Sweetest Flower, Darkest Desire (Part 6)
Clara and I have always had some sort of chemistry, there's no denying it. I mean c'mon, I have chemistry with everyone. From my best friend Akumu to engaged woman Leonia, you could pair me with anyone here and it'd work!
But never did I ever expect Clara to make the moves on me, or anyone. She doesn't strike me as the type of girl who does such brash things in such intense situations, but here we are…
Clara slowly lets go of my face, moving it away from mine. Her face is red, and her confident flirtatious expression from before is replaced with a look of slight embarrassment.
"Don't worry," I grin. "That was a great kiss! One of my best." I too felt nervous beyond belief but I felt compelled to keep my composure to ease her anxieties about kissing a world class superstar such as myself.
"I-I'm glad," She smiles back, going back to holding my hand. "I, um, haven't really kissed anyone in a long time…"
"Me neither." I nod, staring at the ritualistic symbol. "...I'm glad it was a good one." I turn to smile at her.
Clara quickly looks away, nervously smiling. "M-Me too…"
It's a bit later in the day, er, night, now, and I'm continuing my investigation for secrets on dead students. Leonia is looking around in the magic lab while I look over the bathroom. Bathroom? Bath room? I don't know…
I'm looking under every towel and bowl, trying to find something when I'm interrupted by the worst of our two female gingers.
"Oh, it's you." Mari huffs as she saunters in. "I was hoping to take a bath in peace but instead I find the literal devil himself."
I do my best not to roll my eyes, turning towards Mari. "Hello, Mari. You're really going to take a bath in this place?"
Mari nods, motioning to her hair. When I first met Mari, her hair was a vibrant ginger, the result of expensive hair dye and expert hair care. Now, it's very faded and gradually losing its pigment. Not only that but you can now see Mari's roots: a dark brown color.
"Ever since I woke up on the ship, my hair has been crying for help." She rolls her eyes. "Without a hair stylist here to take care of it, I've been doing what I can to keep it from being dead weight."
I nod. "I applaud your efforts. The rest of us could learn something from you." I may be trying to tame the beast, but it is true. All of us first woke up looking fresh, clean and groomed. But now, our hair has grown out awkwardly, our clothes are getting less and less fresh after washing them so many times, and our skin has grown pale and dull from the lack of sun.
Still, at the same time, I don't feel any different. You'd think being on a spaceship for weeks now would leave us feeling lethargic and groggy, but even though yes we're not thrilled to be aboard the HFH Enterprise, I think most of us feel physically okay. The only changes seem to be in our appearance.
"Obvi." She flips her hair. "They don't just call me the Ultimate Runway Model for my good looks, I have brains too. Far more than you…"
"So, why do they call you the Ultimate Runway model?" I inquire. "You've never really talked about it. How you got your title."
Mari falters for a bit before shaking her head. "Why would I tell you? How do I know you won't just use it against me later?"
I hold myself back from rolling my eyes yet again and take a deep breath. Words have never gotten through to Mari before, but maybe I can try one more time.
"Mari, I'll say this for the last time: I'm sorry." I frown. "I had no idea of knowing what would happen in that game. I'm sorry I lied but can you blame me? Mari…you're…not the easiest person to deal with. I'm not calling you a bad person, but even you have to see how difficult you can be sometimes.
I came up with a lie on the fly that I knew would grant me an advantage in getting what I was looking for. I did it to help all of us, not just myself. What I did was wrong, yes, but you must understand why I did it. We're in a killing game, Mari, and we've already lost 8 people. I really don't want to lose any more, so if I have to tell a lie to advance my goals, then I'll have to do it."
I put my hand on her arm and smile while she looks at me with a hardened expression, her icy wall still up. "Mari…you and I are very similar, aren't we? Stars who weren't always stars…we did a lot of things to climb to the top, some of which we're both not proud of, but that we did nonetheless. Because when you have a dream, or a goal, you'll do anything you can to achieve it. We may not be the greatest of friends, but Mari, I'd do anything to save you and the others' lives! Every death hurts my heart and my soul, and I really don't want to hurt again."
Mari looks at the ground for a moment before slowly pulling her arm away from me. She raises a hand, holding it up to her face. It's then that I notice that her once manicured nails are now chipped and poor looking.
"How did…you know?" She suddenly speaks up.
"K-know what?" I ask nervously, anticipating her reaction to my apology.
She puts her hand back down, placing it on her hip and turning to look at me. "...That I wasn't always a star. That I'm like you. How did you know?"
Her tone is serious and her expression is fierce. She's finally listening to me rather than just hearing me.
I nod. "It was…well, the first week we woke up here."
Finally, she closed the 'laundry door'. "There, you're welcome."
"Thanks..." I muttered. "...Tell me, Royal, how do you of all people know how to do laundry?"
Royal shrugged her shoulders. "It's a basic human skill, Crimson. I'm surprised your parents never bothered to teach you."
"T-that's..." I said, blushing. "They just never had the opportunity to before they started hiring people to do it for us..."
"O-oh, of course." Royal quickly nodded, sounding slightly flustered. "Yes, my family also has servants who do our laundry for us, I just took it upon myself to learn how to do laundry to expand upon my many skills and talents."
"OK, sure..." I replied, raising a brow. "Anyways, what are you doing here? Shouldn't you be helping with setting up for the party?"
"You're a great model, but not the greatest actress," I chuckle, then quickly clear my throat. "Uh, no offense."
Mari huffs, turning away from me again. I sigh, defeated. She still hates my guts…
She then surprises me, letting out a laugh. She brings a hand to her head, touching her middle part where her brunette hair is most prevalent. "You're so annoying and so hypocritical, do you know that? Ugh, I swear, your words are like mush to my ears."
"H-Hey, I was just trying to make you feel something!" I protest.
"Yeah, what you made me feel is totally disgusted." She scoffs. She then softens her expression and rolls her eyes. "Ew, talking about my feelings is so gross…But if you must continue to pester me…
You're right. Mari Tamatsuki was not always the gorgeous-model-sensation-that-should've-been-picked-as-the-Ultimate-Fashion-Sensation-over-Junko-Enoshima. I grew up in the most boring house on the planet.
I mean, my parents? Accountants. My siblings? Studying to be accountants! Does that sound like fun to you?"
I shake my head. "No, not at all. I think I'd rather die than stare at numbers all day."
"RIGHT?" She agrees, rolling her eyes. "I mean sure it's a decent career that will live on forever and makes you a decent amount of money, but why just settle for decent? Ever since I was young, I knew I was made for so much more.
My name deserves to be in history books! My memory deserves to be remembered centuries after I'm gone. Being an accountant? Totally not the way to achieve that.
But modeling? Well, that'd totally burn the memory of my face into hundreds of thousands of people's minds.
I heard about a modeling agency opening up near me. Like you, I was born and raised in Tokyo, so there's a lot of opportunity to be discovered for stardom. This particular agency was accepting models of all ages, so I decided to audition.
The day I auditioned was the day my life changed forever. They, unsurprisingly, loved me. Immediately signing me to their agency and booking me gig after gig after gig. I was a natural on the runway and photo shoots were a total piece of cake.
My life just went up from there! The money began pouring in and finally my name was being spread around the world like wildfire. A young, beautiful, and talented model who could rival her senior Junko Enoshima.
And the rest is history."
I take a few seconds after hearing Mari's life to reflect. She really is pretty similar to me. I feel like I can understand her personality and actions better. Her personality is large and obnoxious because her family's personality is so boring. She's the type of girl who doesn't mind being disliked as long as people are talking about her.
Mari also entered the ruthless modeling industry at a very young age it seems. She hasn't talked to me about it, but I can only assume it wasn't always as easy as she makes it sound. When you're that young, words can make deep impressions on you. Plus I'm sure all the money and fame that she earned drew the attention of people who simply wanted to take advantage of her rather than build a meaningful connection with Mari.
Maybe that's why she's so unforgiving. I broke her trust in me. And until I do something to fix it…
"This doesn't mean you're forgiven, I hope you know." Mari says in a serious tone yet again, crossing her arms. "I just figured someone should hear the story of my life just in case I don't make it out of here."
I think for a moment, choosing my next words carefully. I already lied to her once after thinking what I said couldn't possibly come true…but this time…
"Mari, for as long as I live, I promise you I won't let you die." I smile, putting a hand on my heart.
Mari's eyes widen in surprise for a moment before she quickly regains her composure. "Y-you won't let me die? Hah, and how do you expect to do that when you've already failed once already?"
"Well, I don't know." I admit. "But still, I just have a feeling. You're not going anywhere, Mari Tamatsuki. And your story won't be told by me, but by you when you get out of here and get back to modeling."
Mari turns away from me. "Is that right? Well, until that day comes, I still don't forgive you."
I nod, turning towards the exit of the bathroom. "Yeah. I know."
The interesting duo of Koko and Norikazu are sitting together on the couch while looking in some book.
"Whatcha guys got there?" I ask, approaching them.
Koko turns towards me with a smile, which is when I almost jump at how horrible she looks. Her cheeks look ever so slightly more sullen, and there's slight bags under eyes most likely from the lack of sleep she's been getting with so much stomach pain from not having eaten.
"It's a storybook!" She says enthusiastically, her fiery energy seeming to be still present within her.
"Yes, one I illustrated myself." Norikazu reveals, showing me the cover.
Rain on the Waterfalls by Edward Lane
Featuring illustrations by Norikazu Kanno
"Oh man, I loved the one interview you did for this book," I chuckle, remembering the viral moment that got almost 3 million views on MeTube. "When you accidentally spoiled the ending of the book and your face turned this shade of green, and you threw up all over-"
"That's enough." Norikazu interrupts with a smile. "I remember…very well."
I clear my throat, dropping my smile. "Yeah. Sorry."
I turn to Koko who looks at me with an expression of utter horror, making me jump in surprise.
"Uh, Koko? You good?" I nervously ask. Her face is incredibly pale as she begins to breathe heavily.
"S-Seizo…do you realize what you just said?" She manages to choke out in between gasps.
I put my hands on her shoulders. "Breathe Koko. What I just said? You mean when I said sorry to Norikazu?"
Koko listens to me and closes her eyes, calming herself down after a few seconds. "...No. The story about Norikazu."
"What about it?" I ask, letting go of her and sitting down next to her and Norikazu.
"Let's not discuss it any further…please." Norikazu whines.
"Seizo…how do you know that?" She questions further, ignoring Norikazu. "How do you know that happened to Norikazu?"
I raise a brow. "Well, because it was all over MeTube. The clip got almost 3 million views."
Koko nods slowly. "Right. A clip of Norikazu got 3 million views. Seizo. A clip of Norikazu Kanno, the Ultimate Illustrator whom you met just a few weeks ago. Do you understand now?"
I'm a bit confused for a while following Koko's question. Do I understand? Of course I do. I saw a video of Norikazu when he went viral, and remembered it when I saw the book he and Koko were reading.
Why is that surprising? It's a clip everyone probably remem-
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Ah.
Now I get it.
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"I…shouldn't be able to remember that." I realize, speaking slowly and softly.
Koko nods. "Exactly. Because…"
"None of you recognize me?" I asked. Everyone shook their heads. "You guys haven't seen the live action Sun Witch Esper Ito? It's a pretty popular show." Not that I was offended by their lack of knowledge of me, but I was sure at least one of them might've recognized me. I mean, not to be cocky or anything, but I've been in a decent amount of shows, movies, and advertisements, after all.
"I'm not really a fan of television." Rose admitted. "Maybe that's why?"
"Sun Witch Esper Ito?" Cherry repeated. "I love that show!"
"Then you'd recognize me," I surmised. "I play Prince Kirishima."
"Hm? Prince Kirishima?" Cherry looked at me funny. "I don't think I remember him."
"Seriously?" I asked in surprise. "He's the main antagonist. He goes all the way back to episode 1. "
Cherry looked perplexed, putting a hand to her forehead. "That's so weird...I know who you're talking about, but I can't remember ever watching him...I can't even remember his voice or what he looks like..."
"I think we're all a little on edge." Rose said. "Our minds probably aren't in the best shape right now."
Cherry sighed, but nodded. "Yeah, maybe you're right. I'll probably remember later and punch myself for forgetting!" She laughed.
"Regardless of whether we know each other or not, I think all of our immediate goals right now are to escape, yes?" Frost asked.
"Hm, now that we all know each other's real names, does anyone remember each other?" Leonia (Diamond) inquired.
"Nope, no one's name rings any bells." Takumi sighed.
"How strange." Leonia commented. "I too can't remember anyone here…"
"What about you, Mari?" I inquired. "Now that we can tell each other our real names, you can tell me what movie we starred in.
Mari's face then turned bright red. "W-well, you see, that was-"
"A lie?" Takahashi finished for her.
Mari reluctantly nodded.
"Figures…" I muttered.
"Tell me, everyone." Mari said, smirking. "Surely at least one of you has now remembered me after getting some sleep, yes?"
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Mari frowned. "How?! I am the Mari Tamatsuki! My face is on magazines all around the country, I've walked for the most well known fashion brands around the world!"
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"Fine," Mari huffed. "Be that way!"
"Mari, it's not a personal attack on you that no one knows who you are," I sighed. "None of us recognize each other. But you don't see us complaining…"
After all this time, not one of us has been able to remember another person here. There's been one instance in which we almost did, but that still ended in failure. Leonia came up with a theory that may have explained how we could remember each other by strengthening our bonds.
"Hm…" Leonia looked up at the sky in thought. "Perhaps the longer we're in here, the better our memories are becoming?"
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Well, I've always found it strange how none of us recognize each other, despite the fact that we're all Ultimates." Leonia replied. "I was thinking that maybe something is wrong with our memory. Perhaps partial amnesia brought on by our kidnapping?"
"So you're suggesting we have seen and heard of each other before, but just can't remember it?" Norikazu replied.
"Precisely." Leonia nodded. "And because we've spent so much time together, our memories are getting better little by little; which is why you just now remembered the name of the character Seizo plays."
"You still can't remember the fact that I play him, but we're going in the right direction." I nodded. "Let's keep spending time together and strengthening our bonds. Hopefully our memories will improve that way."
"I see." Norikazu said. "Well, not remembering something is rather frustrating, so I'll cooperate. Let me know whenever you want to talk, Seizo."
"Same here." Leonia said. "I'm confident we've had to have heard of each other before, spending time together may help us remember."
"Seizo, this is the first instance in which someone clearly remembers someone else." Koko says, starting to sound excited. "Can you remember anything else about Norikazu?"
I look at the blonde boy who smiles at me.
…
"Norikazu Kanno…I know he illustrated that book and went viral following that video. I somewhat remember his response to the viral moments following everything, but it's kinda cloudy…other than that, I don't think I remember much else." I admit, scratching my head.
Koko sighs dejectedly, but Norikazu shakes his head. "No, this is truly groundbreaking." He says.
"Seizo was able to remember me. A small part of my life, but me nonetheless. This is proof that something must've altered our memories to make us forget each other." Norikazu continues.
Forget each other…
Koko and I look at each other, each thinking of the same thing. That photo of her, me, Mari, Taka, Takumi, and Shiro. We thought it was impossible. We had never met or heard of each other before.
But maybe something is missing from our memories after all and the picture really is real…our smiles in it really are genuine…we really…
Went to Hope's Peak together…
Well, it's been a night of nothing about secrets on our dead classmates. Leonia and I reconvened after we finished exploring to determine that there's nothing.
She did mention finding something interesting, but said she needed to look into it more before she brought it to my attention. Didn't want to waste my time if it wasn't something really important.
I had decided to retire to my room a little early to rest my eyes when I suddenly heard a knock on my door.
I quickly get out of bed and open the door to reveal the girl in question, who barges into my room rather frantically.
"L-Leonia?" I say in surprise as she sets a small notepad on my bed.
"I am not sure this is important, but it's…interesting to say the least." She says, crossing her arms as she paces around my room. "Please take a look."
I do so, reading over the first page. "Oh wow…that is kinda interesting."
Leonia nods. "Yes. Now. Please flip to the next page."
I raise a brow as her expression darkens at the mention of the second page. However, I oblige.
And when I do, I understand what has Leonia so frantic.
Team Dawn
"Hear ye, hear ye! The moon has drifted off into the sky, and now the sun has come out to greet us! Welcome to a new day. Team Dusk, please proceed to your rooms to get some rest. Team Dawn, you may exit your rooms two minutes after this announcement and begin your day. Good night and good day!"
You know that feeling when you wake up and something just feels off?
Like some shit's not right.
That's how I feel right now as soon as the announcement finishes.
I open my eyes, looking around my room. Everything looks and feels normal here. So why the fuck does my brain tell me something is off?
I quickly leave my room and the dormitory hallway, entering the common room. All of my teammates are sitting on the couch, looking relatively fine as they talk to one another and eat apples.
Akumu looks up at me first. "Good morning Takahashi!" He says with a smile. "How are you doing today?"
"...Fine." I answer hesitantly, taking a seat next to Fran.
"Would you like an apple?" She asks tiredly, holding out a hand. I nod, taking the aforementioned apple and biting into it.
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What the fuck is wrong with me? I feel…
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Ouch…
There's a pain in my side.
I look down at myself, but everything looks fine. No blood, bruise, scar, nothing.
I look at my teammates again, and again, they look fine. The most important thing is that they're all alive.
"It's d-day 3." Shiro says nervously. "Anyone who hasn't finished their task…"
"Will die." Isami sighs, resting her head on Shiro's shoulder.
Jack furrows his brow for a moment. "...Yeah, they will. We should help each other out, y'know? Share our tasks. We're all on the same team, yes?"
"Hm, is that really the best course of action?" Akumu questions. "I mean, what if someone's task is that they can't share it? I think forcing us all to share our tasks may do more harm than good."
"...Maybe you're right…" Jack sighs dejectedly. "Shit…don't say I didn't warn you guys for what's to happen next."
"W-wait, I think y-you're right Jack." Shiro suddenly speaks up. "We should r-reveal our tasks to each o-other here and now. To h-help each other out…"
…What?
Jack thinks for a moment. "...Alright…Well, my task isn't to hide it, so for me I think it's alright. My task is-"
"Hold the fuck up." I speak up, starting to feel even more uneasy. Some shit ain't right here. "Shiro. Why the fuck would you recommend sharing each other's tasks?"
"B-because…" Shiro stammers. "It'd be h-helpful-"
"No the fuck it wouldn't." I snap. "Your task is top fucking secret, you'd lose if you told it to a certain someone."
Shiro is quiet for a moment, shaking his head. "N-No, you're wrong, I've already done it-"
"No. You haven't." I frown. "I saw you didn't do it. And I said I'd help you to do so, but that shit hasn't happened yet. Shiro, you're lying out of your teeth right now. If I didn't know any better I'd think you were-"
Shiro starts to chuckle. Like, chuckle, chuckle. Motherfucker sounds like a B-movie action villain. Then he breaks into a cackle, like a full blown blockbuster hit action movie villain.
"O-Oh man," He says in between laughs. "FUCK! You guys are so fucking good at this! I guess I underestimated you all after all…"
Fuck me…
"Kuro." Isami glares, quickly getting off of him. "You said you'd stay away from us."
"Oh believe me, I wish I could." Kuro rolls his eyes, shoving Isami further away from him. "But this stupid game has me up and at 'em again!"
"Don't tell me you got a task as well?" Fran sighs, crossing her arms.
"But of course." Kuro answers. "I am just a part of this game just as you bitches are, after all. You seem to forget all the times we've made it clear that Shiro and I are separate people."
"I don't give a fuck if you're a part of this game or not." I yell. "Go the fuck away before I beat the shit out of you."
"You don't scare me airplane man," Kuro scoffs. "I've seen how soft you've gotten."
"S-Soft?" I repeat, my face turning red.
"Yeah, soft." Kuro smirks, standing up from the couch and approaching me. He's about three inches away from me, looking up at me with an evil ass look in his eyes. "Didn't know the Ultimate Pilot became such an Ultimate Pussy."
Something in me snapped, and I did something I haven't done in a long time, raising my fist and slamming it right into the little shit's stomach.
Kuro instantly recoils in pain, clutching his stomach. He then, however, begins to laugh, looking up at me once again.
"T-That all you got?" He laughs. "Fuck, if you punch me like that it's no wonder you can't save anyone from dying-"
I punch him again.
"Guys stop!" Fran pleads, running out of her seat as Kuro begins to cough.
"He's not worth it, Taka, back down!" Akumu encourages, joining Fran to block me from Kuro.
"No FUCK that, he pissed me off," I protest, pushing past Akumu and Fran and shoving Kuro to the ground.
"Stop behaving so idiotically." Isami sighs, but doesn't make an effort to move from her seat.
"Yeah, if you're going to hit someone let it be me." Jack says.
Pause. What?
"I thought you changed, JT." Kuro smirks, blood beginning to drip from his mouth as I realize I must've punched him a little too hard in the stomach. "But seems like you're the same evil ass fuck from Day 1. You'll always be everyone's least favorite-"
"FUCK you!" I yell, kicking him in the side. "I have changed, you're the evil ass fuck that no one on this fucking ship likes, do everyone a favor and go the fuck away for good!"
Kuro can't stop laughing even as the blood pours from his mouth. Fran kneels down next to him, trying to stabilize him as he keeps shifting around.
"You'll never be the fucking hero," Kuro laughs. "You play the part of the villain way too well!"
"THAT'S IT," I lunge forward and prepare to break every bone in Kuro's body as everyone screams at me to stop.
Then, the screams suddenly stop.
And my vision goes dark.
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Ugh…
I open my eyes, staring up at the very familiar ceiling of the dining room.
Why the fuck am I back here?
I look around and all of my classmates are next to me laying on the ground. Some of them are stirring.
"Ouch, my head hurts…" Akumu complains, slowly sitting up.
More of my classmates begin to do so, which is when I notice a common theme. Everyone who is currently awake is a part of Team Dawn. Team Dusk is sound asleep.
"Why are we back here?" Fran questions, rubbing her eyes. "It isn't the end of day 3 yet…"
There it is again.
That bad feeling.
I look down at myself and gasp when I see blood coming out of a wound on the right side of my torso. "Ow, what the fuck?"
"What happened to you?" Jack questions with a curious expression.
"How the fuck should I know?" I frown.
"Are you Shiro or Kuro?" I hear Isami ask the Ultimate Occultist.
"What the fuck do you think space cadet?" Kuro responds, no longer bleeding or looking to be in pain.
Interesting…
"We should look around, I guess…" Fran says, standing up. We all join her and nod.
"Where do we even start, though?" Akumu asks, scratching his head. "What are we looking for, exactly?"
"Let's check in with these motherfuckers." I answer, motioning to the members of Team Dawn. "I got some weird wound on me. Maybe they have something similar."
Everyone but Kuro agrees and we start the inspection of our classmates. Which is when we quickly realize something worrisome.
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"Where's…Mari and Koko?" Fran gulps, her expression one of concern.
"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"
A scream.
FUCK!
It's coming from the announcement room.
We all instantly race to there, our hearts all beating a motherfucking mile per minute…
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"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" Another scream, this time from Fran and Akumu.
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It's never fucking easy.
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Never. Fucking. Easy.
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Especially when…
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Especially when…
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The person in front of me right now…
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Dead…
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Is…
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The cheeriest person on this fucking ship.
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Koko Kagawa, the Ultimate Food Critic.
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I hate it here.
A/N: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
IM SORRY
I LOVE YOU KOKO
I LOVE YOU YOONIE
IM SORRY
IM SO SAD
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAa