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The blonde pianist crossed her arms and sighed. "Kokichi, what are you doing out here alone?" He was pacing in endless circles, his fingertip pressing against his lips. He stopped in his tracks and turned to face her.
"Nishishishi, why wouldn't I be here? I just wanted to see my beloved Akamatsu-Chan!" He turns his body to the side. "I missed you so much that I almost got a heart attack..." He winks, placing his hands on his hips.
"...And here you are, interrogating me like a suspect of a crime. Did Shuichi rub off on you that well?"
Her face turned a tint of red as she quickly shook her head. "No! Kokichi, you're not answering my question! Do you know how dangerous it is to be out here?"
The blonde showed a mix of genuine concern and curiosity. The shorter boy took a moment to scrutinize the girl. He lazily hung his arms behind his head.
"Well, I'll only let you in on it because I trust you, my beloved!" She cringed at the pet name.
Deep down, all she wanted to know was what Kokichi's motive was. He was an oddball to her, and she would always pry at him with questions to get to the bottom of it. Every attempt failed, because every time she did so, it was easy for him to wear a mask of deceit. The girl patiently waited for his response. At last, he finally spoke up once more.
"Have you ever wondered why this killing game exists?"
The sudden question caught Kaede off guard. Her face was in awe and her mouth hung open like she was about to speak, yet she couldn't think of what to say. Kokichi stared at her, and she stared back.
"Why?"
"I dunno!" His expression turned serious.
"Actually, I spend a lot of my time thinking. I think of the possibilities, who's going to kill who? Who will die? There's no end to our fate here in a place like this."
Her face quickly turned pale. "Kokichi..."
The prankster smiles and turns to walk away. "I suppose it's my time to leave! If you don't mind, I'm going now!"
He waves his hand and runs off. "Wait! Come back! Kokichi!" Kaede sprinted after him, trying to catch the shorter boy.
The two played cat and mouse for a while until Kokichi was able to slip away and out of sight. She slows down midway, stopping to take a breath.
She places her hand on her knees and tries to regain her stamina. "He's never going to quit, is he?" She murmurs.
Now she stood alone, facing the courtyard. The force field hung heavy above her head. It was late at midnight, and she knew she should go back to the dormitory. But something about the way Kokichi acted ticked her off.
Still uneasy from his disturbing words, she turned her back to the direction Kokichi wandered off to.
Giving up, she made her way to the dormitory rooms . . .
"Please, let me in! I need to talk to you!" Kaede pleads, frantically knocking on the door.
On the other side, the boy gazed at the door. He could see Kaede's shadow from outside and heard her voice loud and clear. He didn't budge at all, though.
"I'm being serious here! I just want to listen and talk..." Her voice became raspy after shouting.
She rested her fist on the front door, head low. Kaede frowned.
Then, the doorknob clicked and twisted open.
Looking up at the taller girl, Kokichi grinned. "Oh, hey Akamatsu-chan! What's up?"
She sighed in relief, magenta eyes sparkling. "Good, you're awake. I came here because I was concerned. The words you told me that night, what did all of them mean?" Kaede remained near the doorframe.
"Let's just say I was simply warning you. Compared to others, you're the bubbly one of the group." He folds his hands behind his back, a hint of malice in his tone.
"Always willing to help, always trying to find a way to stop the killing game." He took one step forward.
"But doesn't that make you naive?"
Clearing her throat, she refutes against him. "It isn't! I do all of this for the sake of others."
Kokichi held his intense gaze on her, trying to study any signs of Kaede's optimistic persona wavering.
"That's the problem. You always care for others and never yourself, right? It would be so much better if you stayed alone, in your own bubble."
He cheekily points to himself. "Just like I do!"
"I'm not you, though. How do you claim that isolating myself from the people I care about helps me?"
He puts thought to his words, looking off to the side for a period of time then returning his focus to the girl.
"Let's see. Isolating yourself from others gives you many advantages in a society like this. In another context, like the killing game, you get to spectate others and become the puppeteer of the show. Sounds fun, right?"
She places a hand on Kokichi's shoulder. "Not as much as you think," The gesture made his body tense. Kaede could sense it through her palm.
"Look. This is stressful for everyone here. We're all trying to work together. We can find the mastermind and end it all!" Her uplifting words did not move Kokichi at all.
His tone remained neutral, an amused look on his face. "Sigh, there you go again! Rambling like this is a simple solution. What you really need is discipline."
His cunning smile sent a shiver down Kaede's spine. "Not to be rude sweetheart, but I don't think your plan will work out."
Her grip on Kokichi's shoulders instantly weakened. She pinches the bridge of nose in annoyance.
"Work with me for once! I don't know what you're plotting, but I don't want anyone to get hurt, including you!"
Trotting around his messy room, Kokichi speaks with ease. "Oh really? You can easily try to kill me right now! I'm putting myself in a vulnerable space and you're not taking the opportunity, what a shame..."
She gritted her teeth. She had enough of Kokichi, but it would be improper to lecture him. He was her classmate. She couldn't be mad. Plus, he wouldn't listen to her. She knew by instinct that the prankster would much rather boil himself alive than be bossed around. Instead, she went back to a normal demeanor.
"I can't pull myself to kill another living thing. We're all human, and we should be treated as one."
For once, he showed a hint of emotion in his eyes. "You have a point there. I can't argue against the protagonist!" Kaede cocked her head to the side, puzzled at his unnecessary reference.
"That settles it then." She looked at the floor and then backed up.
"This conversation doesn't satisfy me, though. I want to learn more about you, Kokichi." Kaede's face scrunched up as a pout escaped from her lips.
His interest piqued at her request. "Learn more? I've already revealed some insight on my true personality to you, what more could you possibly desire, ma chérie?" He leans in.
"Or, do you have a secret love interest in me?" He poked her head. Kaede's cheeks flushed as she quickly looked away. The pianist stomped her Mary-Jane shoes on the hard, wooden floor, placing her hands on her hips like an irritated bunny.
"That's not it! Quit it!"
The prankster gleefully chortled. The sound of his laugh was enough to make Kaede crack a smile on her face. It was hard to admit, but Kokichi looked much better when he was smiling. She ignored her thoughts and continued, despite Kokichi beating around the bush.
Full of curiosity, Kaede thinks to herself for a moment before speaking again. If she couldn't get a direct answer out of Kokichi, why not try a different approach?
"You mentioned something about isolation. I get what you're trying to say, but it flusters me."
She considered her words. "Do you think of yourself as being, well, paranoid?"
Crossing his legs, Kokichi settled himself on his bed. "Maybe! Maybe not, who knows?" Kaede took that as a yes to her inquiry.
"And you don't--you know..." She pauses. "...vocalize that issue? There's so many people out there willing to help, so if you speak up--"
Before she could finish her sentence, Kokichi cuts her off.
"People dismiss me. I lie after all, it doesn't bother me. But Kaede, can't you see? I'm hopeless. A lost cause! Stop trying to make others happy from your own expectations."
She clenched her fists. "That's wrong! Please stop thinking like that, it isn't healthy! I say these things because I care, not because I want to nag you!"
His eyes drifted towards the girl, narrowing whilst he processed her sentence.
"So why don't I feel happy? You always radiate "positivity", but have you ever considered that those you "care about" never feel the same? You, Kaede," He pointed at her.
"Can't convince a depressed person to stop being depressed with a few, meaningless words.
Kokichi snickers. "...Not that I'm depressed though, I just cited a saying I found on a forum online!"
Normally, she would continue. At this point, her efforts were in vain. The blonde pianist didn't say anything back. She knew it wasn't worth it to try and retort back.
Seeing her frustrated state, Kokichi's blank face resumed back to his sly demeanor. He was lightly tugging the bedsheets, bouncing up and down on the plush mattress as he recites.
"'Same applies to the both of us, doesn't it? One who lies in the dark and one who seeks light and truth. That's me, and that's you."
After reflecting for a while, Kaede spoke up.
"You say that, but I think there's more to you than just lies and tricks. I want to understand the real you."
His smirk faltered. He noticed how much effort she put into pushing him to unveil his lies.
Instead of brushing her off, he decides to give in. Kokichi shrugs his shoulders. "I'll give you that, in fact that sounds like a compliment! Too bad I'm the big, bad liar."
She exhaled from the breath she was holding the entire time. "You don't always have to act like this around me, you know."
Scoffing, he hops off the bed and flicks Kaede's forehead, causing her to groan in annoyance.
"Acting? Please, I'm always like this!"
It was only a lingering suspicion, but Kaede felt off-put about the way he stated that. He did not have his usual, erratic energy. Kokichi sounded much more exhausted and tired than before. Even if his dimples on his smile flickered for just a second.
Taking her last chance, Kaede steps in swiftly. She wrapped her arms protectively around the short boy. She did so in a manner that he couldn't break free, almost physically burying him into her chest.
She shut her eyes, silently praying Kokichi could change his mind. About the way he saw the world. And about the way he perceived Kaede as a person.
Kokichi immediately stiffens, displaying a strong reaction to the affection. His chin rested on her shoulder, and he could clearly hear her gentle breathing. The blondie placed a hand on his back, rubbing it in circular motions.
Eventually, he warmed up to the girl and gave in. This time, he didn't make a snarky comment or used sarcasm. He remained silent for the time being. At this moment, it was only Kaede and Kokichi against the world. The floral aroma from her, and being so up close, intoxicated him.
He showcased no emotion other than surprise. "...You're such a dummy, Kaede." He said, his voice low.
For the first time, he flashed a real smile. It wasn't a regular snicker, but he felt secure in her hands. She squeezes him a little more, smiling back.
"Maybe I am a dummy... but that just means I'll keep being dumb enough to care about you."
"Hmph." He mumbled. The frail boy was not used to getting so much comfort.
He had a sudden revelation: Has he ever felt this cherished, or noticed before? Kokichi has a vision of his parents, or wherever they are. Poor boy, he hadn't the slightest clue of who they were, as most of his life he was raised by D.I.C.E, his only source of family. Not only that, but he stands out from the group because of his bizarre antics. He only grew accustomed to being alone or told to keep quiet after so long.
Maybe having someone by his side like Akamatsu wasn't so bad, he thought.
Kokichi cleared his throat, a raspy sound that immediately turned Kaede's attention back to the boy in her arms.
"You know," Swallowing hard, Kokichi looks off to the side. He hoped he wouldn't mess this up. The only person who deserved to see him vulnerable was her.
"Yes?" Kaede chirped.
The roguish tightens his grip around the girl's body, subtly pulling her closer. "Nobody notices me the way you do. I haven't felt this happy in a while."
Kokichi's small fingers traced the outline of Kaede's torso. He closed his eyes, focusing on the pianist's low hums.
Feeling awkward, Kokichi tries to regain his former enigma. "You're pretty good at taking on the role of a leader, aren't you?" His cheeky smile returned back to his face.
"Well," Bringing her free hand up, she pats his small head. Her fingers curled around the small, purple strands of his hair.
"It shows how much I care."
"Can't argue with that." He pats her back, making her shiver.
"...Are you sensitive to my touch?"
She shrieked. "Not at all! It just caught me off guard."
"Nishishishi, sureee it did."
Kaede pouts. She releases her firm hold on the shorter boy, and he does the same. They intently stared through each other's eyes, blinking back in unison. How embarrassing.
The pianist's lips curl into a tender smile. "Do you feel better now?"
"Probably, let's see!" Kokichi chuckles, in an amusing sing-song voice. Kaede's brows furrowed as she pondered his next actions.
Kokichi glided across his dorm, spinning in circles. He then accidentally crashes into Kaede, making the two bump their foreheads.
"Ow! Watch where you're going!" She rubbed the side of her head, wincing. He laughs heartily.
"Whoops! Seems like I'm in too much of a doozy!"
Kaede stared at the shorter boy for a moment before bursting out in laughter, sitting on her knees and clutching her stomach. He mouths a small "huh", eyes widening in awe.
"I can't take anything seriously, you know! You're adorable!"
His mouth went dry at the sight in front of him. She was so happy, especially because she had someone, someone whom she could take care of.
Meanwhile, Kokichi felt relieved to understand her now. A second after seeing how genuine she was being, he joins in.
Flashing his proudest grin, he gives a thumbs up to her compliment.
"Maybe you're not all that bad after all, I mistook you for a long while!" He playfully sticks out his tongue, laughing alongside her.
The blonde extended out her arms invitingly. "Don't leave me hanging! Come here, you!"
This time, Kokichi wouldn't hesitate. A second after seeing how genuine she was being, he jumps up and falls into her embrace, clutching her close to his small frame.
Even in a dark room with a single candle on the bedside table, one spark can change everything.