Chapter Text
There she was. A little bundle of nerves and anxiety. Eyes flitting about everywhere… nervously. She looked so small, even smaller than Ryouko, which was interesting. Wasn’t she— he, Rantarou reminded himself —- older than Ryouko? Yes, he was. And yet he looked so small. So meek. So… powerless.
His eyes found his, and those lilac orbs blinked, as he took a step back, looking like he wanted to disappear into the closet. He probably would have shut the closet door on himself, if it wasn’t already broken off at the hinges. “H-Hello.” He murmured, his voice a mere whisper.
“Hello.” Rantarou echoed, unsure.
“Y-You look like that man…” the boy said as he fiddled with his hair in what seems to be a nervous habit. “Y-You’re taking m-me? W-Why? I-I… I’m sorry…” he stared at his hands, eyes widened in panic as if those fragile fingers were horrifying, dry sobs wracking through his body. “I-I’m sorry… I didn’t mean it… I-I… didn’t…”
Rantarou stared at the boy’s hands, before glancing back at the door. He remembered the look of distress on his father’s face. Please help us get him out, he said. It was the first time in a long while his father had bothered to look at him in the face, the first time in a long while that he remembered Rantarou existed. All for this boy… Twelve-year-old Rantarou had felt envy, even a bit of resentment, at how lucky the boy was. But the moment he saw him, all those thoughts went out the window. Because this little boy, younger than him by only three years, wasn’t lucky at all.
Rantarou smiled. “I’m Amami Rantarou. That was my dad.” He explained, as he took a step closer. The boy gasped and took a step back, looking downright terrified. Rantarou felt uneasiness creep inside his heart. “I’m not going to hurt you.” he assured him. “The people outside, they’re not going to hurt you either. They just want to help you.”
“H-Help?” the boy croaked. He was pulling at his hair again. “I-I don’t understand… are they going to put me in jail? B-Because… I’m a bad kid…”
Rantarou frowned, as his eyes trailed on the bruises littered on the little boy’s skin. “You’re not a bad kid.” He murmured.
The boy laughed. “Liar… liar…” he said as he curled up in a ball. “L-Liar… liar…”
Rantarou knelt close to him, feeling pity fill his heart. “Kokichi-kun…” he murmured. That was his name right? Ouma Kokichi, soon to be Amami Kokichi, from what he could gather. But the boy looked up with confusion in his eyes, eyes wide and wondering.
“K-Kokichi?” he asked, evidently mystified. “Who’s that?”
“Who’s that?”
Kokichi immediately turned his phone off to sleep mode, giving Miu a look that could only be recognized as pure boredom. She was raising an eyebrow at him, evidently curious of the nature of his wallpaper, which until now, weeks later, he still couldn’t bring himself to change. The picture of Kaito kissing his cheek still turned Kokichi into a giddy teenager, something he wasn’t very proud of.
“Who’s what?” he asked, innocently. Miu scowled.
“That purple goatee fuck in your wallpaper, dumbass. That shit’s been bothering the crap outta me. Who the hell— hey! D-Don’t ignore me!” Even as she said that, Kokichi was already walking away, making the blonde inventor curse and sputter. Kokichi couldn’t help but wonder what about him keeps Miu around, if he’ll be honest—his quips and insults were no less than crass, and while Miu seems to get off on it (which gets weird, sometimes), surely she could see that he was nothing but trouble? Why is she always so supportive of him? Still, he was grateful that she was around. Very, very grateful. Just as he was grateful that Rantarou never gives up on him. Very, very grateful… I don’t deserve these people, he thought as he sighed.
And then there’s the whole thing with Kaito. Arghhh… why do I have to fucking sleep with him of all people?! Bad Kokichi. Bad. Well, maybe that was for the best. At least he had a good time and… memories he can take to the grave with him along with this stupid, stupid unrequited love he’s been keeping inside him for years. Hell, Kaito didn’t even recognize him. Of course he won’t. If he did, that would be weird. He took a deep breath. For now, he needed to take care of that shit. He’s planning to avoid Momota anyway. For good. No more looking, no more pining, no more creepy wallpapers….
He took out of his phone and stared at the wallpaper again, feeling his heart melt— No! ARGHHH! He couldn’t bring himself to change it or delete it. Fuck it. He could at least let himself keep the picture right? Fuck my life. He sighed as he tapped the messenger icon, taking out his phone and poking his inner cheek with his tongue before finally typing.
User (12:34 P.M.): Ran-chan,If you tell Momota-chan about me, I’ll cut off your balls.
He stared at the message and pressed send. Kokichi put the phone back in his pocket, glancing back at Miu who’s giving him a weird look.
“You’re blushing like a virgin on his first lay.” She commented.
Kokichi cocked an eyebrow. “I’m pretty sure I remember you were the one who was blushing to the roots of your hair, Miu-chan.”
“T-That’s beside the point!” she said as she started fiddling anxiously with her hair, sweating a little. Kokichi felt the phone on his pocket buzz. He pulled it out and checked it.
Ran-chan (12:37 P.M.): language, Kokichi.
Kokichi stifled a smile as he replied.
User (12:37 P.M.): i’m serious! D:<
Ran-chan (12:38 P.M.): u want me to lie to one of my best friends?
User (12:38 P.M.): no, you just omit it
User (12:38 P.M.): pleeeeeaaassseee??? Pretty please???
Ran-chan (12:39 P.M.): ugh fine. but u owe me
Ran-chan (12:39 P.M.): btw have u decided if u wanna go back to school yet?
As soon as that question was asked, Kokichi’s smile faded, and he bit his lip as he played with his phone on his fingers anxiously. Miu was silent for a while, as if sensing his mood, but when they finally arrived at the café, her mood changed immediately. She hollered when she saw Korekiyo sitting on one of the tables, catching the attention of some of the customers.
“Shitguuji!” She grinned, evidently proud of her witty (and vulgar) nickname. Kokichi could remember the time when she was still a young girl in the hospital bed, meek and shy like the sheltered princess that she was—and he had to admit it was possibly his influence that they both grew up to be egocentric, potty-mouthed jackasses— but as usual, Korekiyo seemed not to mind. He smiled when they approached (Kokichi could tell from the crinkles on the side of his eyes, as well as the faint shifting of that eerie mask— that mask has a story, but that would be for another time) as he set down the book he was reading and half-raised his hand to greet them.
“Greetings, Miu-san, Kokichi-kun. It’s been a while hasn’t it? I believe it’s been a year and a half at least…” he said as he gave Kokichi a look that was bordering on stern. Kokichi merely shrugged as he took a seat. “I cannot believe I was left out of the loop when you ran away, Kokichi-kun. I have to admit I was a little… offended.”
Kokichi smiled cheerfully. “You’re a spy from the enemy, Kiyo-chan!” he accused with as he pointed a finger gun at him, childishly. Truth be told, he simply didn’t want Korekiyo’s relationship with his brother ( you don’t deserve to be his brother shut up shut up shut up) to get strained from his disappearance, so he decided it was better that Korekiyo genuinely doesn’t know about his whereabouts. Rantarou looked so happy when they’re together, he couldn’t take that away from him too.
Miu called over the waitress and started barking her orders. As soon as she finished, she leaned towards Korekiyo with an indignant look. “Hey, Shitguuji! Tell your boyfriend he owes me shit for babysitting his sister the other day! They ruined my beauty sleep!”
“I’ll have this, and this and this…” Kokichi told the waitress who blinked and seemed a little overwhelmed by how much food a person with such short stature as him was planning to eat. But oh well, he’s going to make Korekiyo pay for it anyway. “Oh, and Miu-chan ordered french toast, right? Please don’t bring any bread knives in this table… is that possible? Thank you~!” The waitress left with a confused look on her face, evidently bothered by his odd request.
Korekiyo sighed. “My beloved owes you no such favors, Miu-san—”
Kokichi turned his attention back to the conversation just in time to make a gagging noise.
“— and I would rather you not call me by such a detestable nickname. Please, call me Kiyo.”
Kokichi suddenly grinned and put a hand on his chest. “Please call me Ouma!”
“ No .” The two snapped in unison.
Kokichi shrugged, staring at his fingernails, looking bored. “See? Life ain’t easy, Kiyo-chan. So Miu-chan can call you however the fuck she wants.”
Korekiyo sighed. “There truly isn’t much I could do, is there?”
Kokichi grinned. “If I have to deal with Cuckichi, you bet you’re going to deal with Shitguuji!”
Miu looked pleased with herself. “Fuck yeah!”
“And Iruma-chan has to deal with pathetic bitch ass whore .”
Miu immediately digressed into a mess of sputters. “W-What? That was uncalled for!”
That was the trigger. From there on the two of them started exchanging insults one after another, as if it was some sort of contest to see who can roast the other person better. Of course, as expected, Kokichi would always win, as Miu was actually rather timid and sensitive inside ( the shy and meek sheltered princess is still inside there, somewhere. Kokichi figured.) but he had to give the girl credit for trying her best.
Suddenly, Korekiyo chuckled. It was still that weird kukuku that Kokichi couldn’t really complain about ( nishishi isn't any better), and when he stared at them, his eyes were sparkling in fondness. Ugh, gross. Kokichi shuddered. Ran-chan isn’t rubbing off on him, is he? God, I hope not.
“I see you two haven’t changed much.” Korekiyo commented, just after one of Kokichi’s degrading insults transformed Miu into a flustered mess. “How has your lives been? I heard the two of you even broke up?”
Ah, the breakup. Of course Korekiyo would be intrigued, being the person who watched them grow close and all. Thinking about it now, Kokichi never really felt any romantic attachment to Miu, his heart was for one person and one person alone ( you just can never let him go, could you? God, you’re so pathetic) but all in all his relationship with Miu had been… nice. He assumed that’s how Miu felt too, she couldn’t possibly fall in love with a piece of shit like him, could she? Though they did keep that strange agreement to marry if they’re still single by the time they reach forty ( I don’t want to be a crazy cat lady! You gotta save me, shitty shota! Insecure Miu had said, to which he could only roll his eyes.). Kokichi had a feeling that there’s something more to that agreement than meets the eye, honestly. To him it sounds more like an excuse for Miu to not allow him to change back his surname legally as he intended to before. She kept complaining that Ouma Miu doesn’t quite roll off the tongue as well as Amami Miu does.
Miu cares in strange ways. He still didn’t understand why she keeps hanging out around someone like him.
Korekiyo was staring at them expectantly, waiting for an explanation. Kokichi giggled. “Iruma-chan was just soooo possessive, I had to tell her I need some space. So I told her ‘ My love, it’s not you, it’s me. We need a break from each other. ’” Kokichi replied dramatically, looking dejected, before his lips turned into a huge grin. “Then I broke her heart!”
“S-Stop telling lies, shitty shota!” Miu argued as she nervously played with a lock of her hair. “ I was the one who broke up with your pathetic ass! You should be thanking this gorgeous girl genius that I gave you my time of the day! People are falling over on their knees just to get a piece of this smoking hot bod of mine—“
“Who was it who couldn’t find a fuck in Ran-chan’s birthday party? Oh right— it wasn’t me!” Kokichi cackled, before he muttered in falsetto, impersonating what Miu said. “ Why won’t those virgins fuck me? Am I ugly, Cuckichi?”
“You vicious little”
Just in time, their orders came out, this time brought to them by a different waitress. And it was just Kokichi’s luck that they probably forgot his request, because as soon as the waitress placed down Iruma’s order, he saw it, he couldn’t look away, he placed his hand on his mouth, feeling sick—
“Fuck you! You’re fighting me now, huh?! You think you’re hot shit, you little freak—“
Dutifully, Miu suddenly snatched the bread knife out of his line of sight, and he could breathe again. Everything was slightly blurry. His heart was pounding on his ears. Miu was saying something to the waitress with a stern, serious voice, and the waitress apologized immediately, saying that it won’t happen again.
Their table was silent when the waitress left. It took Ouma all of five minutes to calm his racing heartbeat, and when he perked up again and smiled, neither of his two companions mentioned the meltdown he just had. They just continued the conversation as usual, this time talking about their plans for Miu’s birthday that was coming up (they always had plans, Miu hated being left alone on that particular day, just as she hated driving on that particular day) and Kokichi was reminded on how fucking glad and grateful and lucky he was to have these people around him, and how much he fucking didn’t deserve any of them.
“Thank you.” he said as genuinely as he could when they parted ways. Korekiyo made a small fond smile. Miu flushed in embarrassment. They understood. That was all that mattered.
Kokichi stared back down at his phone, at the wallpaper. He opened up his notepad and started typing: Why am I here instead of you? He stared at it for a long moment, before he pressed the home button and went straight back to the messenger app. There, Amami’s message blinked back at him, unanswered.
Ran-chan (12:39 P.M.): btw have u decided if u wanna go back to school yet?
You are typing…
User (4:56 P.M.): not yet
User (8:12 A.M.): Stop hanging out around my apartment! This is trespassing! A breach of privacy! I’ll sue you! D:<
Ran-chan (8:16 A.M.): it wasnt trespassing
Ran-chan (8:16 A.M.): Kiibo-kun let me in
User (8:17 A.M.): Stop being chummy with my beloved Iidabashi-chan! he’s too sweet and innocent for a freak like you! Waaaaaaaaaahyoure tainting him
Ran-chan (8:17 A.M.): Excuse me?!?
Ran-chan (8:18 A.M.): I am not
Ran-chan (8:18 A.M.): I mean he’s cute but
Ran-chan (8:19 A.M.): I’m not even making a move on him. we’re friends.
User (8:20 A.M.): oh? Interesting. >:D I didn’t know you were a chicken
User (8:20 A.M.): [chicken.png]
Ran-chan (8:21 A.M.): at this point I don’t even know if you want me to make a move or him or not -_-
User (8:22 A.M.): nishishi
Ran-chan (8:22 A.M.): I cant believe you just typed your signature laugh
User (8:22 A.M.): >:D BELIEVE IT!
Ran-chan (8:22 A.M.): whatever btw did u decide yet?
User (8:23 A.M.): I don’t know what youre talking about
Ran-chan (8:24 A.M.): -_-
“I think it’s a really wonderful idea! Coming back to school, that is! I’m certain Kokichi-kun has a talent brimming with hope, and going back will help you realize your true potential! Kokichi-kun, you should say yes!”
Kokichi sighed as he put his phone back in his pocket, fiddling uneasily with the checkered scarf he has pulled on in a haste to get out of the house. It’s good that he wore it, he supposed, it was already October, and the air has gotten quite chilly.
“I don’t know, Komaeda-chan.” He said, honestly, as he picked lint off his clothes. “After what happened, it just feels so wrong to keep leaching off Amami-san. I’m already a legal adult. I want to feed myself. Besides, I imagine someone like you can understand how I feel about this kind of thing.”
Komaeda Nagito looked thoughtful as he considered it. He hesitated. “Even if you think you’re worthless… even if you think you’re a piece of scum, it doesn’t mean that others see you the same way. To yourself you may be trash, but to others you could be a treasure.”
Kokichi blinked, staring at Nagito in surprise. Nagito looked extremely uncomfortable. Finally, Kokichi groaned. “Well, fuck. I didn’t know I’ve gotten so low that Komaeda ‘I’m worthless scum’ Nagito would be cheering me up.”
Nagito laughed nervously as he started clawing at his elbows, looking away. “I’m sorry for acting so presumptuous. It’s unbecoming of me, isn’t it? It’s just that… that’s what Gekkogahara-san told me the last time we met, and the thought that others could possibly see me as anything other than a wretched piece of detritus was so unspeakably hopeful that I just—“
“Geez, Komaeda-chan! There you go again. You’re wasting your therapist’s hard work every time you regress you know.” Kokichi said with a bored look, staring at his fingernails. “Besides, who even says ‘wretched piece of detritus’ anymore?!” Nagito looked like he was about to say something, but the sound of the bell and the children cheering distracted them both. Finally, some action. Kokichi stifled a smile as he watched the kids flood out into the courtyard to play, already finished with their subjects for today. They were led by a guy with spiky brown hair and hazel eyes( I haven’t seen him around before. Kokichi thought.), looking a little exasperated as the kids went off on their own. When the guy saw them, his eyes lit up as he smiled eagerly.
“Komaeda! You’re here today, huh?—- ugh, wait, no, not my tie— “ he said as a kid pulled at his tie, giggling childishly. He gave the kid a stern look. “Move along now, I’m talking to someone.” The kid pouted but did as he was told, and the guy followed him with his eyes as he left, fondness in his expression, before putting his attention back at the pair and clearing his throat. “Uhh, yeah. The kids are a bit of a handful today, I guess.” He glanced at Kokichi. “This is…?”
Nagito’s eyes lit up. “Ah, this is Amami Kokichi-kun.” Kokichi cringed. Stop calling me that, please. “He’s from this orphanage, he visits from time to time to help, although he hasn’t been around lately.” He then motioned to the spiky haired guy. “Kokichi-kun, this is Hinata Hajime-kun. He’s a good friend of Naegi-san, and he’s been working here as a teacher since two weeks ago.”
Hajime made a bright smile as he held his hand out. “Nice to meet you, Amami!”
Kokichi made an innocent smile as he shook Hajime’s hand, so forcefully it made Hajime blink in surprise. “I go by Ouma Kokichi these days. Nice to meet you, Hinata-chan!”
“Hinata-chan…” Hajime gave Nagito a questioning look. Nagito simply shrugged.
“So yeah! How can I help you today?” Kokichi said as he placed a finger on his cheek. “I’m all yours! I’m free until six tonight.”
Hajime made a small smile. “Well, we may need some help in the kitchen since Nanami took the day off today…”
“Boo! Rejected.” Kokichi suddenly said as he covered his ears. “Kitchen work is soooo boring! I’d rather play with these obnoxious little brats than touch slimy, gross, raw food! Yuck!” Hajime looked taken aback, murmuring something under his breath, but Nagito simply sighed patiently.
“Don’t worry, Hinata-kun.” Nagito assured him. “He actually gets along well with the kids.”
“I bet he does, since he acts like a kid himself.” Hajime mumbled. “Anyway. Komaeda, Naegi wants to talk to you about the… Warriors of Hope? What’s that about?”
Nagito blinked, looking vaguely concerned. “It’s a game they play. Nagisa-kun, Masaru-kun, Jataro-kun and Kotoko-chan…” He easily replied. “Did they cause any trouble?”
Hajime pursed his lips as he glanced at Kokichi, as if this was a topic he’d rather not let him hear. Kokichi took out his phone and fiddled with it, acting as if he wasn’t listening. “Well, not exactly trouble…” he said, his voice lowering in a hushed tone. “It’s just that... during story time I read the word ‘gentle’… and Kotoko-chan started freaking out…. she still hasn’t calmed down. She’s in the clinic with Tsumiki.”
Obviously a trigger. Kokichi thought, feeling pity for the poor child. He knew a lot of things about triggers, having a few himself. It wasn’t unusual for this orphanage to get these kind of cases, really. So he supposed she’s at least in good hands, whoever ‘Kotoko-chan’ is. Nagito simply nodded as they continued to talk in hushed tones. Kokichi let his attention wander. There, in the corner, a couple of familiar kids started pushing each other, as if trying to dare the other ones to approach him. Finally, a girl did. She had intelligent, bright blue eyes, and long brown hair that was tied as a braid down her side. Kinda cute, really. Kokichi grinned.
“Ace-chan! I haven’t seen you in a while.” He greeted.
The girl grinned widely, evidently thrilled to be remembered and called by such a familiar nickname. Her real name was Asahi Mika, if Kokichi remembered correctly. He reached down and pat her hair affectionately.
“You’re wearing the scarf.” She said, eagerly.
Kokichi blinked, staring down at the checkered scarf tied around his neck, a smile gracing his face as he remembered the significance of it. “Yeah, I suppose I am!”
“Are we going to play ‘secret evil organization’ today?”
The air was instantly filled with “Please Kokichi-nii-san”s, pleading eyes looking up at him from the nine kids that are now tugging at his clothes. He played coy at first, making a thinking look and humming as if he was trouble deciding but finally he relented, placing his hands on his hips. “Okay then! But if we’re going to play, where are your uniforms?! Where’s my mask?!” He pouted childishly and the group giggled, pushing and shrieking and yelling at each other to get a move on. As soon as they all had a mask in tow, Kokichi grinned. “Well, then, my followers! Who are we?”
“DICE!” the kids chanted in unison.
“What is our motto?”
“HAVE FUN!”
“And…?”
“DON’T HURT ANYONE!”
Kokichi felt a genuine smile graze his face as he leaned down and regarded them all. “Well, then… go crazy!”
The group started giggling and laughing as they all started to run off in different directions, playing with pretend walkie-talkies and making battle plans as Kokichi surveyed them, nodding approvingly as they planned for their “pranks”, which are really just harmless games they play on their fellow kids and the staff. When he glanced back at Hajime (Nagito left earlier, presumably to check on Kotoko), the teacher looked almost impressed, as he saw the kids play their hearts out.
“Those were the timid kids back in class. I’ve never even seen them smile before.” Hajime commented, amazed.
“Nishishi. Well, they always do smile for their Supreme Leader.” Kokichi replied, pleased with himself. “I should stop by more often.” Hajime stared at him, before he replied.
“Yeah… you should.”
Ran-chan (8:19 A.M.): -_-
You are typing…
User (5:29 P.M.): not yet
User (12:01 A.M.): HAAAAAPPPPPYYYYYY BIIIRRRRRTTTHHHHHDDDAAAYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!! IIIIDDAAAABBBAAASSSHIIII-CHAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNN!!!!!!!!! <3
User (12:01 A.M.): happy birthday to you!
User (12:01 A.M.): happy birthday to you!
User (12:01 A.M.): happy birthday
User (12:01 A.M.): happy birthday
User (12:02 A.M.): happy birthday to you!
User (12:02 A.M.): happy birthday to you!
User (12:02 A.M.): you belong to the zoo!
User (12:02 A.M.): like the monkey like the donkey
User (12:02 A.M.): the gorilla is you!
User (12:02 A.M.): oh wait that’s wrong you’re a robot freak. That’s very insulting to the gorillas :’(
Iidabashi-chan (12:03 A.M.): Ouma-kun, please tell me why you’re barraging my phone with messages at twelve in the morning? Aren’t you at work?
Iidabashi-chan (12:03 A.M.): and what happened to my ringtone
Iidabashi-chan (12:03 A.M.): it sounds like my phone is dying
User (12:04 A.M.): It’s your birthday! I gotta annoy you like hell! :D
Iidabashi-chan (12:04A.M.): how do I stop this? Please change this back! It’s so loud! The neighbors will complain!
User (12:05 A.M.): What if I don’t want to~?
Iidabashi-chan (12:05A.M.): Ouma-kun! D:<
Iidabashi-chan is calling you…
Kokichi snickered as he turned off his phone. No doubt Kiibo would give him an earful when he gets back home. The door to the back room opened, and Tenko peered her head in, staring at him distastefully. “Hey, degenerate! You’re needed at the bar! Break’s over, it’s a busy night!”
“Fine, fine, don’t get your panties in a twist, Chabashira-chan.” Kokichi said as he pulled his hair into a small ponytail, his fingers lingering at the tips… Should I let my hair grow out again? He wondered. The length he had was already longer than the average male’s, but Korekiyo wears his long hair just fine. He doesn’t look any less masculine with it. Hmmmmmmmm… He puffed his cheeks out as he mulled it over.
“Degenerate! Bar! Now!” Tenko yelled as she shut the door close. Kokichi rolled his eyes as he adjusted his vest, exiting the back room with a flourish, smiling the troublemaker smile the patrons adore, scanning the area around the bar — and immediately closed the door.
WHAT THE FUCK IS HE DOING HERE?!
When Tenko peered in again, she looked exasperated. But to Kokichi’s relief, Himiko was there beside her, calming her girlfriend down. The laid-back magician always had ways to keep her at bay. “Nyeh… Ouma-kun, what are you doing? We neeeeeeeeed…” she yawned. “… you.”
“Cover for me! Tell Hoshi-chan I need to go!” Kokichi said desperately as he started looking around for something— anything — to cover his face with. “I’m leaving by the back door!” Tenko looked appalled. Himiko frowned, but she looked like she was about to fall asleep while standing. Kokichi pushed her away as he slipped out the door, hoping against all hope that he doesn’t fucking spot him. As soon as he was out of the bar, he could finally breathe, but he still pulled out his phone, feeling indignation rise in his gut as he typed furiously.
User (12:15 A.M.): AMAMI-CHAN YOU FUCKING TRAITOR
Ran-chan (8:01 A.M.): uh… good morning to you too?
User (8:17 A.M.): WHY WAS MOMOTA FUCKING KAITO HANGING OUT IN THE BAR LAST NIGHT
User (8:17 A.M.): YOU SOLD ME OUT DIDN’T YOU
Ran-chan (8:18 A.M.): hey, im sorry, but the poor guy just really wanted to see you. Well, he wont admit it so…
Ran-chan (8:18 A.M.): I kinda just… said in passing that the bartenders I rented in my party work there
Ran-chan (8:18 A.M.): look, if he visited the bar then that means he’s still very interested in you, its been almost a month
Ran-chan (8:18 A.M.): you like him don’t you
User (8:20 A.M.): I FUCKING DON’T?!?!
User (8:20 A.M.): THAT’S NONE OF YOUR BUSINESS?!?!
User (8:21 A.M.): THAT’S IT I’M CUTTING OFF YOUR BALLS D:<
User (8:21 A.M.): I wont forget this betrayal, AMAMI-CHAN
Ran-chan (8:26 A.M.): youll thank me when ure married
Ran-chan (8:26 A.M.): I ship it
User (8:26 A.M.): I see you’ve been spending too much time with shiro-chan
Ran-chan (8:27 A.M.): yea she got me into this weird horse girl anime recently
User (8:27 A.M.): … I’m disowning you.
Ran-chan (8:28 A.M.): lol btw have you decided yet?
Kokichi took a deep breath as he stared at the same message again, feeling his heart sink.
User (8:30 A.M.): not yet
Hoshi-chan (9:16 A.M.): Hey, kid. Chabashira said you left early yesterday, did something happen?
User (9:16 A.M.): sorry hoshi-chan, just deduct it from my wages or something
Hoshi-chan (9:17 A.M.): mkay. Just remember the bar’s open if you need someone to talk to.
Hoshi-chan (9:17 A.M.): take care of yourself, kid
User (9:19 A.M.): Thanks! Hoshi-chan is soooo sweet! :D
Hoshi-chan (9:19 A.M.): Mm.
User (10:20 A.M.): Hey whore come pick me up
User (10:20 A.M.): my place
User (10:20 A.M.): I need a ride
Slut (10:21 A.M.): good lord cuckichi I have fucking class
User (10:21 A.M.): oh yeah sorry
Slut (10:23 A.M.): … what the fuck
Slut (10:23 A.M.): WHAT THE FUCKING FUCK
Slut (10:23 A.M.): DID YOU JUST SAY SORRY
Slut (10:24 A.M.): IS THE WORLD ENDING
User (10:25 A.M.): FUCK OFF D:<
Slut (10:25 A.M.): Kay but only if you tell me whats up
You are typing…
Seen 10:25 A.M.
You are typing…
Slut (10:28 A.M.): I see u typing, little shit. just spit it out
User (10:28 A.M.): I wanna visit Kana-chan.
Slut (10:29 A.M.): oh
Slut (10:30 A.M.): my class ends at 12, better get ready
Slut (10:30 A.M.): and you better buy me lunch because I aint driving 3 hours for free
User (10:34 A.M.): ok. Thanks
Kokichi was silent.
Miu sighed to herself as she drove inside the cemetery, watching the little shit from the corner of her eye. He looked thoughtful, almost wistful, as he clutched the bouquet of flowers in his lap, cupping his cheek with his palm as he stared out of the window. He was always silent whenever he visits this place, as if he was a completely different person. Miu wasn’t surprised. She easily maneuvered her convertible through the road, stopping when she reached their destination.
Amami Kana’s grave was pretty. It wasn’t really just a grave, it was basically a small chapel. The Amamis clearly spent a fortune with the architecture, marble floors and glass walls and angelic sculptures. There is another grave on the other side of this chapel, but Kokichi never acknowledged it— in fact, he actively avoided it. Miu didn’t understand why, but she never asked. She simply followed Kokichi along as he sat in front of Kana’s marker, setting the flowers down beside his feet.
Kokichi was silent as he stared. Just stared . Miu stood behind him, silent. It was times like these that she’s reminded how fucking tiny he was, how vulnerable. She opened her mouth to speak.
“Kokichi—“
“Do you think she resents me?” Kokichi suddenly asked. Miu blinked, uneasily playing with her hair, unsure how to respond.
“I don’t fucking know. We don’t know shit about your sister, Cuckichi.” she replied. “Besides, she’s dead. Didn’t your hypocritical ass told me not to let the dead hold me back? Stop being a quivering pussy, shitty shota.”
Kokichi’s lips twitched. “God, you suck at comforting people.”
Miu huffed as she put her hands on her hips. “Like you’re any better.”
To that Kokichi chuckled as he stood up, brushing the dust off his pants. His strange mood was gone, replaced by a smirk that seemed genuinely teasing. “Buuut~ I suppose even a stupid whore like you can make good points sometimes.”
Miu frowned. “Is this all about the college shit? You don’t have to make things more complicated than it should be, you fucking weirdo.”
Kokichi gnawed at his lip. Finally, he sighed.
“You’re right.”
User (6:11 P.M.): hey, hoshi-chan
Hoshi-chan (6:17 P.M.): yeah?
User (6:17 P.M.): I think I wanna take less shifts by january
User (6:17 P.M.): is that okay?
Hoshi-chan (6:19 P.M.): sure thing
Hoshi-chan (6:19 P.M.): I’ll put out a notice, see if we can hire new staff to help
Hoshi-chan (6:20 P.M.): everything okay?
User (6:21 P.M.): yeah
User (6:21 P.M.): I’m going to take classes again… I think
Hoshi-chan (6:21 P.M.): good
Kokichi sighed and tossed his phone to the side as he lolled his head on the couch, staring at the ceiling. He was lying upside down, feet pressed against the backrest, and he knew if Kiibo caught him he’ll be scolded again, and the thought made him chuckle. He took the lollipop in his mouth and twirled it a bit, before pulling it out and suddenly yelling out of boredom. “Robots are not people!”
“THAT’S-ROBOPHOBIC!” Miibo shrieked from the center table, stomping its little robotic feet. Kokichi chuckled as he tossed the lollipop on the little robot, which the robot… evaded? Huh, did Kiibo already program other functions to it? Can Kokichi actually talk to it now? A grin spread on his lips as he rolled over and sat up—
The door slammed open. Kokichi jumped. Kiibo never slams open doors. The roboticist looked surprised to see him there, and he sniffled, before wiping the tears out of his eyes with his sleeves. “O-Ouma-kun? I thought you’d be at work…” he said, avoiding his eyes.
“Hoshi-chan gave me the day off…” Kokichi replied, feeling awkward. Kiibo looked visibly upset. “What happened?” he couldn’t help but ask. Kiibo shook his head as he immediately went off to his room. This time he closed the door more gently.
And Kokichi was left… mystified.
User (10:17 A.M.):Ran-chaaaaaaaaaaaaaan
Ran-chan (10:18 A.M.): yeahh?
User (10:18 A.M.): I have five conditions
Ran-chan (10:18 A.M.): uhhh what
User (10:18 A.M.): 1. I’m NOT going back in that house
User (10:19 A.M.): 2. No more funny business with Momota-chan
User (10:19 A.M.): 3. STOP STALKING ME JFC
User (10:19 A.M.): 4. I’ll meet the girls at my own pace
User (10:19 A.M.): 5. I’m paying Amami-san back after I graduate
User (10:20 A.M.): yes fucking screenshot this convo and send it
Ran-chan (10:21 A.M.): :DDDDDDDDD
Ran-chan (10:23 A.M.): got it
Ran-chan (10:24 A.M.): Thank you, Kokichi, this means a lot to me.
User (10:24 A.M.): whatever
User (10:25 A.M.): btw you have any idea what happened to Iidabashi-chan?
Ran-chan (10:25 A.M.): what? no why
Ran-chan (10:25 A.M.): we were together yesterday, he seemed fine
User (10:25 A.M.): nvm
Kokichi frowned as he stared at Kiibo’s room. It was Sunday, so he didn’t have any classes, but even then, usually at this time of the day, Kiibo would already be working on his robots, given away by the sound of clicking and creaking. But today, his room was… silent. He leaned in and knocked.
“Iidabashi-chan?” he called out. “You okay there?”
The sound of groaning. A faint mumble. “Leave me alone.”
“I’m going out to buy groceries, anything you need?”
“There’s a shopping list posted on the fridge.” Kiibo replied dismissively. “I think we ran out of milk and peanut butter.”
“Okaaaaay.” Kokichi drawled out, before frowning, mystified.
What the fuck happened?