Mended Branch (Danganronpa 3 x OC)

Chapter 8: Unfortunate Luck

"But her stuff was still in her dorm room," Mahiru said worriedly.

Sonia put a hand to her chin, her voice sombre. "I'm worried..."

Katsumi and the SHSL Imposter exchanged looks of worry, too. Mitarai-kun as well...

The classroom door slid open, revealing Chisa at the entrance. "Class!" Her attitude was still amazingly upbeat. "Don't just stare out the windows!" She took a few steps in. "You should look toward the shining future."

"Sensei..." Ibuki approached Chisa with a gloomy face. "Are we really gonna be okay? Ibuki is scared..."

"It'll be fine! But to be safe, remember to not go outside during the day."

The school isn't even addressing the root problem of the protests though, are they? Whatever that root problem is. That's why the Reserve Course is still at it for this long.

And... Katsumi thought about that day again. She couldn't help but have it replay in her head day after day from when it happened. But there was no reason to. The Madarai brothers had already been taken care of. Furthermore... "What I said was false." That was what Kyoko told her, so why did she think about it so much?

Chiaki turned to Katsumi. Shoot. Katsumi realized a nervous look had formed while she was deep in thought. She quickly adjusted it to a blank expression, turning her head away to avoid eye contact.

...Hopefully, she didn't notice.

—

The class gathered around Chiaki, who sat down by her desk. They had basically embarked on a whole expedition outside but came up empty.

"We never did manage to find Tsumiki-san," she said.

Fuyuhiko spoke, "I used my connections to have someone visit her house, but it seems she hasn't returned."

Gundham swiftly lifted an arm to show all twelve of his hamsters dangling from it. "My twelve zodiac generals could find no trace of her, either!"

"S-Sure." Kazuichi, who stood next to him, stared awkwardly.

Katsumi closed her eyes and rubbed her temples with a hand, already getting worn out both physically and mentally from walking for so long in the rain. At this point, I'd be perfectly okay if she just came back again without explanation...

Please... Tsumiki-san...

Please...

All of a sudden, she heard the door slide open.

Huh? The class simultaneously perked up with hopeful eyes. No way...

"You finally came, Pukey Pig!" Hiyoko said happily.

Was it really happening? Were Katsumi's wishes going to be granted right then and there? She quickly turned her eyes to the doorway with newfound hope and—

As if she had forgotten how to move, she froze with wide eyes.

*Drip*