Chapter Text
“We're going home!” Tenko yelled, barging into Shuichi's room. Himiko and Ryoma followed her in, the latter trying to keep her quiet. “We don't know for sure yet.” He said.
Shuichi stared at the trio in confusion. “What do you mean, we're going home?”
“Kiibo apparently broke out of whatever Monokuma did to him. He said he could reach out for help.” Ryoma explained. Tenko shook Shuichi's shoulders, clearly excited.
“We can finally go home!” She said again. “We'll be free!”
It took a bit for Shuichi to process it. But if Kiibo could signal for help, then that means people knew they were missing! He could finally see his uncle, escape from this horrible nightmare. “We're free “ he said.
He said it again, laughing and matching Tenko's tone. The two jumped up and down laughing, even Ryoma chuckled. “How do we know we can trust Kiibo?” Himiko asked.
“I checked his eyes, he's normal.” Ryoma said. On cue, Kiibo opened the door. He looked nervous, like every movement he made would make someone realize he wasn't under someone's control.
“I found a group that could help us.” He said. He told them about how everything in the Academy was being broadcasted, which meant there were people that objected to Shuichi's torture. “There's a bunch of people with good connections that are willing to try and get us out. They managed to contact me and well, we're leaving tonight!”
Shuichi couldn't believe it. Finally, he wouldn't have to live in fear and paranoia. “Tonight? That's short notice.” Ryoma said. “It's the best they can do. They already contacted me so they have to act now or never.” The robot said.
They didn't really have anything they needed to take; Shuichi took his hat, Ryoma grabbed a racket and a couple of tennis balls and Himiko brought a small bottle that she claimed would give her strength (“It looks like orange juice.” Shuichi said).
When it officially became nightime, they were ready to leave. According to Kiibo they were sending a helicopter, so they would have to run as soon as they landed. “I'm so excited!” Tenko whispered (or tried to). “I wanna show you guys the best place to practice neo-aikido.”
“They're here.” Kiibo said, preparing to make a run for it. They could hear the blades, as well as Monokuma yelling.
“On three, we all run.” Tenko said.
“One… Two… Three!”
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Shuichi tried to not open his eyes. He already knew he was awake, but he wanted to dream for just a little while longer. Just to believe he could've been freed.
Unfortunately, he already knew that it would be impossible to fall asleep again. He begrudgingly opened his eyes to see he wasn't back home, no matter how hard he wished he was.