EXITronpa ; Escape, Exit, Elucidate!

[5] Thin Ice.

Was there really one?

I really wanted to doubt Loser was behind this but... People were unpredictable. Anybody could do anything at this point, it was a stressful situation. I wouldn't exactly be too surprised if it was a mere persona but...

I think I was letting my imagination get ahead of me.

Murder is very much possible and I needed to keep my guard up. Who knows if I could be the next victim...

Looking forward, I observed the desk. It didn't seem like much, if anything, had changed since my last visit. I began to walk around the desk, moving to behind it where the principal's chair was. I pushed it to the side, letting the wheels slide it gently away from it. I noticed multiple drawers on either side, most likely storing multiple things.

I hesitated, about to grab and open one before I perked up at the sound of my name being called.

"Pencil?"

I raised an eyebrow, looking up. "What is it..." I noticed that in the doorway of the office had Loser and Gelatin were standing there. Loser was messing with his oversized coat, letting out a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness... W-We thought you maybe died."

"Yeah, what gives? You're usually always at the cafeteria eating, dude."

I was a little surprised over their concern, frowning. I remembered the slip of paper, shrugging and backing away from the desk. "I wasn't hungry. I wanted to come here and look around." I glanced back to the desk, deciding I shouldn't for now. "I'm done anyways, we could head back."

Gelatin crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow. "Oh sure, definitely... You could've told us!" He pouted. Loser looked over. "C-Calm down." He tried to reassure him, patting his back.

"Here, just go and tell the others that she's okay. I'll hang out with her."

"Fine..."

Gelatin had rolled his eyes, turning away and leaving. Loser waved as he walked off, before looking back over at me. I headed back over, relieved to be leaving the room. "I'm sure that he's been on edge after everything... Don't worry too much about it." He said. I nodded, understanding what he meant. "Yeah, don't worry. He's always been off to me." I went to leave the room, closing the door after me as I stood right by him. Loser looked over curiously. "Huh? What do you mean?"

"Uh." I didn't really want to talk bad about any of my classmates, shrugging. "It was just a hunch, but never mind. Come on, wanna head to the library?" I suggested. Loser seemed a little skeptical of my words but seemed to have relaxed after my question. "Hm? Oh, o-of course I'd love to go there..." He smiled. I gave a small grin back as I took initiative and walked for the stairs, hearing Loser's footsteps along with mine as we went down for the floor below. I went to be cautious, holding onto the railing fairly tightly as I made my descent. I glanced back, making sure Loser was still there.

Luckily, he was.

I went to move my hands into my pockets once again, comfortable with the warmth it gave to my hands.  I soon entered the library, going to sit down and pull out the chair beside me for him to sit in. I observed as Loser stumbled into the library, seeing a small smile grow on his face as he seemed comfortable in this place. 

Not surprising... 

He went to sit down, looking over at me. "T-This place always felt comfortable for me..." He murmured. "Th-The only place I could go to get away from everything... Mmn, I miss h-home.." He went to lay down a little on the table, crossing his arms. He seemed a little upset. I felt empathetic at that moment, sighing and going to scoot my chair to be closer to him. I patted his back gently. 

"We all do."

I knew we all did... Things suddenly went silent, as I glanced to the side worriedly. I hoped Ruby was alright. I knew Loser wasn't really the strongest of the bunch, definitely not mentally at least. I envied him a little for not losing anyone too close to him like I have...

"D-Do you think the others would kill to get home..."

I looked over, raising an eyebrow. "Huh? Why..." I squinted at him, clearly skeptical. He went to sit up, 

"I-I was just wondering!-" He began to act defensively. "I... My head's been a mess since the last trial and all." He admitted. "We killed the youngest of us just like that... I-Isn't that messed up in its own right? I know it's a killing game and all but- I-I don't know what's next anymore..." He seemed pretty shaky. "S-Sorry for pouring it all on you!- You probably don't trust me anymore..."

"Well..." I hesitated.

Loser frowned. "I-It's fine... I think I'm gonna go head to my room." He went to stand from his seat, giving me a small nod. "Thanks for letting me talk to you... I hope you have a nice night." He spoke before turning away and walking off.

I moved my hand out, watching as he left. I wasn't sure what to say...

He seemed off.

Definitely off.

I wasn't sure if it was just what he claimed was bothering him or... Something else. I would have to think about this for a while. I went to get up from my seat, going to push both of the chairs we had sat in back in before heading back to my room. I did the usual nighttime routine.

I decided to go to sleep early, planning to rise for an early breakfast tomorrow.