Kousuke remembered his first impressions of Zero - that he was a normal person. A side character.

He didn't know why he felt that way towards the drama club leader, but he guessed it was because of how Zero was more..plain in comparison to drama club leaders. Drama club leaders were supposed to be extravagant and dramatic, but Zero was the opposite of it.

Prejudice or not - that was his first impression of him.

Then again, the moment Kousuke was elected as the class president, the first thing he saw the next day was an eventful moment.

"HOLY SHIT HE'S DEAD!"

What Kousuke saw was Machiko, mouth hanging. The girl was freaking out, waving her arms rapidly as everyone else reacted as well. He could see Koro who was jumping about in place, Anna and Miho comforting each other. Everyone was running about from place to place, unable to stop.

"Um…" Kousuke's voice raised. "What's going on here?"

"Z-Zero!" Machiko had her hands over her head. "He's dead! DEAD!"

Kousuke deadpanned. "Um… are you sure?"

"No idea!" Hisashi hummed from the distance. "I was going to ask Mr. Paramedic over there to check on him since I hate blood, but he seems a bit scared right now."

"A-ah! I-I'm sorry." Koro's face was instantly red. He bowed to the horologist.

"I doubt he's dead," Kiyomiko mused, scoffing. Kousuke didn't even bother to mention how she (or the others) didn't check on the poor drama club leader.

Kousuke decided to take a look at Zero, pinpointing the boy's location from the looks of his classmates. Zero was at the back of the room, body flat. There was red all over the drama club leader, most particularly under him.

Kousuke couldn't help but wonder to himself, 'yeah, I'm definitely sure this is all a prank. There can't be that much blood, especially considering I don't see any wounds.'

The boy walked over to the drama club leader, grabbing ahold of his shoulders. He began to shake him. "Zero, you can stop now."

Kousuke could hear Zero's breaths. He was breathing, but didn't bother to open his eyes.

"Zero, I already know you're faking it," the police officer sighed. "Hello? Are you listening to me?"

He could hear the boy grumble underneath him. Kousuke instantly knew that he ruined the boy's fun.

"Hi, leader."

Zero stood up from the ground, the 'blood' soaking his clothes fall in droplets of red.

Kousuke shook his head, crossing his arms. He couldn't believe what happened. "Zero, what are you doing? You almost made Machiko and the others have a heart attack."

Zero shrugged. "I thought it would help me in my next play."

Kousuke frowned. "Uh… Sure…"

"Basically, he wants to get a reaction out of us. 'Realistic' reactions." Kimiko eyed the officer with a disinterested look.

"Foolish mortal," Seishin murmured under his breath, albeit with an amused smile on his face.

"That wasn't funny." Chizu said, unamused. "Boys…"

Kousuke sighed. "Zero, can you apologize to the others?"

The drama club leader thought for a moment, then nodded. He turned to the group and bowed his head down. "Sorry."

Miho scratched her head. She was definitely entertained. "Well, it's not it was that bad of a prank. It was elaborate at least!"

Kagami deadpanned, looking at the acrobat. "Seriously?"

The girl laughed. "Yeah, seriously."

Kousuke shook his head, groaning. It was only the first week of school, and already he knew that he would be having a hard time. Handling these Ultimates caused trouble, and he knew it.

Zero was the one who showed him that, and he didn't know whether to thank him or not.

Kousuke bit into his lips as he walked left and right from the entire village. He knew it would take a few hours before the plan would be set into motion.

Although Kousuke had planned this with the rest of his classmates, he was worried for his classmates' safety. He didn't admit it outright nor did he express his concern beforehand, but he worried nonetheless.

His worry was mostly aimed at Zero.

Zero was the one who usually sets the plans into action. The boy was the one to handle the risks, the one who would juggle his life around carefully.

Kousuke knew that the boy was in danger if caught. He knew that, but the plan had to be initiated.

If action was not taken now, then when?

Kousuke sighed. He walked to and fro, trying to calm himself. It was then that he saw Miho running towards him.

"Hey, Kousuke!"

The acrobat was beautiful. Kousuke knew that. Miho was beautiful, and the class president loved her. She was the most precious thing in the world.

If she was harmed, he'd do anything to get revenge on the people who harmed her.

If anyone he cared for was harmed, he would vow vengeance against them. It was that simple - he didn't want to see anyone hurt.

"Miho." He laughed as he felt Miho throwing her arms around him. Kousuke loved how warm she was against him. "What're you doing right now?"

Miho grinned playfully as she released her embrace. She pointed her finger to his chest. "I just want to spend some time with you before the plan begins."

The officer rolled his eyes playfully in return. The acrobat was quite persuasive against him. He couldn't help but wonder if it was because he was lovestruck or if it was because she was a good persuader. It didn't matter though. He was more than happy to be by her side.

"Of course. You want to take a walk around?"

Miho's eyes brightened instantly. "Yeah, sure!"

Kousuke smiled. He held hands with his girlfriend, now walking down the stairs with her. The duo were walking around the village, a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere looming around them.

"Y'know, if we weren't stuck in this shitty situation, then I'd be telling you how beautiful this place was."

Kousuke looked over to the acrobat. She was giggling. He let out a snort as he squeezed her hand. "I don't mind if you tell me if this place is beautiful or not. I just want to be around you, that's all. Being in your company makes me happy."

The acrobat's face flushed. She was stuttering, speaking through an unusual high-pitched voice, "Y-you-! That's embarrassing, Kousuke…"

"Is it because I don't say things like that often?" Kousuke grinned. He was teasing the girl, giving her a dry look.

"Maybe if you told me those things more often, then I wouldn't be this embarrassed…" The girl averted her gaze. Her face was entirely red.

"You think?" The officer chuckled. "I would think that you'd be embarrassed even if I told you these things daily."

"Geez, you're so playful around me…" Miho frowned, but her lips eventually curved to a sweet smile. "I love that side of you, Kousuke."

Kousuke blushed slightly, but continued to hold her hand as they walked through the village.

Nonetheless, he knew Miho was right. Although he was usually stern and strict with the others, he was usually much more softer around Miho. The acrobat had a way of bringing out his playful side, that was for sure.

Miho was also right - the village was absolutely beautiful. Kousuke saw how the blue hues were mixed in with the falling Sun. He saw how the greens were mixed in with different shades, coloring the browns that came from the dirt and tree trunks, and then the flowers which sprayed reds and yellows.

It would've been a mellow atmosphere if not for the situation Kousuke and the others were thrown into.

"I'm worried for Zero."

Kousuke looked over to the acrobat. The girl was eyeing him with a wary expression.

Their footsteps stopped. They ceased walking, Miho now staring into his eyes with immense worry.

"I am too," Kousuke admitted, letting out a sigh. He knew better than to lie. "But we need to trust in him. He's the only one who can do this."

"I know that." The acrobat smiled forcibly. "It's still scary to think that he's willingly going into those damn psychopaths. If they found out, then he'll be in the most trouble."

Kousuke frowned. He knew that.

"I'm worried more about Monokuma finding him though." Miho let out a snicker. It was one made to lighten the mood. "That bear's weird. I don't understand what's up with it. Monokuma was able to figure out our plans yesterday with Seishin. It's crazy. What exactly is that bear?"

The officer sighed. He knew that Miho held an immense amount of worry in her head, but he didn't want her to fret over them. He didn't want her to be overwhelmed, and so he squeezed both of her hands and looked into her eyes.

"Don't worry about it. Whoever that bear is, whatever the villagers are planning to do… We'll stop them."

Miho eyed Kousuke for a moment. She averted her gaze. "I know that, but it's still worrying nonetheless."

He nodded. That was certain as well. He brought the acrobat into a warm embrace.

"You don't need to worry about anything. Just let me handle all the work, alright? I'll get us out of here, for sure."

Miho was silent, but nodded nonetheless. She let out a playful smile before throwing her arms around him, her grip tightening.

Kousuke smiled. He loved the warmth Miho emitted. To have her in his embrace - he did not want to lose that warmth.

"Alright!" Miho released herself from Kousuke. About half a minute had passed since then. She was now smiling confidently at him, crossing her arms. "We have a few hours left before this whole shit goes down."

"Mhm." Kousuke bobbed his head up and down. He scratched his head. "Should we head back?"

"We didn't even walk the entire way." Miho laughed. She then nodded her head, grabbing ahold of her boyfriend's hand. "Sure."

With that settled, Kousuke led Miho back into the village where the others were.

He saw Zero, who was speaking to Chiyoko and Kagami, the trio discussing about Zero's hair. They were currently discussing about a wig that they almost made, wondering about if it would fit Zero with his messy hair. He saw how the drama club leader pouted.

Kousuke knew not to bother with them for the moment. He eyed the next group of people he saw along the way.

Anna was speaking with Chizu and Machiko, possibly discussing another story of her's. They seemed to be wasting time until the plan would be initiated.

Everybody else seemed to be in their homes at the moment. He knew that Takumi was still guarding the place where Hisashi was, and Kousuke couldn't help but wonder how Koro was faring. He knew Koro was worried for Hisashi, after all.

"Kousuke, I'll go speak with Sana and the others," Miho said.

Kousuke nodded. He watched Miho run away to the others.

… Guess I'll go talk to Takumi then.

The officer made his way over to Takumi and watched as the investigator yawned. Kousuke waved and caught the boy's attention.

"Yo, you miss me already?" Takumi grinned playfully, twirling his cap. "Or are you such a mother hen that you can't investigate the village without worrying about Hisashi?"

Kousuke rolled his eyes. He couldn't help but smile. "Has anyone else came over?"

"Here? Nope," the investigator sighed. "I was able to pry off Koro though. He was suspicious that I was guarding this place, after all."

"I feel bad for him. I know he's worried about Hisashi, but if he sees him overworking himself then…" Kousuke bit into his lips. He had his arms folded. "How's everyone else doing?"

"Huh. You automatically assumed I was people-watching." Takumi smirked, coy. "Everyone's doing good so far. Maybe a bit worried, but they all seem ready as I expected them to be. They're all trustful of you, y'know?"

"Just because I'm the class president?" The officer chuckled at the thought. "This is a dangerous plan though, especially for Zero."

"True." Takumi twirled his cap around his finger. "But there's nothing else that can be done, my dear Watson."

"I know that." Kousuke held his breath. He knew that too well. "We also need to be careful too. We need to distract the villagers, and nonetheless, Monokuma."

"Ah, right." The investigator frowned. "How about Hisashi though?"

The officer nodded. "Of course, he'll be resting here. You should stay here and guard the house."

"Ooh, so I have a legitimate excuse to not get myself into trouble." Takumi winked at Kousuke, a playful grin on his face. "Thanks."

Kousuke rolled his eyes. "Oh, shush it, you."

Takumi chuckled, but his expression suddenly became serious as he crossed his arms. He was staring intensely at Kousuke. "It would be easy for us to stop the villagers, but I'm mostly concerned over Monokuma. What exactly is that bear…?"

Kousuke frowned. He was worried about that as well. Still, he knew better than to express that certain bit of worry. "We'll be fine. I'm sure we'll be able to stop Monokuma too."

Takumi eyed the officer for a while, then nodded. He twirled his cap playfully before pointing to Kousuke. "Of course. I believe in you."

"Thank you." Kousuke's lips curved to a smile. "Thank you for that."

The investigator winked at the officer before reporting back to his duty, scanning the area for anyone nearby. The Sun was setting, and nighttime was a corner away. Colors of blue and black began to overwhelm the hues of yellows and oranges.

A minute passed.

Nighttime was here.

The plan was now set into motion.

Kousuke looked over to Takumi. He gestured the investigator to stand still and protect Hisashi before walking over to the center of the village. Everyone was slowly surrounding the officer, determined looks on their faces.

"Leader."

Kousuke looked to the left, finding Zero who was wearing a typical farmer's outfit - that a villager would compare to themselves. The drama club leader was holding onto a wig.

"I'm ready."

Kousuke grinned. The confidence in Zero's face made him confident as well. He looked over to the crowd and placed his hands to his hips. "Alright, you all know what the plan is, right?"

Kimiko nodded. "To distract the villagers and Monokuma."

Chizu murmured under her breath and scanned the area. "To make sure Zero has time to get the remote, right?"

"WOOT! We can do this-"

Miho took no time shushing Machiko.

Kenta frowned. "Aren't most of the villagers in the entrance building? Unfortunately, I do not know where Monokuma is."

"Of course." Kousuke understood what the food critic was saying very well. "However, I believe that most of the villagers are busy around nighttime. Since we do not see them in the daytime, I believe most roam around at night to make sure we aren't getting ourselves into trouble or escaping."

"Makes sense," the class president could hear Seishin from a distance. "It makes sense, mortal."

"Mhm." Kousuke smiled. "We can possibly lure Monokuma out by causing trouble that'll cause concern. I believe if we 'fight', then the bear will appear."

"I see." Anna's eyes widened. "That's… That's smart."

Kagami let out a giggle. "I know right?"

"Alright! Let's do this!" Machiko cracked her knuckles. She shot a look at Kiyomiko. "You! Fight me!"

Kiyomiko scrunched her face up in disgust. "Um, no thanks."

Kousuke deadpanned at the sight. "Let's do that when Zero's snuck into the building."

Zero nodded his head. He threw the wig over his head. "I'm ready whenever."

"He looks nice, huh?" Chiyoko yawned. "I'm so sleepy…"

"Alright." Kousuke observed the area for a moment, looking at the entrance building before looking over the entire village as whole. He saw a few villagers to the far left, near the plantations. He saw another group that were headed towards the shrine. He knew there were more around, but he supposed Mr Miyamoto and Monokuma were inside of the building itself. "Let's do this then. Zero, go."

Zero nodded, now making his way over to the entrance building, albeit discreetly. At the same time the drama club leader had left, the groups had separated.

The groups were split into four, one moving north, another right, another left, and the last staying in one spot.

Machiko grinned as she pushed Miho to the ground. "STOP!" She yelled out loud.

"Hey! You, stop it!" Miho growled as she stood up from the ground, her bosom aching. She walked over to the wedding crasher and shoved her back. "Don't push me ever again!"

Kousuke's eyes widened. He took an awkward step towards the duo. "Um, guys! Please stop."

"Kousuke, stay out of this!" Miho glared at her boyfriend. Her fists clenched. "I need to beat up this bitch!"

"What did you call me?!" Machiko grabbed ahold of the acrobat. She threw her harshly to the ground. "DON'T YOU DARE CALL ME THAT!"

Kousuke bit into his lips. He was unsure of what to do. His hands were flailing about, and he desperately begged for the girls to stop when-

-he heard a voice.

"Hey! What's happening out there?"

A villager made his way over to the trio. Kousuke saw the look of worry and distress on the man's face. Inwardly, he smirked.

I can't believe our acting worked.

The villager ran over to the girls, separating them. A cold look was on his face. "What the hell are you two fighting about?"

"She started it!" Miho whined, pointing accusingly at Machiko. "She was the one who told to stop acting like a slut!"

Machiko rolled her eyes. A mock smile escaped her lips. "Yeah? It's because you are one! Stop throwing yourself at your boyfriend all the time! Are you trying to show off to us?!"

The acrobat scoffed. "What? Are you just jealous of me? I think you're jealous!"

"Jealous of you and Kousuke?" The wedding crasher laughed. "No! I just pity Kousuke for loving someone as stupid as you!"

"You-"

"That's enough ladies." The villager glared at the two girls. A moment passed before the man groaned, shaking his head. "Geez, I can't believe it. Two high schoolers arguing like elementary schoolers. What a disappointing generation this world has."

"Are you making fun of us?" Miho threw the man a cold look.

The villager eyed her for a moment, then laughed. He looked over to Kousuke who was silent in the background. "Hey, keep your girlfriend in check."

Kousuke frowned. "I think she has every right to hate you."

"Aren't police officers supposed to be fair to all people?" The villager made his way over to Kousuke. He tapped at his chest, a mocking smirk escaping his lips. "Is society always this messed up? Shit, can't believe it."

"Aren't you messed up for trying to make us kill one another?" Miho was genuinely pissed. She was glared at the man in disgust. "You're the lowest of the low."

"Am I? It's not my fault the village has been participating in such an event." He shrugged. It was a mocking gesture.

Kousuke's eyes widened. "What do you mean?"

"You think I'd know? Hell, most of us don't know shit other than the fact that this village has been known throughout history for its mass murders." The villager smirked proudly. "I think only Mr Miyamoto and Monokuma would know everything though. I only know the basics of the events that happen in village."

"But…" The officer averted his gaze. "Wouldn't the police have caught on to this then?"

"Hell if I know kid." The villager frowned. "The only thing I'm interested in is stopping you all here. How the hell did you think that we won't catch on to you all fighting?"

"Like we could control where we fight!" Machiko snickered mockingly. "If we fight, where we are doesn't matter. We fight where we fight!"

The villager rolled his eyes, groaning. "Well, not when I'm around at least. Now, do I have to take you all to Mr Miyamoto and Monokuma or are you gonna apologize to all of us?"

Miho and Machiko looked at one another. They were silent, then glanced to the villager with a look of guilt.

"Sorry," Miho said, a saddened expression on her face.

Machiko grunted. "Me too."

The villager's lips set forth a prideful grin. "Good. Now if you kids don't give me anymore trouble, I'll continue my way around this place." He looked to Kousuke. "Hey brat, do you know where your other classmates are? Shouldn't they stick with you?"

Kousuke frowned. "I do not want to rule over them like a tyrant."

"Is that what you think?" The man snorted. "Sometimes a tyrant is necessary."

Kousuke had no idea what he meant.

"Well, anyways, I'm gonna go look for the other brats." The villager began to move away from the trio, heading down the stairs leading to the shrine. "Don't cause trouble, ya hear me? Mr Miyamoto and Monokuma might be close by."

With that said, the villager had disappeared.

Miho sighed, her shoulders slumping. "It's so hard to act."

The wedding crasher was not tired at all, simply throwing her fists up and laughing. "That was fun! I wonder if this is what Zero feels whenever he acts."

"I find it exhausting," the acrobat sighed. "But at least that guy didn't go back to the entrance building. Zero should have enough time to find the remote, right?"

Kousuke smiled, nodding. "I'm sure. The others are also doing their best to distract everyone. Zero also has the disguise on."

"Yeah, so let's just believe in him!" Machiko raised her fists high to the air a second time. "WOOT WOOT!"

Miho laughed. "Yeah!"

"So, now what?" Machiko looked at Kousuke.

He frowned. "We should make sure no one is around near the building. I do not want Zero to be in any danger."

"True." Miho nodded. "I think most of the villagers are being distracted by the others… I'm more worried about Mr Miyamoto and Monokuma."

"I don't think Mr Miyamoto will harm Zero, but Monokuma on the other hand…" Kousuke grimaced at the thought. "We do not know where Monokuma is though."

"That's true…" Machiko snapped her fingers. "We should fight again! Maybe it'll come out if we do!"

"I don't think it's that simple," Miho replied, chuckling.

Kousuke shrugged. "Well, I think we should try calling it out."

"Wait, really?" Miho said, shocked. "Will Monokuma actually come?"

"I don't know, but it's worth a shot," Kousuke cleared his throat before he yelled out loudly. "Monokuma, can we talk to you?!"

Silence, and then a chill in the air.

"What's up, bastards!"

Kousuke was shocked. Suddenly, in front of his very eyes, was Monokuma. The bear was eyed the trio with its usual smile.

Huh, it actually worked…

"T-THE BEAR APPEARED OUT OF THIN AIR!" Machiko screamed, horrified.

Monokuma rolled its eyes. "It's not like you've seen weirder things before, Matcha Tea. You've seen spirits and all that shit, right?"

The wedding crasher was silent. She realized that the bear was right.

"So, Kousuke-Bousuke, what did you want to ask moi?" The bear was staring at the officer. "You know time is precious! I need my beauty sleep!"

Kousuke did not bother to respond to Monokuma's statement. "I was wondering if you could tell us what exactly you are and why the villagers are working with you."

"Like I would actually answer you!" Monokuma stared at Kousuke for a moment, then laughed. "Puhuhuhu! I guess that's fine. I can answer a bit at least."

"Really?" Miho inquired, shocked.

Monokuma grinned. "I am merely a bear, that's all. And why the villagers are working with me? Hm… Well, let's just say that I'm merely an overseer to them. They work under me, and I help them in return for their own services."

"What?" Kousuke said, baffled. "What are you talking about?"

"That's all I can tell you. You should actually just think about it." Monokuma then frowned. "Actually, no, you guys should be thinking about how you're gonna kill people! Geez, you guys have little time left, ya know? Fucking murder each other!"

"Wha-" Miho was thrown aback by this statement. "Of course we won't kill one another! We won't fall for your sick deeds!"

Monokuma groaned. "Seriously? Do you guys seriously wanna die together? What a waste! There's so many victims to choose from! God, just imagining you guys' reactions to your own classmate killing another gets me excited!"

"You're disgusting." The acrobat was clenching her fists, shaking.

"Am I? You're so judgmental." Monokuma sighed. "Oh well, it doesn't matter. All I know is that you guys will kill one another."

"How do you know that?" Miho retorted. "You don't know us."

"I know more about you than you would like to realize." Monokuma snickered. "Ah, well, it's about ten already, so I think I should be getting beauty sleep right now."

"Beauty sleep?" Machiko was shocked. "You care about your beauty! You look too ugly to care about your own appearance!"

"Woah, rude!" Monokuma threw Machiko a hurt look. "I can't believe you would say that to me!"

"Of course I'd say that!" The wedding crasher grinned. "You're too ugly for someone to marry you! Even your own species wouldn't marry you!"

"I will cut you!" Monokuma snarled at the girl. "And says the person who crashes weddings! Like seriously - what a party pooper you are!"

Machiko said nothing, simply laughing while she shrugged.

Monokuma noticed this. It was displeased as it crossed its arms, though within seconds the bear grinned. It turned over to Kousuke. "Y'know, you really should plan things with your classmates more discreetly."

Kousuke's eyes widened. His heart suddenly ached. "W-what are you talking about?"

"I mean, I can't blame you though." Monokuma kicked the dirt on the ground, a hum escaping its snout. "How were you innocent little lads were to know that Mr Miyamoto and I are able to watch over your every single move?"

"What…?" Kousuke's heart raced. "But I didn't see any security cameras around-"

Monokuma laughed, reeling its head behind. "Upupupu! You're so naive! Just because there aren't security cameras or microphones around doesn't mean that we can't see you. We see all, and we see everything that you guys are doing. All. of. you."

Kousuke shuddered. He was unsure of what to say before he heard noises from the entrance building. He looked ahead to find Mr Miyamoto, who grabbed ahold of Zero, (whose wig was now gone) and shoved him lightly to the dirt ground.

Miho gasped as she ran over to the sight. "Zero!"

Kousuke fell silent. He saw Mr Miyamoto who let out a sigh before turning to Monokuma. "Should we call over the others?"

"The other villagers? Nah, let them handle the rest of the brats." Monokuma giggled, then turned to Kousuke. "Hey, officer sir, it was a good attempt. Trying to get the remote to shut off the bombs was smart, but it wasn't enough."

The bear's smile widened into a psychotic smirk. The officer gulped. He knew that the bear was taunting him.

"Kousuke!"

Kousuke looked back to find Takumi running towards him. The investigator's eyes widened upon the sight. "What? Mr Miyamoto… Zero…?"

"Looks like Mr. Sherlock's here." Monokuma giggled. The bear crossed its arms and smugly looked at Kousuke. "Want to wake up Hisashi and show him this pretty sight?"

Takumi paled at those words. He just realized that he was away from the house, away from protecting the horologist. "Don't touch Hisashi."

"I won't. I'm not here to kill you bastards, you guys are." Monokuma hopped over towards Mr Miyamoto and Zero. "Yo, old man!"

"Monokuma…" Zero bit into his lips. His face was pale. Kousuke noticed instantly that the drama club leader looked frustrated. However, he was not angry at Kousuke, but at himself. His entire expression was written in that of guilt.

Mr Miyamoto eyed Zero. "Don't look so bothered. It's not your fault for this."

"Let him go!" Miho cracked her knuckles. "I'll fight you!"

"GO MIHO!" Machiko cheered the acrobat on, face lit up in anger.

Kousuke shook his head. He grabbed ahold of his girlfriend's shoulder. "Don't. Zero's a hostage. They could hurt him."

"But…" Miho looked at Zero for a moment. She then gritted her teeth. She was glaring at Mr Miyamoto and Monokuma. "Fuck you."

"Sorry… If only I wasn't caught…" Zero was shaking his head.

Monokuma clapped its paws. "Upupupu! What a great turn of events! Well, this will teach you bastards to mess with us!"

Everyone was silent, unable to respond.

"Now, my stupid teenagers, I'll give you another motive." Monokuma twirled around in place before pointing to Zero. "If I don't see a murder, then not only will you guys all die together, but I'll make sure that he won't." Monokuma grinned, eyeing Zero who paled at the sight. "I'll make sure the villagers here will treat him well…"

"What?" Takumi took a step forward. "That's foul play!"

"What is? It's not like life's fair, Taco." Monokuma snorted. "Look, until the murder comes, then Mr Miyamoto and I will keep Zero safe in our little building. We won't hurt him. We'll just talk to him and all that shit. He's a hostage, technically."

Zero was silent. He was unable to say anything to this.

Miho heaved a deep breath. "You can't be serious! That's not fair!"

"Just listen to Monokuma." Mr Miyamoto eyed Miho sternly.

"But still! Zero doesn't deserve this shit!" The girl was enraged. "You guys are just messing with us!"

Kousuke was silent. He didn't know what to do. The gloomy skies were looming over him, and he knew that he held responsibility over Zero. He bit into his lips. He gripped Miho's shoulder and pulled her back.

"Huh?" The acrobat turned to the officer. "What's wrong, Kousuke?"

Kousuke ignored his girlfriend, instead staring straight at Monokuma. "Is it alright if I'm the hostage instead?"

Miho's eyes widened. "Kousuke?!"

Monokuma grinned. The bear eyed Kousuke silently for a moment. Then it chuckled. "I see no harm in that, but are you sure you really wanna risk yourself like this? It'd be a huge loss to your class here if you guys continue to hold your sense of 'love and peace' together."

"I take responsibility for Zero's safety." Kousuke was blunt, stern. "If you want to hold someone hostage, then it should be me. Let Zero go."

Zero was shocked. "L-leader…"

"FUCK! He's crazy!" Machiko threw her arms over her head. "What the hell, Kousuke?!"

"I mean, I have no problem with that! You are a huge factor to your class' entire sense of togetherness and all that shit!" Monokuma looked to Mr Miyamoto. "Whatcha think?"

Mr Miyamoto looked at Kousuke for a moment, silent. He looked at Zero before sighing. "I think it'd be more advantageous on our side if we use Kousuke as a hostage. He is their class president."

"Yup! Exactly like I was thinking!" Monokuma clapped its paws together, then suddenly turned to look Zero straight in the eyes. "Lucky you. You get to hang out with your friends for a little longer!"

Zero shuddered.

The bear threw its arms out. "Alright, let's switch! You for Zero!"

Kousuke nodded, watching Mr Miyamoto who forced Zero to his feet. The officer sighed, his heart beating.

I'm scared of dying, but I rather have my safety be endangered than for Zero to have his…

Kousuke pursed his lips and walked over to Monokuma's side. He ignored the protests that his classmates threw at him. The bear used this time to jump to Kousuke's shoulder.

"Hooray! I'm with Kousuke-Bousuke!" Monokuma said joyfully, riding on the officer's shoulder. "Let's get along well for the day, alright?"

Kousuke said nothing.

"Why?" Zero was pained at this. He clenched his hands into fists. Takumi grabbed ahold of his shoulders in an attempt to comfort him. "Leader...why?"

"I'm not letting this happen!"

Kousuke was shocked as Miho suddenly charged to the scene. She threw her fist, aiming at Mr Miyamoto, but he dodged. The acrobat stumbled as Monokuma laughed.

"If that had hit, then you would've endangered Kousuke's life more," Monokuma mused, enjoying the acrobat's misery. "Mr Miyamoto, let's go."

The old man stood up, walking over to grab Kousuke's shoulder, and within a moment the trio disappeared from sight.

"Fuck!" Miho gritted her teeth. She slammed her hands against the ground. "Damn it!"

Zero averted his gaze. "Was it… Was it my fault?"

"No, it wasn't." Miho eyed him sternly. She knew that the drama club leader would be remorseful, but she didn't want that to happen. It was not Zero's fault. It was not anybody's fault at all.

Machiko was unusually silent. Miho instantly knew that their plan had failed.

"What are we going to do now?" Takumi asked, eyeing the acrobat.

Miho snorted, standing up from her spot. She looked over to the group, a sudden determined look on her face.

"We need to find a way to stop Monokuma and Mr Miyamoto, that's what."

I am sorry this took a while to post. I hope I will be able to write the next chapter much more quicker than this one took me. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, as I wanted to put a small twist into it.

Wolffang1795 - "Thank you, I really am trying my best to give every character their own line. Well, I guess you could consider it an educated guess. Yes, of course. I hope you will look forward to the next chapter as well."

liammarklh88 - "I am glad you enjoyed the chapter. Well, only time could tell for who would be the murderer. I will take your comments into consideration, specifically on Seishin's potential love interests. I am glad that I had made your day that time. I will see if I could send in a character."

ToonGuy - "Miho is a very well-written character and she does fit Kousuke's liking. Your thoughts to who will die is interesting. I hope you will enjoy the next chapter as well as this one, thank you."

Lowrietial - "Thank you! I am glad that I am improving. Thank you again."

RioA - "Thank you. Your thoughts are very interesting. I'm glad that you are able to know much about Kousuke and the others. I hope you will enjoy the next chapter."

Crimson Spider Lily - "It is fine. Everyone has their own lives to live. I'm glad you enjoyed the snippet of the past. I am glad you enjoyed the free time events as well. I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and I hope you will enjoy the next one."