Danganronpa: String Theory (DrV3)

4.6 - Floor of the Dead

A/N: The above art is my own work and for my own use only.

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"Prairie."

I stop in my tracks, making Shuichi pause beside me in surprise at the voice calling me out.

Maki walks to close the space between us, eyes flicking between Shuichi and I before they settle on me. She seems cautious with Shuichi present, but doesn't bother to invite me a few steps away or shoo Shuichi so we can speak privately.

"I need to talk to you later. Alone. Come to my lab, and make sure you do it by tonight," Maki states with a critical look in her eye. I raise a bewildered eyebrow at the unspoken 'or else' she seems to refrain from attaching at the end of her sentence, surprised she's even seeking me out at all. Despite my confusion, she doesn't elaborate. She simply starts walking ahead of us, her stride swift as she makes her way up the stairs to get to her lab. We're actually headed the same way, but I guess she's in a hurry to guard it compared to the casual pace Shuichi and I walk.

"This is the first time I see Maki inviting someone to visit her lab," Shuichi thoughtfully comments, making me look towards him with an innocent shrug.

"Well, I don't know what she wants, but I also don't want to find out what she'd do if I stood her up," I say, noting how Shuichi gives me an incredulous look. When I register the concern in his gold eyes, I can't help but laugh a little. "No, I don't mean I'm worried she's dangerous. I'm just...remembering when she ripped out a few strands of my hair that time I was running to go through the tunnel."

Shuichi relaxes, but winces sympathetically at the memory, reaching up to rub the back of his head like he was the one to have his hair pulled out.

"So in the last five days I've been asleep, she hasn't warmed up to anyone else then?" I inquire curiously, watching as Shuichi opens his mouth to answer but hesitates with the response.

"I was going to say no, but I did see Kaito talking to her outside her lab early in the morning. I don't know what they were discussing, but I do remember Kaito talking about wanting to have a moment with her before then. He got what he wanted, I guess," Shuichi states, putting his hands on his sides thoughtfully. "I asked why he was so interested, but he never gave me a straight answer. He usually will usually change the subject to avoid the question."

I snort a little, hiding half of my amused smile behind a hand.

"Maybe cupid hit him?" I suggest, watching as a pink hue blooms over Shuichi's features enough to give him a rosy glow. It only serves to make me laugh even more. "This isn't even about you! Why are you turning pink?"

"I-It's a bit embarrassing discussing love affairs when we don't actually know if that's really the truth...let's just talk about something else, okay?" Shuichi stutters slightly, trying to keep his composure and failing when I burst into more giggles at the sight of his struggle.

"Alright, Mr. Sidekick, whatever you say," I poke fun just a bit more before we start walking again to head for the staircase.

Still, what could Maki possibly want to see me alone for? Does she want to torture answers out of me maybe? If I'm with her in her lab where no one will see me for an extended period of time...

...

No, I doubt she would resort to physical harm towards me- let alone torture. I think I find it hard to believe even more so because she's the Ultimate...'Assassin'. She's had plenty of chances to axe off any one of us- even me. If she didn't take her chances the times before, then I don't see why she would now. It's even less likely with Shuichi as a witness to her extending me an invitation.