XIII.「 Death 」

[rewoundcircuit]

Chapter 4 | Memento Mori

(tw: burns)

True to Monokuma’s claims, anyone in Areas Four and Five are very soon after approached by a chaperone. Those from there, whether with hassle or not, are eventually gathered into a nearby train and it’s hard to tell whether or not the route being taken is familiar. Darkness envelops the station but light has been granted inside the passenger cars of the trains at least where everyone’s respective chaperone gives them a flashlight out of a box they had carried.

Area Two and Three get met next, and it is at this same point that anyone in Area One is being approached by A-30N who is stubborn about fetching you all, though he really does try to seem to be polite as per his usual dialogues. He seems to have light coming out of his eyes to help guide the way, but he still hands you all a flashlight when he picks you up.

Around forty minutes later, you all meet up in the Main Concourse of Area One. Thirteen of you stand there with your two chaperones and your local food court companion, and perhaps some of you already realize that someone is missing among your number as your chaperones lead you all down tunnel twenty, A-30N bringing up the rear to keep an eye on you all.

The walk is just around a ten minute walk, but it feels longer knowing that there’s the possibility that you might be seeing the corpse of the one missing classmate in your number. Yet you keep moving, because Monokuma’s determined pace and A-30N’s stubborn ignorance to empathy keeps you all progressing farther and farther down this cold, dark tunnel.

You see the cyan electric grid coming up, the force field like roadblock that forbids you all from traversing farther down this locked path. When you approach it, you’re hit with the sight that confirms the suspicion that’s been aching away at some of you.

Keep reading

[rewoundcircuit]

CH4 PRE-MOTIVE | “ life's too short to even care at all ” | AKI | 🐯 | ATTN: Takeru

[takerunokubo]

“…Strong enough to help everyone…?”

There’s a pause to her, and Aki looks a little thoughtful before she ends up saying:

“…I think you help us a lot just as you are, Kubo-kun. You’re agreeable and easy to get along with… you have an attitude that puts people at ease when you’re around… you’re thoughtful about others and obviously have convictions…. There are a lot of ways that people can help out around here, and you know… it’s not as if those of us with a lot of physical strength have been able to do… much of anything.”

She sighs a little, and pulls at her ponytail holder for a minute before:

“…I don’t mind helping you. In fact I’m glad to do it… it’s part of the reason why I continue to coach, right? Haha…. But I just… want you to know… that if this is for us, it’s not… what you have to do. Everyone brings something new to the table, and your abilities are unique and important too. That’s… sort of the… joy of life….”

With that, though, she waves her hand off to give him permission to find himself some clothes.   …Mostly she just ends up absent-mindedly browsing the store… trying not to focus on anything too hard before her comes back.

She gives the shoes a little look – feeling them for arch support and quality, before she looks at him and says:

“Well. they’re sort of killer – but I’ll say that in the good way, haha. They’ll work. Go ahead and get changed. If you really want to do this, we can start with a jog. Rule one’s cardio, Kubo-kun. Can’t forget it.”

Some of the things Aki had said made him look away from her in thought. At one point, he had placed his hand over his chest.

“Is that really what you think of me? That’s... really something.” He bows slightly.“Thank you.”

“I agree with what you said. Physical strength isn’t the only kind of strength and it isn’t necessarily the most important.” He then repeats, “Everyone brings something new to the table.” A nod. “Mmmmm. But they have to show up to the table with the same intent as the others, right?”

While she checks the shoes, Takeru’s glancing around to the other sneakers on display just in case he needed to pick a different pair. Before he knew it, she’s giving her verdict--

“Jogging?!” The look of surprise on his face is willed away and replaced with a chuckle. “I’ll be sure to remember rule one: cardio.”

Takeru salutes her before running off with the shoes, and then quickly grabbing some appropriate clothing and heading off to change. After a couple minutes, he’s back and awaits Aki’s instructions.

[rewoundcircuit]

CH4 PRE-MOTIVE | “ life's too short to even care at all ” | AKI | 🐯 | ATTN: Takeru

[takerunokubo]

“Well, we can’t all be as good company as the best people in our group… so how about we both settle for being ‘pretty good company in a pinch?’”

She seems actually… lightly amused, and her expression is soft until Takeru quiets himself; seeming to take a minute to articulate what it is he’s trying to say and– Oh.

There’s not much of a visible reaction out of her for that, but her face does turn slightly more serious. Thoughtful, maybe.  It’s a little unreadable.

It takes her maybe a beat to long to reach up to her bangs and start to open her mouth – an effort that is immediately rolled over on with Takeru… clarifying what he meant.  Quickly.  As if a plea.

There’s a noise in the back of her throat that almost sounds like a hum, and when he’s finished she just… looks at him. Before she starts walking towards the direction of the shops, giving him a little head tilt to signal that she expects him to follow her.

As they’re walking to Soup, she says:

“Of course I’m willing to help you, Kubo-kun, though the process is slower than you’d want it to be in a place like this. Now, I can’t help you much when it comes to mental strength – if that’s part of the equation – but I can help you with foundations. Self-defense. How to make yourself too difficult of a target to be worthwhile.”

She opens the door to the shop, holding it as she waits for him to pass through.

“…And you’ll need work-out clothes, I can’t train you in those. Get a good pair of sneakers, too. Shoes are killers. But….”

A twist of her mouth.

“…Can I ask… what you’re looking to improve on, really? I assume the why is… obvious, but….”

Following her signal, Takeru matches her pace and walks beside her. He carefully listens to what she says, so focused on it that it took him a while to register that she was holding the door to Soup open for him. He nods and enters, but waits off to the side to follow her again in his uncertainty for why they’ve come here.

“I’m--- hmm.” He glances away. “There’s a lot I’d like to improve, but self-defense would be a great start! I just want to be... stronger. Strong enough to really be helpful to everyone. I want to give trying to escape with everyone my all, but I need to be stronger to do that... right?” He tilts his head slightly, but then turns on his heels.

He starts browsing through the selection of athletic wear, specifically the shoe section. After looking through a few boxes in just a couple minutes, he eventually settles holds out his sneakers of choice for Aki to examine.

“Will these sneakers work, Aki-kun? I definitely don’t want killer shoes,” he says playfully.

[rewoundcircuit]

CH4 PRE-MOTIVE | “ life's too short to even care at all ” | AKI | 🐯 | ATTN: Takeru

[takerunokubo]

…Speak of the devil. (…Was that polite… given his arcana…?  Hm….)

…Besides, she wasn’t thinking that out of malice, but rather because…. Well.  When it comes to company, she could think of a lot worse options to catch her while she still feels a bit languid and…. (Well.)

Still, her expression is warm when he approaches her, and she does raise a hand to wave back.

“…Kubo-kun…. It’s really good to see you.  Are you holding up okay…?”

She allows him to shift a little – doesn’t try to speed him up or anything, and looks at him intently as…. He ends up sounding a little bit like her, if she’s honest.

(Haha….)

But she ends up shaking her head, keeping her look friendly as she says:

“…Of course you’re not bothering me…. I don’t think it’s possible for you to give someone a bad feeling, Kubo-kun, haha.  I was… actually just thinking about… how I would have liked to have company…. I… um, tend to overthink if I’m alone, haha.”

She opens her palm into a vulnerable stance, though.  Looking gentle:

“…But… what’s on your mind, champ? I’ve got nothing going on.”

He nods to indicate he’s doing okay, but didn’t elaborate further than that since he had other things on his mind to say to ask about.

Once she responded, Takeru’s smile returned.

“I might not be good company, but I guess I’m not bad company if it’s not possible for me to give someone a bad feeling,” he chuckles. Takeru moves his hands into his pockets as he looks to the ground for a moment. “Can you tell me how to be stronger?”

He waits for her to respond, but when he notices her about to say something he quickly adds--

“It’s just that I’ve been thinking that I would like to get stronger. I want to be strong... like you.” He shakes his head. “I know it’s a strange request, but... mmm.”

Takeru closes his eyes and this time waits to see what she’d say.

[rewoundcircuit]

CH4 PRE-MOTIVE | “ life's too short to even care at all ” | AKI | 🐯 | ATTN: Takeru

[takerunokubo]

Trial days always had a habit of… wearing her out.

It wasn’t really just the murders or the reminder that she, too, would soon be dead and gone – it wasn’t really even the stress of dealing with a lot of people at once – rather, it was something more…. …. It was that drop off of adrenaline. It was the collapse that happens in the front seat after she successfully lobbies for her right to ride along shotgun with Tsuneo instead of with her mom. The feeling of needing to take a nap or rest up or eat three pizzas with the boys in a desperate effort to ‘recharge’ before waking up and doing it all over again.

Usually, she liked how that felt. But, well. Considering the context….

So she’s up from an impromptu nap in the lounge area – confident, at least, that no one would mess with her on the same day as a killing – blinking the sleepies out of her eyes and looking at the ceiling for a long moment before she…. Sighs, and takes out her handbook. Checks the time, side-eyes a wall, and….

…. Maybe she should… check the stores or pretend to be interested in the Monomachine or something. It’s with this resolution that she stands up from the lounge chair, still a little wobbly as she slowly makes her way over towards the dining area to cross over to the other area of the main concourse.

…Not really expecting to see others when there were so many other, better places to hang out these days, but, well–

(Maybe it would have been a better idea to seek out company).

Wandering about Zenith Station was one Takeru Nokubo. There were so many things racing across his mind that he didn’t let his eyes browse the areas for the unique and interesting details that he’s come to become very familiar with. This was different-- he was walking with intent.

Just as he rounded a corner, his attention snaps from whatever he was thinking about when he sees Aki slowly moving about. The linguist approaches her.

“Aki-kun,” he waves as the distance between them lessens. “Hey!”

He offers a smile, but it’s soon to dissipate.

“I... mmmm.” He glances away and shifts uncomfortably in his place. “Am I bothering you? If you were busy or about to go do something, I don’t mind leaving... but... I was...” He shakes his head. “Mmmmm....”

Takeru rests his eyes on Aki’s, waiting for a response.

[rewoundcircuit]

                                            CHAPTER THREE END.

                                         Remaining Students: 14/20.

[rewoundcircuit]

Blood Plug || Takeru || Trial 3.1 || RE: Yvon, Orpheus

Throughout the discussion of the trial thus far, Takeru kept his gaze on Misaki’s podium. He’s frowning and clenching at the part of his shirt covering his chest.

Once there was lull in the conversation, Takeru decides to finally speak up and offer his own thoughts.

“I don’t really know about the other stuff right now, but I think it’s possible that there wasn’t a blood trail if the scissors weren’t removed from her body until later. Wouldn’t the murder weapon act as a… plug?” Takeru grimaces at his own word choice. “That would keep the wound from bleeding too excessively… this… it’s…. mm.” He sighs and shakes his head. “I think the motive definitely lead to this. Someone saw something that made them target and choose to display her body in such a way. They… they really didn’t need to go through the effort of the dress and stringing her… stringing her up like they were trying to make a point.”

“Monokuma… he also mentioned that ride had been stopped. He had to remove a baton that had been wedged into the gears to make the ride operational…”

[rewoundcircuit]

[rewoundcircuit]

CH3 : Front Memory : ryuu_❗ takeru

[takerunokubo]

Right outside his …– Well, he’s going to keep his word and not grab it – assuming that it’s still there. He might just let it slip to someone responsible that it’s there… … though the thought of ruining the other’s memorial wasn’t a pleasant one to him.

“Right, right – you’re definitely right Takeru-san! Hm… I’ve no doubt that all of us will do our utmost to work together from now on!”

Though he pounds a fist into his palm there’s notably less resolve than usual. The sword conundrum appears to be weighing on him somewhat…

… – but no time to dwell on it!

“Wh– TAKERU-SAN ARE YOU… admitting to having no hobbies?!”

Well that was one way to put it – and probably not the nicest way to put it either, but he seems pretty excited for some reason.

“Y’know, come to think of it, this is kind of like our first conversation, huh? Hm.. hm, hm… Takeru-san… do you not like to talk about yourself a lot? Or think about yourself very much? You’ve told me all sorts of things other people like to do, but not a single thing about what you like to do – other than what others suggest. Maybe it’d be easier to list things you don’t like to do? Like I hate hiking! Way too many bugs! ”

There’s only a smile in response to Ryuunosuke’s affirmation that everyone will work together. That said, the subtle creases in Takeru’s forehead show some doubts.

“H--!” Takeru flinches when the more rambunctious of the two suddenly burst out with such a conclusion. “Oh-- uh...” The linguist isn’t even sure what to say and instead listens to what else the Ryuunosuke says.

By the end of it, Takeru’s shaking his head.

“It’s... not that. But, mmmm.” He glances away. “Well, I dislike vegetables and carbonated drinks. And some other things, but...” He tilts his head. “It’s hard to talk about myself and easier to talk about other people because... because of reasons.”

The linguist rubs at his arms, nervously. The expression on his face is one of discomfort.

“I have hobbies... It’s just.... alittleembarrasssingforme.” He says that last part really fast and in a quieter tone.

[rewoundcircuit]

It's Disney Time! | Orpheus | Chapter 3 | ATTN: Takeru

[takerunokubo]

Following the linguist to the nearest tea cup, he couldn’t quite hide his surprise when Takeru admitted that he was on the same boat as him. Weren’t trips to a theme park usual for most teenagers and children? Then again, he barely knew anything about Takeru, so how could he even make assumptions?

“Huh… Well, I suppose that simply means that we will enjoy our first theme park experience together, then.”

As he sat down as well, Orpheus was also glancing around for seat belts, but was crowned with the same success as his fellow peer; none at all. Now that he thought about it, it made sense - these kind of attractions were slow, so there was no necessity for seat belts. However, it could be that their captors didn’t want too much security for–

(Let’s not think about that.)

Instead, he focused on the fact that… the tea cups weren’t even moving, as Takeru pointed out. Oh…

“It appears as if we need someone to operate these attractions. I wonder if we can ask our chaperones to do just that… Let me mail them.”

As he whipped out the tablet and was quickly writing a message to Monomi and Monokuma in regards to the rides, he stopped midway when Takeru was asking about his well-being. It would be rude to keep him waiting for something that isn’t of utmost importance, so he looked back at the brown-haired lad and smiled.

“I would say that I am doing alright, considering everything. It could be better, but it could be also worse… At the very least, I have rested enough to not collapse from sheer exhaustion. Thank you for asking, Nokubo-san.”

A small bow, before he finished his message and send it.

“I wonder how long it will take for them to respond…”

“Yep,” Takeru smiles. “I suppose it does,” he says in response to his peer noting that they’ll share this mutual first experience with each other.

After coming to the conclusion that the ride wouldn’t start itself, his eyes were glancing over to the control panel every now and then. It seems Takeru was getting ready to hop out and operate the ride himself until Orpheus had mentioned requesting assistance from the chaperones. With that ordeal seeming to be taken care of, the linguist relaxes a little bit more inside the tea cup.

“It could be better? Mmmm.” The linguist taps on his chin. “If there’s anything I can do to make it better, just let me know! I don’t know if I can do much but I can definitely give it my best shot.” He nods in determination.

“Do you see either of them coming? Or did they respond yet? If not, I can operate the ride.”

[rewoundcircuit]

CH3 : Front Memory : ryuu_❗ takeru

[takerunokubo]

Ryuu follows the other as he makes his way towards the table, waiting patiently for a response and wondering briefly if he should have been less ridiculous in his request.

“Actually… that was kind of my way of asking: whatever happened to that sword anyway?”

He seems to be rocking back and forth on his heels for a few moments before stopping, hands clasped behind his back as he leans forward slightly

“I’m not asking so I can confiscate it – I recall exactly what you said you’re using it for and I don’t intend to dispute that fact, but… I would hope that it’s not anywhere easily accessible… just in case. I would hate for someone to take advantage of your thoughtfulness.”

He sounds genuine enough, the expression on his face as bright as ever before shifting into something more contemplative. .. And then he appears to realize something.

“Ah, no no no Takeru-san! While the whole sword bit was just me being silly, I’m really very interested – what types of things do you like to do for fun?”

He sits himself down across from the other, arms crossed against his chest once again.

“Personally, I don’t do much outside of my occupation, so I’m not really sure what most people our age do for fun…”

“Oh, well...” Takeru glances away momentarily before looking back to his peer. “I set up the memorial right outside his room... I didn’t really think making it easily accessible would be dangerous if we all-- mmm.”

His brows furrow, but he shakes his head. After all, that should suffice as an answer to Ryuunosuke’s question.

“...if it’s not still there, then someone already moved it.” A pause. “...I guess.”

He goes silent again, his attention seeming to go elsewhere for the time being. When asked again about the types of things he likes to do for fun, he’s drawn back to the conversation.

“What do I like to do for fun? I-- mmm.” He closes his mouth and crosses his arms. After a moment passes he continues, “Well people like to do all sorts of things for fun. There’s sports, video games, board games, reading, going out to eat, watching movies, karaoke, drawing, playing an instrument and so much more.” The linguist nods his head. “There’s a lot and I... I think it’s fun to do what others enjoy... I’m not picky.”

There’s a smile on his face, but it’s different then his normal one.

[rewoundcircuit]

CH3 : Front Memory : ryuu_❗ takeru

[takerunokubo]

Always (or, more accurately due to recent events, usually) one for theatrics, he sweeps an arm across the room, his gestures overly grand as per his modus operandi.

“WHAT do you like to do for fun?!”

He’s crossing his arms, the smile on his face as well as his voice – though loud – reflecting no ire. Still, he pauses for a few moments, expression on his face softening slightly.

“I ask not to pry, but y’know how I was talking a whole lot about PASSION and whatnot?! We may not be able to do much here but keeping ourselves busy is sure to ease the stress of our situation even a little! After all, everyone has something that keeps them moving from day to day!”

He pounds a fist into his open palm, as if he’s already made some kind of decision.

“That being said… draw your sword now and we can practice swinging it until we’re skilled enough to cause a distinguishable SHIIING when we bring the blade swooping down!”

… Wasn’t this supposed to be about Takeru’s interests? And wasn’t the sword in question meant to be a piece for a memorial? (Absolutely, he refuses to admit that he’s missing the swords that used to occupy this room…)

“.......”

Takeru was speechless. Clearly the question had caught him off guard so much so that he still hadn’t said anything after the few moments that passed before Ryuunosuke had continued talking.

By the time he was done talking, the expression on Takeru’s face was rather dull. Before he spoke, he made sure to smile.

“We don’t have any swords,” he says softly. “Practice swings sounds like fun, but I don’t know if people would like us doing that. Besides... the swords are stashed away for a reason. And then there’s also the one--”

He doesn’t finish the sentence. The smile on the linguist’s face dissipates as he moves to go take a seat by the table. He places a hand on the table and smirks. A few moments pass by before he removes his hand from the table and looks to the ouedan leader.

“Was there something else you’d like to do, Ryuunosuke-kun? I’m fine with doing anything you like.”

[rewoundcircuit]

It's Disney Time! | Orpheus | Chapter 3 | ATTN: Takeru

[takerunokubo]

Although Takeru didn’t give him an actual answer to his inquiry, Orpheus decided against prying any further. It wouldn’t quell his lingering concerns, but he also didn’t want to cause any stress to his fellow peer; stress was already abundant enough in this place as it was.

As Takeru stopped himself, Orpheus gave him an understanding smile. There was no need to finish this line - the both of them knew how it was going to end anyway.

“Indeed.”

Was Orpheus simple response instead, before their topic changed to something lighter…

“… Ah, yes, I almost forgot that riding these attractions is their initial purpose. I must admit, I have never been to a theme park before, so this is all… new to me. Well, I wouldn’t say completely new, as I have heard about these facilities, but… I have never experienced them myself.”

He rubbed the back of his neck, smiling a bit sheepishly. Someone was a bit too much in his investigation mode still, huh?

“Well, I do think I would appreciate it if I had a, ah, riding buddy with me.”

A chuckle escapes the linguist. He opens the gate to the attraction and waves for Orpheus to follow him to the nearest tea cup.

“I’ve actually never been to a theme park before either. It’s... exciting...” Despite his phrasing, he hops over into the cup and starts feeling around the cup for a seatbelt. “I’m sure we’ll have fun!”

Not being able to find a safety strap in ten seconds, Takeru gives up on that endeavor and instead places his hands in his lap and patiently waits for something to happen.

“Mmm. I guess the rides don’t start themselves. That’s probably a good thing.” He had been looking at some space in front of him when he said that, but he now looks over to Orpheus directly. “Well if this gets boring, let me know and we can do something else.” He smiles, this one seemingly a little bit more forced then usual.

“I’m sorry... I just realised. I almost forgot, but how are you faring?”

[rewoundcircuit]

CH3 : Front Memory : ryuu_❗ takeru

[takerunokubo]

Simply put, I wonder if I can do my best today…

It’s been awhile since he’s found himself in the Hanafuda Player lab. It’s not that he had a particular aversion to it – it’d been part of his designated investigation area during the first case, and while he wasn’t fond of reliving certain memories (not so much the investigation part… more the whole… consuming an entire goblet of jalapeños), he certainly didn’t feel as though the place possessed any negative energy. Quite the opposite, actually, though probably not for the reasons anyone would expect.

Though the samurai swords were long gone at this point (thanks to the efforts of himself and the safety crew), he still found himself admiring the armor, not moving a muscle until he hears the footsteps of someone behind him.

“HEY IF IT ISN’T TAKERU-SAN!”

He’s turned to face the other, a finger pointing in his direction.

“I have a question for you!”

If nothing else, there was something unique about the Hanafuda Player lab that was unlike any of the other available locations. Not only are --or were-- interesting things here, Takeru had made a memory here and he had no particular reason to not visit the lab.

The linguist was wondering who was in here, but that mystery is alleviated with the boom of a familiar voice.

“Ryuunosuke-kun,” he smiles and gives a nod in greeting but continues walking towards the ouendan leader. However this movement comes to a stop once he notices a finger aimed at him.

“A question for me? Well I hope I have a good answer for you then.”

[rewoundcircuit]

It's Disney Time! | Orpheus | Chapter 3 | ATTN: Takeru

[takerunokubo]

Could this fake Disneyland actually count as his first experience in a theme park ever?

Orpheus wasn’t too sure about that. While it did seem to have some of the rides that you would expect from such a facility, he couldn’t help but think that this was ultimately just a replica of the real deal - not to mention that no one but them had access to this place. Theme parks were supposed to be filled with people from all around, right? Be it as employees or guests… It was supposed to be something that brought joy to all people.

The blonde wasn’t sure if he could feel any joy in a place that was tainted with blood and murder.

Therefore, he focused more on his initial goal than to actually experience the rides itself - which was certainly boring, but it was a fitting image for him, no? After all, he preferred much quieter activities himself.

While he scanned the ride called Alice’s Tea Party (he certainly saw pictures of that ride before), Orpheus’ attention was drawn towards the footsteps that he heard.

“Ah, good day, Nokubo-san. How are you faring? I hope you were able to rest.”

At least it seemed like as if Orpheus had done just that, because there were no dark bags under his eyes anymore. His skin also seemed more healthy than it had looked during trial.

“Have you come here to enjoy yourself?”

Just as it had last time, the new areas tended to get Takeru’s attention. Of course, it’s not like that’s an entirely unique thing but he still seemed a little surprised to notice someone else wandering around Alice’s Tea Party.

“Mmm? Ah! Don’t worry about me!”

He smiles and walks closer to Orpheus to stand at his side, scanning the ride himself from this angle.

“Maaaaaybe! Haha!” He chuckles, but it fades quickly. That said, there’s still a smile on his face. “It’s been a while since we’ve run into each outside of--”

The smile on the linguist’s face disappeared the moment he seems to realise where they seem to meet up mostly and the purposes of those meet ups. Takeru shakes his head dismissively to push the conversation elsewhere.

“Most people enjoy theme parks better with friends. I can be your ride buddy if that’s okay with you.”

[rewoundcircuit]

                                             CHAPTER TWO END.

                                       Remaining Students: 16/20.

[rewoundcircuit]

Answers || Takeru || Trial 2.4 || RE: Mayura, Orpheus & ATTN: Ikuko

“Is it okay if I interject really quick to answer some questions?” He looks around but seeing as he’s already got the floor by asking, he simply proceeds. “Mmmm.” He looks to Mayura. “Mayurakazuemiko-chan, I went to the lounge to go look for Orpheus-kun, Ryuunosuke-kun, and Nezumi-chan. Aki-kun had mentioned them being in the lounge when she left, and I wanted to go hangout with them… but they weren’t they when I arrived.”

He frowns slightly at stating his efforts to be social went unrewarded, but he quickly turns to Orpheus who had also asked him something.

“The cards and sword are by Hideyoshi-kun’s door. I already setup the memorial, but I’ll admit it’s not the best looking memorial. I’ll try to do… better for the others.” There’s a smile on his face, but it looks extremely forced.

Takeru then looks over to Ikuko now and shakes his head slowly.

“I’m not implying anything because you’re my friend, but I consider Harada-kun a friend too… so I just wanna clear something up.” He rubs at the back of his neck. “Do you know about when he struck A-30N? I don’t think you returned to your room until 3:12 which is… after the time on the file. I saw the two of you together at 2:55 so…”