed to himself. "Me?"

"Now that sounds like an idea!" said Mondo, giving his bro and encouraging smile and a nudge in the arm—perhaps more roughly than intended, but Taka smiled back in response. "Bro, you got this!"

"Sure, why not?" said Hiro. "What's today looking like?"

I breathed a sigh of relief, glad I seemed to have actually succeeded to charm someone once in my life.

While I was sure Hiro wanted to be nice and do the right thing by stepping up, I had a feeling it was more out of obligation than anything. Well, he had zero problems with letting other people make the decisions.

Junko glanced at me, raising an eyebrow. "Well, look at you," she said, too low for anyone else to hear, her tone impressed. She smirked, her look knowing, as if to say, I see what you did there.

"What?" I asked, trying to play innocent despite the fact that I did indeed know what.

In the corner, I noticed Kyoko biting her lip, fighting back a small smile.

Junko watched Hiro and Taka in conversation in amazement. "Wow," she said. "It's like the real life version of rolling a nat 20 in persuasion."

At this comment, Celeste raised her eyebrows. "Interesting..." she said, expression still as impassive as ever. But even then, I spotted a twinkle of amusement in her eye.

I shook my head, rolling my eyes. "What's so funny?"

"Nothing, nothing. Hell," said Junko. "We're all bummed out of our minds from yesterday, I think we could use a laugh. I mean, I question your choice, Taka isn't the sharpest tool in the shed. But he is kind of a stick in the mud, so he'll get a kick out of it. What's the worst that could happen?"

I ignored that last comment, instead clearing my throat, catching the attention of the two boys. "I'm hungry," I said, trying to make a conscious effort to convey just how hungry I was. "So, what have you guys decided on?"

"We are going to finish our breakfast!" said Taka. "And then we are going to split up in groups and devote some time to exploring the new floor."

"Oh, right!" said Junko. "Good call. I forgot that was a thing."

"New floor? Well, at least something positive has come from our misfortune," said Celeste with a pleased smile.

"You think so? I just don't think we should be celebrating something like this," said Chihiro.

"It's not a celebration. However, I am not going to turn my nose up at the idea of additional accommodations," said Celeste. "If we are stuck here, I would rather live comfortably. Besides, if we adapt to our living situation, our level of dissatisfaction will go down and perhaps we will be able to coexist peacefully. And, in the end, isn't that all what we want?"

God, that smile of hers never got any less creepy.

"And you'd really be ok with staying here f-forever?" asked Chihiro.

"Well, of course I want out. I am stuck here, just like everyone else," said Celeste. "However, I have come to accept the fact that we may be staying here for a very long time. Yes, perhaps that may be forever. Really, the sooner you are at peace with that fact, the easier your life will be."

"Well said! Anywhere can be a home if it's where you're happy!" said Hiro. He scratched his chin thoughtfully. "Not here, though. Having a hard time being happy here. This place is kind of a downer."

"I'm gonna make coffee," said Junko, cutting in—noticing the downturn the conversation was taking. "Let me know if you guys want anything."

That got everyone clamoring for breakfast suggestions, previous somber mood all but forgotten as Junko headed to the kitchen to brew a fresh pot.

"Taka." I murmured his name under my breath to catch his attention, pulling up a chair next to him as I sat my cereal down in front of me.

"Mukuro!"

He nearly jumped back in fright, almost spilling the contents of his cup in the process. The others glanced up at the noise, my attempt at subtlety wasted.

"Sorry," I said, still keeping my voice low, despite the fact that we'd managed to attract several pairs of eyes from the others students. Still, after a moment, they seemed to find our discussion to be unimportant and mundane, and went back to their food.

"It's quite alright," said Taka at a normal volume, still trying to regulate his breath. Well, a normal volume for him. "You just startled me."

"I wanted to thank you for stepping up today," I said.

"Oh!" said Taka. His brow furrowed in confusion. "And I appreciate your thanks very much, but Hiro is the one in charge, not me. Perhaps you would like to talk to him instead?" He nodded earnestly.

"I'm not talking about that," I said. "Well… I am a little." How was I going to put this delicately? "I really like Hiro a lot. And I know he's the oldest, but I think you've displayed some real leadership qualities. I think… I would be more comfortable if… if you could step up into a position of authority."

"Do you really believe that?" asked Taka. "I—I am flattered by your praise. And thank you for acknowledging my attention to detail and skill at organization, but I have heard the others express doubts about my abilities—"

Of course. Junko. And the others to some extent, but she was the main culprit here.

"—given my lack of talent. And it—it has come to my recent attention that I can be loud, and—and pushy. Perhaps you could find someone with a more commanding presence, such as Kyoko, or Mondo. Mondo I'm certain would do great—"

"Mondo is wonderful," I agreed, partially to get on Taka's good side, and partially honest. I did like the guy, flaws and all. But he wasn't always the most level-headed person. The real intent was to appeal to Taka's fondness for him. "But I think we both know that he has a small problem controlling his temper."

And Kyoko was… Kyoko. Something told me that she would not go for the idea of being in charge.

"I—I still don't know—"

"Don't be ridiculous!" I said, getting more insistent. "You would do a great job. I know you can be responsible. And I know how hard you work."

I was laying it on thick, just a little, but I meant it. If anything I just didn't want to be in charge myself. I really didn't feel ideal for the position of leadership. Taka, on the other hand, I had much more confidence in his abilities in this field than mine. I was never leader material.

"Besides," I added, "I didn't check on the others this morning. Hiro didn't check on the others this morning. You did that. That was your first instinct. The fact that you care enough about everyone's safety and well-being proves to me that out of everyone here, this is your job."

He seemed to be giving it some thought. "You are correct. I do work hard," said Taka. "This is true."

I bit back a small smile, fighting the urge to vocalize that humility was also one of his most admirable qualities. In the end, I thought better of it.

"I…" Taka looked at a loss for words. "You are incredibly kind, but I am afraid I cannot replace Makoto! He was our leader, and it would do him a disservice to try and replace him so quickly!"

"Nobody can replace Makoto," I reassured him with a nod. "He was… very special. But I think he would feel a lot better knowing our group is in the right hands. That's you. You're the one who knows what you're doing. Just… don't tell Hiro I said that," I added, much more quietly.

"I won't!" said Taka, much to loud for someone swearing not to share a private confidence. His eyes began to well up, and although I had come to expect this sort of reaction with Taka, I was still surprised to see tears begin to stream down his face as he smiled and nodded at me. "I won't say a word! I—I will not let you down! I promise I will put in all my effort, and do the best that I can do! Thank you for believing in me!"

Not knowing how to respond, I reached out, patting him awkwardly on the back. "You'll be great."

"Thank you for trusting me with this great responsibility," he said, and for once his voice was at the volume a voice should normally rest. "I always felt that I had trouble breaking into the group, but now I know you respect me."

Taka beamed. His smile was so wide and happy as he wiped at his eyes with his sleeve.

I fought back the pang of guilt in my stomach, trying to reason with myself that it was for the best. I'd meant everything I'd said to him. Mostly.

None of it was a lie. I just… maybe possibly hadn't said it all for the most altruistic reasons. I didn't think he would be a perfect leader—to expect that was a fool's hope. But he'd proven himself to me. And I definitely felt more comfortable with him making major decisions than someone like Hiro—or even me. That's what it was all about in the end, wasn't it? I just didn't want to be the one calling the shots. Being in charge? I could never do something like that.

Finally, Taka had collected himself to give a final sniff, then do a sweep around the dining hall with his eyes. "Well, I'm nearly done with my breakfast, so as soon as everyone finishes up we should probably get going. I'm assuming this is everyone?"

Our meal was interrupted by a sickening familiar sing-song voice.

"I'm here!" the voice trilled. "You called for me so I appear!"

Of course, to our amazement and horror, it was Sparkling Justice in the flesh.

At catching our attention, Jill struck a pose. "Morning darlings, it's me! Sparkling—"

Hiro yelped, jumping back in fright and shielding his face and looking ready to hide behind the table if need be. "Gah! What are you doing here? Stay back!"

So much for our courageous leader.

"Oh my." Celeste looked between them, cutting into the conversation by addressing Jill. "Pardon me, but I think my friends and I were expecting… someone else this morning," said Celeste.

She was quick to do damage control. Didn't want to get on the serial killer's bad side, that's for sure. I could tell she was trying to put it tactfully, but even she seemed surprised at the intrusion.

"What? Gloomy? Don't you worry your adorable little heads off, she'll be back. All in due time, all in due time." Jill nodded sagely, as if she was the reasonable one in this situation. "Just not right now. I've been dormant for far too long, I decided it was finally time. I need some fresh air!"

"Well, good luck with that," grumbled Junko. "We're trapped inside."

Jill ignored her. "Isn't it just your lucky day? Normally I'd never allow myself out in public like this, but since a certain blonde-haired bespectacled someone let the cat of the bag, I figured I could catch myself a break. It's what I deserve, isn't it? Besides, my battle has just begun!"

"Battle?" asked Taka.

"That whole 'killer with a split personality' thing is so overdone. I'm breaking down barriers, destroying that stereotype!" said Jill.

"But, you are a serial killer with a split personality..." said Hiro.

"True, but I'm going for nuance. Layers."

"You mean like an onion?" he asked.

"I was thinking more like a wedding cake. Besides, my side of the story has gone untold for far too long! Plus, I'm awful curious to see who exactly this mastermind is gonna be!" said Jill, wiggling her fingers and cackling with excitement.

"To kill him or to take him out for coffee?" asked Junko.

"I think I'll decide when the time comes," said Jill. "But if you must know, I think I'm leaning toward the former. It'd be so much more satisfying!"

Celeste sighed. "Be it far from my greatest wish to ruffle any feathers, but the idea of rooming in the same dorm with a serial killer is unsettling to say the least."

"Please," said Jill. "I'm harmless! I wouldn't hurt a fly. Unless that fly happened to have a violent criminal background, of course."

And no one wanted to argue the point any further, so we were forced to finish our breakfast with a murderer.

Well, technically we'd been having breakfast with murders. We just didn't know it. They were… future murderers. Potential murderers. Murderers-to-be.

We'd just never had breakfast with a killer with a past. So that was an interesting new first. The lingering thought of having to live with this new wild card didn't exactly make my stomach settle. At last, we finished up our meal before heading out to search the school.

"You'd think... in a place... like this... they'd be smart and install some elevators," said Junko, pausing at the top of the steps—hands on her hips as she tried to catch her breath.

I followed her up the steps, not far behind. "I mean, you're not wrong, but I don't—don't think it was the top priority for whoever designed a school for mutual killing," I replied, also a little winded, even if I was trying to hide it.

Finally reaching the third floor, I paused behind her, scanning the hall all over in order to take in our new environment.

"Believe me, when we get out of here I'm definitely going to be talking to someone about the accessibility of this floor plan," said Taka, coming up from behind us. "It's abysmal!"

"You mean if we get out of here," said Junko. More quietly, she added, trying to remain out of earshot from the others. "And don't start with that, or Celeste will never shut up with her screed on 'adaptability'."

Taka frowned. "Darwinism was never meant to be applied to humans."

"Sure. Once we find out who our mystery warden is, you can tell that to the mastermind," said Junko. "I'm sure he'd get a kick out of it." Looking around the space, she added, "So this is the third floor, huh?"

"Guess so," I said.

A door with a circular window caught my eye—being the first thing of interest on this new floor. Craning my neck to see what was inside, I was greeted by the inside of what looked to be a rec room.

"This way," I said, waving to Junko.

She nodded, a few of the others following.

The room was dark, covered in a wallpaper of blue dots with a large pool table as the centerpiece. In front of the pool table, a stack of different strategy and board games lay on a small coffee table set up. In the far corner a dart board was propped against the wall. To the right, a shelf of magazines in a large variety.

"I've never seen anything like this in a school before," said Taka with wide-mouthed awe. "Have you, Mondo?"

Mondo shook his head.

I was unsurprised, since I also had never attended a school with this level of resources.

"Neither have I," said Kyoko.

"The perks of going to a school for freaks, I guess," said Junko. At seeing everyone's expression, she amended, "'Scuse me. I mean, a school for the 'Ultimates'."

"Not bad," said Hiro, giving the room a look around before nodding, seemingly impressed. His gaze fell on the stack of games. "Alright, alright. I mean, check this place out. Pool table, dart board, games. Not bad for a school, yeah? Hey, Mukuro." He turned to look at me, something of a glint in his eye—noticeably in much higher spirits than he had been that morning. "Ever played Othello?"

"Haven't had the pleasure." I reciprocated the smile, the feeling more natural than I had come to expect. "Guess you're gonna have to show me sometime."

He winked. "Sure thing. What about poker?"

I shook my head. "Nope."

"Looks like I have a pupil," said Hiro. "Now's as good as any time to learn, yeah?"

Before I could reply again, I was distracted by the shelf of bottles on the wall catching my attention. Each one contained a small Monokuma, each holding a different chess piece.

"Oh! A Monokuma in a bottle," said Chihiro, noticing where my attention was diverted. I hadn't even noticed her enter the room. "Like those bottles that hold ships."

I nodded absentmindedly.

"These accommodations will certainly make life here more pleasant," said Celeste with a small pleased smile.

"I suppose you're right," said Taka, but he frowned. "Somehow, it… feels wrong to enjoy this leisure under these circumstances."

"We have so little to enjoy, let's just try to take it for what it is," said Kyoko. "Even if the means by which our new floor was obtained probably ruins the feeling of enjoyment for most."

Junko sighed. "Let's... call it a way to boost morale," she bargained, but even she didn't sound convinced. "Happy people don't kill their classmates."

"Ha!" Jill cackled, surprising Junko. Her eyes widened as she gasped. "Hey, check this thing out!" She pointed to a dusty locker against the right wall, running up to it and swinging it wide open.

"That old thing?" asked Junko. "What's the big deal? It's just a locker."

"Are you kidding? You could hide a dead body in this thing!" said Jill with a wide grin and climbing inside.

Begrudged I was to admit it, she was sort of right. It was definitely large enough to fit a person, at least of Toko's size.

At seeing the look on everyone's faces, Jill added, "Relax, I'm not getting any ideas. Can't a serial killer make a joke around here?"

She then proceeded to close the locker on herself.

Celeste ignored her, flipping through one of the many magazines she'd picked up off the shelf. She frowned. "I have this edition. Surely there must be something newer, right?"

A familiar squeaky voice came from behind us. "Well, lookie here! So I see you guys found my—"

"Let me guess, Monoshelf?" asked Junko, voice full of sarcasm.

"Don't be ridiculous!" Monokuma waved a paw. "That's just a regular old magazine shelf! We've got fashion, motorcycles, martial arts, video games, baseball, science, the works!"

"Any hope of getting new issues as they come out?" asked Celeste.

"Sorry," said Monokuma, shaking his head. "I'm afraid no can do! You see, magazines at the moment… well, they are kinda..."

"Kinda... what?" asked Junko, eyebrow quirked in either curiosity or disbelief.

"Oops!" He covered his mouth. "That's wandering dangerously close to spoiler territory!" said Monokuma. "Besides, I think our higher power gets tired of me spouting exposition when we should already know everything by this point!" He waddled over to the locker where Jill was stuffed inside, giving it a good hard kick.

A yelp came from inside, and I noticed Kyoko's eyes narrow, watching the locker intently.

"Higher power?" asked Hiro. "You don't mean like—"

At that precise moment, the locker swung open and and a faint Jill went falling to the ground. Or, she would have hit the ground if Kyoko hadn't grabbed her just in time, just narrowly missing the connection with the cold tile.

"I—w-what happened?" she asked, and to my surprise, it wasn't Jill's high pitched trill but Toko's hesitant stutter.

"Toko!" said Chihiro in surprise.

"Whoa!" cried Mondo. "Shit, you're back!"

I rushed to her side, putting her arm over my shoulder and trying to help her on her feet. "Are you alright?"

She was heavier than I expected, so I shot Junko a look. She seemed to get the message, because nodded and was at Toko's other side at once, and the three of us helped her to her feet.

"Hang on, 'Kuro," said Hiro. "Stay back! It could be Jill playing a trick on us!"

"Or just a person with alters switching their personality," said Junko, ignoring his warnings.

"Wh-Where am I?" asked Toko. "Last thing I r-r-remember I—" She stopped, frozen in her tracks. "I—I'm not dead?" She was as white as a sheet, eyes wide as she felt herself on her face, her arms, pinched her legs, as if she couldn't believe this was real.

"It would seem that way, yes," said Kyoko with a small reassuring smile.

"Unless, could it be? Maybe we're all dead," said Hiro. "And this is just a simulation."

"Not helping," said Junko. "Also, which is it? Are we dead, or is it a simulation? I don't think it can be both."

"So I di—I di—I didn't d-d-do it?" asked Toko.

"No. Not you," said Kyoko.

Toko breathed a sigh of relief, even smiling for once for just a moment before she had another realization, frowning in puzzlement once more. "B-But then who—"

"Maybe we can talk about this later," said Chihiro. "What's important right now is that you're okay."

"W-Why are you being so—so nice—so nice to me?" asked Toko, eyeing everyone with suspicion. "Get away from me!" She backed off, shrugging me and Kyoko off her. "G-Get off! What are you hiding?"

"Sayaka's dead," said Junko flatly, ignoring Chihiro's evasiveness and just getting right to it.

"Junko!" said Taka sharply.

"What?" asked Junko. "She was gonna find out anyway, there are only so many of us in this school." She turned back to Toko, addressing her once more. "Sayaka was the culprit. She was the one who killed Makoto. Not you."

Even just hearing the words out loud was hard. I shook my head, but deciding to let it go for now. She had a point, even if I felt there were more delicate ways of putting it.

"You mean..." asked Toko.

"It's true," I said, my voice quiet. "Sayaka, she's…"

I could feel myself getting choked up, so I said nothing.

"What?" asked Toko. "You—You can't be serious. This—This h-has to be some sort of j-joke, right? Why would sh-sh-she ever do something like that? Don't—Don't lie to me! I—I don't l-like it when you guys gang up on me like—like this!"

"God, you are so frustrating! Why would we lie about this? I swear, the second you come back, and you're already acting like this. I'm not sure I don't prefer the serial killer," grumbled Junko.

Toko stood there in silence. For a moment, I thought she was going to cry.

Then, she bolted for the door.

"Fine then!" She took off before any of us could stop her. "I'll just leave!"

We all stood there, dumbfounded.

"Oh, dear," I murmured. "Excuse me," I said with a sigh, following Toko out the door. I had no idea what I was aiming for, but I figured I ought to do something.

"Toko?" I called out to her, not seeing her anywhere in the third floor halls.

I wandered up and down the corridors, coming up empty. As far as I could tell, she wasn't anywhere in the halls, so I checked the first door I saw. To my relief Toko was inside, sitting on a stool right in front of an easel. I was so relieved, it took me a second before I realized we must've been in some sort of art studio.

"It's nice in here," I said, trying to make polite conversation.

Her head snapped around to face me, head spinning so fast her braids whirled around and slapped her in the face.

I bit back a laugh, trying to hide it behind my hand.

Toko scowled. "Don't laugh!" she said. "W-w-what are y-you doing here? Go away, I don't—d-don't want t-to see you. "

"I'm sorry, Toko," I said, but I was still trying to hide my smile. I don't think I managed.

"No," she said, turning away from me. "I don't w-want your apology. G-G-Go—Go a—aw—awa—just leave. W-Why are you even here?"

I ignored her questions, taking the room in. "This place has everything, huh?"

There were easels, statues scattered sporadically throughout the room, paints, tools, tables, art pieces plastered up all across the back wall—everything you could expect for an art room and possibly more.

"I imagine you'd make good use of the stuff in here."

She shot me a questioning look.

"You know," I added, "for your art. You are a fan artist, right?"

She just shook her head. "Go away," she said. "What p-part of 'leave' don't—don't you understand? Everyone hates me."

"That's not true."

"It is! I'm sure y-you all w-w-wish—wish your p-precious Sayaka was—was here instead of me. Then everyone would b-be happy."

"Trust me," I said. "Even if Sayaka… even if she was still here, I doubt any of us would be really happy."

It was preposterous to even think of any sort of true happiness while we were trapped like this. Sure, there were days that were less horrible. There were people who could make the experience all the more bearable. The the ever present crushing despair seemed to hover over us like a dark cloud.

My tone was bitter, annoyed at her notion, but I could still feel myself getting choked up. Even though time had passed, I didn't want to talk about Sayaka. I just wanted to put it from my mind. The memory of her, of everything. Whether it be her happiness or her suffering. I wanted it gone from my mind. It would be so much easier to just forget.

But Makoto… poor Makoto, he had sworn to keep the memory of every lost person with him in his heart. And he was no longer here, so that just made me more certain that I had to do the same. I would do it. I would treasure all of them, even if it sometimes felt impossible. For Makoto.

"Everyone knows my—my s-secret now," said Toko. "There's no—n-no way—no way everyone c-can just be… be cool with it! No way we c-can g-g-g-go—go back to n-nor—normal!"

I sighed. "We're… prioritizing. With everything else going on, I think Sparkling Justice is the lesser of two evils."

To my right stood a life-sized statue of Monokuma. I grimaced. It was an accurate likeness, which made me despise the thing even more.

Who would make a statue like this?

I sighed.

Toko sniffed. "Thanks," she said, although by this point I was more focused on the statue than I was on her. She seemed to notice my attention was diverted because she also shifted her gaze to the statue.

"It's…" she began, and by her tone I could tell she was searching to be generous, but was at a loss for words.

"Hideous," I said, finishing her sentence for her.

She giggled.

"Do you r-really think it's so bad?" she asked. "The c-craftsman—manship is—is actually quite good."

I nodded. "I hate it," I admitted, my frankness and disgust getting the better of me. But it felt good to be so openly vitriolic for a change. There was a smug aura about it that seemed to mock us. I'd had enough. I turned to Toko. "Would it be considered sacrilege to destroy it? It is art after all."

"I would c-counter argue that w-while it—it is art, d-despite our revulsion, destroying it w-would c-c-count as—as an—as an eq—equally valid form of s-self expression," said Toko.

When I merely shot her a quizzical look in reply, she explained.

"Performance art."

"Ah." I didn't pretend to understand it, but I accepted the conclusion nonetheless.

"If you d-don't want t-to be direct, it c-could always… have a little accident," suggested Toko, an expression I'd never seen on her face before as there was something akin to mischief in her eyes. "An uns-suspecting student dips into the r-room for some—some much needed p-privacy. Much to her ch-chagrin, she just—just so happens to b-bump into one of th-the displays, sending the piece c-crashing to the ground." As she said this, Toko swung her arm haphazardly, knocking the statue right over, just as she'd been talking about—only I was pretty sure this was not on purpose.

I shot my arms out, catching it with both hands. My lip twitched in a small amused smile. "I swear I've seen that anime," I said, humoring her, just a little. "I don't know, I think I'd still feel bad."

"N-No one would have to know," said Toko.

A tantalizing offer indeed.

I examined the statue for a moment before handing it back to her. It was much heavier in my arms than I'd anticipated, and did not want to hold onto it.

"I'd know," I said. I smiled wryly. "Oh, what the hell. Go for it."

Toko's grin was sheepish. "Oh, I was just—just kidding," she said. "I'd never d-done anything like that before."

She placed the statue back on its platform, but it must have been unsteady because it wobbled just a moment before teetering over to the ground once more, and this time, I didn't have the reflexes to catch it.

The statue hit the floor with a crash, shattering into tiny pieces.

It seems fate had made our decision for us.

For a moment, neither of us spoke. Toko glanced at the mess at the floor, then back at me, eyes wide. Like she was scared of getting into trouble.

I was the first the break the silence.

"Oh no," I said, completely deadpan, without the even the barest trace of sadness in my voice. "That's just tooooo bad."

It took her a second to digest my reaction.

Then, she laughed. Actually laughed.

"Oops," she said, hiding the chortling grin behind her hand.

"Yeah," I said, joining in with her laughter. "Oops."

It was strange seeing her smile, but not unwelcome. And it was a great improvement over the depressing mood from only moments ago.

"I'll sweep up," I said once our laughter had finally subsided.

"Oh, no!" said Toko. "Y-You r-really don't have to—"

"It's no trouble," I said, already heading for the door in the back, hoping it would maybe be a supply closet. "There's got to be a broom here somewhere."

I opened the door, expecting a dusty closet and instead finding a large room stocked with every kind of art supply you could imagine—paints, chalks, papers, pencils, pens, chisels, canvases so big they reached the ceiling, even a wall covered with mallets of all sizes.

"I—I insist," said Toko, following me into the room. "It was m-my—my fault, I should—"

She stopped mid sentence, eyes wide once she saw the room for the first time. "Wow… This place really does have everything!"

I smiled, her excitement infectious. Spotting a broom hidden away in the corner, I pushed aside some of the larger canvases out of the way in order to grab it; however, in the process I accidentally knocked over a nearby teetering pile of old sketchbooks.

"Shit."

I knelt down, scrambling to pick up the sketchbooks that were scattered all over the floor.

Toko noticed my mess. "Ha," she said with a shaky laugh. "G-Glad to know I'm not th-the only clumsy one here." She bent over, picking up a sketchbook that had fallen open, flipping a few pages out of curiosity even though they were all crumpled from the fall. She frowned.

"What's wrong?"

She pointed to one of the pictures, a sketch of some cartoon figure I didn't recognize. I didn't understand what the problem was until took a closer look, realizing she wasn't actually pointing to the drawing but instead pointing at the markings just below it.

"Th-Th-Th-That—That's my signature," said Toko, glancing up at me with an expression of apprehension.

I didn't say anything. I wished I knew what it meant, but I was just as lost as her.

She flipped the page. Once again, a drawing, this time in color, and at the bottom the same signature in the corner. The next page, another drawing, another signature. And another. And another. Each page was the same.

The next page was not a cartoon figure, or a character from an anime. Rather, on the page were some familiar faces, smiling and posing. It was a tribute to Toko's talent that they were so recognizable, but I'd recognize that strawberry blonde hair anywhere.

There were two pieces, both in color, one of Junko and Celeste smiling with each other. The other was of Junko… and myself, posing as if for a photograph.

A rather close likeness. Not photorealistic, but so evocative of the real thing that the resemblance was unmistakable. Distinctly her style, yet she'd definitely managed to capture Junko's carefree spirit. Even Celeste looked to be agreeable, as if she was enjoying the company. But for some reason, I wasn't smiling.

At the bottom right corner, there was a note:

"Thanks so much, Toko! Xoxo - Junko"

We looked at each other.

"What—What does it m-mean?" asked Toko.

"Your guess is as good as mine."

"Sh—Should we t-tell the others?" asked Toko.

I paused. "It's… your call," I said. After all, it was her signature in the corner. It was her art, not mine.

Usually, I felt alright about sharing our findings with the other, but this filled me with a sense of dread and uncertainty. What would the others think? Would they start to suspect us? Would they really be wrong to do so?

Toko gulped. "G-Give me a little time," she said. "I'll know by—by later."

I nodded, biting my lip. "Okay…"

Still, I couldn't suppress the lingering sense of dread already beginning to form in the pit of my stomach.

I tried to shake off that sense of dread as I continued my day, but the feeling persisted.

"Where have you been?" asked Junko once Toko and I were back in the hall.

"Oh!" said Toko. "We—We were just—"

I shrugged. "Out." Voice lower, I added, "I'll explain later."

She nodded.

Behind us, another voice that had been absent thus far said, "Well, this is bleak."

"Leon!"

We turned around to see him standing at the top of the stairway.

Chihiro ran up to him, giving him a hug. "You're ok!"

"Oof!" Leon grunted at Chihiro's surprising force, but smiled weakly. "Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks, Chihiro."

"Leon?" asked Toko. "W-What are you—"

"I thought you were sick," said Junko, eyeing him with suspicion.

"What? I had a stomach ache. That's the funny thing about being sick, isn't it?" said Leon, "Sometimes, people who are sick, you know, get better."

Junko rolled her eyes. "Glad to have you back."

"Heard something about a new floor," said Leon. "Wouldn't miss that for the world, would I?"

"Oh, for sure," said Junko, dryly. "Our classmates may be dropping like flies, but at least we have a pool table, so now we're even stevens."

Leon let out a quiet snort of laughter. He was smiling, but he looked different somehow. Tired. More dishevelled.

"How are you feeling?" asked Chihiro, eyeing him cautiously.

"What? Oh, my stomach is fine," said Leon.

"Oh. That's good to know," said Chihiro. "Actually, what I meant was—"

"How am I?" asked Leon. "You were talking about the other thing."

Chihiro averted her gaze, embarrassed. "Yeah."

Leon smiled at her, this time with much more warmth. "I'm fine. Honest. Don't worry about me."

She nodded. "Ok."

A loud voice boomed from down the hall. "Damn! Get a load of this fucking thing!"

Junko snorted. I, too, was suppressing laughter, hiding it behind my hind.

"Well, let's go," I said. "What are we waiting for?"

Following Mondo's voice, we found the last room at the end of the hall.

Once again, it didn't look like any kind of normal classroom. To the left were green machines covered in buttons and dials. In the back, cabinets full of materials: pulleys, steel plates, magnets, all kinds of stuff I couldn't even recognize.

"This… doesn't look like a classroom," said Leon, gaze gravitating up toward the ceiling in awe.

I was quick to realize why. In the middle of the room stood a giant metal machine, towering over all of us and about as high as the ceiling. At the top was a globe standing on a pole. The front was covered in what look to be black screens, and all sorts of other parts that I had no idea what for. And it was covered in strange wires.

As I approached it, I realized it was emitting a low, constant whirring noise.

"It looks more like a lab," said Chihiro. "Although I can't imagine students building this thing. Even the ones here."

"What even is this thing?" asked Taka, who was standing right next to Mondo.

"I wouldn't go near that if I were you!" said a familiar squeaky voice.

Looking back down, I noticed Monokuma standing between us and the machine, as if to create a barrier. Strange. I hadn't even seen him approach, but by now that was used to that with him. How he entered and exit the room would continue to be a mystery.

"I thought you were tired of expositing," sad Celeste.

"Oh, no!" said Monokuma. "I'm still going strong, it's the powers-that-be that are a little tired of this whole routine. Gets boring, saying the same information over and over. I'm just here to warn you. Time machines are precarious creatures. Best not to mess with them, if I were you."

Time machine?

"Haha, very funny. You're joking, right?" said Junko.

I was very much agreeing with Junko on that one. This had to be some sort of practical joke. There was no way time machines were a real thing. Even in a school like this, it seemed impossible. Just another way for Monokuma to mess with us. Besides, even if it did work, I doubt there was any way Monokuma would ever let us near the thing.

Still… A part of me hoped. Perhaps foolishly, but once the thought was in my mind, it was impossible to suppress.

"I'm sorry, a what now?" asked Leon. His demeanor changed in an instant, suddenly alert, insistent. "Then what are we standing around here for? How does it work? We have to save the others! We—We can save—"

"Sorry, I'm afraid no can do," said Monokuma with a cheeky grin.

"I'm not afraid of you," said Leon, standing his ground and much more serious than usual as he got right up in Monokuma's face. "And you're not gonna stop us."

"Careful," warned Kyoko, and she must have noticed like I did that he was coming dangerously close to touching Monokuma. Didn't want anyone else breaking the rules. Especially with the danger of casualties. I didn't know how serious Monokuma was about his threats.

Leon was… Leon, but I didn't want to lose him, too. Not another one.

"It's not really my call," said Monokuma. "I'm afraid that particular machine only goes back one minute in time. It's practically useless."

"What?" asked Leon, stopping as the realization hit him. His posture deflated once more. "So you mean it's…"

Although I didn't show it like him, Leon definitely matched how I felt. I knew it was too good to be true. With Monokuma, there always seemed to be a catch. I'd learn how to brace myself for this kind of disappointment. But Leon didn't take it so well. I watched as all the hope in his eyes seemed to leave him, all previous energy dissipating with it. Even the facade of normalcy he had been putting on when he first arrived was gone—we got to see the real mess. To see his heart break all over again was painful for even myself.

"Actually, that was a joke. It was a pretty good one, no?" Monokuma laughed. "That machine is actually an air purifier."

"Why would we need an air purifier?" asked Taka.

"Why do you think?" said Monokuma. "To give you rascals clean air! It's very powerful, ventilates the whole school. So don't touch it, because if it breaks than it's your necks on the line."

"So… it's not a time machine?" asked Leon.

"Come on, you should know better that!" said Monokuma. "There's no such thing as time machines! You're like one of those people that believe anything someone says. Hey, if you look up, you'll find 'gullible' written on the ceiling."

"That is a very cruel joke," said Chihiro as she scolded Monokuma with surprising disgust. She rushed to Leon's side, as he was looking a little pale and unsteady. "Why would you say that? Just to let us down? He's already been through a lot, can't you see what it's doing to him?"

"What is my purpose, if not to make you suffer?" said Monokuma.

"Yes, drawing out the pain of someone who is still grieving by playing childish and deceitful pranks," said Chihiro. "You're practically a chessmaster."

Monokuma cackled. "You're so eloquent today, Chihiro. Are you finally growing a spine?"

"I think you should leave," said Chihiro, not breaking her composure this whole time. She stood steadfast, I could tell from her expression that she was beginning to doubt herself. I was surprised she hadn't cracked yet.

"Go! We don't want you here," said Junko to Monokuma. "Don't you have a hive to terrorize or something? She said leave."

"Fine!" Monokuma sighed dramatically. "I may be bothersome, but I know when I've overstayed my welcome."

And with that, he disappeared.

Once he was gone, Junko turned to Chihiro and whistled. "Well done. I didn't think you had it in you."

Chihiro bowed her head, blushing slightly and avoiding meeting Junko's eyes. "It's nothing," she mumbled, almost too low to hear. "I just think everyone deserves respect. And you shouldn't lie to people."

Mondo grinned at her. "That was badass."

"You think so?" she asked.

"Yeah! I know not just anyone could stand up to Monokuma like that. You are one tough chick."

"Yeah…" Chihiro nodded, still looking down at the floor. "Yeah."

She looked as if she wanted to say something else, but it never came.

"Well, realistically, I suppose it would have been too much to hope for an escape on the third floor of the school," said Junko with a resigned sigh as we all headed down the stairs.

"True," said Kyoko, "But that doesn't mean it was a complete waste of time."

"No? Well, I'm all out of ideas," said Junko. "No way out, and nothing else of note as far as I'm concerned."

"All the same, we should always take the time to know the school. Know the landscape. Know your enemy. That is, if you want to better your chances."

"Also…" said Chihiro. "What Junko is saying may not be entirely accurate. I may have found something important."

"You found something? What is it?" demanded Taka.

"It's probably nothing…" said Chihiro.

"Show us!" said Junko. "Don't you think we oughta see it?"

"Okay, okay," said Chihiro. "Here it is." She pulled something out of her pocket, holding it out to us.

Upon inspection, it looked to be a small pink camera, scuffed around the edges, but you could still make out a small character design on the side.

Toko gasped. "Where did you find that?"

"In the equipment room," said Chihiro. "What's wrong?"

"That's mine!" said Toko. "How did y-you get ahold of it?"

"I told you, I found it in the equipment room," said Chihiro. "I didn't take it, if that's what you're trying to imply."

"G-Give me that!" said Toko, snatching the camera from her hands. "My Mew Mew: Kissy Cutie camera! Someone m-must have removed it from it's b-b-b-b-box! Look at it!"

She waved it in Chihiro's face.

"It looks fine to me," said Chihiro. "There are still some photos left. You can still use it!"

Toko sighed. "I—I don't know if I want it anymore. It's not in mint condition. It—It's useless to me."

"Well," said Celeste, "if you don't want it anymore, would you mind if I take it? Perhaps I can find some use for it."

"T-Take it, then," said Toko.

Celeste giggled, taking the camera from Toko and pocketing it herself. I couldn't imagine what Celeste would ever need a camera for, but I didn't say anything.

"Okay, but that's it?" asked Junko. "That didn't tell us anything."

"I—" began Toko, but she shook her head as if changing her mind.

"Yes?" asked Junko.

I watched her, curious to see if Toko was going to bring up what we found in the art room.

"I—I… I found something, too," she said.

We were down the stairs now, walking through the hallways to return to the dining hall for a group meeting.

With everyone's eyes on her, Toko, hand shaking, pulled out her sketchbook. "I found this in the art room." She glanced to me, as if unsure if I wanted mention of my involvement.

I nodded to her, grateful that she waited for my go-ahead. "Actually, we found it. I came across it when I knocked over a stack of sketchbooks in the art supply room."

"What is it?" asked Kyoko.

"It's—It's…" Toko seemed to shy away under everyone's gaze, looking to me for help.

"It's an old sketchbook. Of Toko's. See for yourself—if that's alright, of course," I said.

Toko nodded, flipping it open.

"But Toko," said Chihiro, taking a look at the pages, "Aren't these just your sketches?"

"But I have no—no memory of—of m-m-making them," said Toko. "A-And…"

She flipped to the page with sketches of Junko, Celeste and I.

"And there's more," I said.

"That—that's my signature," said Toko, pointing to the bottom.

"What does this mean?" asked Celeste.

"I don't understand," said Taka. "When did you draw this?"

"That's the problem," said Toko. "I—I don't remember."

"But—were you guys friends before?" asked Taka. "Surely, if you had met before you would have said something."

"'Thanks so much, Toko'..." Junko paused to read over her note, brow furrowing as she frowned. "What the hell is this?" demanded Junko, looking back up at Toko. "You're not hiding anything, are you, Toko?"

"N-No! This is my—my first time m-meeting all of you!" said Toko. "Believe me! M-My first time—"

"Guys," I said. "Give her some space. She says she doesn't know where the pictures came from."

"And… that's not all," said Toko. "There—There's one more thing." She folding the sketchbook to the very back, and a piece of paper slipped out and into her hand. "I f-f-fou—I found this between the pages."

It was a photograph. But to my surprise, it wasn't a reference for the drawings. In the photo was Sakura, Hifumi, and Makoto, all smiling and happy.

In the photo, Sakura looked like she had a grip on Hifumi's hair, which seemed to please her greatly. Hifumi on the other hand, was sweating bullets, looking extremely uncomfortable despite the fact that he was still smiling. Under Sakura's other arm was Makoto, who was smiling and laughing with the others, looking mostly content to be in Sakura's headlock, as if it was simply a game they were playing at—all in good fun.

Questions started racing through my head, one after the other. Why those three? What were they doing together? Why do they look all smiling and happy? When was this taken? Where was this taken? Who took it? Where… Where was Sayaka?

And in the picture, the window in the classroom… There was no metal plate.

"No fucking way..." said Mondo.

Chihiro gasped. "This has to be fake, right? This can't be real."

"When would they even have the time to take a photo like this?" asked Taka.

"You don't think they all knew each other before, do you?" asked Hiro. "Maybe they're all in on some sort of scam. Maybe we're being punk'd!"

"Whoa, slow down there, Shaggy," said Junko. "If they knew each other, don't you think it'd be something we would have found out?"

"Maybe not!" said Hiro. "Maybe it was something they were keeping from us on purpose!"

"Or, it could be Monokuma playing tricks on us, just like he always does," said Junko.

"Hang on." Leon snatched the picture from Toko's hands, examining it closely.

"Hey! Y-You can't just—" began Toko, but Leon ignored her.

"Where is Sayaka? Why isn't she here?" he asked.

"You ask us like we know any of the answers," said Junko. "Believe me, we're just as lost as you are."

"But you know what this means, right?" he asked. When all he got was mystified looks, he said, "Maybe they're alive somewhere! The others!"

"I don't think so, Leon," said Chihiro. "Hifumi and Makoto were definitely dead when we found their bodies. They were right there."

"Well maybe—"

"I'd love to believe it," said Taka. "But Mukuro did a body examination and everything. It seems pretty conclusive."

"But—"

"She's right, Leon," said Celeste. "And we all saw Sakura executed with our own two eyes."

"Well, fine!" said Leon. "If you want them to be d—dead!"

"Leon!" said Chihiro. "Nobody wants any of them to be—we all wish it weren't true."

"I miss them, too," I said. "But we can't deny the facts. We can't turn away from reality."

For a moment, Leon looked as if he were about to fight. I took a step back, seeing nothing but fury in his eyes. Then, he sighed, crumpling again. "You're right. No, you're right, you're right, I just… I can't take this anymore. I just want to get out of here."

"I know…" I said. "I know. It's hard for me, too."

"Get outta here," said Leon. "You? You don't let anything faze you."

"You're wrong," I said. "I'm far from infallible. But you have to stay strong. We all do. If you want out of here, that's what you have to do."

He nodded. "I'm not going to let myself be weak anymore. I swear," said Leon. "We're going to find whoever did this. And when we do, I'm going to kill the mastermind."

"No! You are not going to do that!" said Chihiro. "If you defy them in any way, you'll die!"

He shrugged. "I want to get out of here. If you don't consider our freedom worth the fight, then fine."

"We shouldn't be taking any risks!" said Taka. "It's too dangerous! I just want everybody to stay safe."

"Safe? Living like this?" asked Leon.

"If you want to survive, you'll learn to lay low," said Kyoko, but Leon wasn't finished.

"Sure we're surviving, but is this living? Being watched 24/7? Never knowing what is gonna happen next? This isn't living. I don't care what it takes."

"Oh hon, for once I totally get your point, but that's the survivor's guilt talking," said Junko. "Or the suicidal ideation."

"Mukuro?" Chihiro turned to me, as did the others. "What do you think we should do?"

Everyone's eyes were on me.

Oh, no.

"I—" Once again, people were deferring to me for decisions I wanted no part in. Still, my words here were very important. "I think we should wait. Taka's right. We need numbers. We're stronger that way."

"Let's go back to the cafeteria," said Kyoko. "We'll talk more once we're there."

Meeting Kyoko's eyes, I nodded slightly.

Walking into the cafeteria, I saw a familiar figure sitting at one of the tables with a box of donuts.

"Hina!" I said in surprise.

My voice was immediately drowned out by the others as they rushed into the dining hall. Everyone rushed past me and crowded around Hina.

"Oh, h-hi guys," said Hina. Being surrounded by everyone like that, Hina looked really uncomfortable.

"I thought you were feeling sick," said Kyoko.

"Oh! I was. But I was getting kinda hungry, so I ate, and now I feel a little better."

"I was under the impression you had a stomach bug," said Celeste. "At least, that is what Leon had. I assume you came down with the same thing."

"Uh… Yeah! I went down to the nurse's office to see if they had anything for it, but—"

"The nurse's office?" asked Taka. "But isn't that place closed?"

"It is. Or, well, it was," said Hina. "But there wasn't really anything there. Not even protein or vitamin supplements. Just headache meds and over-the-counter stuff."

"Are you sure there was nothing in there at all that could help you with your stomach ache?" asked Chihiro.

"Of course, I'm sure!" said Hina.

"So instead you went to get something to eat," said Celeste, dubious expression on her face.

"Well… My stomach ache made me hungry, so I…"

"Hmm.. I see," said Celeste, but the look she was giving Hina indicated she did not plan on dropping it.

"Nevermind it!" said Hina impatiently. "How did the investigation go? Did you guys find anything?"

"We found several things, now that you mention it," said Mondo. "Turns out, a way outta here was not one o' them."

"Yeah, no dice," said Junko, "God forbid we find anything useful. But yay for us, Toko has her sketchbook back, now she can draw all the fursonas she pleases to her heart's content, so that's good."

"I don't d-d-draw fursonas!" screeched Toko.

"And I think you're willfully skating over the teensy detail that we found a drawing of you inside," said Leon.

"Of Junko?" asked Hina.

"Well, of a couple different classmates," said Celeste. "Myself included. And the photo."

"What photo?" asked Hina.

"There's a photo of our… dead classmates that we found in the equipment room behind the physics lab," said Junko. "At least, that's where Toko claimed to have found it."

"W-Why are you saying it like that?" asked Toko. "I'm not h-h-hiding anything!"

"Everything just seems… too convenient," said Celeste. "Those pictures must be a forgery from Monokuma. It's the only explanation."

"A-And you think—you think I had something to do with it?" asked Toko.

"You're the one who found everything," said Junko. "How do we know Monokuma didn't give them to you for a reason?"

"Wh-What are you suggesting?" asked Toko. "T-That I'm so—some sort of t-t-traitor? You'd like that, wouldn't you? I bet you'd be so—so satisfied to—to c-c-confirm your suspicions about me."

"That's enough," I said. "That's not fair. Junko, I knocked over the pile of sketchbooks. I was with her when we found Toko's drawings. I had just enough to do with it as her. So if you want to blame her, then you have to blame me, too."

Junko opened her mouth, looking as if she was about to say something when Hiro interrupted.

"Nevermind that!" he said impatiently. "I dunno about you, but I'm much more interested in hearing what Hina has been up to all morning, yeah?"

"Yes, I'm rather curious to hear about it myself actually," said Celeste with a smile.

The others all turned to look at Hina.

Nobody else caught it, but as everyone's attention was diverted away, I could have sworn I caught Hiro wink at me.

I nodded ever so slightly in return, saying nothing, but internally grateful he'd gotten me out of the crosshairs, at least for the moment.

"I—what are you talking about?" asked Hina. "There's nothing to tell. I told you, I was sick!"

"Uh-huh," said Junko, eyebrow quirked in a skeptical expression. "Sure."

"Hina," said Taka. "I'd love to believe you, but I must say that your story has been rather inconsistent. This doesn't mean you're in trouble, I just think for the sake of transparency, it might be best if you told the rest of us what is going on."

Hiro gasped, eyes going wide. "You don't think she's working with the mastermind, do you? Yeah, maybe she's the traitor! Or maybe she knows a secret way out of here—or, or or—"

"Gosh!" said Hina. "It's none of those things, Hiro. I can't believe you would say something like that. You and your conspiracy theories, I swear."

"That's exactly something a mastermind's accomplice would say!" said Hiro, pointing an accusatory finger at her.

"For heaven's sake!" said Hina. "I overslept. I was just a little... tired and shaken from last night is all."

"F-From last night?" asked Toko.

"Ha, gotcha talking!" said Hiro.

Hina scowled, stamping her foot and seeming to curse herself for a moment before she took a deep breath. "Look, if I tell you what's really going on, will you please stop bugging me?"

Hiro grinned in a way that was almost disarming. "Sure thing, boss."

"You guys promise you won't laugh?" asked Hina.

"Promise," I said, jumping in before anyone had a chance to interject with any snide comments.

"I…" She took another deep breath. "I saw a ghost."

For a moment, no one said anything. Then, Junko snorted.

"You swore you wouldn't laugh!" said Hina crossly, clearly wounded.

"Yeah, and you swore you'd tell the truth," said Junko. "Guess we're all breaking promises today."

"It is the truth!" said Hina.

"And we did it, kids!" said Junko. "Looks like Monokuma finally did it. Hina is the first one to lose it in this place. Congrats on being the first to officially start seeing things. I would've put money on Hiro, but I didn't want to enable his gambling addiction."

"Hey!" said Hiro. "It's not an addiction, it's a hobby!"

"Besides," said Leon. "She's telling the truth… I saw the ghost, too."

Chihiro gasped. "You did?"

"You did?" asked Junko, the exact same question sounding much more scathing and skeptical coming from her.

He nodded. "Last night. I couldn't sleep… We were in the cafeteria, and—"

Celeste shook her head. "And you ignored the rule for Night Time."

Leon shot her a look, annoyed at being interrupted. "Yes, and I'll admit we probably shouldn't have done that, but after everything I was feeling like shit. I just needed to get out. Hina and I were talking when we heard a noise coming from the bathhouse."

"So we went to investigate," said Hina, following up. "It was in the dressing room. One of the lockers was half-open, so we checked inside."

"And?" asked Hiro, as if hanging onto their every word.

"And… we saw a human figure, surrounded by a glowing green light."

"A human figure?" asked Kyoko. "Who?"

"I—I don't know!" said Hina. "I was so frightened, I didn't get a good look! We just ran, both of us!"

"Well, I mean…" said Leon.

"Don't try to salvage your ego!" Hina snapped. "You were just as scared as I was, admit it!"

"Now way!" said Hiro. "A gh-gh-ghost?"

He was sweating, looking severely shaken and he seemed to be chanting something to himself, possibly a prayer.

"Get outta here," said Junko, shaking her head. "Get outta here! There's no way it was a real ghost. It's gotta be something else."

"Y-Yeah!" said Mondo, but something in his expression looked shaken as well. "You can't be serious, Hina."

"There must be some sort of logical explanation…" Taka frowned. "There always is for this sort of thing."

"I think it's real," said Celeste, but there was a mischievous twinkle in her eye that I did not trust.

"Y-You do?" asked Hiro. "H-Hang on, Celeste, is that part of your ultimate talent?"

"Oh, yes," said Celeste, amused smile hidden behind her hand, but she nodded as she tried to look stern for him. "And this spirit it telling me it's the soul of someone you cheated out of house and home coming to take revenge."

"Leave him alone, Celeste," said Kyoko, her tone a warning.

"Come on, Hina, you can't expect us to believe this crap," said Mondo. "What? You know how chicks are."

"So believing in ghosts is gendered, now?" asked Junko.

"No!" said Mondo. "That's not what I—look, all I meant was that… I dunno, chicks are more in-tune to that kind of stuff. They're more... sensitive about it."

Junko shook her head. "Not much better."

"Hey!" said Leon. "I'm right here! I saw it, too!"

"I—I'm sure you g-guys were just—just—just tired is all!" said Toko.

"That's possible," said Taka. "Many supposed paranormal encounters were just the result of weak mental state."

"Well… Even if it's not physically real," mused Chihiro. "I think we should acknowledge that the emotional distress it's caused these two is real enough for them to miss out on half a day of activity. We—We should go check out whatever this—this thing they found is. Ghost or no ghost…"

"I agree," I said, glad Chihiro was finally speaking her mind.

"Me, too," said Kyoko.

Chihiro smiled a small smile. "Oh, but someone else can go first though… I—I don't believe in ghosts, but I don't want to take that chance."

Junko looked to me. "Mukuro?"

I laughed wryly, certain that if Junko hadn't asked me first, I was going to be pressured into the job either way. I didn't have a choice. "Way ahead of ya, sis."

I turned to Hina, taking a deep breath. "Okay. Show us your ghost."


A/N: Sorry, no ghost. I have to maintain suspense somehow, right?

I have a feeling ch 3.2 is gonna be long but I'm fine with that. Ngl, I had so much fun writing the last chapter/intermission, this one was kinda tough for me. Idk if you can tell, I've been getting kinda tired of repeating stuff from the game. I could always just find ways to skip it, so I suppose the happy medium was deciding to switch it up a little.

Also, I almost forgot, since next chapter is free time chapter, absolutely let me know who you want Mukuro to talk to! I'm definitely picking some for myself, but if someone is suggested enough times I do tend to throw them in, too. Gotta keep u guys on ur toes ;)

P.S. you can vote for Jill OR Toko or both! I don't care either way, I freely admit I can just find some contrived excuse for her to switch if need be, but they count as two different people for free times, jsyk

Also, if I can't figure out how to get the pictures to work I'll just put them here. I don't claim to be, like, Ultimate Fan Artist like Toko but these were fun to make, regardless:

Junko and Celeste: imgur dot com / a/7V5eXD6

Junko and Mukuro: imgur dot com / a/E584c4V

Sakura, Makoto, and Hifumi: imgur dot com / a/3jbybG4

(text is being finnicky so i hope u can put it together i'm sorry ;-;)