A.N: Much apologies for the late chapter. Although it's late I hope it's enjoyable as it is. I promise that I will still upload weekly tho!

The next day, I didn't walk Kaede to school. I texted her if I should pick her up and she said she had already started walking towards school. A familiar feeling of dread spread in my heart when reading that message..

I definitely messed things up.

Fortunately enough, from the stress I had yesterday I was able to get a decent night of sleep. In exchange I wasn't able to work on the case, so I wish I had just stayed up. I don't think things will get better until I solve the case and I'm the only one that can do that..

As I walk into class, Kaede was already sitting down. She didn't even take a moment to look at me as she was talking with Amami.. I cringed at the sight, when did they become so close? Actually, she's just making up from lost time with him so I'm sure it's fine.

That's right, it's okay!

It would probably be a bad moment to talk to her now so I decided to sit with Momota.

Or I would, if he was here.

I look around for the astronaut frantically. Harukawa notices my uneasiness and places a hand on my shoulder making me flinch.

"A-Ah, Harukawa?"

"Are you looking for Kaito?"

"Um, yea actually. Do you know where he is?"

She nods her head. "Yea, the idiot got sick." she sighed. "I don't know what happened, he texted me that he got a pretty bad cough and won't make it to class." she looked to the side with a disappointed look, playing with her hair. The sight made me laugh, it removed the uneasiness from my heart.

"Well, it's Momota so I'm sure he's fine. We don't need to worry." I assured her.

She gave an annoyed scowl as her eyebrows furrowed. "I didn't say I was worried about him." she turned away with a huff and took her seat.

Right on time, Mr. Harada walked inside. I looked at the available spot next to Kaede.. She was looking out into space, leaning on her hand. I decided to sit in Momota's empty spot, I don't think she would want to see me right now after what I did. Harukawa gave a look of confusion when I sat next to her but was interrupted as Mr. Harada walked in and began lecture.

After class, I immediately walked out. I could've sworn I saw a hand reach out to me but I ignored it. I practically crashed against the door to enter my talent development room and slammed it shut. Usually I'd be eating lunch with my friends right now but I had a job to do. Maybe if I solve this case, things will go back to normal. I won't have to worry Kaede anymore, I can prove to myself that I'm worthy to be an Ultimate, and I'll finally have time to fix everything.

All that needs to be done is solve this case. The only one that can fix everything is me.

~Perspective Change (Harukawa)~

During class, Saihara seemed pretty out of it. Despite him being so focused on grades, he didn't take any notes today. It almost freaked me out seeing him blank out and stare at the floor. It probably has something to do with Akamatsu, he's not sitting with her today. Seeing the dejected sight made me severely uncomfortable.

To be honest, Saihara has been pretty strange throughout the week. I haven't heard much from Akamatsu herself, she doesn't want to get in detail about it but I know it's something about work. I guess as a detective you would get some heavy cases, but I'm not one to talk as I'm usually the person that causes them.

As soon as class ended, I was about to ask him about it and reached a hand for him, but he already left. I gave an unamused expression as the boy disappeared in the halls.

I won't help him unless he asks for it though, I'm not gonna bother with that obvious call for help. I'm sure he'd rather have Akamatsu help him instead anyways..

I took a seat near Akamatsu like I usually do and Amami sat with us today. I look at him weirdly, he's been way too clingy to her recently. I can't believe not even she has noticed what's going on.

Oma dragged Keebo outside the class to force him to do some deeds for him, I can't imagine that going well at all. He made the excuse that 'It's not fun without Saihara or Momota being here!' and carried Keebo out with him.

Well. Can't say I disagree.

...

It felt really quiet without Kaito or Oma. It felt strange without the annoying flirting between Saihara and Akamatsu. It made me feel uneasy and I can tell everyone else was too.

The noise returned as a certain inventor shouted at a green haired boy. "So, why you hanging out with us?! You trying to act like a gay kid so you can come to our sleepovers or something?!" she said angrily. "Just so you fuckin' know, it won't work! I learned from experience."

"Someone like you gets invited to sleepovers?" I looked up from my meal.

"S-Shut up!" she put a hand to her chest in offense. "O-Of course I do, a genius girl like me is popular with everyone!"

"I really doubt it." I replied apathetically.

"Maybe she's really bad at socializing and it's her goal to make 100 friends!" Shirogane beamed.

"Hah, it's my goal to make 100 boytoys! But I guess with my body and intelligence anything is possible so it's not a far off goal." she gave a smug smirk as she boasted herself. Amami laughed it off.

"Well, I'm not trying to get to your sleepovers. I'm just hanging out here."

Akamatsu defended him. "Yea, he won't do anything like that." She then looked back down and ate her bento in silence.

I cringed at the depressing sight from Akamatsu. It's clear both she and Saihara need help from each other but are too stubborn to ask. The atmosphere felt so wrong.. If only Kaito were here, he may be an idiot but he's perfect in cheering everyone up.

...Shit.

Just like something he would do, I spilled my juicebox all over my skirt. "Oh no, I spilled my drink. Akamatsu, help me out." I grabbed her hand and dragged her out of class. The other gave a look of surprise at my abruptness but didn't question it.

"A-Ah! Harukawa? Wha-?!" I ignored her protests and walked towards the bathroom. I knew what I was doing but...

...He's rubbing off me. I want to die.

My skirt is ruined.. But I guess it's fine. As soon as we get to the bathroom, I instead lean to the wall next to it. Akamatsu looks at me in ignorance.

"Harukawa? Um.. I think I might have a change of clothes??" she says to me with concern. She frantically digs through her backpack for something for me to wear. I sigh.

"No, it's fine. I did this so I could talk to you about something."

"Oh, what is it?"

"You should probably talk to Saihara." I spent no time to get to my main point. "Why are you spending time with your ex instead of him?"

In response, she gave a melancholy smile and looked to the side. "I'm not hanging out with Amami willingly, I know he's trying to become closer friends with me after what he did back then. I don't think he wants to be more than friends anymore, I truly believe that."

I hardly believed that.

"And, I want to help Shuichi.. But I just feel like I'd anger him more."

"..What?" My brow raises in confusion.

"He seems mad enough at me already. Yesterday, we got into a heated argument. He's not even looking at me so I already know I messed up pretty badly.." her smiled faded away as she continued explaining. "It seems he doesn't need my help, so.. I'll wait until he resolves his problems. Unless he asks me, then I'd definitely help!" she pumped her fists for a moment before putting them down with a frown. "But yea.. I don't think he needs my help.."

I didn't say anything. Saihara and Akamatsu actually got into an argument? It took me a while to even process the thought. Saihara is usually so apologetic, the guy would apologize frantically if he were to accidentally bump into you; and Akamatsu usually never gets upset, the only people that really made her annoyed was Oma and Iruma (and they annoyed everyone). If the two were to argue I'd imagine things must be going pretty bad.

"..If that's what you say. I personally think he wants your help but is too stubborn to admit it." I huff as I turn away.

"Really?"

"Yea. It's your choice though. If you think you're gonna get more hurt, then I'd say don't. But I think you should at least try to talk to him. If not, then talk to someone for advice." Of course, by someone I meant me or Momota. She nodded back with an ingenuine look, making me exhale sharply. I walk back to class slightly annoyed, it looks like she won't take my advice based on that uncertain expression she gave me.

I tried my best.

It really isn't my problem to deal with those two's drama. I only did that so the uncomfortable feeling in my stomach would go away. I stomp back to the classroom, so Akamatsu's just gonna ignore my comments huh? I don't even understand why I went out of my way to give her advice, that idiot really is rubbing off me.. I grimace at the thought. I bite my thumb to get rid of the annoyance boiling within me. Still..

..I want my two friends to make up already.

~Perspective Change (Saihara)~

Before I knew it, I had wasted both lunch and talent development time reviewing the case notes trying to find something. I stared at my desk, it was an atrocity with all the random papers and pictures of the crime scene scattered all over. With a dejected sigh, I strutted back to class. I probably shouldn't have expected too much but it was enough to somehow worsen my mood.

I just hoped that for once I could make the first step for things to go back to normal. Of course I wouldn't get anything done in less than two hours, it's been 3 days without any movement in the case. Kazama has stopped texting me today but I can already tell he's disappointed.

I walk back to class and strutted to the seat next to Harukawa. She looked annoyed as ever as she pointed to the seat next to Akamatsu. I shook my head.

"She's um.. Mad at me. I can't right now." I tell her.

She glared at me. "The two of you are really.." she glared at me but then shook her head with a sigh. "Listen. Akamatsu wants to talk to you, she thinks you're mad at her."

"No way that's true.. She refuses to even talk to me right now." I tell her with a sigh. "It's mainly my fault though. I'll apologize when I get a chance, maybe when she's more comfortable wtih talking to me."

She gives a blank stare but then immediately digs her nails into her hair with a frustrated groan. I look in shock, I've never seen her so annoyed before. She calms herself down as she looks at me with a glare. Before she could open her mouth to argue with me, Mr. Harada walks in. We both look up to the front (though she was less obedient than me, and with an eyeroll).

As soon as class ends, I walk out. Harukawa didn't have time to stop me and as I look back I saw Kaede chatting happily with friends.

Just like yesterday, I exit without my girlfriend. It would probably be best for me to apologize already but I don't think she wants to talk to me right now. Besides, I don't want to be mean but I don't really have time to waste on something other than the case.

I head straight to my uncle's agency and he gave out a look of surprise when he saw me.

"Shuichi.. Did something happen?" he asks me as I put my coat on the coathanger. I stare at him with confusion.

"Um.. No? Why?"

He scratches the back of his head with closed eyes. "Um.. Nothing. Your eyes are.. Actually nevermind." he slammed his hand on his desk. "Anyways! What are you even doing here? Shouldn't you be at guitar lessons with your girlfriend right now?!" everyone at the agency heard and we caught a few stares.

I rolled my eyes at his remark before correcting him. "Piano lessons. I'm taking a break from that to work on the case. I want to head out today to question more people or maybe look at the crime scene again. Maybe then-"

He cuts me off with a sigh. "I think that you should be taking a break from work instead! That's how it usually works!"

I ignored his comment as I continued what I was saying. "I was thinking the both of us could go out to investigate. Maybe we'll find something if we look harder or question harder."

He shook his head. "Nah, there'd be no point. We've already done all the questioning we need to. If we go out I think it'd raise more questions than answers."

I let out a distressed sigh, I knew he was right. I wanted to at least try to reach for a clue but in all honesty, there was nothing to investigate. I wanted to find at least something to give me hope.

I uneagerly walked to my office with my messy notes of the case that I've spent so long looking at. There was no merit in continuing reviewing them but I had to do something. The officers were probably getting concerned of how much time it took the Ultimate Detective to solve the case. They're probably getting worried that they'll have to actually start reviewing over the case themselves.

Eventually I had to head home by myself. My uncle had already left a long while ago but I insisted on staying here. I knew I could focus better at the agency but despite that I didn't find anything new. With a dismayed frown, I walked out of the agency alone. As I was walking, a vibration from my phone distracted me from my thoughts.

I fumbled to open the message with eagerness to see what it was, maybe it's Kaede and she's gonna that she'll forgive me or maybe-??

Kaito Momota: aay bro! Sorry i wont make it to the party tmrw i got a bad cough. But u better come! 2000 push ups from the both of us when I get better :)

Although I was glad Momota was okay, I felt disappointed it wasn't Kaede (though it made me feel bad).

You: I hope u get better, Momota. I might not be able to go tho. Got work

Kaito Momota: Skip bro

Such a quick reply from him, and so simple. It couldn't be that easy to skip work.

Oh wait, it could. I don't even have to go to work on Saturday, it's just me who wants to work.. To think about it, Kaede wanted me to go to the party and I promised her that I would. Maybe I'll stay for a couple of hours before leaving.. With a chuckle, I replied.

You: Well ok

Kaito Momota: Hell yea! didnt think it would be that easy to convince you. Party extra hard for me, will ya?

Kaito Momota: I expect at least 10 pictures of you partying hella hard or mayube even some of u passed out

I don't think that's something I would do..

You: Well, I probably won't do that. Get better, Momota

Kaito Momota: Maki Roll is caring for me rn so im fine! She prob not gonna be at the party so party for her too!

He then sends a picture of her with a plastic bag, presumably with food, at his bedside. With the other hand, she was blocking the camera with a flustered look probably to not show that she was actually here for Momota. It made me chuckle as I continue walking home.

Due to my exhaustion and/or stress, as soon as I got to my room I immediately passed out. I barely reached the bed and when I woke up the next morning, my entire body ached. I reach for my phone still in my pocket and I had no notifications. Usually I would awake to a 'good morning' text from Kaede but it was replaced with nothing.

With a more depressing mood than I usually do, I head to the bathroom to prepare for the day (and take a shower because I literally felt horrible).

As I leave the bathroom, my uncle gave me a more filling breakfast than usual. Fuyuka however was sitting at the couch watching TV for some reason. As I walk in the kitchen, I question his actions. "Why'd you make pancakes, uncle?"

Without turning away from the pan, he replied. "Felt like it. Eat as much as you want!"

I actually really like pancakes, it's probably my favorite breakfast! I sit down quickly and pick up the fluffy meal..

I finally realized that the bottom of the pancake was completely black when I picked it up. And it was rock hard. It completely slipped out of my mind that my uncle was a horrible cook. No wonder Fuyuka wasn't eating with us. I winced at the meal and pushed my plate back. "Uh.. Thank you uncle, but I'm actually not that hungry."

"What?! But you love pancakes!" he exclaims as he flips a pancake. "Is this case bothering you that bad?!" He puts down the pan fairly annoyed as he goes to my plate and looks at his creation. His face pales. "Oh."

How did he not realize this when he was making the pancake?

"..Yea." I chuckle. "I would eat it if it were edible, thank you though."

"Welp, I guess that's fair." he lets out a laugh. "I'll.. try to find something to do with this." he picks up the pancake and it's clear it was rock solid. There was no wobble as he moved it around like a usual pancake would.

I instead ate cereal as my uncle tried to bite into the meal he made.

As my uncle was ravaging his teeth from trying to eat the atrocity, I asked him a question that I probably should've asked earlier. "Hey, can I go to my friend's house later?"

"Yes!" he practically slammed the pancake down on the plate (he wasn't able to cut it up so he had to pick it up with both hands and bite into it) and looked at me with excited eyes. It made me flinch, why was he more eager than me? "Yes, you can go."

"Uhh, thanks." I reply as I continue eating my cereal. He let out a satisfied exhale for some reason.

As the day passed, I spent most of it trying to find something in the case. Of course, nothing new popped up due to my incapability. I was starting to question my detective skills..

Suddenly, the class groupchat started blowing up.

Miu Iruma: IM HERE

Miu Iruma: OPEN THE FUCKING DOOR

Kokichi Oma: What? I dont hear any knocks. Are you at the right house?

Miu Iruma: WAIT WTF DID I JUST CURSE A BUNCH TO THE WRONG HOUSE

Miu Iruma: fuck oma. he opened the door as i was panicking.

Kokichi Oma: L

Kaede Akamatsu: I'm here too!

Miu Iruma: welcome fucker!

Kaede Akamatsu: You don't have to insult me every time you refer to me!

Miu Iruma: yea but it's pretty fuckin funny!

Oh shoot, I had completely forgot about the hang out! I quickly put on some clothes as I prepared to go there. I was a little hesitant to go at first but Kaede asked me to go so I have to..

I throw my uniform on and head for the door. I got my backpack too with my case notes so I could still try to investigate things over while at the party. With a thumbs up, my uncle sent me off. "Cya, Shuichi! Have fun."

"Thanks.." I head off but then he grabs me by my shoulder. I turn in confusion as he unzips my backpack.

"Really man? You're about to have fun, you don't need to work on the case!" he tosses my backpack aside. I sigh as I look at him.

"But.."

"Nope. You're going without it. Just have fun without your friends, okay? I'll cya later." he pushes me out and shuts the door. I debated whether to beg him for the notes back but I decided not to as I walked to Oma's house. My uncle seems pretty content for me to go without focusing on the case for once..

Although, I wonder how Kazama would take it that I went to my friend's house instead of focusing on his case..

As I knock on Oma's house, he opens the door with a big grin. "Hiya, Saihara! I find it quite strange you're not here with Akamatsu!"

With a disgruntled look, I reply. "Um.. Things happened."

"Eh.. Really? Welp, I guess that means you should talk to her!" he said simply.

"It's more complicated than that.." I tell him as I look away. "It's just tough right now because I totally messed up yes-"

"Woah!" he cut me off as he puts a hand out to stop my rambling. "I didn't really ask. But it sounds to me you should just talk to her! Not really sure what's stopping you from doing that. Oh wait, that's because there isn't a reason. Or at least, a valid reason." with a smirk he walks off, hands behind his head. I was a little annoyed of what he said as I walk in with a groan.

3rd Perspective

As Oma welcomed the pianist in, he immediately noticed the frown on her face that would usually be replaced by a grin. She was usually so hyper and cheery to hang out so it was a little disheartening to see her like this. She walked in and he immediately tripped her, causing the frown to turn into a scowl.

"Whoops, sorry!" as he said this, he heard Iruma laugh in the background.

"That's rude, Oma!" she scolded the supreme leader.

"What? B-But I didn't even mean to.. You're scolding me for something I didn't even mean to do!! WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!" he cried out.

"Jeez, jeez! Okay fine, you're good!"

"Phew, thanks! I'm glad I got that out and told you, made me feel so much better." he smirked as he walked away.

Akamatsu placed a hand to her head in stress as she sighed. Why does Oma do the things that he does? His actions were always so random. She walked to the couch and Iruma was already messing with Keebo.

"Come onn, let me do some quick maintenance on ya' while everyone is coming in!"

"Please, not now.."

"But I can hardly contain myself!" she moaned.

"Maybe later.. I don't think there's enough time to finish up!" he insisted.

"You've seen my hands, you know I'm quick with it.." she said with a flirtatious smirk, rubbing her finger across Keebo's chest making him quiver.

Akamatsu gave a weird look at their conversation, she decided to pretend that she didn't witness it. "Hey guys!" she waved at the two to try to change topics.

"Ugh, fuckin' ruined our mood, Bakamatsu!"

"You shouldn't even be doing something like that here!" she scolded her.

"E-Eeee.."

Eventually, the whole class arrived except for Momota and Harukawa. The class already knew that Momota was sick because he texted them but they were unsure of Harukawa's locatiion. But they had a pretty good guess where she was.

When Saihara arrived, he avoided Akamatsu as she did to him. It's not like they wanted to do that, they just had the wrong impression that the other one didn't want to talk to them right now.

He sat on the couch at his phone for the couple of hours they were there. It wasn't really that he wanted to, it's just that his only friends were gone and everyone else was occupied. Occasionally he would walk around to see what everyone was doing and occasionally chatted but he mainly spent his time at the couch checking his phone.

While Saihara was by himself, everyone else was playing around. Oma was constantly butting in between Keebo and Iruma.

"Wow, Keeboy! You've been hanging around with this bitch recently, what's with that" his comment made the inventor squeal (uncertain of agony or delight).

"Hey, do not refer to her as that!" Keebo defended her. "I hang out with her because she provides me maintenance and I really appreciate that! She is a very kind person to actually understand my worth as a robot." Iruma gave a happy smile to the compliment.

"The robot said something actually kind of human like?!" Oma gave a look of surprise.

"Of course, I am not some kind of mindless machine!" he retorted.

"Iruma, did you put a real human brain in Keeboy or something?"

"Why can't you understand that I'm capable of saying humanlike thoughts!" Keebo had a look of concern.

"Hey cockass, can you fuckin' leave us alone already! You're so goddamn annoying!" Iruma yelled at him.

"I-I'm just trying to have fun with Keeboy.. How could you push away his friends just because you want to spend more time with him?!" Oma started crying out as Iruma clicked her tongue.

"Because you can't just shut your fuckin' mouth for one moment!"

He immediately stopped crying as he looked at the girl with a smile. "Huh? I can't shut my mouth? That's pretty funny, because I thought it's usually you that can't keep her unfunny perverted jokes to herself. I suppose it's fitting that dirty lines come from a dirty mouth though!"

Iruma cried as she looked away in fear. "You insolent little.."

Suddenly, Shirogane comes running in and puts her hands to her hips. "Do not worry, because I am here!"

"What?" they all said.

"You two are both fighting over the same guy.. It reminds me of a romantic anime.." she puts her hands to her cheeks in glee. She was enjoying this more than she should have. "The annoying friend that he can't help but love or the girl that gives him the attention he needs. Who will he choose?"

"No one!" Keebo insisted as he waved his arms around.

"If he had to choose one, it would be me! There's no way Oma can truly appreciate someone like you like I do!" Iruma argued, her bad mood fading away. 

"But Keebo.. I'm madly in love with you." Oma says with a genuine expression.

"That's obviously a fuckin' lie, right?!" Iruma declared.

"Yupp! I guess you do have some brain after all, huh? Though it's the bare minimum." she simmered down again when the boy insulted her.

"Ahh, the boy refuses to tell anyone his true love for him and passes it off as a joke!" the cosplayer was getting giddy at the sight.

"I do not think Oma has feelings for me like that. He is way too rude!" Keebo pointed at the snickering boy.

"How do you know that, Keeboy?" he latched onto his arm. "How about you stay longer after the party so you can see how I actually feel!"

"Hey, you can't fuckin' claim him like that!" Iruma grabbed his other arm.

Keebo didn't say anything as the two used him as a tug o' war rope. Shirogane was already taking pictures of the scene and muttering to herself what a common trope this is.

After constant pulling and pushing, Keebo begged. "Please.. Please help me."

Shirogane put her glasses up with a smirk. "Keebo.. You must choose one of them, who do you choose?"

"Huh?!" he said in shock. "I don't wanna choose!" suddenly, the two of them finally put them down.

"Yea Keeboy, do you like me better or Iruma?"

"Obviously fuckin' me! Right..?" she twists her hair as she asks the robot. "We've done so much together, so.. You like me better, right?"

Mixed feelings were residing in Keebo. He did not want to choose between the two because he didn't want to break anyone's heart. He struggled to mutter out a response as he looked between the two. In fact, he didn't want to choose anyone, he didn't feel ready to date yet! He's never even considered the possibility of liking anyone. He wished they would just stop..

"You guys need to do better at getting out your love to him!" Shirogane scolded the two, finally taking the attention off of him. "As of now, you two are equal. You'll need to do a better job if you want his love!"

"You're one to talk, fuckin' nerd! The only dick you get are from degenerates trying to fuck a person from their favorite cartoon or some shit! I guess that's the main reason you cosplay in the first place though!" Iruma cackled.

"Cosplaying is more than being sexy! It's to completely represent the character that you want to be! You have to respect their personality and everything they do so you can bring someone from fiction into real life!" Shirogane gave a glare to Iruma making her return to her shell. She coughed to get rid of the menacing vibe. "Anyways! I'll show you how to be truly romantic!" she grabbed the two of them away from Keebo and turned on the TV.

"You have Netflix?" the cosplayer asks Oma.

"Uh, yea. I'm not poor."

"I don't have Netflix." the inventor told him.

"Wow! I wonder what that implies." he smirks.

"E-Eeee..."

She turned on a romantic anime and the 3 of them watched together for the rest of their time there. Iruma was more interested than she thought she would be while Oma had fun making fun of the clichés. Shirogane was happy to watch a show with friends.

"Oh man, this girl's never gonna get any dick with that attitude!" Iruma cackled.

"Reminds me of someone I know!" Oma had a cheerful grin.

They had completely forgotten why they were watching this in the first place.

Keebo sat on the couch alone as the 3 of them laughed together. He got his wish for them to stop, but it still hurt..

Yumeno was resting on Chabashira's lap as they watched Shinguji and Gonta played Uno against each other. It was a special version that Yonaga had put little characters on every card, it didn't change the rules of the game though. She was doodling next to the magician and aikido master, humming to herself. Shinguji rubbed his arm from the dull pain in it as they continued playing.

"No, Gonta. That is not how you play the game." Shinguji remarked when Gonta put a green on top of a yellow.

"Eh? Gonta sorry.. Gonta not that good at game."

"It is fine. Just simply remember that you match cards with the corresponding color or number." he told him.

"Ah, Gonta see!" Gonta placed a red on a yellow.

"Gonta, no, that's wrong." Shinguji slapped his forehead.

"But number the same.." he pointed out.

"That's a six. You can tell because of the symbol under the six. The number you put down is a nine."

"Ohh! Gonta see now!" Gonta placed down a change color card. So he could've just done that..

"What color?"

"Eh? It's black and white, Shinguji."

A vein popped on Shinguji's head. "No. What color do you want it to be?"

"Maybe orange.. Gonta like that color! It reminds Gonta of the color of monarch butterflies."

"Gonta, no. Out of red, yellow, blue, and green, which color do you want it to be?" he was losing his patience by the second but still refused to show any emotion.

"Ah, maybe green then."

Shinguji placed down a green card. "Your turn."

"Hm.. Gonta not have green card. What does Gonta do?"

Shinguji placed his hands on his face and exhaled sharply. "May I question why you made it green despite the fact you lack that colored card?"

"Gonta like the color green!"

The simpleness of his answer angered the anthropologist. He would've stayed out of the game if he knew it was gonna be like this.

"Well, the only option that resides is for you to draw a card."

"Okay!" Gonta picked up a card with a smile. "How does Gonta win..? Gonta have 10 cards, how many cards does he need to win?"

"Only 0 cards must remain if you are to win, Gonta." he explains as he places down his own card. "Having less cards is the main goal of the game."

"Eh?! Gonta thought more cards was good!?"

Shinguji really wanted to throw his cards at the entomologist but he restrained himself. He knows he mustn't lose composure of focus.  "Unfortunately not Gonta, that contradicts the main purpose of the game."

"Okay.. So Gonta need to get rid of all cards!"

Shinguji nodded.

Gonta proceeded to throw all his cards away. Another vein popped as Shinguji gritted his teeth.

"No. You must give away your cards one at a time."

"Ohh, Gonta sorry. Gonta will get cards." Gonta picked up all his cards so they could maybe continue the game.

As the game passed, somehow they were pretty evenly matched now that Gonta understood the rules. It was hard for Shinguji to focus on the game for some reason, maybe he was exhausted from Gonta's incapability to play. Finally, he only had to place his second to last card down before he could achieve his victory.

He placed the card and opened his mouth to say 'uno' but no sound came out. Shinguji's brow raised in confusion, why could he not speak right now? Thankfully, it seems Gonta doesn't know that rule so he was safe.

Gonta was about to place a card but Yumeno stopped him. "Gonta.. You can say 'uno' so that Shinguji gets more cards. He forgot to say it."

"Uno?"

How frustrating..

Shinguji slapped his forehead as he reached for the pile but then fell on the table with a loud thud. He couldn't move...

"Eh?! Is Shinguji okay?!" Gonta exclaims as he shakes his body. "Are you okay?!"

Oh that's right..

Shinguji finally remembered.

10 minutes ago..

"Atua suggests we all play Uno!" Yonaga tells everyone at the table. "I edited every single card so they're unique!"

"Uno..? Kehehe, I know the rules well, I will play if everyone else does too." Shinguji lets out a creepy laugh.

"Nyeh.. I don't really want to.." Yumeno yawned. Chabashira stood next to her.

"If Yumeno's not playing, I won't play!"

"Gonta will play. But Gonta not really know rules.."

"That's okay, Gonta! I will teach you." Yonaga smiled at him.

"Thank you!"

"Hm.. Although it lacks people, I suppose a 3 player game won't be so bad." Shinguji shrugs as he sits down with Yonaga.

"Ah, there's one catch though.." she lets out a sinister smile making the anthropologist sweat.

"Hm? What is it?"

"I forgot to mention that if you're playing to see my artwork.. A pint of blood is required!" she brings out a syringe.

"Hold on, where did you get such an item?" the anthropologist backs away nervously. "Don't you ask for pints of blood quite a lot? I feel you are asking a little too much from trivial doodles."

"Trivial doodles..? These are masterpieces that Atua has drawn himself, using my body as a vessel! It is the perfect price! Now come.." she approaches him as he backs against a wall. There was no escaping this.

Shinguji accepted his fate as the syringe enters his body. He immediately became hazy as he looked at the amount of blood Yonaga took from his body.

"Wow, Shinguji! Your pint of blood was enough to satisfy Atua, good job!"

"..That is definitely more than two pints." he says as he sits at the table. He almost falls over as he sits down. "Wait.. What are we doing again?" It seemed his memory had been hazy as well.

"Playing Oo-nu!" Gonta exclaimed.

"Oo-nu..?" he glances at the cards in front of him. "Ah yes, Uno. Kehehe.. I know the rules very well, I suppose I'm playing against you?" Shinguji says as he sits up properly. "Interesting design on them too."

"Yes, Gonta think." he replies.

"Oh? You don't need Angie? Okay then!" Angie brings out a sketchbook.

Both Yumeno and Chabashira had a feeling this would happen if they played the game so it's a good thing that they decided not to. Although they knew Shinguji was creepy, they couldn't help but be concerned for his wellbeing.

Present..

Why.

Shinguji was getting shook around by a tearful Gonta.

"Did Gonta do something for this to happen?! Gonta so sorry!"

"It's not your fault, Gonta." Yonaga says. "It is only the repercussions of giving a sacrifice for Atua.. Do not worry, he shall be fine! He will live as long as he gets urgent care!"

Shinguji had well over lost a pint of blood and he was pretty surprised he was even conscious right now. It seems that he shall stop trusting Yonaga from now on.

"Eh!? Urgent care?! Gonta will help Shinguji right away!" he picked the unmoving body of the anthropologist and ran out of the house presumably to find a hospital.

If he knew it would turn out like this, he would have just stayed home..

In the other side of the room, the pianist was having a nice chat with Tojo and Hoshi on the floor.

"You're just such a mom, you know?"Akamatsu teased the maid.  "Can I hire you?"

"I am no mother, I am a maid." she let out a smile. "And well, if you would like. I will gladly help you out as long as you request it."

"No, I'm just kidding!" Akamatsu laughed. "But thanks, I'll keep that in mind."

"Perhaps Tojo could help me out as well.. I've got a ways to go if I still rely on others to clean my room." Hoshi says as he pulls his beanie over his head.

"I'll gladly help you. It is not a bad thing at all."

"Hmph, if that's what you think." he chewed on his candy cigarette with closed eyes. "But, My room has been pretty messy recently. I've hardly had any time to keep things tidy."

"Give me a call, Hoshi. I will help you out in a heartbeat, as it is my duty as a maid. That task does not seem too difficult for me." she gave a gentle smile towards him.

"Maybe."

Akamatsu smiled at the maid helping out the tennis pro. Hoshi has become more reliant on his friends as of late and it pleased her. But something still didn't feel right..

She glanced to her boyfriend on the other side of the room. His eyes looked completely dull as he looked at his phone. Maybe just talking to him once wouldn't hurt.. If he truly loved her, he would listen to what she has to say.

"Hey.. Hold on a sec guys. I'm going to be right back." she says as she stands up.

Tojo gives an approving smile. "Alright."

As she walked to him, her sight on him was suddenly blocked by a certain green haired boy. He let out a gentle smile. "Hey, can I talk to you for a bit?"

"Hm?" Akamatsu looked at him weirdly but listened to him. "Sure thing! What is it?"

"Well, I'd rather be in some place private to tell you this. Don't worry, I'm not gonna do anything bad or anything." he chuckled as he walked off and gestured her to follow him.

With an uneasy look, she followed the green haired boy and walked away from Saihara.

Tojo and Hoshi stood up and decided to sit with Saihara while Akamatsu was gone. They weren't sure where she went but when she came back, they were sure she'd like to be with Saihara.

"Oh, hey guys." he put down his phone as the two approached him. They took the seats next to him and both nodded a 'hello'. They noticed he had a more somber expression than he usually does. They had a pretty good idea of why this was so.

"Why haven't you been sitting with Akamatsu recently, Saihara?" the maid asked him.

"Ah! Um.. It's complicated." he let out a nervous chuckle from the sudden question. "It's just.. Work. I've been spending a lot of time on a case recently and I think she's been pretty mad at me. Probably because I've been avoiding her just to work on this case. "

The maid gave a sympathetic look.

"I completely understood that work can get stressful at times." Tojo nodded with the boy. "I will admit that sometimes I get requests that are a little difficult. One time I had to defend a famous celebrity from potential attackers. I can't get into too much detail about the incident."

Saihara looked at the maid with a shocked look. That one line of work seemed much harder than what he had to do yet he's struggling so much with it.

"But please do not get the wrong idea." she assured him. "This was not meant to discourage you. We are all capable of certain things based on our abilities. When you reach a roadblock where no matter what you do you can't get through, I do not believe it is wise to simply try harder by yourself."

"Yea, she's right. It's not bad that you're working hard, but I feel like it's a bad thing if you're keeping things to yourself." Hoshi continued to chew on his candy cigarette.

"..Huh?"

"You have friends to rely on, Saihara. You don't have to deal with your work alone. Although it may just be motivation, I'm sure a certain someone will help you out the best they can." she closed her eyes with a smile. "They're probably waiting for you to ask them for help right now."

Hoshi smirked as he put up his thumb. "Yup. Unlike me, you at least have someone. Might as well get the help from them."

His eyes widened as he looked at the two. For the first time in a few days, Saihara let out a genuine smile. He laughed to himself for being so stupid.

That's right, he has someone he can rely on. He has someone that he can ask for help whenever he needs it.

With a determined look, Saihara sat up. "Tojo and Hoshi.. Thank you."

"Don't mention it." Hoshi shrugged with a smile.

"Yes it is no problem at all, it is our unyielding devotion to help out a friend." Tojo smiled at him. "I'm pretty sure Akamatsu went over there." she pointed to a room and Saihara blushed, it was embarrassing that she knew exactly who he wanted to talk to. It was pretty obvious though.

How could he have been been this stubborn for so long?

The girl that he could always rely on had always been right there for him. He had been too stupid to reach out for help. With a determined new hope, he walked towards the room where Tojo pointed with a smile.

Akamatsu has always been there for him when he's been down so why should now be different? Even if she's not a detective herself, he felt that just her illogical motivation would lead him to the right direction.

He thought if he relied on someone else, it would just inconvenience them. He thought his problems were his alone, but there is no fault in reaching out for help to someone. Especially if that someone is as caring as his girlfriend.

The pianist who always gave him confidence, the girl who's always been there for him to cheer him up, and the person he trusts in the most with his problems. They're all the same person, Kaede Akamatsu. Saihara had been an idiot for not realizing sooner that he could call for help from her, even if that help was just motivation. That motivation would've definitely made him more positive to solve the case and put him in a better state of mind these past few days. He should've asked for her help from the start.

Better late than never though.

He places a hand to the doorknob and quickly opens it, the light from the room quickly shined on his now positive face.

Nothing could prepare him for what he saw in that room. His face turned to dread. Saihara had so much hope just a moment ago, but the sight in front of him washed it away instantly.

His girlfriend. Rantaro Amami. An intimate kiss shared between the two as he cupped her cheek. As she saw him, her eyes widened as she reached her hand towards him.

Oh yea. That's right. Saihara's never had anyone to rely on in the first place. Why would this year be any different?

He slammed the door shut with much more force than he intended as he walked away. Tears accumulated in his eyes as his vision blurred. He dug his nails into his hand as he tried to walk anywhere away from there.

He was wrong. There's no one to rely on except himself. This false hope had simply put him off course for a moment.