@perfectmayuge liked for a starter.
Chihiro wasn’t actually sure if any friends had also come to Hive City. They were for the most part sure that Monokuma wasn’t in charge or had any relation to the scientists due to the distinct lack of monochromatic bears popping up from every corner. It was a shaky basis to start from but, so far it had been proven true. No ‘upupupu’s could be heard in the distance, and there was certainly no curfew put into place for the city either. How could there be, with hundreds-- thousands of people walking around every day?
Yet Chihiro was wrong in that regard. Someone they knew did make it into Hive City, which caused both excitement and disappointment to bubble up simultaneously. Certainly Chihiro was happy to see a familiar face, but... The last time they had seen Ishimaru was before Oowada had--.
No. It would be fine. This was a different scenario, a different place, and Ishimaru was enthusiastically waving to an elderly woman who he just helped crossed the street. He seemed to shine as bright as ever, the Ultimate Moral Compass, Oowada’s ‘bro’. Casting aside doubts, Chihiro quietly approached him from the side, a small smile on their lips.
“I-Ishimaru-kun, it’s a relief to see you again...”