Naivety
Jay raised an eyebrow as he watched Ichi get out of the car, briefly thanking the driver before skipping off to see her friends. The entertainer had been leaning against a wall near the entrance gate, and was scrolling through his phone until now. As per usual, he wore dark clothing, a hat, and sunglasses to conceal his appearance. It’d be a shame if he got swarmed by fans after all. Keiko had sat down on the floor next to him, writing in a notebook. When she noticed Ichi, she slipped the notebook into her bag and stood up from her spot... only to immediately be tackled by the analytic with a hug. Luckily, she wasn’t strong enough to knock down the witch.
“I’m sorry you had to help me yesterday.”
With a smile, Keiko hugged Ichi with one arm and pat her head with the other. It really wasn’t a big deal to Keiko, and she was more than happy to help if it meant seeing Ichi safe. Glancing over to Jay, she noticed the way he rubbed his neck. Although he insisted he was fine, Keiko could tell something about his encounter with Megumi hurt him. Not that he would ever admit it though.
“We are just glad you are okay. Now come on, we should get going. I don’t think Miss Sae will be very happy if Jay comes in late again.”
Rolling his eyes with a smile, Jay passed through the gates. Grabbing Ichi’s hand, Keiko followed him with a warm smile.
It didn’t matter how many times Ichi saw the school, it always felt strange. The luscious green grass that surrounded the brick path to the school. The tall imposing trees rustling with the wind. In front of her was the school, a massive tower that made it clear the talentless didn’t belong. The analytic glanced at Keiko, who didn’t seem too bothered by the ominous atmosphere. They seemed as happy as ever, thankful she was walking with her friends on another sunny day.
Glancing to the far-off water fountain, somebody caught Jay’s eye. It wasn’t somebody he recognized, which was strange considering he made it a point to memorize every student in this school. It was lady in black clothing, wearing a butterfly brooch. They wore rather cartoony looking swirly glasses, which almost hid the scars around her cheeks. They stared directly at Jay, like they were observing him.
“Hey... you guys go without me, okay? I got somebody I need to see. It’ll be quick, but I don’t want you guys to be late in case.”
Without another word, Jay split off from his friends, rushing over to the person beside the water fountain. Keiko found his quick departure a little worrying, but let it be. Jay could take care of himself after all. Ichi tried to lean over Keiko’s shoulder to see who Jay was talking to, only to end up bumping into somebody.
“Sorry-!”
When she looked up, she froze in fear. A tall girl with blond hair in twin tails, looking down at her with bright blue eyes. Although her little Monokuma hair pins were missing, Ichi could recognize the girl towering above her as the same person who ran the world into the ground.
Junko Enoshima.