Chapter 3: Free Time Events #1

The next morning, I heard a bell sound, along with Monokuma's announcement.

"Good morning, everyone! It is now 7 a.m. and nighttime is officially over! Time to rise and shine! Get ready to greet another beee-yutiful day!"

I got up from my bed and immediately went to take a shower. I washed up and made sure I looked decent enough. I opened the closet to see that all the outfits are the same as the one I came with yesterday. I sighed and put my clothes on. I put on the last finishing touches to my look (gloves, messenger bag, belts, etc.) and headed out. I sat in the dining hall, greeting whoever arrived and ate a small breakfast. After some time rolled around, I went back to my room.

"I have some free time... Maybe I can go and get to know some of the students."

(Here, I will feature everyone's first free time event and the reader gets to choose who they want to hang out with! If the characters die/ are not present at the moment, I will not continue their free time events-- Author-chan)

-TOKO FUKAWA-

I walked over to Toko's room. I thought maybe I can relate to her a bit if I got to know her. I knocked on her door and hoped for the best. Toko opened the door and glared at me.

"Did you come h-here to yell at me? My whole life is one u-unpleasant experience after another...!"

"No, not that. I just wanted to hang out. I had some free time, so I decided to spend it on you.", I said with a smile.

"I was p-perfectly happy spending time by m-myself... But I guess if you're so d-desperate for attention, I can h-hang out for a little bit...", Toko grumbled. I spent some time with the cold and distant Toko... After a while, I noticed Toko went quiet.

"U-Um, Toko...?", I grabbed Toko's attention.

"What? You wanna t-talk to me? Well, I can't stop y-you. So talk already!", Toko spat.

"So, uh, what do you like to do in your spare time?", I asked.

"Why do you w-wanna know...?", Toko asked.

"Well, I mean, you know... Since we're kinda stuck here, I thought it would be nice to be friends and get to know each other.", I explained with a small smile.

"Huh? What'd you just s-say?", Toko stuttered.

"Uh, what? Did I say something wrong?", I questioned innocently.

"After that p-part about being trapped... We're gonna be wh-what?", Toko urged.

"Friends.", I simply stated.

"Hmmmeeheheheeh... Whaddya mean, f-friends!? You think I'm s-stupid? You're trying to trick me! I've already been h-hurt once before... I'm not gonna l-let it happen again...! Come on, y-you don't really care about m-me... You don't want to kn-know about me! Even I know that...!", Toko retorted.

"Toko, that's not true. I really want to get to know you.", I calmly explained.

"Fine. Then t-tell me... You know why they c-call me The Ultimate Writing Prodigy, right?", Toko questioned.

"Well, you won all kinds of literary prizes for your work--", Toko cut me off.

"Then tell me wh-what I'm good at... Tell m-me what my genre specialty is! If you r-really wanna convince me you give a crap, you should at least kn-know that...!", Toko pointed at me. I smiled and lightly moved her finger away from my face.

"That's easy too. You specialize in Romance. Your biggest success was "So Lingers The Ocean," and everyone says it's your masterpiece. The book was such a hit that fishermen shot to the top of all the "Hottest Men" polls... right? I'm a fan of your work, you know. Your words are so captivating.", I praised.

"How did y-you know all that...? There's no way you c-care about me...!", Toko bit her nails in frustration.

"But I do care! We're friends, aren't we?", I asked.

"Nng...! I'm blind! Your k-kind nature blinded me! Hyeeeeeeeehhh!", Toko ran into her room and locked the door behind her.

"Well... That went slightly better than I expected. But... Toko probably hates me now.", I sighed as I went back to my room.

-AOI ASAHINA-

I decided to hang out with Hina, since she seemed to be the more positive one out of us all. I found Hina about to start some sort of workout.

"Oh, Hi Kuno! You wanna do some stretches with me?", Hina asked. I nodded and got into position in the middle of the hallway. I followed Hina's lead and did some elaborate stretching... After that, we decided to take a break.

"Oh man... Oh man...!", Hina was jumping on her toes.

"Is something wrong, Hina?", I asked with a confused look.

"I'm gettin' totally fired up!", Hina declared.

"All we did was stretch...", I deadpanned.

"It doesn't matter! Now that I'm revved up, I need to get it out! Let's race!", Hina offered.

"Really!? Oh, I love to race! I remember before I got into my job, I would race my cousins around our streets and parks! It was so much fun! Though, I don't think I'll be able to keep up with you, Hina!", I laughed.

"Haha! You know, I get that alot. I used to know this one guy, he was always like, "Hina, you're like, a super spaz!". ", Hina pouted.

"Super... what?", I was confused.

"Yeah! Like, he'd see me wearing shorts in winter, and he'd say stuff like that. But if you lose to the cold like that, it just means you weren't dedicated enough!", Hina complained.

"Wow, you did stuff like that and didn't get sick? I envy you, I get sick if the weather drops by one degree!", I grumbled.

"Getting sick is for the weak! If you're really dedicated, winter means even lighter clothes! It's all part of your training!", Hina encouraged.

"Well, what am I supposed to do when I get sick so easily?", I asked.

"Okay! I've got the perfect remedy to keep someone like you fit as a fiddle!", Hina offered.

"What kind?", I questioned.

"Actually, I do this myself every morning! You just strip down to your waist, then take a dry towel and start rubbing down your bare skin! I call it...! I call it... uh... What do you call it again?", Hina asked herself.

"Towel treatment?", I offered.

"Oh my God! Yeah, that's it! I love going out on my apartment balcony, stripping down, feeling the wind on my skin... God, it feels so amazing! I never let a morning pass without getting in a good rubdown!", Hina confessed with a happy expression, while I was as red as a fire truck.

"O-O-On the b-balcony...? As in... O-O-O-Out in the op-open?", I stuttered.

"Yep! You should give it a try! If you haven't got your health, you haven't got anything! I'd hate to see you catch cold or something...", Hina said with a genuine smile. I wanted to tell her that people may or may have not watched her do that, but she looked too happy at the moment.

"T-Thanks for telling me, Hina. I'll try it sometime.", with that, I waved goodbye to Hina and left.

-YASUHIRO HAGAKURE-

I decided to hang out with Hiro since I thought I may get a different outlook on him if we hang out. I found him in the dining hall, about to eat a burger.

"Yo, Kuno! You wanna grab a bite with me? I'll teach you where all the best power spots are!", Hiro offered. I went with it as Hiro taught me about all the best power spots, whatever those were... After the lesson, Hiro kept staring at me in a thoughtful daze.

"Take a picture, it'll last longer.", I joked.

"Yeah, yeah, I know I get lost in thought a lot! Hey, Kuno. You know what I think? You and me meeting like this? It wasn't a coincidence. So I've got some good news for you! I'm gonna give you a psychic reading at a huge discount!", Hiro said with a fist to his chest.

"A discount...?", I questioned.

"Normally it's a thousand bucks for two hours. But for you? Let's call it nine hundred!", Hiro offered.

"That's only a hundred-dollar discount... And it's still expensive with or without the discount.", I explained with a deadpanned look.

"Hey, come on! You should count yourself luck that The Ultimate Clairvoyant is willing to tell your future!", Hiro pointed a finger at me.

"Depends on how right you are with your fortune telling.", I pointed back at him with a smirk.

"I sure am! At the bare minimum, I've got a 20% chance of accuracy!", Hiro said with pride.

"Hm... Smells like bull to me...", I joked as I sipped my drink.

"For real? Don't make that face! Didn't you hear what I said!? 20% of the time I'm right, every time! That includes natural disasters, election results, you name it! Don't you realize how amazing that is!?", Hiro asked.

"Hmm... still skeptical...", I mumbled with a small smile. I loved pushing people to see them bring the best out of themselves. I won't be too mean, just teasing.

"Okay, fine! I'll give you a special trial run! After all, I've already seen what the future has in store for you!", Hiro was about to continue, but I cut him off.

"No need to show me, Hiro. I believe you. I actually want my future to be a mystery.", I explained with a smile.

"H-Huh? But why?", Hiro looked confused.

"I guess the people who come to you want to know what happens later on, but I don't. I just feel like the thrill of this world comes from the fact that we don't know what will happen the next day, or the next, or the one after that. That, my friend, is why I want my future to be a secret.", I elaborated.

"All right, I dig your type of thinking! But if you ever want to know your future, come talk to me! Hahaha!", Hiro laughed as he left the dining hall with a happy laugh.I sighed and left the dining hall.

-CELESTIA LUDENBERG-

I wanted to hang out with Celeste since she was quite the character. Besides, a lot of the stuff she said about herself can't be real, can it? I found Celeste in the main hall. I walked over to her with a smile.

"How are you, Celeste?"

"Ah, Kuno. I am well. I hope you are as well. Would you like to play a game of chance with me? Do not fear, I will not use your money, this is just practice for me.", Celeste offered. I agreed and we kept playing a bunch of chance games, Celeste winning every time... After the games, we took a break.

"Kuno, I would like to share something with you.", Celeste said with a small smile.

"What is it?", I urged. I was desperate to know something about the "Queen of Liars".

"My perfect gambling strategy.", Celeste revealed.

"Um, but doesn't gambling have to with luck?", I asked.

"Actually, that is my strategy. The exciting part about gambling is that there is a power which can overwhelm any strategy. That power is... luck. There are only two types of luck-- good and bad. There is no in-between. And that luck is built into every human at the moment of conception. Like a computer program. Some call it fate. The bottom line is, luck is life. Do you see what I am saying?", Celeste explained.

"I guess I do. But that's your strategy? Luck?", I questioned.

"Correct. You see, I was programmed to have good luck when it comes to gambling. This is why I have never lost.", Celeste said with her interlocked fingers under her chin, portraying someone with elegance,

"That is actually really interesting.", I praised with a stunned look.

"Hmhm. Why thank you. Well then, have a nice day.", with those words, Celeste left the area.

-SAKURA OGAMI-

I wanted to hang out with Sakura since I had respect for her. A martial artist with a level head and respect was a quality that I didn't know I would be drawn too, yet here I am, looking for Sakura like a lifeline. I found Sakura in the hallway, about to head for the dining hall.

"Hey, Sakura. You busy?", I asked with a small smile.

"I just got done exercising. Now would be a good time for a break. Would you like to get something to drink and talk for a bit?", Sakura offered. I agreed and we both made our favorite types of tea. We shared the teapots with each other, talking about the most relaxing things one could imagine. Sakura put her cup down and opened up a new topic.

"My post-training break is the most relaxing of my day. The sensation of your muscles cooling down after heating up during a workout is the only true reward. No matter how many times I experience it, I never get tired of it.", Sakura mused.

"I can see why you like this so much, Sakura. It's like the whole world melts away and all that is left is yourself and your tea. And having someone to talk to about the calmest things makes things ten times better. Do you exercise every morning, Sakura?", I asked as I poured some more tea for both of us.

"Unless there are errands that I absolutely can't get out of, yes, I always do my training. If I don't, I feel restless for the rest of the day.", Sakura admitted.

"I see. I kind of relate, just a bit. I always have to make something during the day in the forge or I will feel like I have been lazy. Here, I made this morning.", I pulled out a small metal brooch out of my messenger bag.

http://www.textilegarden.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/IMG_8694.jpg

"It's stunning, Kuno. You truly do have a talent. Do you just make pins or do you also make weapons?", Sakura asked as she examined the brooch.

"I do make weapons, but I like to make other things too. They're mostly... For my mother and father. I'm not good at a lot of things, but I know that I can at least show my appreciation for them through my projects.", I admitted with a small blush on my face. Sakura smiled a bit and gave me back my brooch.

"They must care for you deeply, and you care for them just as much."

"Thanks, Sakura. But I'm amazed you can exercise every single day. Doesn't it get tough?", I asked.

"I can't say I've ever seen it as tough. It's all so that I can get stronger, after all... And I have to keep on getting stronger, because my destiny is to fight.", Sakura admitted.

"Your destiny?", I questioned.

"From the day I was born, I've been fighting. Heaven sent me to live as its champion. My father was my master, and my every waking moment was spent with him learning to fight. As a child, I sparred with boxing champions and hit the mat with wrestling gold medalists. I was no match for them when I first began, of course... But before long, *they* were no match for *me*.", Sakura said with a thoughtful look as she finished another cup of tea.

"If that isn't a glow up story, I don't know what is! You're amazing, Sakura! How do you do it?", I asked.

"I'd say my specialty is solid stand-up that transitions into grappling and a strong ground game. Essentially, it's a complete approach. Anything else just wouldn't make sense. You can only become the best by reaching the top of each discipline, then fusing them all together.", Sakura mentioned.

"That's mixed martial arts, right?", I guessed.

"That's right. It's the most effective real-world fighting style, which is why I chose it. I don't want to just be the best in competitions. I want to be the strongest human on Earth.", Sakura declared.

"How close are you to that spot?", I questioned.

"There's still one more person. There's still someone I have to surpass... Until I can beat him, I'll never become the strongest...", Sakura admitted.

"Well, who is it?", I asked.

"Maybe I'll tell you about it another time, if the opportunity presents itself.", with that, Sakura got up from her seat and bid me farewell with a bow and quiet footsteps. I placed our pots in the dishwasher and left with a relaxed mind.

-BYAKUYA TOGAMI-

I decided to hang out with Byakuya because, to be honest, I thought that maybe I was judging him by his personality and maybe he had something good to offer or even a good purpose in life. ANYTHING that would make me change my mind about him. I wanted to bond with everyone, after all. I found him in the main hall, looking at the huge hatch with an arrogant stare.

"Um, Byakuya, are you free right now?", I asked.

"Don't address me as if we're friends. Did I not make myself clear? I. Don't. Like. You.", Byakuya emphasized each word.

"Don't worry. Every rich guy doesn't.", I said with a smile.

"How many times do I have to tell you? You're annoying. Feel free to crawl off and die.", despite Byakuya's words, I stayed in my place and spent time with him... He didn't talk much, but that was going to change.

"... I have a question for you.", Byakuya suddenly said without warning.

"Huh? You do?", I asked.

"Something's been bothering me for a while now, and I can't take it anymore. So to answer my question... I need you to explain to me what exactly your "Ultimate Blacksmith" title means.", Byakuya demanded.

"Um, sure. I was chosen as The Ultimate Blacksmith because I made efficient weapons, shields, and other practical appliances from a young age. My most famous one is "The Black Mamba's Bowie Knife" here.", I pulled out a small knife from my bag and showed it to Byakuya. Byakuya held it up to the light and examined it with interest, something I didn't see all that much from him.

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a8/33/90/a8339075114ac9128aefb57a9135518c.jpg

"So you were chosen By Hope's Peak for your attention to detail. I see. Well, that answers my question.", Byakuya smirked as he handed me the knife back.

"And what question is that?", I asked.

"How a commoner like you could get into this school. Oh, I forgot to mention nosy. How a nosy generic commoner got in...", Byakuya shot those words right at me like bullets.

"I should have known you would say that...", I mumbled.

"But it's the truth.", Byakuya simply stated.

"Maybe to you. You're The Ultimate Affluent Progeny. You're set for life in your family. I have to work to keep myself from falling in the pits of poverty, you know.", I retorted with a pout.

"You seem to think it's merely an issue of title. But make no mistake... My lineage, intelligence, figure, athletic ability-- they are all ultimate. Which is to say, I am The Ultimate Perfection. Feel free to begin calling me that, in fact. You, who have nothing. I, who have everything. We are living proof that all people are *not* created equal. You have my pity, Kuno. Life can be very cruel indeed. And because I pity you so much, perhaps someday I'll allow you to hear my tale of glory. Consider it a blessing, a gift from me to you, to allow you to bask in my glory.", Byakuya was about to leave, but I called for him before he left.

"So does that mean you *want* me to hang out with you? You're already growing a heart, Byakuya! I'm so proud!", I fake cried. Byakuya physically tensed before grumbling and leaving me in my laughing mess.

-HIFUMI YAMADA-

I found Hifumi in the computer room, so I decided to talk to him. He seemed to be rambling to himself.

"Have you ever experienced it? The sweltering heat of the summer cons, the frigid cold of the winter cons... It's my duty to create a product that will satisfy the brave fans who suffer for their passion! I don't have time to be cooped up in a place like this...", Hifumi grumbled.

"Something on your mind, Hifumi?", I asked with a worried smile.

"Ah, Miss Sawa! You wanna hear what I have to say, huh? Well, what would you like to talk about? Comics? Video games? Anime? Collectible figures? Take your pick!", Hifumi offered. I listened to Hifumi's half-obsessed ranting for longer than I would've liked... After his rambling, Hifumi looked at me with this look that screamed, "I'm an anime hero!".

"Mwehehe... I see quality in you, Miss Sawa. True quality! And that's why... I've decided to present to my lecture on the nature of fan fiction! If we're going to be friends, you must be fully informed. I will permit no fanfic bigotry whatsoever!", Hifumi declared.

"I guess I can agree to those conditions. I do like anime and video games, but I can't focus on it because of my job. I get that you guys don't like people calling your stuff "geeky" or "weeaboo stuff", right? I guess I can see why you guys don't like that. It's disrespect to your interests.", I explained while playing with my blonde hair and tracing the edge of the table with my knife.

"That's correct! But I take the word geek as a compliment! For you see, there is nobody on Earth so full of knowledge as a geek! In a sense, a geek is like an expert. That's right, a total expert! A successful musician must necessarily be a music geek, a good movie director is a movie geek. You see? It's those experts, those *geeks* who open up the world to others! So when you say that writing fanfic is "geeky"... you're recognizing us as true experts!", Hifumi pointed out.

"I... actually never saw it like that. That was pretty deep. So um... what exactly *is* fanfic, then?", I asked.

"Oof! Super direct question FTW! Basically, we have all different kinds of stores and events, right? There are where groups of holy warriors sell their own stuff based on games, comics, anime, everything.", Hifumi explained.

"And the stuff those people make... is fanfic?", I questioned.

"Comics are the most common creation, but it also includes games, music, and even merchandise! By the way, there's a name for when a group of fanfic creators come together. Specifically, it's any organized group that comes together to release their work.", Hifumi explained.

"I heard of them! They call them a Circle, right?", I guessed.

"It sure is! Of course you knew that. I mean, it's only common sense! I certainly hope you don't expect me to explain such common-sense topics every time!", Hifumi growled.

"Well, I'm not that dumb when these topics come up.", I grumbled.

"I guess I can't blame you. The propaganda never touches on that, so as a fanfic ambassador... By the time I'm done with you, you'll be itching to buy a premium pass to the next fanfic con! Right!? Gwehehe... That's it for today. I hope you're excited for your next lesson! I can't wait to see what the future has in store for the two of us...", Hifumi laughed and walked away.

"Well... that was interesting.", I simply sighed and left.

-MONDO OWADA-

I went to look for Mondo since I thought I needed to get to know him. I found him in one of the empty classrooms and made myself known in the room.

"Heya, Mondo."

"Huh? What, you want somethin'? You wanna chill with me, huh? Gotcha... Wanna throw down!? Let's dance, sh*tbird!", Mondo started throwing punches at me. I ran around the room, trying to calm him down... After a while, he stopped and sat down on one of the chairs with his feet on the table. I sat across from him on one of the chairs in a criss-cross style. Mondo spoke up first.

"Hey Kuno! What's your ride?"

"My ride...?", I questioned.

"Yeah, man! Your hog! Your chopper! Your motorcycle!", Mondo elaborated.

"Uh... I have a skateboard...", I laughed nervously.

"What!? You're not a little kid anymore, right? And you still don't have a hog!? God, you're such a f*ckin' dweeb!", Mondo grumbled.

"I mean, I *want* one, but my mother doesn't approve driving now, motorcycle or no. She fears for me... Besides, I like my skateboard!", I pouted.

"... Alright chick, I'm gonna educate ya! A real man, or in your case woman, rides Kawasaki, okay? That's what I ride. You oughta see it, man. The v-twin's got that monster power, it's like you're dancin'. Course, it ain't for just anyone. You gotta have the skill to handle it!", Mondo explained with a genuine smile.

"You must really love your motorcycle... That smile says it all.", I smiled back.

"Hell yeah I do! I'm a goddamn biker, ain't I? We're crazy as hell!", Mondo argued.

"Yeah, you're the leader of the biggest biker gang in Japan, right?", I asked.

"Damn straight! The invincible Crazy Diamond gang! You wanna come on a ride with us? The monster sound comin' outta that straight pipe... Hot damn!", Mondo smiled with pride.

"A straight pipe is when the motorcycle doesn't have a muffler, right?", I asked.

"So you *did* know. Good! Then that's that! Next time we ride, you ride with us! Man, that makes me think back to when I first started riding. My big bro used to ride too, ya know. His name's Daiya. Daiya and Mondo-- together we were the Diamond Brothers! Everyone up and down the country knew us! Course, I was always the cool one...", Mondo crossed his arms.

"You guys sound so cool!", I praised.

"Heh, thanks. The first time I went out, I ended up at the back of the pack. Eventually the cops got on us, and they surrounded me. I was in some tough sh*t, man! So I pulled over, but when they came up to me... Well, let's just say it was a massacre.", Mondo seethed.

"Did you... k-kill...?", I mumbled.

"Nah, but they were beaten to a f*ckin' pulp! You can't wave the banner for our gang without that kinda strength! In a fight, they'll go for the leader first. Kill the leader of the pack, ya know? That's why the other gangs come after me. So if you wanna be leader of the pack, you gotta be a tough motherf*cker! You'll see what I mean when we go on our first ride. Get ready for it!", Mondo encouraged.

"But I don't know how to ride one.", I mumbled.

"Then you can ride with me!", Mondo offered with a pat on my shoulder.

"Hmm, alright! it's a deal!", I shook his hand as I got up and left with a skip in my step.

-KYOKO KIRIGIRI-

I wanted to get to know Kyoko more since she was a bit quiet. I thought she just needed a bit of a secluded area if she wanted to talk. I went up to her room and knocked on the door. A few seconds later, Kyoko opened the door.

"... Did you need something from me?", Kyoko asked.

"Not really, I just wanted to hang out... Is that okay?", I asked.

"I suppose a change of pace is necessary sometimes... Fine then, why don't we take a little break?", Kyoko said with a barely visible smile. We spent that time not doing anything in particular... Until Kyoko spoke.

"...Are you scared, Kuno?", Kyoko suddenly asked.

"Huh...?", I was a bit confused until I remembered what she was talking about. I looked down for a second but nodded.

"Ah, that's good.", Kyoko replied.

"Uh, how?", I deadpanned.

"Fear is proof that your imagination is functioning. Frankly, I feel bad for anyone who can't feel fear. Without imagination, you can never deduce which action to take next.", Kyoko explained.

"But what about you, Kyoko? Are you scared?", I asked.

"I'm scared too, of course... I simply hide my emotions. There's no advantage to be gained from letting others see how you feel.", Kyoko confessed.

"You hide them?", I questioned.

"What I mean is, I'm not as foolishly open as you are. Also, the "fear" I experience is a little different from yours, I imagine.", Kyoko deduced.

"Okay, first of all, ouch. Second of all, what do you mean by "different"?", I questioned.

"You're afraid of what might lose, right? But I'm afraid of what I've already lost.", Kyoko said as she looked away for a bit.

"That... sounds complicated, but I guess it is what it is. Everyone feels something with every emotion.", I rambled a bit.

"I know. Goodbye.", with that, Kyoko went back to her room and shut the door. I stood there for a second before sighing and leaving.

-KIYOTAKA ISHIMARU-

I actually liked people like Taka because of their passion for what they love. It's apparent that he cares for what he does and will help anyone who needs a helping hand. I found Taka mumbling to himself, so I decided to reduce his stress a bit.

"Hey Taka. Wanna hang out? You look like you need it.", I said with a smile.

"Sounds good, Kuno! If it were anyone else, no way. But I don't mind sharing some of my valuable time with you!", Taka cheered. We hung around the area, talking casually for once... Until Taka said something odd.

"Hey, Kuno! As long as we're talking, let's REALLY talk, whaddya say!?", Taka offered.

"Um... We are talking, but okay then.", I shrugged.

"Excellent! Then let's get down to brass tacks and find out where we stand on all the big issues! So, what should we discuss? Politics? The economy? International affairs!?", Taka exclaimed.

"Whoa, whoa! Slow down! Instead of those serious discussions... Let's have a normal, friendly conversation. It's the best way to get to know another person.", I offered.

"What do you mean by a "normal conversation"?", Taka questioned.

"Oh geez, uh... for example... What do you like to do in your spare time?", I encouraged Taka to tell me his activities.

"Study, of course! I'm a student, aren't I!? A student must be a studying professional! And of course my duties as the chairperson of the morals committee keep me quite busy, as well! It's my duty to foster an environment in which we can all focus on our studies!", Taka explained with a raised fist.

"Anything else? You know, not school related?", I urged.

"If I have time to kill, I study!", Taka confessed with pride.

"Not the answer I was looking for, but okay...", I mumbled.

"Hahaha! This is fun! Okay, my turn. Kuno! What do you like to do in your spare time?", Taka asked with a smile.

" I like listening to music while making intricate swords. I also usually take on orders from businesses to make appliances to get some money for the family back home.", I explained.

"Huh? And this helps you study... how?", Taka asked with furrowed eyebrows.

"Uh, it doesn't. It pays bills. And it's mostly for fun.", I replied flatly.

"But doing things "just for fun" serves no purpose! There must be more to it... You wouldn't spend your valuable time doing something useless, would you!?", Taka asked.

"It's not useless. My business revolves on my talent as The Ultimate Blacksmith. My small company, The Blacksmith Of Time, is to keep my family over the poverty line. My work isn't useless, but I have fun with it! Do you know how it can also be useful? It helps give you something to talk about with other people!", I explained.

"Something to talk about...?", Taka questioned.

"Like when you see an amazing piece of art, and you want to share it with someone. You find other people who feel the same way, and that's how you make friends. See what I mean?", I elaborated.

"Wh...? Wh-Wh-Wh-Wh-Wh--!? I once was blind, but now I see!", Taka suddenly yelled.

"Geez, what the heck!?", I jumped back.

"That kind of thing has plagued me for years... I've tried making friends, but whenever I would make conversation, it would die after a few minutes... And now... I've finally found the answer...", Taka sobbed while grabbing at his hair.

"O-Oh Taka, I am so sorry to hear that! I-If you want, I can help you find stuff to talk about!", I offered.

"Y-Yes, I would like that! I need to study more games! More TV shows!", Taka deduced.

"Taka, you don't "study" them... You enjoy them.", I gave a bit of advice before it was too late.

"Ahh, I'm so ashamed of myself. If there was a hole somewhere around here, I'd totally go hide in it! I let it get to me, I wasted all that time... I never saw the blind spot in my studies! I'm a complete embarrassment! I'm not qualified to even be on morals committee, let alone lead it!", Taka sobbed.

"Again, not a study thing, Taka...", I mumbled as I rubbed his back gently to calm him down.

"Thank you, Professor Kuno!", Taka suddenly grabbed my hand and shook it violently.

"Eh?", was all I could mutter.

"You've taught me a most valuable lesson! You've earned my respect, and the title of professor!", Taka explained.

"Uh, b-but I'm--"

"Hahaha! There's no need to be modest, Professor! I can't wait for your next lesson! And until then, I will strive to learn as much as I can on my own! Well then, Professor-- by your leave!", Taka left me there stunned and exhausted.

-CHIHIRO FUJISAKI-

I found Chihiro in the hallway, mumbling to herself. I walked up to her with a smile.

"Hiya, Chihiro! You free?", I asked.

"Oh, hello, Kuno! You want to sit down and talk for awhile?", Chihiro offered with a smile. I nodded and sat down within the hallway... Chihiro began to mumble again.

"No... No...!"

"Is something wrong, Chihiro?", I asked.

"Ahh, it hurts...", Chihiro mumbled.

"What does? Did you get hurt?", I frantically asked.

"Oh, well... not really. I got bit by a mosquito last night.", Chihiro explained.

"Oh, I thought you got seriously hurt. But I get how mosquito bites are annoying.", I mused.

"Oh, did I give you the wrong impression...? S-Sorry...!", Chihiro said with a stutter in her tone.

"You don't have to apologize. It was my own fault. Does it hurt that bad?", I smiled as I gave Chihiro a sympathetic look.

"Yeah, see? Look.", Chihiro held out her arm to show me a huge red bump stand out from her pale skin.

"O-Oh my!", I gasped. It looked way bigger than a mosquito bite.

"It's way past itchy now. It really hurts...!", Chihiro muttered.

"Did it bite you in your sleep? Is that why it's so big?", I questioned.

"Oh, no. I was awake.", Chihiro said matter-of-factly.

"You didn't notice?", I urged.

"No, I noticed. But... Well, I felt it bite me, and I looked down at it. But I didn't do anything. I just sat there and watched it suck my blood...", Chihiro admitted.

"Why didn't you swat it away?", I asked with a raised brow.

"Cuz... that would've killed it, right?", Chihiro asked.

"Yeah...", I was confused.

"It must have been really hungry to suck that much blood. If it was that hungry, it would've been really sad not to let it have anything.", Chihiro mumbled.

"It's... a mosquito though.", I was still pretty confused.

"Mosquitos are living things too, though. It might have its own mosquito family... S-Sorry, I know that's dumb...", Chihiro admitted.

"N-No, don't apologize! Besides, that shows you care, Chihiro. That's pretty sweet of you! Just don't scratch the bump, it'll get worse.", I instructed.

"But what if it gets so itchy I can't take it?", Chihiro questioned.

"I usually run the bump under some water, cold water specifically. It helps, trust me.", I replied.

"Wow, I had no idea...! You're so smart, Kuno!", Chihiro said with the cutest smile on this planet. It took all of my willpower to not tackle her in a hug and keep her forever. I just mumbled a little "Thank you" with a flushed face.

"But anyway, don't you think it's kinda strange?", Chihiro asked.

"What is...?", I questioned.

"Well this school is completely sealed off, right? So how'd a mosquito get in? Maybe there's somewhere here in the school where bugs can live and grow. Some kind of... nature-y spot. Or or or! Maybe there's a secret passage somewhere that leads out of the school!", Chihiro hopped up and down in glee.

"Well, even if there's not, I'm sure we'll get out of here somehow. We all need to work together to get out of here in time! Heck yeah!", I cheered with a fist in the air.

"You're right! Working together is super important... Of course, I dunno how I can be useful. I'll probably just weigh you all down...", Chihiro mumbled.

"Since when? It makes me feel way better knowing you're here to help!", I admitted.

"It does? Really...?", Chihiro looked up with puppy eyes.

"Heck yeah!", I said with a huge grin.

"O-Okay! Eheh... Thank you, Kuno.", Chihiro left with a smile on her face. Then and only then did I let out a squeal from Chihiro's cute nature and skipped away.

-JUNKO ENOSHIMA-

Junko was a pretty cool person to me, so I wanted to hang out with her a bit more. I found her in the computer lab.

"Heya Junko. You free?", I asked.

"I don't mind hanging out. But you better keep me entertained!", Junko pouted. I tried to talk to her as much as possible, but she didn't seem satisfied... Until she cut me off.

"Listen, I just wanna make this clear right up front. Don't get the wrong idea about any of this, okay?", Junko said with crossed arms.

"Wrong idea? About what?", I asked.

"I *mean* I hope you're not expecting anything from me. Gotta keep my virtue safe, ya know?", Junko admitted. I went completely red in the face when she said that.

"N-No, I would n-n-never think that! W-We barely know each other! I respect th-that...", I stuttered.

"I figured. You're not that kinda chick, right? Looking at you, I get a total "omega female" vibe. But still, they say even the tamest girl can turn into a wild animal. So I figured I'd say it anyway.", Junko elaborated.

"Animal...?", I quirked my eye brow at that.

"Don't ask why, but I seem to attract guys and girls like that. They call me up super late at night all like, "Hey, let's hang!" Like I don't know what that means!", Junko seethed.

"You mean hanging out as in... s-s-s-s--", I couldn't even continue the word. It was too embarrassing.

"Yeah, I get what you want to say. Anyway, so we all get together, but the whole group's full of dumba*ses! Keeping creepos like that away is like a full-time job, ya know?", Junko complained.

"I can see how that is annoying. I don't really get many "creepos" after me. A flirty remark here and there, a compliment maybe is all I get.", I said as I played with my blonde hair a bit.

"Wow, Kuno. You... actually get it. You *do* get it, right? You totally get me!", Junko sang.

"I do?", I tilted my head to the side innocently.

"Listen, maybe I can introduce you to some of my friends sometime! So, what's your type? You're super caring and energetic, right? So you need a quiet guy! Yeah, I think that'd be good for you! Someone who'll be sensitive and quiet, someone that you won't resist! I'll find the perfect guy for you as soon as we get outta here! Ehehe! I hope you're as excited as I am!", with that, Junko walked away laughing at my flushed cheeks.

-LEON KUWATA-

I decided to hang out with Leon since he had a really cool personality to me. I found him leaning on the wall, playing with his chain. I walked over to him and leaned back on the wall as well.

"Yo.", I simply greeted.

"Yo... You're not trying to get me alone so you can kill me, are you...? My fans will all go psycho on you if you do! I'm as popular as any international superstar! But if you're NOT gonna murder me, then let's hang out. I don't really wanna be alone, anyway...", Leon sighed. We both kept talking about random stuff, just enjoying the company...Out of nowhere, Leon opened up a new topic.

"I'm not even afraid anymore. Now I'm just pissed off... Why!? Why is this happening to me!? This isn't fair, man! I mean, am I wrong?", Leon seethed.

"It's not fair for any of us...", I sighed.

"Right!? Totally unfair. Ultra unfair! Just like having to shave my head right before every baseball game!", Leon complained.

"I never really understood that rule...", I mumbled.

"I know! I didn't even wanna play! But the coach and all the teachers begged me, so I did it! And then they made me shave my head, just cuz it's "tradition." How's that fair!?", Leon yelled.

"You know what *I* would do?", I asked.

"What?", Leon questioned with a smirk. I pretended to pull out a phone and began to speak into it in a voice mail machine tone.

"You have reached the voicemail of "shut the f*ck up". The caller you are trying to reach f*cking hates you b*tch! Please never call again! BEEP!", at that joke, Leon burst into laughter as I giggled with him. After our laughter died down, I asked another question.

"You really hate baseball that much, huh...?"

"Damn straight I do! Who has fun running around on a dusty field for three hours!? But it's so not cool! Spending all that time at practice, getting covered in sweat and dirt... It's just baseball, right? It's easy! Who needs practice!? Still... I gotta admit, baseball wasn't all bad. It did have a few things going for it...", Leon admitted.

"Yeah? Like the feeling of camaraderie between you and your teammates?", I asked.

"Nah, nothin' like that! I can't stand being around a bunch of sweaty guys. So totally uncool!", Leon complained.

"Then what *did* you like?", I questioned.

"Well, I hate studying, right? But I still got into this super fancy school on a sports scholarship. As long as I kept playing, I never had to study! And besides that... It made me super popular with the ladies! Booya! You feel my attractive aura?", Leon winked.

"Wow, soooo attractive! I can't keep myself away from your aura!", I said with a "your joking, right?" face.

"Heh-heh. I got plenty more where that came from! I'll tell ya more about it next time. Anyway, let's hang out again sometime! Talking to you helps keep my mind off this place...", Leon patted my back as he walked away. I shook my head with a goofy smile on my face.

-SAYAKA MAIZONO-

I wanted to get to know Sayaka since she seemed so nice and quirky in her own way. I knocked on her door, and Sayaka came out a few seconds later. She looked scared.

"You look worried, Sayaka.", I gave her a sympathetic smile.

"Hi, Kuno. Are you going to... try and cheer me up? Sorry for making you take time out of your day like this...", Sayaka apologized. I did my best to cheer Sayaka up with funny stories... Until she caught my attention in the middle of one of my stories.

"Umm, Kuno? Do you think you could make some time for the two of us to talk?", Sayaka asked.

"Of course I can. Why are you being formal about it? We're friends.", I smiled.

"W-Well, it's just... I guess that was kind of formal, but... It's just because I know I can trust you.", Sayaka confessed.

"Hm? What do you mean?", I asked.

"Having you by my side really makes me feel a lot better. If you weren't here with me, I just don't know what I'd do. I'd be lost... I hate that we had to meet under such awful conditions, but... I'm relieved you're with me.", Sayaka smiled.

"Sayaka... Thank you, but I don't think I did much for you...", I mumbled with flushed cheeks.

"But you did! But it's kind of strange, you know? I never thought I'd connect with you like this. All through my life, I never met someone like you. In fact, I never thought someone like you would exist.", Sayaka mused.

"Th-Thank you, Sayaka. You really made me feel like a princess here! Wait, how did you think someone like me didn't exist? That sounds odd!", I laughed.

"Because I looked.", Sayaka admitted.

"...Huh?", I was a bit taken aback by her claim.

"I was always looking for an opportunity to talk to someone like you.", Sayaka said with a serious look.

"You're... not joking?", I asked, almost in a trance.

"But since I always had so many different people around me, I couldn't find anyone like you. That was one of my biggest regrets.", Sayaka mumbled.

"But... why me?", I asked.

"Well, I remember a lot of people wanted to get close to me for my looks or my status. I wanted someone honest! When you protected Mondo from the bomb, when you helped Makoto back to his room, when you shot down Byakuya's weird remarks, and you even managed to work on your own most of the time, I thought you were amazing! You were like superwoman, working on your own and helping others as much as you could! You were honest with your feelings and everything! That's when I knew that you were someone special, Kuno!", Sayaka recalled the stuff that happened. I flushed as red as the red walls of the school.

"W-Wow, Sayaka! Thank you for saying such nice things! I never thought someone would say that to me in a place like this!", I was almost moved to tears with a goofy smile on my face.

"Maybe, but still... I'm sure you'll help me find my way out, just like a certain crane I know. You'll save me. It's just intuition, I know, but I still believe it.", Sayaka said with a smile.

"Well, I'll do my best to turn that intuition into reality!", I cheered.

"I believe in you. Besides, my intuition always turns out to be right. Cuz I'm psychic. Ehehe. Kidding, kidding!", Sayaka laughed. I laughed with her as we said our goodbyes and left.

-MAKOTO NAEGI-

I was sitting in the dining hall when Makoto sat next to me. He gave me a smile and asked to hang out.

"You wanna hang out with me? Sure!", I agreed. We kept talking about random stuff until an idea popped in my head.

"Hey, Makoto! Let's play a game!", I offered.

"What game?", Makoto questioned.

"Well, it's simple. I'll ask you a question about blacksmith trivia and you try to answer! It's okay if you get something wrong.", I explained.

"I guess it wouldn't hurt. Hit me with your best shot!", Makoto said with a determined look.

"Okay, here's a question. There is a reason why they call blacksmiths "blacksmiths". What is that reason?", I quizzed. Makoto went quiet for a bit before smiling.

"They call them that because they mine iron. Iron was called "black metal" before, right? That's why they call them blacksmiths!", Makoto guessed right.

"Wow, you got it! Most people don't get on the first try!", I praised.

"You flatter me. Hey, Kuno. Why did you become a blacksmith?", Makoto asked.

"Well, it's because of a lot of things. First was my mom. She's an inventor and I loved watching her make stuff. The thing is, she worked with a lot of metal, and I asked her who made the sheets of metal once. She then told me she had a friend who was a blacksmith who gave her metals, but at that time, the lady was going to retire. I was determined to help my mom, so I taught myself how to weld. From then on, I made the metal parts my mom wanted free of charge to keep her business going. I also really liked weaponry as a kid, so I began making my own weapons.", I smiled at the memories flooding in.

"Do you have a business?", Makoto asked.

"Yeah, I do! You are talking to the owner of The Blacksmith Of Time's company.", I said with pride.

"You should show me the place you make your weapons in someday!", Makoto said with enthusiasm.

"Heck yeah! It's a promise!", I cheered. We said our goodbyes and left.

CHAPTER 3, END!