Chapter Text
Shuichi had thrown away his empty plate, he was the only one who completely ate lunch. Kaito was too busy defending himself to eat,and Kaede was the one accusing him. Maki snacked on her lunch but didn’t eat much, she was more focused on Shuichi. He was just acting so strange when they were given that assignment, it’s not like it was his group causing so many minor crimes, so what’s the deal?
The group had stood up leaving their table as the bell rang, Kaede and Kaito still bickering. As they walked, Maki’s eyes didn’t leave Shuichi, she couldn’t pin down why he was acting so weird, he had to be hiding something. She didn’t bother wasting time asking however, at least not yet.
“So, when do we think Kokichi is gonna be back in class? Y'know, so I can prepare.” Kaito joked, taking both Maki and Shuichi out of their thoughts.
Shuichi had quickly walked into class arriving at his desk with Kaito beside him, they were the first ones in the class. He watched the others trail in before Makoto stood up in front of the class.
“Hello everyone, I want you all to know that we are giving these presentations this week, most likely Thursday or Friday so be prepared.” He gave a warm smile to his class, “I’m sure you all will do great!”
Shuichi felt his heart drop, not because he would have trouble with presenting, he’s had to do it so many times with the cases he had solved, but more less Kokichi. It was difficult to even get Kokichi to participate, not necessarily out of stubbornness, but because he was with Mikan.
Even so, Shuichi had empathy. This is why he cared so much about Kokichi’s well-being. “I’m gonna try to find Kokichi and work with him for the posterboard.” Shuichi spit out. “Why even bother, hell, maybe he dropped out–” “I doubt he did that.” Shuichi spoke quickly, accidentally cutting Kaito off.
He rushed to share an explanation, “This is our grade too, so if we don’t get him to help that could screw us over too.” He only got a grumble as a response from Kaito, not wanting to bother with getting more of a response.
Shuichi dropped his shoulders as Makoto began to speak, though he wasn’t paying attention really. His eyes flickered between all the groups, they had everyone, then finally ended at their poster. He closed his eyes for a moment, the poster wasn’t his main issue anymore. His main issue now was the order he was given by kirigiri. He was on good terms with Kokichi at the moment, but now he’ll be shutting down his group.
But why now? Kokichi mentioned offhandedly how his organization can’t be stopped while he was a student here. Did the higher up’s go back on their promise? Was Kyouko lying about her reasoning? Or was Kokichi just lying like usual?
No.
It couldn’t just be that, right? Either way Shuichi always finds something to be stressed about.
He was taken out of his thoughts by exhaling a deep sigh, opening his eyes again. Kaito was weirdly quiet— towards Shuichi at least — and Maki was eyeing the detective while she spoke with her group.
The day was dragging on. He was relieved when he heard the bell ring, he quickly stood up and grabbed the poster, giving a lazy wave to his friends as he walked out for the day. While everyone else walked towards the door which led to the dorms, he went down the hall to the nurses.
Kokichi fidgeted with his bandages, the messages from Shuichi had stayed frozen on the screen still lacking a response from Kokichi.
He felt guilty in a way, because he couldn’t cope well he’s inconveniencing Shuichi, who Kokichi would consider his first friend at Hopes Peak. He heard voices on the other side of the thin wall where Mikan worked before footsteps entered his side.
He quickly shut off his phone before speaking, “Ah, Shumai! How are ya?” He grinned. “I should be asking you… are you feeling any better Kokichi?” Shuichi placed his bag on the ground, grabbing a stool to use while he stayed.
“I’m doing amazing, I am the ultimate-” “Kokichi be serious.” Shuichi interrupted, “I mean- I’m sorry I didn’t mean to interrupt but I want to know if you’re okay. Not the bullcrap about your talent.” Shuichi’s voice grew quiet towards the end.
Kokichi stared for a few minutes before his mouth moved, “Jeez-uh. How forward!~ I’m doing fine Shumai. I should be in class after tomorrow.” He shrugged. “My arms still hurt slightly though.”
“Ah, that’s good, given we’ll be presenting Friday most likely, that’ll give us a day to run through with everyone.” Shuichi smiled, “Speaking of which, we still have to talk about your upbringing. Me and Kaito are done.”
Shuichi unfolded the poster board, gesturing to the segments on the right and middle, the left being almost entirely empty.
“Oh yeah… forgot about that. Yeah let’s get that done.”
Be honest or lie.
“Well to start..”
Be honest or lie.
“…my childhood was..”
Be honest or lie.
“Amazing honesty.”
Lie. Lie Lie Lie. It’s always the chosen option.
He watched as Shuichi scribbled on notebook paper as Kokichi spoke, not yet tainting the poster with pencil marks yet.
“Hah! This feels like an interview, Shumai.” He giggled, hearing a low chuckle from Shuichi as well. “Well, I guess it kind of is, to get to know you in a sense.” Shuichi agreed. “I want to get to know you.” His smiled haltered, realizing what slipped, though he didn't understand the issue, he wants to get to know Kokichi as a friend.
Kokichi subtly froze, biting the inside of his mouth. Shuichi wants to get to know him and all he can do is lie. It’s too late now to change the story, and he doubts Shuichi actually wants to know. It’s like when someone asks ‘how are you’ but if you say anything negative they look at you funny,
“Anyways~, I did a lot of stuff in middle school, a natural born leader you might call me.” A leader born out of survival. “My mom and dad were always in my corner, cheering me on. Maybe that’s why I am who I am.” He grinned.
Some liars get caught up in their lies, and start actually believing them. Kokichi envied them. He never was that delusional, but he could dream.
“So, as a kid you had supporting parents and opportunities to harness abilities, is what you're saying?” Something about Kokichi’s statements were, well, off. Why would Kokichi do what he did if he was always that supported? It didn’t add up.
“Yup!” Like usual, Kokichi wouldn’t admit to lying. “Alright, anything else.” “Nah, I don’t think so… why are you still writing.” “I’m just noting down characteristics of you so we can tie it into your childhood, that’s fine right?” “I have no issue.” He shrugged.
It was quiet, the only noise was Shuichi shutting his book. Part of him was disappointed that Kokichi was obviously lying about something, but he wasn’t gonna force Kokichi to tell him given that it could end in problems.
This went quicker than he had planned, a little awkward now. “So Shumai, I’m curious. Why were you the one to come to my room?” “I was worried, that’s all. You aren’t usually insanely late.” He explained.
“I suppose that makes sense.” He muttered.
Before the conversation could continue, Shuichi felt a vibration in his pocket coming from his phone. Taking it out he had a message notification.
Maki
Shuichi, Kirigiri had asked us to go
out this evening to start investigating ,
me accompanying you. Let me know
when you’ll be heading out
Shuichi stared at the message before quickly typing.
Maki
Alright maki, I’ll meet
you at the dorms in twenty
Shuichi wanted to come clean about the assignment from kirigiri. But he just couldn’t. While he wouldn’t lie about everything like Kokichi, staying silent seemed better for him even if he knew it’d keep him up at night.
“I’m sorry Kokichi, I have to get going.” He sighed, grabbing his bag and poster, and moving the stool back. “I’ll see you later, Shumai.” “You too Kokichi.”