Danganronpa: String Theory (DrV3)

3.17 - Intro to Investigations

I think I like him better like this.

My slight giggling at Kokichi's perplexed query has Rantaro clearing his throat to shut me up, prompting me to look back at him. He's definitely annoyed with me...well, I don't mind so much right now. I have his attention and he's away from stupid Kirumi for a moment.

Plus, I got to punch Kokichi in the face four times and make him go stupid, so there's that I can contribute my good mood to as well.

"I need to talk to Shuichi," I state, hearing Kaito sigh and turn me a little so his magenta eyes can meet mine with a raised brow. He probably thinks I'm going to cause more trouble and make a scene again... "I promise I'm done with using Kokichi as a punching douche bag, I won't hit him again! I pinkie promise~!"

I hold up my pinkie with an endearing smile, which seems enough to get Kaito to set me down simply by being cute. He takes my pinkie, nodding in agreement with a big flashy smile of delight. "Okay, I'll hold you to that promise then, Prairie!"

Turning to peer towards Rantaro and Kokichi, I can see Kokichi is still swaying in place and looking in a completely different direction, using the green haired teen that is casting me a dubious gaze as a means to stay balanced. Clearly Rantaro isn't gullible enough to be convinced by a cute smile thrown his way, but he's obviously not going to say anything since we're on a time constraint by Monokuma.

"...pfft...punching douche bag..." Kaito mutters with a chuckle of amusement, prompting Rantaro to turn his way with a sharp look until Kaito peeters off into a cough and plasters a more chiding scowl on his face. "I mean, let's go take this to Shuichi then! No more foolin' around!"

I reach out and steal Kokichi's hand from Rantaro sheepishly, dragging the still dazed leech along and letting him stumble after Kaito and I. Rantaro on the other hand goes to rejoin Kirumi and Tenko from where he left them. Tenko looks pretty smug from where she is, flashing me two thumbs up of pride that she doesn't bother to hide from a less than approving Rantaro as he stops beside her. Poor Rantaro looks really tired...I'll make sure to behave at least for the duration of the investigation and trial so he's a little less stressed.

Upon joining him, Shuichi has laid out some random items to Ryoma's side, Gonta and Kiibo standing by him and the body watching intently.

A pack of candy cigarettes, a monopad, what looks to be a piece of a ticket for a monomachine prize...

"What's all this?" I ask, feeling Kokichi bump into my shoulder and cling to my hand as I pull him down to look at the items Shuichi is currently examining.

"Hm? Ah...some things I found in his pockets," Shuichi comments rather shortly, prompting my eyes to flick his way before I reach out and carefully pick up the damp ticket piece. It's still sorta floppy... "It got wet sometime and was ripped in his pocket, but it doesn't seem he has any other piece."

Leering at the ticket with Kokichi, I feel a spark of surprise when I see what the ticket is supposed to be exchanged for. It's cut off, but the barely legible ink spelling "tarine" makes it pretty obvious. In an instant, I can tell why Shuichi is suddenly hesitant with me around.

"Maybe he was planning on visiting me?" I suggest, shrugging at the way he seems caught off guard by me openly implicating myself. "Hey, I'd rather be implicated and proven innocent sooner than later."

"...Alright then," Shuichi responds helplessly, since...well, what can he say to that? Either way, he has more important things to focus on.

I feel Kokichi look my way, prompting me to turn my head. He looks a little grumpy now...but at least he's snapping out of it. He doesn't look like he's got anything to say in particular, observing my expression until I look back at the body curiously.