"GUYS, I FORGOT HOW TO COUNT!!! SO I'M GONNA WAKE YOU UP AN HOUR EARLY!!! BUT I DON'T KNOW WHAT AN HOUR IS, BECAUSE I CAN'T COUNT!!!" Ressa yelled through the monitor, before it shut off. I sighed, picking up my glasses and putting them on my face. I stared at the edge of the bed for a moment, just letting myself think. I took a deep breath. Alright, I don't have very much to do today. So I'll try and get closer to some of the others.
-Free Time-
(All free time events are important for the story. Please read everyone's. Thank you)
I quickly got changed, and headed out of the room. I walked over to the kitchen, grabbing a quick thing to eat, and then walking back into the dining room. Someone was now here, their head laying against the table. I smiled, wandering over and sitting by them. I tapped them on the shoulder. Quickly, they jerked up, frightened. They stared at me for a moment.
"O- oh... hey Hirano... just a bit tired... sorry..." Arima said, turning away.
Should I hang out with Arima Iwoa? -Yes- -No-
Arima stared at me hesitantly, before looking away. "Sure..."
We sat at the table, eating. Arima didn't speak. Even when I tried to speak with him. He seemed very distant today.
I think I grew closer to Arima?
Would you like to give Arima a present? -Yes- -No-
I gave Arima a self therapy book.
He stared at it, seemingly unimpressed. "I uh... I guess i- it's fine. A bit... I don't know... insulting? But whatever..." I stared at him, before uncomfortably shifting in my seat.
"Um, Arima?" I started. He didn't reply. "Is... something wrong?" He took a deep breath.
"W- who..." he began, taking a moment to compose himself. "Who did you kill?"
Everything froze. It felt like someone pierced my heart. A horrible stab, that gave me a horrible feeling inside. My eyes were wide, as I tried not to start thinking about what happened. But I couldn't help me. The image of Masako's lifeless body flashing in my head.
"W- what?" I stuttered, staring at Arima in fear.
"You heard me." Arima replied. I put a hand over my heart. I could hear it thumping in my ears, and it felt like my whole body was pumping with fear.
"... I- I..." I started. Arima stared at me, worried but still determined to get answers. I rested my arms on the table, trying to stop myself from shaking. After a moment, I took a deep breath. "H- her... n- name... is... M- Masako..."
"... how did you do it?" He asked. I stopped looking at him. I could feel my body go cold. Oh god, I'm gonna pass out.
"W- why... does that m- matter?" I replied. Arima stared at me for a moment.
"Hirano, I- I really want to trust you. B- but... you killed someone. I- I just... want to know if I can..." Arima said.
"... B- but... A- Arima..." I started. He stared at the table for a moment, before taking a deep breath.
"I'm just gonna go..." he responded, started getting up from the chair.
"WHY DOES IT MATTER IF I KILLED SOMEONE!? MIYAZAKI KILLED SOMEONE TOO!!! AND YOU JUST BLINDLY TRUSTED HER!!! JUST BECAUSE OF A STUPID PROMISE!?" I yelled, before covering my mouth. I had to distracted by the horrifying feeling had I had gotten, that I had just blurted it out. Arima froze, stared at the door to leave.
"D- do... you... really think that was about a STUPID PROMISE!?" Arima replied, turning around, his body violently shaking, tears rolling down his face. "I JUST DIDN'T WANT TO DIE!!!"
"..." I stared at him, unable to speak. Arima glared at me.
"HOW WAS I TO KNOW THAT SHE SAVED ME!? ALL I SAW WAS TWO DEAD BODIES, AND MIYAZAKI STANDING OVER BOTH OD THEM!!!" Arima screamed, wiping tears from his eyes. "I DIDN'T WANT TO DIE!!! I THOUGHT THAT IF I TOLD EVERYONE WHAT SHE DID, SHE'D BRING ME DOWN WITH HER!!! I ACTED LIKE I CARED ABOUT HER, BUT I WAS JUST TRYING TO SAVE MY OWN SKIN!!!" Arima took a long, deep breath, looking down at his shaking hands. "Ever since we got here... I've been scared... like I've never been before. I had worked... so hard to get myself to a place where I'd never be scared again. I did those stupid stunts so I'd be unable to fear anything. But I was wrong. I- I was an idiot. I've become more scared than I have ever been, even after doing so much." Arima stared up at me. "I don't want to be scared anymore. So please, just... tell me."
"... I- I can't..." I replied. Arima took a deep breath.
"... then I guess this is goodbye..." Arima said, turning around and walking out of the door. I stared at the door.
I guess that was true. You can't really trust someone after they drop some horrible information on you. I just... I don't know. I guess I can't please everyone. I looked up at the time. I paused for a moment, before walking into the kitchen, opening the freezer and pulling out a tub of ice cream. I grabbed a spoon, and then walked out of the room and over to their door.
I knocked on the door. No one answered. I tried it again. No answer.
"Sugai! I brought you ice cream!!!" I yelled. I waited a couple of seconds, trying to see if he'd open the door. I knocked again. "Sugai!"
Should I hang out with Sugai Tatsuo? -Yes- -No-
...
Sugai rejected the offer.
I sighed, placing the ice cream on the floor outside of the door, placing the spoon on top. I walked away. He didn't want to be bothered. And I wasn't going to push it.
I wandered around for a bit. I couldn't get my mind off of what Arima had said, especially now that I was thinking about that murder. God... I just want to get this out of my head. I wish I hadn't stood up for myself. None of this would've happened if I had just let it happen. I was going to come to Yuutsumi anyway, I wouldn't have ever seen those three girls again. At least then I wouldn't be so horrified to close my eyes. Maybe I wouldn't be so scared of making little decisions. Maybe... maybe I'd live in piece.
I sat against the wall, staring at the ground. My breaths became faster, as I leaned my head against the wall, trying not to panic. But I was losing myself again. I felt like I was going to pass out.
"..." I stared at the ground.
I wish mom were there. At the court. When I was trialed for Masako's murder. When I was found to have done it in self defense. And technically manslaughter. She was the greatest person I'd ever met. She was like my rock. The one person I could turn to. And then... she just... disappeared. Out of my life. And I really needed her. And my dad. I need them both. I want to go home.
Tears ran down my cheeks. I made such a huge mistake coming here. I should've just given up on those stupid dreams, and just stayed in some regular high school. What is wrong with me!? I wiped the tears from my eyes.
"Hirano?" Someone called out. I stood up, staring at them with wide eyes.
"O-oh! H- hey Otani!" I stuttered, waving to him slightly. He stared at me for a moment.
"Are you okay?" He replied, frowning to himself. I took a deep breath.
"Yeah. Just, thinking." I responded. Otani sighed, walking over to me.
"Well, would you like to do something?" Otani asked.
Should I hang out with Otani Katsu? -Yes- -No-
"Great! Follow me Hirano." He said.
Otani led me up to the library. I stared at him with a puzzled expression. He went over to the front desk, grabbing a drawer and pulling it out. He picked up the pile of paper, and quickly started to scan through them. After a couple of seconds of searching, he pulled out a key.
Curious it's started to plague my mind. How did Otani know that was there? Had he been looking for a way out on his own? But, the real question is, was he hiding something?
Otani pulled at a couple of books, almost trying to remember which one it was. After a couple of moments, one of the books he grabbed at didn't move. Not even a single budge. He looked up at the camera in the room, waiting for it to turn away. When it did, he knelt down, grabbing the side of the book. A small metal plate flicked to the side of the book, or what looked to be a book. Inside was a small keyhole, which he quickly filled with the key he'd found inside of the paper stack. He turned it, and then, the side of the bookshelf popped off of the wall, as if it were a door.
"Quickly!" He whispered, grabbing me by the wrist. I couldn't say anything before I was shoved into the room. I felt a spike in my heart rate, as he close the door behind me. I started to breathe heavily. I hadn't been shoved like that in a long time. It was so dark in there. I was scared. I am scared. It's so dark. And cold. And dreary. What's going on? What if he was pulling out a knife!? What if I was going to die any second!? Oh god, I'm panicking again. He would never do that to me-
Suddenly, lights shined in my eyes. They had nearly blinded me with how bright they were. Was I dead? I wiped the sweat from my face, trying to get my eyes to adjust to the sudden shift in lighting. I was shaking slightly, as I took deep breaths.
"Oh, I'm sorry Hirano. I didn't mean to startle you." Otani said. Otani had turned on the lights. And he most definitely didn't have a knife. I need to stop being so paranoid. I took a deep breath, giving him a thumbs up. I looked back to the room, my vision fully adjusted now. My eyes went wide.
"Is that... a laptop?" I asked. Otani nodded. Slowly, I started to approach it, unable to understand the concept in my head.
A... a laptop? In the killing game? What? Is this a joke? Is this a dream? What is going on? I don't understand what's happening! Oh god, am I going crazy? I think I'm hallucinating! This can't be real!? Is it!? Is it in my head!? Or am I actually looking at a laptop!? Could I use it to get out!? Could I use it to contact help!? Could I finally go home!? I wanna go home! Where's my dad!? Where's my brother!? Where's the life I had before all of this!? WHAT AM I GONNA DO WHEN I GET OUT-
"Hirano." Otani said, snapping me out of the trance that I had found myself in.
"... y- yeah?" I replied. He took a deep breath.
"I don't know the passcode." He claimed. I stared at him for a couple of seconds.
"... huh?" I responded.
"There are only three tries for the password, and I have no idea what it is." Otani said. I paused, my head slowly looking over at the laptop. My legs folded, as my hands grabbed onto the top of my head. I started hyperventilating. Tears ran down my cheeks.
"I- I wanna go home..." I replied. Otani sat down on the ground next to me.
"... we'll get out of here..." he responded, reaching out to put a hand on my shoulder.
"YOU CAN'T PROMISE THAT!!!" I yelled, snapping his hand away. I paused, staring at him. Tears started to roll down my cheeks. "I'm sorry..." Otani smiled.
"Hey, it's okay." He said, attempting to put a hand on my shoulder again. This time, he managed to do it without any resistance. "I can't promise that we'll get out of here. I know that. But... I know that we're all doing our best to reach that goal. And I think we can, if things just keep going in the direction we want them to go in. So even if I can't promise that, I can promise that no matter what, we won't give up." Otani replied. I remained silent for a moment, wiping the tears from eyes.
"... I'm sorry... I- I... I just..." I took a deep breath. "... I want to go home." Otani out stretched his arms, offering up a hug. I hesitated, unable to move. Otani chuckled.
"I'm just trying to make it so you can get there without going crazy." Otani said. I stared at his open arms for a moment, before sighing.
"I'll be okay." I replied. Otani stared at me puzzled for a moment, but nodded. I took a deep breath, standing up and approaching the laptop. I pulled the top up, staring at the black screen. I paused, pressing the power button on the laptop. The screen lit up slightly, four small glowing green lines appearing in the center of the screen.
"That's the password I was talking about." Otani said. "I didn't want to get it wrong, so I just left it." I took a moment to stare at the screen, almost as if my mind had suddenly transported to an infinite black void, that shined green lasers into the sky.
"... we can't do this now." I blurted out. Otani stared at me for a moment, nodding.
"Yeah, we can't reveal this location to Ressa. He doesn't know it exists." He replied.
"He doesn't?" I asked.
"No, he doesn't. I talked to him awhile back when I found it the first time. He asked me where I went, and couldn't figure it out." Otani said. I paused, putting a hand over my mouth.
"We have to figure out this password." I replied. "But we can't do that in here. And we can't do that now." Otani quickly walked over to the door, looking to me for approval. Quickly, we opened the shelf, racing out and slamming the door behind us. But before I could stop running, my shoe caught on something on the floor. Before I even knew it, my face slammed into the ground, a small shattering sound immediately following it.
"Hirano! Are you okay!?" Otani said, quickly helping me up. A dizzy feeling filled my head, as I sat up. I placed my hand down beside me, before quickly jolting up from the pain. And, most confusing and scary, was that I couldn't see from one eye. It was all blurry. What was going on? I looked down at my hand, my palm being covered in a bit of blood.
I paused, lifting my hand up and grabbing my glasses and taking them off my face. One of the lenses had been completely shattered. And I could only tell my feeling it with my thumb.
"BAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!" Someone erupted into laughter. Someone I couldn't see. Because I was completely blinded at the moment. I put the half broken glasses on, only being able to see through the one that wasn't broken. It was Ressa.
"How much of that did you see?" I asked. Ressa burst into another fit of laughter.
"OH MY GOD!!! I SAW AAAAALLLLLLLLL OF THAT TRIP!!!" Ressa laughed. "How do you even do that!? There wasn't even anything there!!! BAHAHAHAHA!!!" I stared at him, tears appearing in my eyes. I looked back down at my hand. It still hurt. A lot. After observing it with the unbroken lense. There were small pieces of glass in my hand.
"Oh no... that doesn't look good..." Otani blurted out. He covered his mouth immediately, Ressa bursting into another laughing fit.
"DID YOU REALLY JUST SAY THAT TO HER!? BAHAHAHAHA!!!" He cackled again. After a moment, he became very serious. "By the way Hirano... I've got a question for you..." he started. I stared at him, sweat running down my face. Did he know about the chip that I'd taken from Araigu's head? He stared at me for a moment. Then, he burst into laughter again. "OH MY GOD!!! I CAN'T BE SERIOUS RIGHT NOW!!! I JUST CAN'T!!!" He laughed. I sighed, almost out of relief. "I gotta go! Oh god I need a breather!" Ressa disappeared in a flash, but I could almost hear him still laughing. I took a deep breath. I need to give that chip to Imamura as soon as I can. If I don't, I don't know what I'm going to get into a lot of trouble.
"I'm sorry Hirano..." Otani said. He grabbed my glasses, and pushed the broken lense out. He put them back onto my face, pushing them up slightly on my nose. "Should we head to the hospital to get those glass pieces taken out of your hand?" I paused for a moment.
"Otani, can you do something for me while I do that?" I asked. He stared at me, kind of puzzled but nodded anyway. "I need you to write small cards for everyone to meet up in the dining hall during nighttime to talk with Kawata."
"... okay..." he said. He didn't really know how to react, but put on a nice smile. "I'll do that. But I want you to go and make sure that your hand is okay."
I think Otani and I grew a bit closer today.
Would you like to give Otani a present? -Yes- -No-
I gave Otani a small house plant.
"Oh, thank you so much Hirano. You didn't have to give me anything." He said.
"I just wanted to. That's all." I replied. I watched him walk away. I took a deep breath, taking my glasses off again.
How did this even happen? I don't know how I managed to break them so easily. I didn't even have to try. Maybe I could find some contacts? I don't know if I'd find my prescription at the hospital, but it was worth a try. Just so I could see at least a little bit more.
I got up off of the ground, wincing from accidentally putting weight on the wounds in my hand. I stood up, groaning in slight pain as I started to wander over to the hospital. I took a deep breath, trying to keep myself from crying. And it worked. For maybe a couple of seconds. A couple of tears started to fall down my face, but I kept a calm expression.
I just wanna go home. My dad would've fixed up this wound so easily. He was good like that. He had a magic touch that worked like no other. And my little brother. He would've made me feel so happy. Seeing the memory of my mother in his eyes, made me forget what kind of pain I was in.
... That's why I didn't kill myself...
... So many times...
... I wanted to end it all...
... I wanted to leave...
... A pain so insufferable...
... that the only solution...
... was to end your own life...
... I couldn't go a day without feeling pain...
... and then...
... when mom died...
... I couldn't deal with it...
... It was to much to bare...
... All alone...
... in a painful cycle of hate...
... I wanted it to go away...
... But every time that I thought about it...
... they were there...
... in my mind...
... in my heart...
... in my head...
... was my family...
...
...
...
... Masako...
... That's why...
... That's why I'm still alive...
... I hated every moment when you were alive...
... and I hated every moment after...
... I made a huge mistake...
... you may have destroyed my life before...
... but I'm the one who ruined it after...
... because I killed you...
... You had wanted me dead too...
... and the only reason I'm still alive...
... is because I couldn't break their hearts...
... My dads...
... and my brother's...
... you'd asked my why I even bothered to live...
... and that's why...
... I'm here...
... in this killing game...
... I wouldn't wish this pain onto you...
... even after all you did...
... maybe you would've...
... but I don't...
... It's more painful...
... than you ever were...
... and than you ever will be...
"... I'm sorry that you never got the chance to grow as a person... I took that away from you... but now... I have to move on. Just like you have to as well. You probably can't hear me... but I needed you to know that I'm going to try and get past that pain. Whatever pain you were in... I hope you gain peace as well. Just so we can both rest." I said, staring up at the hospital doors. I closed my eyes.
... I remember her funeral. I went to see her then. The casket was closed. And I was kicked out by her parents. Only after they threw me into the fountain. I deserved it. I'd killed their only daughter. Their only child. Maybe they knew what she did to me. Or maybe they didn't. Either way, I had to focus on saving my own life right now.
I walked into the hospital. I took a deep breath. Alright, I have to take care of my own wound. I wish that Kajiwara was here. Not just because he could fix me up, but because we could've have a nice conversation with each other. I found a med kit, quickly taking it off the wall. I placed it onto the ground, opening up the front with two simultaneous clicks. I paused, staring at the inside of the med kit. I'd read a medical kit book one time. It was a long time, when I was much younger. I took a deep breath. Okay, so, now I've just got to remember everything. I went over and washed out the wound, a horrible sting going through my hand.
I took a deep breath. I got back down in front of the med kit. I took the tweezers, and began carefully pulling out the pieces of glass. Suddenly, I messed up, poking the inside of the wound. I dropped the tweezers, wincing in pain. I took a deep breath, continuing the process. It was hard to see the piece with only one lense.
I wonder if Sugai is okay. I'd gone their earlier, but he didn't come out. I'm starting to worry. Is he dead? No, I doubt that. He's probably alive. He's just dealing with some stuff right now. I wish I could go and comfort him. But the only person who could was Kajiwara. And... well... that's the whole problem. I wrapped my hand up on the bandages, making sure it was secure. I closed the med kit, and placed it back onto the wall where I found it.
"Hirano?" Someone said. I jumped back, nearly screaming. I took a deep breath, a smile on my face.
"Imamura!?" I replied. She rolled her eyes.
"You don't have to pretend to be excited to see me." She responded. She examined my face for a moment, choosing not to comment on my broken glasses. I smiled.
"I'm not pretending! I'm glad! Um, I'm glad you found a way to move around." I said. Imamura stared at me with an unimpressed glare, as she grabbed onto the wheels of her wheelchair, and flung them forward, which made her get closer to me.
"Uh huh. Sure. Whatever you say." She replied.
Should I hang out with Imamura Mitsuri? -Yes- -No-
"I don't know what we'd do, but I guess we can." She said.
I grabbed a chair and sat by her. We chatted about small things for awhile. Just some questions, and some things that don't really matter in the grand scheme of things. It's nice to have just a small conversation with someone. I think Imamura and I grew closer in today.
Would you like to give Imamura a present? -Yes- -No-
I gave Imamura a golden pocket watch.
"What? I don't-" she stopped. The color drained from her face, as her eyes lost any emotions that may have been present.
"I- I'm sorry! I- I thought you'd like it! I- I can take it back if you want me to-" I started.
"No." She replied. She squeezed the pocket watch in her hand, staring down at it. She looked like she was about to tear up, before her eye brows furrowed. She stuffed it in her pocket. "It's nice." She shook her head back and forth, putting her hands together. "Hirano, I have a question."
"Oh, uh, yeah. What's up?" I asked. She took a deep breath.
"Something's wrong. What is it?" She asked. My jaw dropped slightly, unable to get any words out. "Did you guys lie to me about Taguchi? Is that why you seem so off?"
"What?" I replied, looking at her with a puzzled expression.
"Taguchi was trying to kill me, wasn't he?" Imamura said.
"Imamura, no-" I started.
"NO HIRANO!!! I want to KNOW THE TRUTH!!!" She yelled. I stared at her in silence for a moment. "Why the fuck are you acting so different? Something's wrong. I can tell." I grabbed my chest, trying to stop myself from crying. But it didn't work. Tears rolled down my face. I tried to wipe them away, but it didn't do a thing but dampen my arms. Imamura's eyes widened, surprised by the sudden burst in emotions.
"... I killed someone..." I replied. Shock spread across her face, as the color drained from her body.
"... no... there's no way..." she responded. I took a deep breath.
"Sh- she... I- I..." I started. Imamura glared at me, unable to process.
"What do you mean 'she'?" She asked, looking at me like I was crazy.
"... i- it... was someone... f- from... my old school..." I replied. Her hands balled up, glaring at me with her eyebrows furrowed.
"What happened?" She asked. I clenched my fists, taking deep breaths. The only way I was going to get over all of this pain... was by telling her. I had to tell people what happened... then it wouldn't have anymore power of me.
"... I- I... pushed her out... o- of the window... b- by accident..." I said. Imamura rested her forehead in her hand, trying to process the information she was just provided with.
"... wow... I- I don't..." Imamura's began. But she couldn't finish it. The water works started up again, tears running like waterfalls down my face.
"Please don't be mad at me..." I replied, unable to control my sobs now, balking my eyes out. "I DIDN'T WANT TO DO IT!!!" I fell to my knees, unable to stop my body from shaking. God, I thought I'd already gotten over this. But I didn't. I guess no one can get over their feelings that quickly. I just wish it had worked. "I WAS ANGRY, AND UPSET, AND SCARED!!! I- I JUST WANTED HER TO STOP!!! I JUST WANTED HER TO LEAVE ME ALONE!!! I- I DIDN'T KNOW SHE'D FALL!!! I DIDN'T KNOW THE WINDOW WOUKD BREAK!!! I- I JUST WANTED IT TO STOP!!!!" I screamed, sobbing uncontrollably.
Imamura sat in silence, unable to respond. I sat on the ground, trying to wipe away the tears. But the tears just kept getting replaced. I couldn't control myself. The rest of my body crumpled, my arms giving up on trying to stop the tears.
"I WANT TO GO HOME!!! I- I WANT TO SEE MY DAD!!! I DON'T WANNA DIE!!!" I yelled, taking some stifling breaths. Imamura sat in silence, staring at me with a blank expression.
"... Hirano..." Imamura's began, almost trying to think of something to say. I continued to sob. God, what's wrong with me? "HIRANO YOU HAVE TO BREATHE!!!" She screamed. I couldn't stop hyperventilating, no matter how hard I tried. Imamura sighed, rolling her eyes and reluctantly moving the wheelchair over to me. She placed a hand on my head. "I believe you Hirano. You wouldn't do that on purpose." She said.
I tried to take a breath. But I couldn't breathe. It was hard to breathe. This has happened before, but it's still hard to understand. Imamura stared at me in the eyes. She started to control my breaths. And suddenly, my breaths began to follow her pattern. My heart rate slowed, allowing me to get back up into the chair.
"... Hirano... I don't know if we're gonna get out of here..." Imamura said. She stared at the ground, before taking a long deep breath. "I wish I had the answers... I wish I could help... but..." she paused for a moment. "... forget what I said." She took a deep breath, her face becoming cold and rude. "We'll just have to try our best. Okay?"
"... okay." I replied. She took a moment to think.
"I'll see you later Hirano." She said starting to grab onto the wheels.
"O- oh! Imamura!" I called out, stopping her in her tracks. "We're meeting w- with the others tonight. In the dining room!" She sat silent for a moment, before sighing.
"... Kay... I'll keep that in mind..." She replied, before sliding down the hall away from me. I took a deep breath. Quickly, I got up.
Right now, I have to find some contacts. I wandered around the hospital for awhile, looking for contacts. I was half paying attention, unable to stop thinking about what just happened? God, that was so embarrassing. I paused. What did Imamura mean by that? Did we lie to her about Taguchi? I shook it off. I'd find out sooner or later.
I wandered out of the hospital. I didn't find any contacts, which was unfortunate. And there was no way of knowing if they were the right contacts for me. But, there was one thing I could find. Another person. I took a deep breath, approaching them.
"Ugh... what do you want?" Yamazaki asked. He stared at me for a moment, looking puzzled. "What happened to your glasses?"
Should I hang out with Yamazaki Kazuki? -Yes- -No-
"UGH! Why do you keep asking me that!? As long as you don't mess with me, you can hang out with me! Just promise to stop trying TO DO STUFF WITH ME!!! GOT IT!?" He yelled.
Yamazaki and I sat down on the grass in complete silence. After awhile, I followed him into the supermarket. He asked about my glasses again, and I told him the truth. I think he wanted to laugh at me.
I think Yamazaki and I grew closer today.
Would you like to give Yamazaki a present? -Yes- -No-
I gave Yamazaki a fountain pen.
"The fuck is this?" He asked, looking at me with a confused expression. After a moment of silence, he rolled his eyes. "Fine. Whatever." We stood in silence for another moment, Yamazaki grabbing tinfoil off of the shelf.
"... hey... Yamazaki..." I started. He didn't look at me. "When we get out of here... what are you going to do?"
"..." Yamazaki remained silent. He started walking away. I followed him. "... if..."
"Huh?" I replied.
"IF we get out of here." He responded. "That's what you meant." He was twisting my words.
"I guess..." I mumbled. We stood in silence for a moment. "I want to see my family. My dad... and my brother." I mentioned. He didn't seem to care. But I continued anyway. "I'm the oldest kid. But, I only have one other sibling, so it makes sense." I paused. "Do... you have a family?" Yamazaki froze. He dropped the box from his hand, staring off into space. His eyes wide and intense.
"... what... did you just ask me?" He snapped, glaring at me. His eyes. They were so scary. I could feel my hands shaking. It felt like he was trying to kill me with his eyes. If I hadn't known better I would've said that they were killing me. But it was only mentally... not physically. I clamped my hands into fists, taking a deep breath.
"It was just a question." I replied. He stared at me for a long moment, before he turned his face away.
"Yeah." He said. He knelt down and picked up the foil. "I have my mom... my two older brothers..." he struggled to talk about his brothers for a moment. "and..." his teethe gritted. "... a... dad..." his fist tightened around the box of tinfoil, until it suddenly broke. He stared at it, groaning. He walked back over to grab another box. I stared at him for a moment, raising an eyebrow at him.
"... is that it?" I replied.
"Yep." He responded. He grabbed another box of tinfoil.
"... didn't you say you had a sister?" I asked. He stopped dead in his tracks. Rage filled his eyes, as he glared at me.
"What the fuck are you talking about!?" He said. He seemed to be more mad than before, which I didn't think was possible at this point.
"I- I could've sworn you said you had a sister." I replied.
"WELL THEN YOU HEARD WRONG!!!" He yelled, stomping past me. I grabbed his wrist, stopping him.
"Why would you lie about that!?" I asked. He spun right around to face me. Suddenly, it wasn't me grabbing his wrist. He was grabbing both of mine, with only one hand.
"Alright listen up you two-face little FUCK, I'm only going to repeat this once." Yamazaki snapped, staring at me like a hungry lion who saw me as his a big slab of meat. Which I was. "You don't know me, you don't understand me, you don't even LISTEN to me when I tell you to leave me THE FUCK alone. I'm dealing with my own shit right now, and I don't need some nosy little prick all up in my business about my past. If you don't stop poking and prodding at my life, I'm going to reveal your little secret to EVERYONE HERE!!! So leave me THE HELL ALONE!!!" He barked.
"... o- okay..." I said. He stared at me for a couple of seconds, making it clear that he wasn't joking. Then, he threw me to the ground, walking over to the counter and placing a two coins down before leaving.
"Jeez, that was sad to watch." Ressa chuckled, sitting on the top of the shelves. "I was kind of curious to hear about him. He's soooooooooooooo reclusive!!!" Ressa laughed. Oh no, was he going to ask me about the chip now?
"..." I remained silent. Ressa glared at me.
"God, are you gonna give me the silent treatment too? First Sugai, and now you!?" Ressa complained. "Usually you guys are such chatterboxes! But you're all acting like little brats!"
"..." he seemed to get more irritated with my silence.
"Oh, okay, fine! I guess this little princess is too good to talk to me huh!? Okay, FINE!!! I'll come back when you're willing to talk!" Ressa said before disappearing.
I sighed in relief. He didn't ask about the chip. I gotta get out of here before he realizes. I stood up, before taking a long pause. An item had caught my eye. I smiled, taking it off of the shelf and walking I've to the counter. Wait, I didn't have any coins. I don't believe I have any coupons either. I stared down at the two coins Yamazaki had placed down.
Where did he even find these? I hadn't found any at all this entire time. Was it even possible at this point? Did everyone have to find them while that motive was still around? I sighed, picking up one of the coins.
Why did he place two? Maybe because he broke the first thing of tinfoil. I took a deep breath, squeezing the coin in my hand. I placed it down on the counter. I walked out of the store, still carrying the item in my hand. I needed it right now. It was a surprise! For someone who really needed one of those right about now.
I placed the supplies by the hotel. Kind of in an area that no one could see it. I took a deep breath, and got to work. I struggled to get all the pieces together. It had to have taken at least an hour to get it all done. I might be good at reading instruction manuals, but that doesn't mean I'm good at the actual task at hand. Especially since I only have one glasses lense and a bandage on my hand. But, I managed. And now, sitting in front of me, was my beautiful creation. Well, not beautiful, but it will have to do.
I walked back into the hotel. As I walked, I let myself wander into thought. Why did Yamazaki get so defensive about it? His sister? I shook my head, getting rid of the thought. I stared on with determination, trying not to let my mind wander. I'm too curious for my own good sometimes.
"Hirano!" Otani called out. I stopped in my tracks.
"O- oh! H- hey Otani." I said. He smiled at me, approaching me with a couple of pink papers.
"I made the invitations you asked for. Still confused what this is all about, but it's okay" Otani replied. "I'm glad your hand is okay!"
"U- um, yeah, it hurt a lot but I got it to work." I responded.
"I'm sorry to hear that. So, what do we do with these invites?" Otani asked.
"Oh, um, just like, slide them under the doors." I answered. The two of us started walking down to the hall of rooms. I slid one underneath Yamazaki's door, while Otani put one underneath Arima's. He probably wouldn't come, but it wouldn't hurt to try. I got up from the floor, looking up at Otani. He was stopped in the middle of the hallway, gazing down at the end of it. I stared at him for a moment, before following his eyes. My jaw dropped slightly, the invitations almost falling out of my hands.
"Sugai!?" Otani blurted out. In front of his door was Sugai, holding the ice cream that I'd placed in front of his door earlier that day. He had the spoon in his mouth while he stared at the two of us in surprise. His eyes were wide, but it was hard to tell exactly of the black bags underneath his eyes. "SUGAI!!!" Otani yelled happily. Sugai ran back into the room, and slammed the door behind him. Otani frowned. "... do you think I was too excited?"
"... um, I don't know? I think he's just pushing everyone away right now. He needs time to heal." I scratched the back of my neck, smiling. "I'm just glad to know he's alive! You know?" Otani sighed.
"I guess... I just wish I could help." Otani said. I put a hand on his back.
"Hey. I know you can. And I know you will! Just, don't stress about it right now. He'll come out when he's ready." I replied. Otani took a deep breath, smiling at me. He almost seemed to glow as bright as the sun. Happiness was just radiating from his presence.
"Yeah. That makes sense." He knelt down, and slid an invitation underneath Sugai's door. "I really appreciate that Hirano. I'll see you tonight!" He responded. He walked over to the dining hall. Was he going to the kitchen. I took a deep breath. What was I doing? Oh, wait, I have something to do. I guess I'll figure out what Otani was doing later.
I walked up to one of the doors. I knocked, trying to gain the attention of whoever was inside. But no one came out. I pounded on the door this time, nearly shaking the door with how hard I had been slamming my hand against it. The door opened slightly, the chain lock still there. They groaned, closing the door. The sound of locks shifting started up, before they opened the door entirely.
"What is it-" Kawata asked tiredly, before his eyes shifted in surprise. "Uh, what happened to your glasses?"
"Oh, uh, I tripped and they broke." I said. I smiled. "I guess you've got a new style too!" He raised an eyebrow, unsure of what I meant. "... the hat?" Kawata adjusted the cop hat on his head.
"Uhhhhhhhhh, yeah. I don't know. I thought it would look nice. Plus, I've been wearing the same thing for awhile so I decided to try and shake things up a bit." Kawata paused for a second, sighing. "So, uh, what did you want from me?"
Should I hang out with Kawata Satoru? -Yes- -No-
"Oh! Yeah! Follow me!" I said, grabbing him by the wrist and dragging him out of the hotel.
"Hirano! What are you doing!? SLOW DOWN!!!" Kawata yelled. I pulled him around the side, Kawata finally stopping me in my tracks. "STOP!!!" He screamed. He stared at me. "What is this about!?" He snapped. I backed up, and pointed to the alleyway between the wall and the hotel.
Would you like to give Kawata a present? -Yes- -No-
I gave Kawata a nice surprise.
"Ta da!" I replied. Kawata stared at me, unsure of what I meant. He wandered over to stand next to me, staring down the alley. His eyes widened. He tried to speak, but all that came out of his opened mouth was a small squeak. He covered his mouth, before taking a dry gulp and looking back up. "... what?"
"W- well, you said you wanted to go camping again, and so I thought, it would be nice to set it up for you!" I responded. "I'm not very good at putting up tents, but I did my best! And I bet you can probably fix it if you don't like it! As long you get to try camping again like you've always been talking about-" Kawata put his hand up in front of my face, stopping me from talking.
"... Hirano..." Kawata began, staring at the ground in shame and confliction. His eyes darted back and forth slightly, before he placed a hand over them, taking slow deep breath.
"... what is it?" I asked. Kawata took a long, deep breath. His teeth gritted together for a moment, before it disappeared. He wiped his hand across his face, and shook some water off of it. A shadow from the hat was casted across his face.
"... let's go back inside." Kawata replied. I blinked with innocence, unable to comprehend the words spewed out of his mouth.
"You... don't... like it?" I asked.
"Hirano, that's not-" Kawata began.
"I- I can get you something else! Sorry, I was just trying to do something sweet! I don't know, it was stupid I can do something different-" I started.
"HIRANO!!!" Kawata barked, making his presence known with an intense roar. We stood on silence for a moment. "... It's nice... really... I appreciate what you've done here. Really. I do. But we can't spend time messing around."
"... not even a little bit of fun? It'll help you get your mind off of things." I said. Kawata covered his eyes with his hand again, looking down at the ground. He growled slightly, seeming slightly fed up. He took a deep breath.
"... Hirano... I've been playing around this entire time..." Kawata replied.
"... no you haven't-"
"YES!!! I HAVE!!!" He snapped. I stepped back, gazing at him. Everything suddenly felt cold. Like a freezing aura had filled the air. He took a deep breath. His face was casted in shadow. I couldn't tell what kind of expression he had on his face. He almost... didn't look human. "... I have been playing around Hirano. And that's why everyone we know is DEAD!!! It's MY FAULT!!!" Kawata sniffled. "... Hirano... I'm glad that you care. But right now, I'm caring about something else. I'm trying to do something now. I made such huge mistakes. And I'm done being the one to blame for everything." Kawata took a deep breath. "Meet me in the dining hall. I hope you told everyone else to come." He turned away, hesitating for a moment. But, then he adjusted the hat on his head, and left the scene. I stared off into space for a moment, before they adjusted to looked at the ground below me.
-Free Time End-
Did I made a mistake? Maybe I was wrong to assume that Kawata would want to camp even a little bit in this place. I probably was. After all, we were in a killing game. It was childish of me to set this up. I took a deep breath, readjusting my broken glasses. I didn't have time to worry about that. I had to get inside.
"HIRANO!!!" Someone yelled from behind me. I screamed, tripping as I turned around, falling onto the ground. Ressa chuckled to himself, almost proud of how shocked I'd been by his presence. "So, what do you think of my new entrance? I've been working on it!"
"I-" I could barely get the words out of my mouth before Ressa laughed in triumph.
"AHA!!! I TOLD YOU I'D GET YOU TO TALK!!!" Ressa paused for a moment, staring at me in silence. "You know Hirano... it's a shame that you didn't explore that game room some more."
"Why would I?" I said, my eyes furrowing. "It's the motive! I don't want to get involved with that!" Ressa chuckled, tilting their head to the side.
"Oh Hirano... where did you get that idea?" Ressa chuckled. "I haven't revealed the motive yet." I stared at him for a couple of moments, my jaw agape. Did... did Yamazaki lie to me? I wouldn't put it against him to do that... but... why would he lie about that? I shook my head back and forth, stumbling back up onto my feet.
"Y- yeah right. You're just lying to me. You'd definitely do something so stupid." I replied, wiping off the nonexistent dust. I turned to leave.
"Whatever you say! I just want to let you know... that I'm doing whatever is most interesting. You can decide on your own what that is." Ressa said, before disappearing into thin air.
My hands shook slightly, but I quickly balled them up into fists, stopping them in their tracks. I took a deep breath, pushing my glasses back up on my face. I started walking. I needed to get to the dining hall.
After a very small walk, I wandered up to the door. I pushed open the doors. Everyone was there already, except for Sugai, Imamura and Kawata. I paused, looking at the table.
"Oh, um, what's with the sandwiches?" I asked. Otani smiled.
"I just wanted to make something for everyone to eat, since we're all meeting up tonight!" Otani said. "The bread is freshly made. I'll be right back. I made a cake!" Otani cheered, practically skipping into the kitchen.
"Hey, uh, Yamazaki?" Arima started, looking at him with a confused expression. "What's with the scarf and gloves?"
"IT'S NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS THAT'S THE FUCK WHAT!!!" Yamazaki snapped. Arima stared in shock, slowly turning his head to look away.
"Ohhhhhhh kay..?" He replied. Arima turned around, his eyes becoming wider.
"What happened to your glasses!?" He blurted out in surprise.
"U- um, I tripped... heh heh..." I said. Arima stare at me in silence for a moment.
"... um... yeah... okay?" He responded. I stood there for a moment. Okay, if this gets anymore awkward I might just die standing right here. I took a deep breath, glancing over at Yamazaki. I paused, having to do a double take. It was hard to tell... but his hands were shaking?
"Hey, Yamazaki-" I started.
"CAN SOMEONE OPEN THE FUCKING DOOR!!!" Someone yelled. The door was slightly open. I paused, quickly grabbing the door. "Jeez, finally! I didn't think it would be so hard to open doors." Imamura said, wheeling herself into the room. Yamazaki chuckled slightly, Imamura shooting him a glare.
"IMAMURA!!!" Otani yelled, placing the cake on the table before racing over to Imamura. Otani stopped, unsure of how to hug her. Imamura sat there awkwardly, raising both of her arms. Otani knelt down and hugged her tight, Imamura uncomfortably patting his back. The two parted away from each other, Imamura scanning the room.
"Where's Kawata? I thought this was his idea or something." Imamura said.
"H- he said he had to grab something." Arima replied. Imamura nodded slightly.
"... uh huh... and what about Sugai?" Imamura asked.
"We accidentally scared him away earlier... by trying to interact with him..." I mumbled. Imamura rolled her eyes.
"He'll be fine." Imamura responded.
"Eh, you can't be sure about that." Yamazaki said. Imamura glared at him.
"I thought I said I didn't want to see you ever again." Imamura responded.Yamazaki rolled his eyes, but all I could focus on was Yamazaki's shaking hands.
"Hey, I didn't want to be here as well. But I showed up." He replied.
"Well, you shouldn't have." Imamura said. Yamazaki glared at her.
"Fine, then I'll leave! Like I wanted to do from the beginning of this stupid thing!" Yamazaki snapped.
"Nope! You've all got to stay here!" Someone yelled. Everyone looked to the door. Kawata was pushing a giant whiteboard on wheels through the door. The whiteboard was covered in little notes. He quickly flipped it over to the other side, where it was completely blank. Kawata yawned, quickly wiping his eyes and preparing himself to speak. "... where's Sugai?"
"He hasn't come out of his room for a- awhile..." Arima explained. Kawata looked slightly irritated. He took a deep breath, a smile appearing on his face.
"Alright, fine, whatever. I'll tell him when he's ready to get out of his self imposed solitary confinement." Kawata said. "Alright everyone! Please take a seat!" Everyone looked at each other, slightly confused but willing to follow instruction. Everyone sat down, and kept their attention on him.
"So, uh, what is this about?" Imamura asked.
"I'm glad you asked!" Kawata said, a bright smile on his face. He took out a dry erase marker, and wrote something on the top of the board. Then, he turned around, revealing the note. "New Rules" it read.
"What." Yamazaki said bluntly. Kawata's smile grew wider.
"Yep! I've come up with a bunch of new rules for everyone!" Kawata replied. No one said anything in response. Everyone was still in the process of comprehending what was happening.
"... why?" Arima asked hesitantly.
"I've been thinking about everything, you know? So many people have died! And what's the one thing that we didn't have?" Kawata replied.
"I don't know, but I know you weren't doing a damn thing. You're a pretty shitty police officer." Yamazaki said. Kawata stared at him in silence for a moment, taking a deep breath.
"Wow, great job summing it up!" Kawata responded, a vein clearly visible on his head. He took a deep breath. "Anyways, I've finally decided to take some responsibility!"
"Kawata, no-" I started.
"SHUSH!!!" He yelled. His hand tightened around the marker. He wiped some sweat off of his face. He opened the marker, and quickly wrote something down. "Number one! No one will go out at nighttime for ANY REASON!" He turned back around. "I will personally be guarding the halls. If I find out that you are outside of your rooms during nighttime, you will be detained and placed inside of the sacrifice dome for a period of time. I was thinking three days or so, but I can change it based on how important it is."
"Kawata, what the fuck-" Imamura started.
"NUMBER TWO!!!" Kawata yelled, walking back over to the board and began scribbling the next note. "All objects that could be used as weapons WILL BE CONFISCATED!!! This means no knives, forks, or any damaging item." Kawata said. "If you are found with a confiscated item, your punishment will be the same as if you were outside your room after hours. The only weapons that are allowed are the ones I will be carrying for detaining uses only. If I am caught to be using these items in a non-detaining manner, you may personally put me in the sacrifice dome."
"But, how will we eat-" Otani began.
"NUMBER THREE!!!" Kawata snapped, frantically writing on the board. "EVERYONE WILL LINE UP IN THE MORNING FOR ROLE CALL!!! Anyone who is not present for role call will have their room searched. You will be excused of role call if you are currently in the sacrifice dome." Kawata said.
"The fuck? I'm not-" Yamazaki started.
"NUMBER FOUR!!!" Kawata repeated the same process as before. "Anyone found to be a potential murderer will be placed into the sacrifice dome indefinitely or until further notice. This includes: anyone caught doing suspicious activity, anyone who discusses these rules in a negative light, and anyone who has allegations placed against them. If you are willing to tattle to me about anyone's behavior, you will be granted a single gift out compensation."
"Kawata, that's not-" I started.
"WHAT WERE YOU SAYING HIRANO!?" Kawata snapped, both hands gripping onto the dry erase marker. I closed my mouth, suddenly unable to speak up. "That's what I thought." He turned around, writing one final rule. "Number five. You will be assigned into a group of three. You have to be with this group at all times. I'd you are seen outside of this group, you will be detained."
"Alright, this is FUCKING BULLSHIT-" Yamazaki started. Kawata spun around, a taser in his hand.
"WHAT WAS THAT YAMAZAKI!?" Kawata snapped. Yamazaki's mouth was slightly open, but unable to speak. "YOU WANNA KNOW SOMETHING YAMAZAKI!? I WOULDN'T BE DOING ANY OF THIS WITHOUT YOU!!! YOU WANTED ME TO TAKE SOME INITIATIVE SO I'M TAKING SOME FUCKING INITIATIVE!!!" Kawata took a deep breath, tipping the hat over his eyes. "We've watched so many people die... in such a short amount of time. And I FAILED THEM!!! If I'd placed these rules at the beginning of all this, everyone would still be alive. There's no one to blame but myself. And that's why I'm doing this. Maybe you don't like it. But sometimes, for survival we have to do things we don't like. So please... I'm trying really hard to keep us alive... I promise I'll look for a way to get out... but these rules are the only things protecting us right now..."
"Kawata, this isn't the way to go about this! You're trying to become a dictator!" Imamura replied.
"A DICTATOR!? A FUCKING DICTATOR!? IS THAT REALLY WHAT YOU THINK I AM!? DO YOU REALLY THINK THAT!? FINE!!! I'M A DICTATOR THEN!!! BUT I DON'T SEE YOU GUYS DOING ANYTHING!!! GET BACK TO ME WITH YOUR IDEAS WHEN YOU GET SOME, BECAUSE RIGHT NOW ALL I SEE IS A BUNCH OF FEARFUL KIDS!!! BECAUSE THAT'S ALL WE ARE!!! BUT AT LEAST I PRETEND TO BE BRAVE!!! SO WHAT'S YOUR IDEA IMAMURA!? WHAT IS IT!?" Kawata snapped. The room fell silent. A horrible aura covered Kawata head to toe, emanating from him like demonic presence. I felt my breath disappear into thin air, as I watched Kawata nearly snap the marker in half. He took a deep breath. "Hirano, Otani, and Imamura will be in one group. When Sugai learns the rules, he will be with Arima and Yamazaki. I can changed the rules at any time, and will begin enforcing them tomorrow. I'll see you all for role call in the morning." Kawata said, a shadow casted across his face. I couldn't see his face. Just like some sort of inhuman being. Kawata took a deep breath again, and began dragging the whiteboard out of the room.
Everything was silent for a long time. No one could speak up. Not Imamura. Not Yamazaki. Not Otani. Not Arima. Not even me. We ate in silence. And then, I returned to my room in a blur. I sat in my bed, before resting myself on the pillow. I stared at the ceiling.
... what was going to happen to us?
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