Chapter Text
She hated him.
She hated him so much, and he knew it.
She had told him to forget everything she had said about escaping, but he chose ignorance. Godamnit, he was such an asshole. He didn't deserve her. But he couldn't let those feelings show right now.
There she was in the graveyard. She was amazing. Her voice was angelic, and she acted like a beam of sunshine, regardless of their situation. He envies that positivity in her. Now wasn't the time to fawn over her, though. He had to talk to her. He had to get her back on board. Because as a doll, what good is he without someone to pull his strings?
The person she was talking to walked away to another group, leaving her alone by a coffin. Perfect opportunity. "Sara." He called her name. She quickly looked over at him. "..Mhm?" She didn't want to look rude, but he knew she didn't think too fondly of him anymore. Maybe she never did.
"Can.. we talk? In the classroom?" Sara gave him a piercing stare. The classroom. That's the same room where she was first going to escape with him. Maybe it's the memories of home it brings her that made her go with it at first. At any rate, it's his best bet. "Why?" She obviously didn't trust him. "Please, Sara. Just-" He interrupted himself. She looked to the side. "Just come with me." Her stare cut through him. "..Okay." She walked to the classroom ahead of him.
They both reached the room, and Sara looked at him, expecting him to say something. "Sara.. I.." He suddenly froze up. "You..?" She was getting tired of him, and he knew it. "Sara.. I'm.. Can we please.. start over? I still need you. I know i'm just a stupid dummy, but please, Sara. I.. I love you." What was he saying? Yes, he did love her. He'd be lying if he denied that. But to tell her, when she so obviously can't stand him.. he's such a dumbass. Sara was judging him. He knew exactly what she was thinking, at least. She was thinking, 'Who falls in love during a death game?', and 'This guy is so irritating.'
"Please Sara. I'll do anything for you. We can live happily together. You don't have to worry about anyone else, we can both be happy, out of here. It'll.. It'll be on my hands..!" Sara stared at him. She knew this was the best option if she wanted to actually survive. Especially since.. in order to end the game.. she shook off the thought. No one else knew Ranmaru killed Reko, so they could get away with it. But Sara herself wasn't supposed to find Ranmaru mid-murder, so who knows who else could catch them. As if reading her mind, Ranmaru addressed that exact worry. "I-I have Midori's ID Card. I can give him it back in exchange for killing off the rest of the players." Sara never thought it would come to this, but it was her best bet. If she wanted to see her parents or Ryoko ever again.. this is the only way. She was hesitant, but she nodded, slowly. "Ranmaru..." She looked at her feet in shame. She couldn't believe she was doing this. But it was for her own survival. She shouldn't feel bad at all. The blood would be on his hands, afterall. She'd be innocent. She isn't doing anything wrong. This is.. the only way to survive. She's doing the right thing for herself. She felt selfish, but purged that thought before she could torture herself with it.
"I.. can't do this without you." She walked closer to him. He had done it, it seemed. "I'm.. sorry for reacting like that when.. you know. I wouldn't be able to hurt someone I survived this with.." Suddenly, she hugged his shoulders. Ranmaru could feel her shaking. This was tough for her. Of course it was, these were her friends. But.. she chose him over them. "I'll.. do it. Because I love you.. okay?" She smiled a bit and looked at him.
'Because I love you.' The words echoed in his head. Of course she did, she just.. didn't know how to react when she saw her friend dead at his hands. He'd be patient for her. He would do anything for her. Sara's knees gave out, and Ranmaru followed to the floor, still holding her in his arms. He could hear her quietly sob into his shoulder. It felt like he was holding an angel. He basically was, though. In reply, he tightened his hug. "It.. it'll all be okay. When we get home.. you can rest.. and you can be happy now. Everything... all of... this.. it'll be over soon, Sara." She moved her face into view, nodding. "Thank you.. Ranmaru." Her sobs stopped.
"I love you, Sara." ..Where had she heard those words before.. She tries to dismiss it as deja vu, but it lingers. "I.. love you too, Ranmaru." She smiled a bit. God knew she wasn't happy in the slightest. She'd escape.. at what cost? Ranmaru's arms around her felt soft. This.. was nice. She did like Ranmaru, yes. If they met outside of the game... she'd definitely have a crush on him. But all this.. for someone you met a few days ago. Why is she whining? Sara took the chance, didn't she? She could get used to this. She could've sworn she despised him a few minutes ago... what was she doing?
Sara pushed aside those thoughts. Despite everything, he loved her.
He loved her.