SOO I SHOULD'VE SAID THIS A LONG TIME AGO BUT... THANK YOU FOR 500+ READS LIKE WHAT-👁

I DIDNT EXPECT PEOPLE TO SEE THIS HAKSKJSHD

anyways, on with the chapter! enjoy~! <3

~~

You left your blinds slightly open the previous night, so that the morning sun would peek through your cottage and wake you up. Luckily, it worked.

You had taken a small shower, grabbed your new clothes, and finished your makeup as the Monokuma morning announcement came on. You sighed, as you chose your piercings for the day, and headed over to the restaurant, where, surprisingly, not many people were. Those who were there, however, were practically silent.

As the rest filled in, you waited.

"...Is everyone here?" Byakuya asked.

"...Huh? It seems Fuyuhiko is not here yet." Chiaki noted.

"It's probably after the trick I pulled yesterday..." You muttered. "Sorry."

"Please (F/N), do not apologize... I saw him outside earlier." Peko stated calmly, though your mind refused to listen to her words. You still felt guilty. "...However, he told me he would not be joining us this morning."

"Why does he have to act like a lone wolf at a time like this...?" Mahiru remarked.

"C-Could he... Is he thinking up a plan to kill someone by himself...?" Kazuichi wondered.

"Kazuichi! You should not doubt your friend!" Sonia scolded.

"Well, he's a yakuza, isn't he? Do you not understand what that means? He's part of the Japanese mafia!" Kazuichi rebuttled.

"I presume he's the kind of person who wouldn't not come even if we summoned him..." Byakuya observed. "I guess it can't be helped... We should just talk among ourselves. Someone can fill him in later."

"Well... what are we going to talk about?" Hajime asked your leader.

"Rejoice... I have decided to throw a party tonight." Byakuya professed, surprising you.

"A-A party?" Mikan asked.

"That's right. A huge party that will last from sundown to sunrise." Byakuya said. "Also, so we're clear, I will not allow any absences. Your attendance at this party is absolutely mandatory."

"H-Hey... Now's not the time to talk about stuff... like partying!" Kazuichi said.

"On the contrary...there is no better time than this..." Byakuya replied.

"But still...we really shouldn't be partying..." Mahiru muttered.

"...Um, hold on." Nagito interjected. "I agree with Byakuya... It doesn't do us any good to stay bummed out like this... In fact, because of the situation we're in, it's probably best if we all strengthen our friendships with one another." Nagito stated.

"I never pegged you as the type to throw a party for that reason, Byakuya." You said. "Well, if, that is the reason..."

"It doesn't matter why I'm doing it..." Byakuya muttered. "Anyway...it is of vital importance that we all stay in one place tonight."

"...You say that with such significance." Gundam said.

"it's decided! We're having ourselves a party!" Byakuya disclosed.

"E-Even so...I'm not sure it needs to last all night..." Mikan said.

"If I thought that, I would've made that clear from the beginning." Byakuya stated, clearly, making Mikan swallow herself in multiple panicked apologies.

"It's important to be flexible in situations like this... Perhaps a diversion from all this is just what we need." Nekomaru wondered aloud.

"The let's party hard!" Akane cheered.

"Ah, in that case, I'll put my amazing cooking skills on display for you guys. Maybe then, I can show Miss (F/N) what real cooking is..." Teruteru whistled, making you uneasy.

"H-Hey... chill a little, Teruteru." Nagito said, as he etched closer to you, like any instance where Teruteru said something perverted.

"Where is the party going to be held? Would this restaurant be okay?" Chiaki asked.

"No, this won't do... We need a location that's impervious to interfere from the outsiders." Byakuya said. "A place even Monokuma cannot enter... What we need is an enclosed space."

"If the restaurant won't do, then neither will the lobby... That's not nearly enclosed enough." Gundam stated.

"That also being said, neither will the cottages. The space is even smaller, and with this many people, we'd all be pressed against each other." You said.

"But if you want to be pressed up against each other, then a cottage is clearly the best choice!" Teruteru rejoined, making you uneasy once again. At this rate, Nagito was standing directly next to you... Which he literally was. "Pressed up against ladies...without sneaking aboard the women-only train in drag... I feel so lucky."

"I can't believe how comfortable you are with saying your perverted thoughts out loud..." Kazuichi said, scratching his cheek.

"Mmhmhm, I may be a pervert, but I'm the kind of pervert everyone likes!" Teruteru rebutted.

"Your confidence is seriously impressive..." Kazuichi said.

"Then...how about that old-looking building near this hotel?" Nagito requested.

"...That run-down place?" Chiaki asked.

"Yeah, but if we do our best to clean it, I think it'd be perfect." Nagito smiled. "Plus, it's basically the only place that meets our needs for an enclosed space, right?"

"Indeed. However, Monomi has forbidden us from entering that old place." Peko added. "As I recall...it's in the middle of being renovated."

At that, the said rabbit had popped up.

"I have heard your conversation! Heard it all with my very own ears!" She chimed. "Ahem! I have good ears! Cuz I'm a rabbit!" She said, as Byakuya made a sarcastic remark, before asking what the camera's were used for. To that, Monomi sulked with no answer.

"Regarding the old building! You came to tell us something about it, right!?" Byakuya interrogated Monomi.

"Yes, if it strengthens everyone's bonds with each other, then I will not hesitate to cooperate. So in that case, I will allow you to enter the old building! I'll cooperate so we can all party together!" Monomi cheered

"Together? That's not gonna happen 'cause your *so* disgusting." Hiyoko laughed. "Do yourself a favor and stay away from mirrors. You'll be grossed out by what you see."

"Ugh... Your kind words make me wanna cry..." Monomi, well, cried.

"We must have different perceptions of what the word 'kind' means..." You muttered, as Monomi disappeared.

"Um... So we're all good with the old building?" Mahiru asked. "Then what about the preparations? If it's in there middle of a renovation, don't we need to clean it first?"

"I have never done the dirty work known as 'cleaning' before. I am excited to finally experience it!" Sonia chimed.

"No way! There's no way we can let our dear princess do the dirty work!" Kazuichi declared.

"Nyeeeh, I don't wanna do it either!" Hiyoko complained.

"Well, then I don't mind doing the cleaning, in case nobody else wants to do it." You said after.

"I don't think it'd be fair to have only (F/N) do the work..." Nagito interjected.

"I'm seriously fine with it, if nobody else wants to do it. I've handled worse, cleaning a building should be fine, I promise!" You tried to convince Nagito, who just kept shaking his head.

"No, I insist, a girl like you shouldn't have to do all that cleaning by herself." Nagito insisted. "Instead, why don't we decide by a random drawing?"

"A random drawing...?" Hajime asked.

"To be honest, I already prepared a drawing because I assumed something like this would happen." Nagito confessed, as he held out seventeen sticks. "Whoever draws the chopstick with the red mark on it will be in charge of cleaning, okay? Does that sound fair?"

"Well the, let us entrust our destinies to the whims of this drawing!" Gundam declared, as he took a stick from Nagito's hand. One by one, everyone took their stick. You picked yours, to see that it was not the one with the red mark. The person who got the red mark was...

"Huh? I'm left with the red mark!?" Nagito mumbled.

"Hah... For someone called the Ultimate Lucky Student, you don't seem very lucky right now..." Hajime laughed.

"Hmm, I guess it can't be helped..." Nagito said.

"I'm serious, Nagito. If you want some help with cleaning, I'd be more than happy too. It isn't fair for you to be the only one cleaning, either." You professed, making Nagito shake his head.

"Nono, the red stick chose me. It wouldn't be fair to have you do the work when you didn't get the red stick. The un-luck of the draw chose me, so I have to do it." Nagito reassured, leaving you still apprehensive.

"So he's fine doing all the cleaning himself by luck of the draw, but not with me doing all the cleaning myself by pure volunteerism? Either Nagito is extremely selfless... or he's hiding something..." You thought, deciding to give in with Nagito's wishes, as he told everyone he was actually pretty good at cleaning.

"I thought so. You seem like you'd make a good stay-at-home dad." Mahiru giggled.

"...I'll take that as a compliment." Nagito chuckled.

"I'll handle the cooking." Teruteru added. "All right, first I need to prepare my ingredients, then I'll start cooking at the old building." He talked to himself, before turning to everyone. "I, Teruteru Hanamura, will go all out! I will prepare the world's tastiest for you all!"

"Then I just need to pass along the party details to Fuyuhiko." Peko stated.

"Let's go about our business then. After Monokuma's nightly announcement, we'll meet at the old building." Byakuya reviewed.

"I believe that is it for today, shall we be leaving now?" Sonia pondered, while everyone agreed, and started filing out of the restaurant. There was really nowhere special to go, so you just decided to head to your cottage.

—

"There's no way I can just spend all my time in my cottage... I should probably go hang out with someone, but who...?" You thought to yourself, as you put a pen you were using to sketch potential tattoo ideas with inside your drawer. As you readjusted your sweater, you had a thought of who you should spend your time with. And luckily, they were just outside their own cottage.

Gundam was standing directly in front of his cottage, opening it dramatically, making you giggle softly.

"Gundam...!" You called, as he spun around to see you approaching figure. "Hey! I was wondering, since we both have a lot of time until the party starts, why don't we spend some together?"

"You wish to spend time with...me?" Gundam muttered softly, gazing at you. "It seems you have bestowed great courage to ask such an act of me... very well! I will allow you to spend this entity known as 'time' with me!" He declared, as he held his cottage door wide enough for you to enter. 

"What do you wish to know about the dark one?" He asked you, as he sat on the edge of his bed. His room was definitely a lot different than yours, starting with his curtains, which had pentagrams on it. There was also small things for his hamsters to play with, along with multiple tubes for them to roam around in.

"Hm... I'd like to know more about the hamsters you keep in your scarf." You told him, and as if on que, they all popped their heads from Gundam's scarf, looking at you.

"Kehehe... Please, do not fool them as simple hamsters, as they are rather dark beings!" He bellowed, holding two in one hand, one in the other, while the last stayed in his scarf.

"These are Sun-D, Maga-Z," he held up the two in his first up, before holding his other hand, "Jump-P," He set down his other hand,"and Cham-P. They are known as my Four Dark Devas of Destruction!" He bellowed, while you giggled at the reveal of the 'Dark Devas'.

"For such dark beings, they're quite adorable." You smiled, as his facial expression changed from one of pride, to one of shock.

"A-Adorable!?" He sputtered, looking away in attempt to hide the rising blush on his face. "Th-Thank you..."

You giggled a little bit, before you felt something small right near your thigh, and there were two of Gundam's Dark Devas. You smiled, lowering your palm to hold one of them, while the other climbed onto your skirt. "This one is... Jump-P, right?" You asked, as he nodded.

"I have never seen the Devas entrust themselves in a new soul so easily..." He muttered, as he watched you gently pet Jump-P with your finger, as Cham-P made himself comfortable on your skirt. "You mentioned how you are not a master of any, but rather... a haven for those who do not have one themselves?"

"...I guess you could say that." You responded. "I traveled a lot, so having a pet for myself would be counterproductive, and unhealthy for them, because I wouldn't be around for long enough to even try and care for it, or even for it to get used to me enough. So, I just settled for taking care of strays that stayed at our entrance whenever they came." 

"You're a rather intriguing soul..." Gundam said, watching as you comforted the two hamsters. "However, I am more interested on what it is you, yourself do."

"Like, my ultimate?" You asked, as he responded with a nod. "Oh, it's simple really... I just do tattoos and piercings."

"So you imprint the markings of the devil on others!?" Gundam exclaimed.

"Oh dear lord, please don't let this guy be one of those people who's so religious and against tattoos and piercings, to the extent of degrading others who get them."

"...I wouldn't say the devil, per-say." You started. "Some things people want are meaningful, I've had lots of instances where people get something meaningful."

"Hmph... Human's thought processes are so simple, so meek." Gundam scoffed, as he looked at you. "Do you have any of the devil's markings?"

"I have quite a few piercings..." You started, as you pointed to your current piercings, slightly sticking out your tongue to show the metal in it. "And, as for tattoos..."

You began taking off our jacket, making sure not to accidentally suffocate any of the Dark Devas in your lap on accident. As you shed your jacket, and put the two hamsters back on your lap. You turned your arm to Gundam, revealing the tattoo you had given yourself a while ago. It was a detailed snake, lying peacefully in a bed of flowers. The snake itself was much lighter with it's colors than the flowers, with highlights accenting it. That being said, the flowers behind the snake were darker, with more shading than highlights.

Gundam gaped at the ink printed on your skin, lifting his hand to ghost over your arm, but never actually touching it.

"It seems you have the the hand of the gods if you imprinted such an art like this onto your skin..." He muttered, still observing the tattoo on your arm.

"I have a few more of them, but this is just the first one I thought of..." You said. "I'm probably gonna give myself more... I get bored easily."

"So you have other imprints etched onto your skin... you must be blessed with the hands and skin of the angels above... Is that what you are!?" Gundam exclaimed, startling you.

"I- Uhm- What-?" You stuttered, a blush almost growing on your own face.

"You must be an angel from above!! With one with blessed hands and skin made to withstand the markings of the devil, and the way you disguise yourself from the others by modifying your appearance... You are of no doubt an angel, disguised as a mere human to blend in with these average mortals..." He monologued, speaking out his thoughts. "Of course, I, myself, have the ability to identify one as yourself that the other mortals cannot, which is why I have figured out your secret easily. But...for what reason are you here, on this wretched earth?" He questioned, mostly to himself, as if he forgot you were there. "Perhaps you have sinned, and are being punished by being forced to meet...me." He concluded, surprising you.

"Now, why would you say that?" You mused.

"I cannot think of a reason as to why a cursed, dark being as myself has had the opportunity to meet the blessed, fallen angel that is you..." Gundam explained. "Unless you have committed a great act of sin, I think of no other way." He stated, confidently.

"I-I think you flatter me too much..." You chuckled nervously. "But I don't want to talk about me... tell me more about your Devas!"

"I-If you are so intrigued about my Dark Devas of Destruction... I-I believe I could provide you with more information about them..." Gundam muttered, getting flustered as he moved closer to you to tell you more about the Devas who had taken a liking to you.

—

You and Gundam had been spending a lot of time together, as he provided information about his Devas, accompanied by a lot of him pulling his scarf over half of his face whenever you asked a question, or gave the Deva's any form of affection.

As he was telling you about San-D's general abilities, repeated knocking could be heard at the door. Gundam begrudgingly got up to answer the door, to see none other than the Ultimate Photographer, Mahiru.

"Ah, (F/N)! There you are!" She exclaimed as she made her way past Gundam's doorway, much to his displeasure.

"What on earth do you think yo-" "Oh shut it! I need to talk to (F/N), so let me, will you?" Mahiru interrupted Gundam.

"Anyway, (F/N)! Can I please dress you up for the party!?" Mahiru asked as she was now standing in front of you.

"Why...?" You asked.

"Well, I found something at Rocketpunch that I think would suit you really well, and honestly I just think it'd be so much fun to dress you up! So...please, can I!?" She begged.

"...Sure. Why not, it could be fun." You smiled fondly at the redhead, as she excitedly grabbed your arm, pulling you off of Gundam's bed.

"Yay! Let's go now!" She exclaimed while pulling you out of Gundam's cottage, excitedly. You quickly turned your head around, to wave at Gundam while sending him an apologetic glance, as he smiled looking at where you were previously sitting on his bed. After a few more seconds of being pulled by Mahiru, you had both arrived in front of her cottage.

"You're room is really nice, Mahiru." You complimented. Mahiru's room seemed to be filled with pictures, most likely some she had taken herself. A lot of them were hung on a cork board type thing on one of her walls. She also had some different decor than you.

"Aw, thanks! But nevermind that, you need to put on the outfit I got you!" She said, as she gave you a few pieces of clothing. "Go in the bathroom and try it on, now!" She hurried you.

You entered the bathroom, now actually taking a good look at what Mahiru had given you. It wasn't exactly something you'd wear on a daily basis... but it was actually still really nice. It was a black dress with straps, with white lace accenting some of the top, the lace stopping right under your chest, and a small bit of it lining the bottom. Along with the dress, Mahiru had given you two pairs of thigh highs, and since she hadn't given you any shoes, you just chose to wear your current ones.

"Are you done?" Mahiru asked from outside your door.

"Y-Yeah, almost..." You said, struggling a little bit to put on one of the stockings.

"Mahiru, don't get me wrong, it's super nice, and I really like it..." You started, before opening the bathroom door. "I think it's a bit small for me...like, if I move my arms, all of it kinda moves up."

"Well, I tried to get something I believed your size was, but I guess I was wrong..." Mahiru said as you walked over to her.

"Oh no! It is the right size, I checked, but it's still somehow...small? Dunno how that works." You chuckled.

"Well... I want to start dolling you up. C'mon!" Mahiru said excitedly, as she sat you down on a desk similar to yours. "You have such nice hair, ya'know. It's kinda different from mine...so I'm going to try my best!" She said, as she began picking up her supplies to do your hair.

"I bet it'll be nice, Mahiru." You added, making her smile.

—

It had been not that long since Mahiru had started messing with your hair when the both of you heard knocks on her door. Mahiru put down the tool she was using to go answer it, revealing Ibuki.

"Hellooo Mahiru! Have you seen-" Ibuki paused as she looked inside the cottage, seeing you seated in front of Mahiru's desk. Ibuki's eyes light up as she went excited. "IS MAHIRU DOING (F/N)'S HAIR!?" She exclaimed, as both of you nodded.

"Can Ibuki do (F/N)'s nails!?" Ibuki asked again, practically jumping up and down outside of Mahiru's doorway.

"Uh...sure! That could be fun!" You smiled, as Ibuki let out a loud noise of happiness.

"YAHOOOO! Ibuki will be right back!!" She said, before she ran off in the direction of her cottage, quickly coming back with two bottles of nail polish. "Ibuki wants to make them black, just like Ibuki's!" She chimed, coming inside Mahiru's cottage and sitting next to you.

"Okay, just make sure you don't move her too much, because I still have to do her hair." Mahiru instructed, as Ibuki nodded happily. 

— 

Ibuki had finished fairly quickly, much to your surprise. She was still careful when painting your nails, making sure not to get any on your skin. After she was done, the two of you talked about random things, mostly about Ibuki, while she watched how Mahiru did your hair.

"Okay... I'm done!" Mahiru chimed while Ibuki was telling you about one of the performances she had. "Take a look!"

You did what she said, finding yourself extremely pleased with what Mahiru had done with your hair. You never were one to style it to too much of an extent, but seeing how Mahiru had done your hair made you extremely happy.

"Wow Mahiru...it looks great." You complimented, as she smiled fondly.

"Thanks! You can use your hands to fix it to your liking, if you need to." Mahiru said, as you combed through some of it with your fingers. Unbeknownst to you, Mahiru had decided to take a picture of you while you did so, you didn't realize it until you heard a faint click, accompanied by a flash, and the giggles of Mahiru and Ibuki.

"But, seriously, the guys are going to drop once they see you." Mahiru added, Ibuki nodding rapidly.

"(F/N) looks soo good! I just wanna take a bite of her, with the way that dress fits her body!" Ibuki said, making you giggle.

"As long as they don't stare too long, I'm fine with it..." You chuckled quietly, before thinking of another idea. "Why don't we all take a photo together? It'd be memorable, 'cause this was actually really fun." You smiled, as Ibuki agreed.

"Sure! I can keep this for the memories!" Mahiru said, as she held the camera up in front of the three of you. "Smile!" There was a bright flash, along with a fit of small giggles once the photo developed.

"Seriously, thanks for this, both of you. It was so fun." You said to Mahiru and Ibuki. "I think I'm going to go to my cottage now, though. I wanna get some things."

"Ibuki will walk you!" Ibuki chimed, taking your arm.

"Bye, Mahiru! See you later!" You saluted, as she did the same back as you left her cottage, walking to your own, linked with Ibuki.

"Thanks for painting my nails, Ibuki. You did a really good job!" You complimented, once the both of you were at your cottage. 

"Thank you!" She said, as she eyed the enterior of your cottage.

"Well I'll se-" You stopped as Ibuki made her way into your own cottage. "Or I guess you can stay." You muttered. 

"(F/N)'s room is sooo cool!" Ibuki exclaimed, as you chuckled and made your way to your desk, looking to see which piercings you wanted. You sat down in your chair as Ibuki made her way next to you. You decided on a simple septum piercing and a few ear piercings as Ibuki watched you put them on. "How many piercings does (F/N) have?" Ibuki asked, as she watched you put in your new ear piercings.

"Oh, just a few. First and second lobe piercings, and I guess third lobe piercings too. A few cartilage piercings, a side piercing, septum piercing, tongue piercing and a naval piercing." You explained, as Ibuki gaped at you.

"That many!? Did you do them all!?" Ibuki yelled, as you nodded. "Ibuki only has these." She said, as she pointed to the three near her mouth, and the spikes on her ear.

"They're really nice, Ibuki." You complimented, as she smiled proudly.

—

You and Ibuki talked about random things for a while as she watched how you put your piercings  in. She had left about an hour before the nighttime announcement, aka, when the party would start.

As the nighttime announcement played, you put on your jacket and exited your cottage, making your way to the old building next to the hotel. The old building was definitely, well, old. Compared to the island and the cottages, it was in a worse condition. The first person you saw once you entered the building was Byakuya.

"You're here..." He muttered once he saw you. "Now, stand up straight and raise your arms." He ordered.

"And why do I have to do that...?"  You questioned, hesitantly.

"I need to do a body check on everyone, of course. I'm the one hosting the party, it's necessary for me to take all the possible security measures. I promised that I wouldn't allow any of you to become a victim, and this is simply a way of making sure." He explained, as you heaved a small sigh, and lifted your arms, now feeling uncomfortable.

"...What do you have in your pockets?" He asked once he got to your jacket pockets. "Is it that same blade you pulled on Fuyuhiko the other night?" You nodded.

"I am going to require you give it to me." He said sternly.

"Why would I do that? I carry it around for self defense." You said.

"I already explained it to you, I'm making sure everyone here is safe, so I'm ordering you to hand over the blade." He said once again, as you pulled you our blade and gave it to him. "Now, what's  in your other pocket?"

"Just take my jacket." You sighed, as you took it off. "It'll make this pat-down a whole lot easier."

"Very well I shall-" Byakuya stopped, turning slightly red as he saw you pulling the edge of your dress down. "Wh-What on earth are you wearing!?" He sputtered.

"...Mahiru gave it to me, if that's what your wondering." You said, eyeing him. "...Am I allowed to go now? I doubt I could be hiding anything in this." 

"Y-Yes, go on ahead..." He muttered, as you decided to just go on to the dining hall, where the party was being held.

You entered, being pleasantly surprised when you saw how well decorated the interior was. There were multiple tables, filled with food most likely made by Teruteru. There was a chandelier on the ceiling, and colorful streamers hanging from the circling as well, as well as a carpet, that didn't end up reaching all corners of the room. Lastly, there were three giant metal plates in the back of the room. The metal seemed to be extremely thick, allowing no access to see the outside.

"Ah, (F/N)! How do you like it?" Nagito called, once he realized you had entered.

"It's... really nice, Nagito. You did a seriously good job!" You compliented.

"Yeah, th-" He paused, as he took in account of how close you were to him, and what you were wearing didn't help ,either, making his cheeks dust a deep pink. "Th-Thank you, (F/N). You're praise means a lot."

"Psst, (F/N)!" You heard a voice whisper from your right, as you made your way to the voice, waving off Nagito to now talk to Mahiru.

"I was totally right! You should've seen how some of the guys looked once you walked in! Priceless!" Mahiru vocalized.

"Well, I would be wearing my jacket right now, but Byakuya took it cause of the stuff I had in my pockets..." you said, scratching the back of your neck sheepishly.

As more and more people began filing into the dining, you finally heard the voice of the ultimate affluent progeny, as he arrived after checking every one else.

"... Thank you for waiting." was the first thing Byakuya said as he entered the dining hall. "Teruteru is in the kitchen... and it appears Fuyuhiko has not shown up."

"I apologize. I did inform him about the party, but he seemed to resist, no matter my attempts." Peko apologizes.

"It's not like you need to apologize, Peko. It's his fault for not coming...." Mahiru said.

"I explicitly stated that attendance was mandatory, but... it's fine. If just one person is absent, that shouldn't pose a problem." Byakuya muttered. "...He won't be able to do anything."

"...What do you mean by that?" Peko asked.

"More importantly, hm?" Byakuya observed, before his expression changed drastically. "Hey, what is that!?" He yelled, as he observed the tables filled with food.

"...Dangerous." Was the only word he said, before he quickly made his way to the table, picking up three skewers with meats on them... and chowing down on them, furiously.

"H-Hey! What are you doing!?" Hajime exclaimed, watching Byakuya.

"You're hoggin' all the food! No fair!" Akane yelled.

"No! I'm not...!" Byakuya responded, food still in his mouth.

"I don't care what you say, you're totally pigging out!" Mahiru scolded.

"I'm telling you, I'm not...! Look carefully at this dish." Byakuya instructed.

"It looks like delicious roasted meat..." Nekomaru said, as you approached Byakuya, who was still shoving the food in his mouth.

"...And just what is stabbed into this roasted meat?" Byakuya asked.

"It's...a skewer." You muttered as you softly used your finger to angle one of the skewers down to your level.

"That's right. This iron skewer is definitely a dangerous item. I must take full respond is responsibility and collect it!" Byakuya declared.

At that moment, Teruteru arrived in the dining hall.

"Heeeey! Looks like everyone's here! I should go ahead and bring out the rest of the...huh?" He stopped realizing something. "Whaaaaa-!? Some messy eater ruined my arrangement!"

"Who made this dish?" Byakuya asked.

"Th-That would be me, but...um... Are you a food critic...?" Teruteru responded, nervously.

"What are you plotting? Cooking with such dangerous item... speaking of which, what is this dish?" Byakuya asked. "...It's quite delicious."

"It's churrasco." You started. "It a dish made in South America, where the meat is cooked on an iron skewer...many people enjoy it." You explained, still tilting one of the skewers to your level.

"Th-Thats right!" Teruteru exclaimed. "It felt really tropical and exotic, so I though it would totally fit the party's atmosphere."

"(F/N), how'd you know that...?" Hajime asked.

"Some of my more successful locations are in South America, so I've had to travel there a lot." You explained, facing him. "Kinda a given I've learned some stuff."

"Wowow~ I love me a women who knows her meats...~" Teruteru muttered.

"...Okay." You deadpanned at the chef. "I do too. Does that make me special or something?"

Silence.

"...These iron skewers are a problem." Byakuya said.

"Eh!? Iron skewers aren't allowed either!?" Teruteru asked.

"If that's how you're acting, then there might be more skewers than just these..." Byakuya muttered. "(F/N), Hajime, come with me. I need your assistance."

"Wh-Why us!?" Hajime stuttered.

"It's your guys' fault for standing right in front of him..." Kazuichi voiced. "My condolences..."

"Thanks." You chuckled, before nudging Hajime. "C'mon, Hajime, let's not make him wait."

"Y-Yeah...let's go." Hajime said.

"Make sure he doesn't try anything, Miss (F/N)!" Kazuichi called out.

"The angel is very capable of handling things herself... she does not need such simple reminders as that." Gundam stated.

"A-Angel!? Hey, don't tell me your making moves on her!?" Kazuichi sputtered as you made your way out of the dining hall with Hajime, leaving the bickering of Kazuichi and Gundam. Byakuya had led you both to the kitchen where Teruteru was cooking.

"All right... This is the kitchen. We have to thoroughly inspect it to make sure there are no dangerous items." Byakuya instructed of you and Hajime, as he made his way inside the kitchen.

"I don't think this should be too difficult..." You muttered, Hajime silently agreeing with you as you both entered the kitchen.

"Let's get on with it, then. Search this place thoroughly." Byakuya ordered. The kitchen looked like, well, any average kitchen. There were pots and pans everywhere, multiple cooking tops, and regular utensils. There was even a large plate of meat on a stick prepared.

"Look...I found these. There are forks and knives on that shelf." Byakuya mentioned.

"...Don't tell me, those too?" Hajime sweatdropped. "We're going to need those to eat..."

"They're definitely dangerous items. If you need to eat, chopsticks will suffice." Byakuya said, as he threw the forks and knives into a case he had brought.

As you inspected the kitchen, you found something that would no doubt be of use.

"Hey, look..." You said, grabbing the attention of the two males. "It's a list of all the equipment in this kitchen... this'll help." You stated, as you made your reach for it. You turned around, only to see Byakuya and Hajime averting their eyes from you, growing slightly pinker.

"Idiots..." You sighed. "20 forks, 20 knifes, 20 spoons, 5 iron skewers, 3 frying pans, 20 wine glasses, portable iron plates for barbecuing, and a portable stove for cooking hotpots." You listed off, as Hajime and Byakuya listened.

"I remember seeing the iron plates and the portable stove on a nearby shelf..." Byakuya added. "This kitchen seems to be well kept. There should be no problems using it."

"This building might be old, but the kitchen is pretty impressive. Compared to the hotel restaurant, it's not too shabby." Hajime observed.

"But, something's strange... One of the items on this list seems to be short by one..." You muttered. 

"Is it really this necessary to go this far...?" Hajime asked, and you couldn't help but agree.

"Of course it is, that's why I'm doing it in the first place." Byakuya stated. "I need to fulfill my promise to not let anyone fall victim to a killing, so, I must be extremely careful." He finished, as Hajime kept asking the leader questions, saying he assumed something had happened to Byakuya.

"Well... I've been a distrustful person...for as long as I can remember." Byakuya responded. "...I don't really like to talk about my past, but... It's fine. I can tell you both about it." You decided to give your attention to the heir speaking.

"I cannot easily talk about my past with other... I suspect my skeptical is partly to blame" He began. "Distrusting others...and being distrusted in turn... For a long time, my life was a living hell. It was inevitable that I would end up this way... But, in this kind of situation, my skeptical nature might be of good use." Byakuya said. "If we're to survive here, skepticism is necessary at all costs."

"But...the past you mentioned-" "It's not the time." Byakuya interrupted Hajime as he was speaking. "But, maybe one day, there'll be a time when I tell the both of you about it. If nothing happens and time passes for us peacefully... I will talk."

"...No more unnecessary banter. We'd better hurry and find the rest of those dangerous items." Byakuya ordered as you looked around the kitchen, equipment list in hand.

"Huuuuaaaah!?" You heard, which you found to be Teruteru, as he entered the kitchen. "Wah, the kitchen's a mess! What happened here!?"

"Don't raise your annoying voice... I just removed all the dangerous items." Byakuya said, plainly.

"Ah, there are no knives or forks! Why!? How come!?" Teruteru asked.

"I literally just said that I removed all of the dangerous items." Byakuya scoffed.

"Don't tell me...you're treating cooking utensils like dangerous items?" Teruteru said. "Well, most of the dishes are finished. All I gotta do is arrange the plates, so it's not a problem, but...but...but still!"

"Waaaaaaaaaaaah! (F/N)! Hajime!" Teruteru cried.

"Don't bring me into this." You said quietly, slinking away from the perverted chef for...obvious reasons. "Also, there's something I noticed." You said, bringing everyone's attention to your for a second time. "It looks like there's an iron skewer missing due to the equipment list..."

"Ah, that's right... As far as I know, that's been missing from the start." Teruteru answered. "No matter how clean this place gets...stuff is still bound to go missing in an old building, right?"

"Hm, if it's been missing all along...we can't really do anything about it, right?" Hajime asked.

"You're correct... There's no place to hide such a long skewer, anyway... That's it. All I just need to do is keep a watchful eye." Byakuya said

"Do you plan on doing that... all night long?" Hajime asked.

"Let's get back. The others should be waiting for us." Byakuya instructed as he began walking out of the kitchen, while you put the equipment list back where it was hanging. As you were leaving, you turned around to face the Teruteru, who was still in the kitchen.

"Sorry about all of this, Teruteru." You started. "Byakuya might be...overbearing, right now, but he's just trying to keep us safe."

"Well... there is one way you could apologize to m-" "BYE!" You hurried out of the kitchen.

"...Everything all right?" Hajime asked, as you met him in the hallway.

"...Yeah." You sighed. "I just wanted to try and apologize to Teruteru about Byakuya and everything, but then he decided to be...him."

"Oh...I'm sorry about that." Hajime sympathized.

"Eh, I should've expected it, honestly..." You shrugged, hugging your arms as you walked along with Hajime.

"Well...uh... Y-You look really nice..." Hajime stuttered, as he looked away, pink faced. You smiled warmly at the boy. You nudged Hajime with your elbow, jokingly.

"Aw, well don't be embarrassed... Thanks, Hajime." You said, as the both of you started chuckling softly, entering the dining hall.

"Hey, you guys are back...!" Mahiru said once the two of you entered.

"They didn't do anything to you, right Miss (F/N)!?" Kazuichi asked, as you replied with a confused no.

"Hey, let's eat already! I'm starvin'!" Akane yelled.

"...There's still an issue we need to address first." Byakuya said.

"Eh? An issue?" Akane yelled, again. "Who do I gotta beat the crap outta? Just say the word I'll do it for ya!"

"That won't be necessary..." Byakuya muttered. "The issue is where to safeguard this duralumin case that has all the confiscated dangerous items."

"Can't we just leave it here?" Kazuichi questioned.

"I've already put a lock on the case, so it shouldn't be a problem, but we should definitely up the security and keep it some place safe." Byakuya explained.

"If we need to store it some place safe, then I believe there is a storage room at the back of this old building." Sonia mentioned.

"A storage room, huh?" Byakuya repeated. "...Even so, we can't leave the case alone in there."

"Then someone should guard it. That would keep it safe, yes?" Peko claimed, as Hiyoko asked who would be the one to do it.

"...I'll do it, of course." Peko stated, plainly.

"Eh, are you sure...? I guess... if you insist." Mikan uttered. "Just kidding..!"

"But it'll be lonely there by yourself." Ibuki remarked.

"I don't mind... I'm really not that good in situations where I have to be around lots of people anyway." Peko affirmed.

"Nahaha, if I wrote a song about this, the title would definitely be 'The Lonely Girl in the Storage Room." Ibuki laughed.

"But, is it all right if I take some of this food...? Teruteru went through the trouble of cooking it, and I would not want it to go to waste." Peko asked.

"Of course, Peko. You'd probably need food if you were to spend the entire night in there. It's not a problem at all." You smiled at swordswoman, as she repeated the action.

"But, if you're going to be doing guard duty, try avoiding the storage room." Nagito recommended. "The storage room is packed full of cobwebs, and it's very hard to see. Not to mention, I was so busy cleaning the dining hall, I didn't have time to clean the storage room."

"It's probably be bad for your health to stay in there a long time..." Hajime added.

"In that case... Why don't you guard it in the office?" Byakuya suggested. "If I recall correctly, there's also a circuit breaker in there, too. It'd be a good idea to guard that as well." He finished, as Nagito agreed.

"...Understood. So I need to be on guard duty at the office." Peko repeated. "Then, I should get going. Have fun tonight, everyone." She saluted as she grabbed her small plate of food, and the duralumin case, leaving the dining hall. Ibuki professed how Peko walking away gave a cool, melancholy vibe.

"But shouldn't she have taken that other case with her, too?" Hiyoko asked.

"...No, this case is fine." Byakuya said. 

"Hey, no fair! You're, like, the only one who got to bring their own stuff." Hiyoko huffed.

"When you're as special as me...you get special privileges." Byakuya voiced, crossing his arms.

"When you put it that way...it's hard to argue with you." Kazuichi said.

"This duralumin case stays with me at all time. I've put the key to the other case in here as well." Byakuya instructed. "I will take full responsibility for watching over it. There's no way I can let anyone else handle this matter."

"M-More importantly..." Akane huffed, drool spilling out of her mouth. "We're all done now, right? Let's start the party..."

"No, there's still more." Byakuya said.

"Ugh, who do ya want me to beat the crap outta!? Hurry up and tell me already!" Akane yelled.

"I don't think that's what he wants..." You said.

"Actually, if you're volunteering, I do have a particular nuisance in mind..." Byakuya said.

"...You're talking about Monokuma, right?" You asked.

"He's the one thing that could obviously disrupt this party." Byakuya explained.

"Awwww riiiiight! So you'll let me eat if I beat the crap outta Monokuma, right!?" Akane asked, a threatening aura surrounded her.

"Wait a sec... If you actually pick a fight with that thing, you're going to end up perforated..." Nekomaru interjected.

"Are you tellin' me to wait till I starve to death!?" Akane complained, as Mahiru expressed how that was a bit extreme.

"Our opponent is not someone we can just fight. Rather, it's better if we use our heads and think of a plan..." Byakuya said.

"...I'll do something about it." Chiaki said.

"Do something...? You...?" Byakuya muttered.

"Hey now... What can a girl like you do? You're just gonna put yourself in danger." Kazuichi asked.

"I won't. It's not like I'll personally do something." Chiaki explained. 

"...Do you intend to utilize Monomi?" Gundam suggested.

"Yeah, if I can talk her into helping us... She might be able to keep Monokuma at bay...at least, that's what I think." Chiaki said.

"That's...actually really smart, Chiaki." You complimented.

"Are you really okay with this, Chiaki? I still think it's dangerous..." Nagito expressed.

"I'll be fine. If things get dangerous, I'll just run away as fast as I can." Chiaki reassured. "...Well then, I'll be going now."

As Chiaki walked away, you couldn't help but feel a strange feeling, it was like your first day on the island. Something was off, and it didn't feel good to you.

"S-So, it's all settled, right? Then can we..." Akane uttered, as she eyed the tables of food.

"You're right. Let's begin." Byakuya said, as Akane made a straight dash for the first food filled table. She began furiously chowing down on the food Teruteru prepared, it shocked you, a lot.

You simply grabbed a soda, as Sonia decided to try and engage in a conversation with you. You didn't mind as she continued talking to you about smaller things. Kazuichi had joined in at one point, and it was all extremely enjoyable.

"Hey, (F/N)!!" Akane called out, inbetween a mouthful of food. "Are ya not gonna eat? All this food is so good, I-I can't stop myself!!"

"Nah, Akane, I'm good." You shook your head, as you took a sip of (favorite drink).

"I believe you should eat something, (F/N)." Sonia expressed. "There is a wide variety of food that Teruteru made for this occasion."

"Why, that's right! I've prepared so much for this, and I'll be dammed if you don't eat any!" Teruteru professed. "I remember I would show you what real cooking looks like, I expect your panties to drop once you've tried it!"

"U-Uh... I-I think I'm okay..." You uttered.

"Well... if she's not gonna take it... then I will!!" Akane yelled.

"Well, I do have more dishes in the kitchen! Maybe little Miss (F/N) right here will accept that!" Teruteru said, as he left the dining hall to bring out more food.

"Hey everyone! While we're all here, why don't I take pictures for you guys!" Mahiru asked.

"Wow, that sounds wonderful! Please do!" Sonia beamed, as Mahiru took multiple pictures. After the last flash, you felt two arms wring around your torso, picking you up and spinning you in circles.

"What the-!" "Wooo!" The voice said from behind you, which you recognized to be Ibuki. "Does (F/N) enjoy being spun around by Ibuki!?" You giggled, as you hit Ibuki's arm a few times, as a sign to try and set you down.

"Unhand the angel immediately!" Gundam yelled at Ibuki. "You are not worthy of such one sided contact with her!"

"Okay, okay Ibuki, put me down now...!" You giggled at Ibuki, who set you down after one last spin, giggling as well. She struck a penguin like pose, sticking her tongue out with a small peace sign.

"Sorry! You just looked sooo scrumptious in that small little dress, I wanted to hold you close and take a biiiiig bite!" Ibuki giggled.

"Well don't just pick up Miss (F/N) without her consent like that! Thats... That's not cool!" Kazuichi yelled, as you giggled, saying it was fine, as you got into another conversation with Sonia, now with the additions of Ibuki, and Kazuichi.

A few seconds after, there was a loud groan.

"Th-This party just started...but..." Nekomaru strained. "I...I must return to my cottage!!"

"Don't be foolish. I won't allow such selfish actions." Byakuya said.

"Don't stop me, Byakuya... There comes a time when a man knows he's gotta go...!" Nekomaru replied. "If I don't go now...it would shame me as a man... Shitting my pants would totally shame me as a MAAAAAAAAAAAAAANNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!" He bellowed.

...Oh.

"If you need to use the bathroom, there's one in this old building. Why do you need to go back to your cottage?" Byakuya questioned.

"I-I've been trying to use it many times...but the door just won't open at all!" Nekomaru professed.

"Wh-What is this blasphemy!?" Gundam uttered.

"...What now?" Byakuya asked, clearly getting annoyed.

"M-My Hell Hound Earring...has disappeared! Did it vanish into the subspace!?" Gundam questioned. " Angel! Please, use your blessed senses to find where my Hell Hound Earring has disappeared to!"

"S-Stop calling her angel!" Kazuichi yelled.

"Calm down... You probably just dropped it somewhere." Byakuya said.

"Oh shit! I'm gonna SHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!!!" Nekomaru yelled.

"Shut up! Don't you dare!" Byakuya ordered.

"Heeeey, is it really all right if I eat all of this?" Akane mumbled, as food was still being shoved into her mouth.

"D-Don't be an idiot! Make sure you leave some for me!" Byakuya yelled back.

"Heeeeey Byakuya! Everyone c'mon! I'm gonna take a picture!" Mahiru announced. "All right, say 'cheeeeeeeeeeese!'"

"Hey! Why can't you all act a little more mature...?" Byakuya said.

"There's too much going on right now..." You thought, as you then heard a beeping sound.

"...Hm? What was that sound just now?" Byakuya questioned.

At that moment everything turned black. Not a black where you could still somewhat see the outlines of other people, but a complete, pitch black, where you couldn't see your hand if you put it directly in front of your face.

"U-Uwah! It's a b-blackout!" Someone said, but you couldn't recognize who.

"Hey, I can't see anything!" Another voice said.

You heard footsteps, but couldn't accurately depict where they were going. You decided to slowly take steps backwards, hoping to find yourself a wall.

"I-It's pitch black! My future is pitch black!"

"E-Everyone, calm down! We gotta stay calm in a situation like this!"

"Waaah! Don't step on my feet!"

"What the hell? What's going on here!?"

"Th-This is...!"

"Ow!"

As you were still slowly and cautiously taking your steps back, still holding to find a wall, you then felt a force collide with you, sending the two of you to the ground.

"Oof-!" You heaved, as you felt your back hit the floor, your hands gripping something on top of you.

"Turn the damn lights on! I can't eat like this, y'know!"

"You guys? Where are you? W-Wasn't the blackout...just in the kitchen?"

"Perhaps the breaker overloaded?"

"H-Hold on a sec! I'll go along the wall and...so something about it...!"

After whoever said that, the lights turned on again, and you opened your eyes after the impact from your fall, only to see that the something on top of you was not a thing, but a person.

On top of you, was Nagito, who had his elbows planted on both sides of your head. His eyes were closed, and breathing labored, as he failed to realize the situation you were both in. Once he opened his eyes, his breathing stopped, as the both of you now realized how close your faces were to each other, the tips of your noses almost touching.

"Nagito...?" Hajime muttered. "(F-F/N)!?" He exclaimed, now bringing some unwanted attention from the others.

"I-" "Uh-" You both stuttered at the same, before hearing a high pitched scream.

You both looked to your left, and there was Mikan, in yet another compromising position. This time, there had been a long string of sausage wrapped around her leg and her hands, as she was on her back, her legs spread wide open, skirt flipped up. The only thing keeping Mikan from being exposed was a plate of seafood, conveniently placed right where her...delicate bits are.

"M-Mikan...!" You stuttered, finding this as a way out from your current situation with Nagito, stumbling out from under him, going your way to go and help Mikan from her situation.

"I-I'm sorry! I tripped again!" She cried.

"S-Seriously...? How do you trip and end up like...*that*!?" Hajime asked.

"Yaaaaay, an erotic pose! This is obviously a fan service moment!" Hiyoko cheered.

"Eek... Noooooo... P-Please...don't look at me!" Mikan cried, as Ibuki giggled at Mikan's current state.

"Mahiru! It's time to snap a picture!" Ibuki chimed.

"Th-There's no way I can do that!" Mahiru protested, as you were almost done helping Mikan out of her position.

"Hyeh... Please forgive me... J-Just forgive me alreaadyyyyy!" Mikan cried again.

"Hey, hey! Mikan! It's okay...it was probably an accident!" You comforted her, cradling her face in your palms, as she put her hand over yours.

"I-I-I'm so sorry! Forgive me!" She cried into your hand as you consoled her.

"It's okay...just be careful from now on." Mahiru said.

"Oh, I'm glad! The lights are back on here, too!" Kazuichi said.

"So you were the one who fixed the breaker, Kazuichi! You were unusually useful this time!" Hiyoko 'praised'.

"Well, no...I couldn't find my way to the office with the circuit breaker..." Kazuichi muttered.

"Eh? Then why are the lights back on?" Mahiru asked.

"Eh, who knows?" Kazuichi shrugged.

"Don't 'who knows' me! You're so useless!" Mahiru scolded.

"Argh! It's not my fault, you know! There's no way I could've found my way to the office in that darkness!" Kazuichi yelled back.

"Oh my..." Sonia muttered.

"Sonia...did something happen?" Nagito asked.

"No...Byakuya is missing. Did he go somewhere?" Sonia pondered, as you looked around and realized that Byakuya, was in fact, not here.

"...Yeah, he's not here..." You wondered aloud, as everyone looked around as well.

"Th-That's weird... He was here earlier...right?" Mahiru asked.

"Did he run off somewhere...during the blackout?" Ibuki pondered.

"Could he even in that pitch blackness...?" Hajime worried.

"I'm...a little worried. We should split up and go look for him." Nagito instructed, as everyone chose where they were going to investigate. Sonia would check the hallway, Hajime would check the entrance, Kazuichi would check the office, and Nekomaru ran to the bathroom. Since it seemed most places were going to be checked, you decided to try and investigate the dining hall a little bit more. You had searched most of the room when those who left had come back.

Hajime said that nobody went outside, since he got in contact with Chiaki.

Teruteru said nobody was in the kitchen, obviously.

Nagito said the storage room was cleared.

Kazuichi said that nobody was in the office, which others questioned because Peko was supposed to be in there, but Kazuichi confirmed nobody was there.

"...Hm? Hmmmm?" Akane muttered, sniffing the air.

"Did something happen, Akane?" Sonia asked.

"Well... Do any of you...smell somethin'...?" She asked, still sniffing the air.

"Wh-When partially digested food is absorbed by the small intestine, it's decomposed by bacteria, releasing gas...which is mostly absorbed in the intestinal tract, but whatever cannot be absorbed is excreted from the anus" Mikan informed. "Th-Those are the mechanics of farting... But...farting isn't something to be embarrassed about!

"What? No! I'm not talkin' about that..." Akane said. "...It smells like blood."

"B-Blood!?" Hajime exclaimed, as Akane continued to sniff the air.

"It's comin' from over there...!" She exclaimed, as she pointed to a table in the farthest right corner of the room... the corner you had yet to inspect. It was a long table, covered in a white tablecloth, and adorned with a simple lamp, which was somehow turned on. You slowly approached the table, as the smell of tin invaded your senses more and more, to the point you could almost taste it on your tongue, which had turned dry.

"It's comin' from under there! I know it!" Akane stated, as Hajime came up behind you, looking at you nervously held the bottom of the tablecloth. You looked at Hajime once, then back at the tablecloth, before finally flipping the tablecloth back.

Your breath stopped, as there was one of the most horrifying sights you had come across was under the table. The underside of the tablecloth had been splattered with bright, magenta blood...as Byakuya Togami was on his stomach, face down in the liquid that was no doubt his, the floor under him painted in that awful, pink color. A knife had been near is dead body, along with a pair of night vision goggles, a few inches away from his face, which none of you could see.

Byakuya Togami... The Ultimate Affluent Progeny...

The man who had promised to keep you all safe, and guide you through this difficult situation...

Was now dead.

~~

I FINALLY FINISHED A CHAPTER UGGHHHH

BUT NOW BYAKUYA'S DEAD😭

thank you for hopefully reading this chapter, please vote, comment, and//or follow me if you enjoyed, and stay tuned for the investigation :)

bye for now~!