[FREE TIME EVENTS]
Now, who should I spend time with while exploring the island? If you'd asked me yesterday, I would have answered Hajime, but well… for obvious reasons that wasn't possible right now, and not counting Usami, Izuru ranked absolute lowest on the list of people I wanted to talk to. Maybe Junko and Mukuro? No, I don't think that was a good idea, so soon after the motive was announced. It… it might be best to give them a little time and space.
Ibuki?
The moment the thought entered my head, my cheeks flushed, remembering the hug she'd given me earlier. And her calling me cute.
…
Ibuki it was.
Mikan: Umm, h-hello again Ibuki. W-Would it be alright if I explored the island with you?
Ibuki: Ibuki accepts! Race you there!
Without waiting for my response, Ibuki ran towards the first island.
Mikan: Ah, Ibuki, w-wait! I don't know where you're going!
I thankfully caught up with her easily enough, but now I was in the awkward position of being ahead of Ibuki while still not having any idea of where we were going, so I alternated being slowing down and speeding up to let her lead. Soon enough, we arrived at the airport.
Ibuki: *Huff, huff*. Man, you're, *huff*, way faster than I thought. I guess Ibuki, *huff*, loses this round…
Mikan: Heh heh… sorry…
Ibuki: No apologizing, you, *huff* won fair and square! You should apply to be the Ultimate Runner after this!
Mikan: S-So, why did you want to go to the airport specifically?
Ibuki: Well, it's not really exploring, but I actually wanted to workshop my idea of turning the planes into boats. Ibuki's party idea went over so well that I got more motivation to get started on it! We probably don't want to actually get on it until we know where the heck we are, but it wouldn't hurt to start thinking about it.
Mikan: Oh. W-Well, where would you start with that?
Ibuki: Aha, so Mikan wants a lesson on the art from the Ultimate Mechanic herself… Prepare to be dazzled!
Ibuki: The first challenge would be making the plane actually watertight. Modern airplanes are designed to float in case they have to make an emergency landing in water, but they can't actually stay there indefinitely. So we'd have to find all the leaks and valves and seal them somehow.
Ibuki: The second challenge… mmh, Ibuki will let you take a guess at this one.
Mikan: Oh, umm. The engines, I think?
Ibuki: Bingo! I already told you before that aircraft engines would be impossible to build with the materials on this island. Boat engines are a lot more doable, but even if I can build one, there's a biiiig problem. Can you guess again?
Mikan: … Attaching it to the planes?
Ibuki: Bzzt, wrong!
Mikan: Eek!
Ibuki: That part's easy as pie. The real problem is fuel! Ibuki checked and checked and checked everywhere, but she couldn't find any!
Usami: Of course there isn't! I'm the one who removed the engines in the first place! Why would I want my adorable students to try and escape?
Ibuki: GYAHH! Why'd you show up all of a sudden?
Mikan: P-Please leave…
Usami: Boohoohoo, rejected again… What must I do to make my students appreciate me? Maybe stop the killing game? … No, that can't be it.
And then, as suddenly as she'd appeared, Usami was gone.
Ibuki: Bluh bluh bluh… That bunny gives me the creeps!
Mikan: Umm, m-moving back to our original subject, if fuel is a problem, m-maybe I could just make some?
Ibuki: …
Mikan: Y-You know, since I'm the Utlimate Chemist, I know of s-several ways to make fuel from the materials here…
Ibuki: …
Ibuki: I could kiss you right now.
Mikan: E-Eh?
Ibuki: Juuuuust kidding! But yeah, you just had a great idea! How exactly would you make it, though?
Mikan: Ah, w-well, I could make some from the alcohol in the supermarket. I'd need to create a makeshift distillation apparatus, though. It would be less efficient than traditional fuel, and the quantity wouldn't be very big, but it's better than nothing…
Ibuki: Iiiiinteresting. I've never built a motor that uses alcohol fuel before, but I guess there's a first time for everything… Ibuki accepts this challenge!
Mikan: I don't know much about mechanics, but I could s-still help you with the thermodynamics of the motor… I-If you're okay with it, that is…
Ibuki: No problemo!
Ibuki and I spent the next hour or so talking about making an alcohol based boat engine, and getting started on some blueprints. I didn't have any illusions that this would be some magic bullet that would let us escape just like that, but it was still fun. Using my talent at chemistry for something that was unambiguously positive… it was nice.
Ibuki: Mmh.
Mikan: Yes?
Ibuki: Don't take this the wrong way… but I'm surprised by how bad at physics you are.
Mikan: W-What?
Ibuki: Sorry. Obviously, you know way more about physics than the average person, and you're the real deal with chemistry, but the two disciplines are pretty tightly linked, and you have pretty big gaps in your knowledge on basic physics subjects. Even with your specialization, for you to know this much chemistry compared to physics, I just find it odd.
Mikan: O-Oh well… The truth is, I never received an education in physics…
Ibuki: Huh?
Mikan: I… I dropped out in middle school… All my chemistry knowledge, it's self-taught…
Ibuki: So you haven't been to school in years and Hope's Peak still choose you?
Mikan: I… I guess…
Mikan: I'm sorry. I know this is weird and that you probably think I'm a fraud…
Ibuki: Don't say that! If anything, you should be proud of getting this good all on your own. It's seriously super-duper impressive, you know?
Mikan: Oh.
Ibuki: No matter how you got there, you should be proud of yourself, and anyone who tells you otherwise is full of shit. Because at the end of the day… that's you, you know. You did that, and no one can take that away from you.
Ibuki had said all of this with an unusually serious face, and I was left momentarily speechless.
Mikan: I-Ibuki…
Mikan: Thank you.
Ibuki: No problemo!
Mikan: …
Mikan: If you don't mind me asking, h-how did you get into mechanics anyways?
Ibuki: Mmh, Ibuki will tell you… but not today. Guess we'll have to schedule another science jam between the two of us, eh?
Ibuki winked at me, and I felt my cheeks flush again. Damn it. That girl would be the death of me.
Ibuki and I went back to working. We didn't have any more personal conversations after that, but I still enjoyed our time together. I think Ibuki and I grew closer today.
Before long, it was lunchtime, so we reconvened with everyone at the restaurant. Himiko had finally made an appearance, her leg in a cast. She was obviously still very tired from her ordeal, so after giving her my well wishes, I decided to leave her in Junko's capable hands and let rest.
Keebo then called for a meeting to discuss the morning's exploration, and unfortunately, there wasn't much to say. The two most relevant things that could help our escape were Ibuki and I's attempt at making an engine, and the fact that according to Usami, the supplies in Rocketpunch Market and the restaurant were restocked every night. This was good, as not only would we not starve, but I also wouldn't run out of alcohol to create the fuel.
There was one more thing of note. According to the people that had checked out the ranch, Sonia had complained about the lack of cows, only for Usami to suddenly appear and literally transform a chicken into a cow before their very eyes.
Yasuhiro: It was insane, man! Almost as crazy as that time aliens stole my burger!
Toko: Aliens stealing a burger? Wh-what the hell are you talking about, you drunkard…
Yasuhiro: Hey, that was this morning! I'm like 90% sober now!
Sonia: Yes, it was… most troubling. I assume Usami used some sort of visual trick to switch a chicken and a cow, but I can't imagine how she could have done it so quickly.
Yet more evidence that Usami was literally able to use magic… Just what was she?
After going over all the discoveries of this morning, the conversation soon turned to the planning for the party. Kiyo agreed to my idea of making glow in the dark decorations, and after eating lunch, we both went to the supermarket to gather supplies.
Mikan: Oh g-good, they have aluminum foil. I'll have to find a way to grind it into a powder, though…
Korekiyo: I must say, I am surprised at how many things you're gathering. Is making glow in the dark powder truly so complex?
Mikan: Ah, y-yes and no? It doesn't need that many steps, but I do have to make a lot of equipment from scratch, and there's a lot that can go wrong during the process. It's a lot more complex than just distilling alcohol to make fuel. Still I should be able to have a good amount ready by tomorrow…
Korekiyo: Kehehe. I've used fluorescent paint in the past for some of my paintings, but it's something I always took for granted. The complexities involved in making the chemicals we use every day so often go under our nose.
Mikan: Y-You know, there's actually several phenomena that commonly get lumped under the umbrella of "glow in the dark". Th-The two most common are fluorescence and phosphorescence. Fluorescence means something will absorb light and then emit it quickly after. This is usually used in conjunction with ultraviolet lights, which can make something glow in the visible spectrum while it is seemingly dark. Phosphorescence is similar, but the material will "store" the absorbed light for a longer period of time, and can glow in true darkness.
Mikan: Ah! S-Sorry, I started rambling…
Korekiyo: I learned something new, so I do not mind. To think that our world allows for such fascinating phenomena… Kehehe, nature truly is beautiful!
Mikan: Heheh… Kiyo, you sure do like to talk about how beautiful the world is, huh…
Korekiyo: Is there a problem with that?
Mikan: N-No! I don't necessarily disagree! I'm just curious as to what exactly you mean when you say it… You weirded Hajime out when you said violence was beautiful yesterday, b-but I'm interested in your perspective…
Korekiyo: I see… To tell you the truth, it depends on what exactly I am describing. For things that are traditionally considered beautiful, like a sunset or a flower field, I think my definition of "beautiful" is fairly close to that of the average person's…
Korekiyo: But for darker subjects… Well, why do we watch movies with scenes of violence, that showcase murder, torture, war? These are things that most people would consider bad, and yet when there is a layer of separation through the medium of fiction, when it's turned into a spectacle, it's suddenly enjoyable.
Korekiyo: At the end of the day, I suppose that many people do find such topics beautiful, even if they don't want to admit it… but I guess I take it a step further by saying it about real life events. It's not that I find enjoyment at witnessing the suffering of real world people, but I can find meaning in it, yes? Many classic art pieces were inspired by real life atrocities, after all. Were these artists wrong for turning these tragic events into entertainment?
Mikan: I s-see…
Korekiyo: Kehehe, you do not have to agree. The way I express my views can be quite unique, and I am aware of the effect I have on people.
Mikan: N-No, it's okay. I don't think I'd say it like that, but I agree with what you're saying, mostly… It's not exactly the same, but I've done s-some things that I regret in my past… But thinking about it, it still had some meaning to me.
Korekiyo: Is that so?
Mikan: Y-Yes, but I don't really want to talk about it… But, g-going back to you, I guess you reflect that philosophy in your art?
Korekiyo: Indeed. I do like to contrast different kinds of beauties in my art. A flowering landscape lit by a perfect sunset… and in the middle of it, a butchered, rotting corpse. That kind of composition has a special meaning to me, but it's also interesting to see what interpretations people make from it.
Mikan: …
Korekiyo: Not all critics agree though… I've had a fair share call me a hack that only uses shock value to make people talk about me, but at the end of the day, I was chosen as the Ultimate Artist, so the joke is on them, yes? Kehehe…
Mikan: Haha… I-I just hope you tone it down for the decorations you'll make… I don't think that kind of thing would go over well for a party…
Korekiyo: Yes, yes… I'm not completely lacking in social grace, you know…
Mikan: Heh heh, sorry…
Korekiyo: Regardless, I look forward to your glow in the dark powder being ready. I can already imagine the beautiful things I'll create with it, kehehe…
After gathering all the supplies, Kiyo and I worked separately on our projects, occasionally making small talk to break the silence. Kiyo… he was still pretty creepy, to be honest. But it was a creepy I could handle, probably better than anyone else here, in fact. Not to mention that his perspective was pretty interesting. I was also pretty excited to see how the decorations he'd made would turn out once I finished my powder. Kiyo and I grew a bit closer today.
The rest of the afternoon passed without incident, and after dinner, I decided now was as good a time as any to apologize to Mukuro and Junko for earlier. Both had already retreated to their cottages, and figuring that Mukuro would be easier first, I gathered my nerves and knocked on her door. To my surprise, Junko was the one who answered. Looking into the cottage, I could see that Mukuro was also there. I guess they just wanted to spend time together before going to bed.
Junko: Yo, what's up?
Mikan: Umm, is it o-okay if I come in?
Junko: Huh? Sure, make yourself at home.
Mikan: R-Right, thank you.
I entered the cottage, and awkwardly stood there, not sure what to say.
Mukuro: Hey Mikan. Did you want something?
Mikan: R-Right. I wanted to apologize for earlier, with the motive. We shouldn't have doubted you two like that…
Junko: Oh, that? Nah, it's cool. Water under the bridge as far as I'm concerned.
Mukuro: Indeed. It's not exactly pleasant being the center of suspicion, but in hindsight, it's only natural that you would have been suspicious of us. Still, I appreciate your apology.
Mikan: Th-Thank you…
Junko: Don't thank us just yet. We were just discussing behind closed doors, you know? Maybe we were plotting out a murder after all…
Mikan: Wh-What?
Mukuro: *Sigh*, just ignore her, that's just Junko being Junko. Whenever we have a nice moment, she has a compulsive need to ruin it.
Junko: Fuck you too, you bitch! It's called having a personality, maybe you should try it sometimes.
Mikan: Heh heh…
I nervously chuckled. Mukuro and Junko claimed that they meant no harm when they went at each other's throat like this, but it still made me uncomfortable.
Mikan: W-Well, I'll leave you two to it then. G-Good night…
Mukuro: Actually, why don't you stay for a bit?
Mikan: H-Huh?
Mukuro: I just think it would be nice to spend time with you is all.
Junko: Indeed! Out of everyone in this fiefdom of ours, we believe you to be one of the more pleasant subjects!
Deciphering the ramblings of Junko's queen persona… I guessed that meant she saw me as one of the more tolerable people here? That was nice, I suppose…
Mikan: Um, s-sure, I can stay for a bit…
I sat down on Mukuro's bed, and I joined the conversation with the two other girls. Well, it would be more accurate to say that Mukuro and Junko talked to each other while I awkwardly third-wheeled. It's not like it was impossible for me to make conversation, but when I was with two other people who had an already established dynamic, I didn't have a lot to say, and when I did, I didn't know how to interject.
I did learn a lot about the sisters' lives, however, as they weren't shy about discussing personal details in front of a relative stranger. Mukuro had mentioned before that divorce was the reason the two had different last names, but that wasn't the end of it. From the sound of it… both their parents had been pretty abusive.
I was growing more and more uncomfortable about being part of this conversation. Even though the two had invited me and were clearly not shy about that topic, I felt like I was intruding on something private. At around the thirty minute mark, I was looking for an excuse to leave, until a comment from Junko grabbed my attention.
Mikan: Wh-What?! You two were homeless?
Junko: Huh? Oh yeah, for about a year.
Mikan: Th-That's awful…
Mukuro: Well, I don't disagree, but in the end, it was because of our decision to run away from home. We thought that it would be better than staying with our parents, and despite all the hardships we faced, we were right.
Junko: Yup! Spending my days rooting through the garbage with that idiot was a living hell, but it 100% beat having to spend even a second with these two assholes !
Mukuro: Aww, Junky, I'm flattered you have such a high opinion of me.
Junko: Don't get used to it. I'm holding back only because hot stuff over there would have a heart attack if I was being really honest.
Mikan: Haha?
Mukuro: But still, despite everything, I wouldn't take back that time for anything. After all, it's during that time that we developed an interest for our talents.
Mikan: Oh, h-how come?
Mukuro: Honestly, it started as just us two taking care of each other. I was stronger, so I'd protect Junko against physical threats, and-
Junko: And I was smarter, so I'd treat her after she got her ugly face bashed in!
Mukuro: Well, I would have said it in a more flattering light for myself, but essentially, yes.
Mukuro: After a while, our situation stabilized, and we continued on our paths, but properly this time. I enrolled in an actual dojo, Junko studied nursing, and the rest is history.
Mikan: That's… s-sweet? I think?
Junko: Eh, it was nothing. Becoming a sexy nurse was always a dream of mine, I just used her as a practice dummy. I didn't actually care that she got hurt for my sake.
Was it just me, or did I detect some tsun?
Mukuro: In any case, you've already seen that we aren't shy about our past, so please try not to look at us differently because of this. It's a thing that happened, nothing more, nothing less.
Mikan: Oh, s-sure. Sorry about reacting so strongly earlier, it's just…
Mikan: A similar thing happened to me…
Junko: Oh shit, you were homeless too?
Mikan: Y-Yes, but only for a week… And the r-reason for that is that I also ran away from home when I was a kid…
Junko: Damn, you're more hardcore than I thought, girl.
Mikan: I-I wouldn't call it hardcore… I was pretty pathetic…
Mukuro: Please don't say that.
Mikan: S-Sorry, it's just hard, talking about this… Sorry, but I don't wanna say anymore about this. I know you two kinda gave your wh-whole backstory to me and I feel like living garbage for not reciprocating but I still barely know you and I just can't talk about this I'm so sorry I hope you forgive me and if you don't well that's okay too-
Mukuro: Hey, it's alright. Only share what you're comfortable with, okay? Just because Junko and I are open about this stuff doesn't mean we expect everyone to be.
Junko: Yep. It's cool.
Mikan: O-Oh. Thank you.
*DING DONG BING BONG*
Usami: Goooood evening, my night owls! This is an official announcement from lead teacher Usami. It is now 10 PM, and as such, it is officially night time! I recommend you head back to your cottages and get ready for a lovely night full of sweet dreams. Love! Love!
Junko: Seriously? That fucking rabbit also has an announcement for night time?
Junko: Well, whatever, guess I should check on Himiko before she goes to sleep. 'Night, Musky Rat. 'Night, cutie.
Mikan: H-Huh? D-Don't just say that! Junko!
Mukuro: Aaaand she's already gone. Heh, looks like she likes you, Mikan. My condolences, I suppose…
Mikan: I-Is that a good thing?
Mukuro just smirked at me, saying nothing.
Mikan: W-Well, good night, Mukuro. I guess I'll head back to my cabin.
Mukuro: Good night, Mikan. It was nice talking to you.
I left Mukuro's cottage, and headed straight towards my own. I think I grew closer to Junko and Mukuro today. Once I got back to my cottage, I went straight to bed.
Today had been a long day, but a productive one. I had fun with several people, I made progress on an escape plan, and I contributed to the preparations for tomorrow's party. Speaking of the party, I still felt nervous, but I was also very much looking forward to it. With the other people here, I was sure I'd have a good time. Focusing on my future fun and not on the fact that I was in a killing game, I quickly drifted off to sleep.