Danganronpa: String Theory (DrV3)

2.10 - Rebound

When we get downstairs, a few odd things about Rantaro's behavior jumps out at me immediately, even though I'm occupied with eating my nectarine in my free hand as I observe him.

First and foremost, as we hit the basement floor, he doesn't go and lead us to the library like I would imagine since that's where his business is. No, he takes us to the game room first- going to the door and looking back at me with a smile of mild sheepishness like he knows exactly what I'm thinking.

"Ah, just checking to make sure it's only us down here. We'll just be a second or two," he explains without actually elaborating, prompting me to raise a brow but remain quiet as a result.

I follow Rantaro through the game room and into the AV room, watching him intently as he scans for any other people and pulls us over to the door that leads back into the hall of the basement floor. Using one hand, Rantaro tries to slide it open, but it only opens barely a fraction before it clicks into place and refuses to open any more.

"Hm..." Rantaro hums to himself, releasing the door and promptly leading us back out to the game room and then the hall. At that point, I decide I've been silent long enough and decide to say something.

"Rantaro, why should only us need to be on this floor?" I ask after a moment, right after swallowing a bite of my nectarine. "I-I mean...if I didn't already know you weren't a suspicious guy, I'd swear up and down you were making sure there's no witnesses around to see you murder me..."

The green haired teen pauses mid-step and turns to look back at me, expression somewhat dry until he sees my mildly uncomfortable expression and realizes I'm not joking around about my statement.

"Prairie, no, there's no way I'd ever do that," Rantaro reassures me with an obviously embarrassed smile of his own.

"I-I know, believe me. But...the fact that you don't explain it sorta looks suspicious," I elaborate, causing Rantaro to sigh and put his hands on his hips. I take another bite of my nectarine to hide a bit of a wry smile. Poor guy has no idea how enigmatic he makes himself appear, huh?

"Am I really that suspicious looking to everyone?" He inquires, as if still dubious about the claim.

Chewing, I nod to him in confirmation and watch him look away thoughtfully like he's quietly analyzing his usual behavior. As he does that, I step closer and lean my shoulder against his side with a soft comforting bump.

"You're very oblivious. Just so you know...telling everyone you're 'not a suspicious guy' only makes it seem like the opposite is true. E-Especially since you're so secretive and keep things from everyone," I drop casually, gently pushing off of him and walking towards the library when he looks my way so he isn't given a chance to see whether I was dropping shade or just stating simple fact.

Note: it was definitely shade.

I'm so troublesome. Why does Rantaro even bother with me? I need to cool down, I can't always be getting irritated like this.

"So what do you suggest I ought to do then?" Rantaro inquires as he catches up with me, thought it's obvious by his tone that no matter what I say, he isn't going to change his secret keeping habit- at least not right now. Clearly he's noticed, or suspects I threw a verbal jab at him.

...I need to let it go. He's not hurting anyone by keeping a secret or two. And it's not like he's getting upset with me for the secrets I'm keeping.

I'm completely relaxed now, stopping just at the front door of the library closest to the stairs and turning to look at him with a harmless playful smile that teeters between the border of mischief and innocence.