We began to head to the left side, passing by the stairs again. There wasn't anyone there at first glance, however, as we walked past them, I felt a hand on my shoulder.

Protagonist: Gah-!

I turned to see Glasses, standing quietly in the shadows of a nearby plant.

It looked like he was hiding from something...

King: Huh? What's going on?

He turned and narrowed his eyes as he saw Glasses. Killer squinted at Glasses as well.

Glasses: ...

Protagonist: Um...

Glasses: ...

Protagonist: Your hand is...

Glasses looked down at his hand, which was still on my shoulder, and retracted it to his side. He then stepped out of the shadow of the tall plant.

Glasses: Are you interested in knowing about the hanakotoba of this flower?

He asked, pointing towards the red spider lily on the wallpaper. I got the sense he really wanted to talk about it, so I nodded my head.

Protagonist: Um yeah! I thought you might know. It's a red spider lily right...?

I won't ask why he was hiding right now...

He smiles and folds his arms across his chest, playing with his tie a bit.

Glasses: Never to meet again, lost memory, abandonment. Those are the meanings of the red spider lily. Which makes sense, considering it's been however long and no help for us has arrived. Do you think we've been abandoned?

Killer: ...Hey, don't say that!

...Lost memory?

Hey, wait a minute...

Protagonist: I'm sure help will come for us.

Protagonist: But you said 'lost memory', right? Hmm... that supports my theory.

Glasses: ...What theory?

Protagonist: I think all of our memories have been tampered with.

He blinks, and pushes up his glasses a bit. They catch the reflection of the lights, and I can no longer see his eyes.

Glasses: I don't... like that.

Protagonist: Me neither, but...

Protagonist: Thank you for your help, Glasses-kun.

He smiles a bit, and fidgets more with his tie.

Glasses: It is nothing. I simply like to share my knowledge of hanakotoba.

King: Hey, then maybe we'll put you in charge of all these stupid plants. I'm not going to water them.

Glasses: ...I don't mind.

Protagonist: ...By the way.

Protagonist: Why were you hiding?

Glasses straightens his back and stops messing with his tie.

Glasses: ...

Glasses: I don't want to be with my group.

Oh, that was kind of blunt. I wonder why? They all seemed like a nice group.

Protagonist: Well, you can join our group if you want...?

King: I won't let you hog Protag-chan, though. I won't lose to the likes of you.

King grabs my arm, and Glasses just looks confused.

Glasses: That wasn't my intention. I'm not playing any games...?

Glasses: Besides... I'd rather be by myself.

Protagonist: Oh, I see! Well, if you change your mind, we'll be heading to the left side to investigate now.

Killer: You're the lone wolf type, huh? Don't break too many hearts, Glasses-kyun~.

Glasses: I-I... I don't intend on breaking any...

He seems kind of uncomfortable. Maybe we'd best move on?

Protagonist: Well, uh it was nice seeing you.

He nods, and steps behind the plant again.

King: Come on, no more distractions.

King takes my arm and drags me down the left side of the hallway towards the first door. Upon opening it, it appears to be a theater-type room. It has a stage, and ample seating. A piano sits on the left side of the stage, and a podium stands in the center, complete with a microphone.

King looks quite excited by this discovery, and heads straight towards the microphone. He doesn't even notice the other group standing towards the back of the theater.

King: Hellloooooo? Testing... testing...?

Killer: God, he's like, such a child.

The microphone doesn't seem to be on though. He seems deflated and steps away from the podium.

The other group watches as Killer inspects the microphone as well. I give a pleasant wave.

Protagonist: Hello there!

A girl with perfectly bisected red and blue hair seems to stare impassively at me... it's kind of intimidating, because I can't see her eyes. She's wearing glasses, like King. A boy with an eyepatch is hanging off of her, but she seems to take no notice of him, and a tall boy with green hair - even taller than Collector, I'd reckon, frowns at me. The last member of the group, a boy wearing a red sash, doesn't bother looking up at me.

Protagonist: ...Hello?

Killer and King look over at the group. King scoffs.

King: This is the group of weirdos, Protag-chan. It's best not to interact with them.

Red/Blue Girl: ...

She's signing something with her hands. Shit, is she speaking sign language? I don't know sign language...

Eyepatch Boy: Bled-chan says that the only weirdo here is Tailor-shi.

Red Sash Boy: Actually, she agreed with King-san. The only one who isn't weird, she said, is Rabbit-san.

Red/Blue Girl: ...

She signs something again.

Red Sash Boy: She says to stop taking liberties with what she's saying, Romeo-san.

Red Sash Boy: And to stop touching her.

Protagonist: Um... can uh - is she... is she mute?

The red and blue girl looks at me and nods her head. She signs something more, and looks at the Red Sash Boy.

Red Sash Boy: Yeah, her name is Bled-san. She says that once the chat app is up and running, she thinks it'll be more convenient, but right now I'm acting as her translator because I know JSL.

Protagonist: Oh, okay. I see.

Eyepatch Boy: I know JSL too!

Green Haired Boy: But you always twist her words. We can't trust you to tell us what Bled-chi's actually sayin'.

Bled starts signing something, then stops. The red sash boy looks confused for a few seconds, and signs something back.

King: Secrets, secrets are no fun, unless you share with everyone.

Red sash boy looks at Bled, who hesitantly nods.

Red Sash Boy: ...

Red Sash Boy: She says, "I can't quite remember why I became like this... I know there was a trauma linked to it, but I can't seem to remember it at all."

Killer: Oh! So she's a selective mute?

Bled nods.

Killer: I see. Well, I'm sorry to hear about what happened to you. Even if you like, can't remember it.

Protagonist: That's just further confirming my theory, it seems.

Green Haired Boy: What theory?

Protagonist: I think the person in charge of kidnapping us messed with our memories.

Green Haired Boy: ...

Green Haired Boy: That'd make a lot of sense, in all honesty.

Green Haired Boy: Tch. I had a similar thought, but I didn't have much proof behind it.

Red Sash Boy: What do you mean... messed with our memories?

Protagonist: Well, some of us are famous, right...? And we can't remember their names at all. Flare-san's a famous model. And King-kun's famous too, or something. I'll have to take his word for that one but...

King: Hey, I'm totally famous!

Eyepatch Boy: That explains why no one's asked for my autograph yet.

Red Sash Boy: Don't tell me YOU'RE famous.

Eyepatch Boy: Eh-heh. I'm a romance novelist. I wrote Creek Blues. That was my most popular piece and I've writt-

Red Sash Boy: Y-you wrote Creek Blues!?

Holy shit. That was such a famous romance novel... I knew the author was in high school but... When I tried to remember the author's name, I came up with static.

Eyepatch Boy: Are you a fan? Oh, it's always nice to meet fans, even if they're guys...

Red Sash Boy: I. I'm, I - I mean. I mean. It was a good book.

Green Haired Boy: Tch.

Eyepatch Boy: Uh-huuuh. Bled-chan, are you a fan?

Bled looked away and signed something quickly. He frowned.

Eyepatch Boy: Well -

Green Sash Boy: Bled-san just told him she hated romance novels.

Eyepatch Boy: Dammit, I guess you can't charm 'em all... Sigh.

Romeo: Anyway, we haven't been acquainted. I see there's a pretty girl in your group, so I simply must make myself known. I'm Romeo, a romantic at heart, a charming man who loves every beautiful girl I've ever seen-

King: Eww, heteros.

Romeo: Yes, I am hetero. And proud.

Killer: Pretty girl... Wait, he's talking about me.

Killer: God, ew, yuck -.

Romeo: Yes, you are the most beautiful girl I've ever laid eyes on, and in fact I'd love it if after we got rescued from our kidnapping scenario you and I could go on a d-

Killer: Say another word and I end your life.

Romeo: UH. Yes.

Killer: I'm Killer. Killer of gross people who don't leave me alone.

King: Kek. I see you embraced it.

Killer: You're next.

King: Oh shit.

Protagonist: She's not actually a killer. She's a detective.

Red Sash Boy: Oh, I see...

Tailor: In any case, I'm Tailor. I usually like to be left alone, so this situation is really troublesome.

I thought of Glasses. He likes to be left alone too.

Protagonist: Oh, then maybe you'll like Glasses? He likes to be on his own as well and-

Tailor: What part of alone didn't you understand?

Whoa.

That was kind of snappy.

Tailor: ...

Tailor: Sorry. I'm on edge.

Protagonist: That's unders-

Killer: JERK ALEEEEERRT!

Tailor: ....Excuse me?

Tailor: Are you implying that I'm a -

Killer: Yup!

Protagonist: But, but - everything he said is completely reasonable?

Killer: Hm. Maybe my Jerk Alert's broken, then? It's going off.

Tailor: I don't appreciate being called a jerk.

Killer: ...

She smiled.

Tailor looks like he's waiting for an apology.

King: ...I don't think she's going to apologize.

Killer: Nope!

Tailor: Never mind.

Bled looks thoroughly unamused by this spectacle and goes to sit down in one of the chairs, away from Romeo. Romeo, of course, follows. The green-haired boy rubs the back of his head.

Green Haired Boy: No offence, you three seem like a lot of trouble.

Killer: Thanks!

She took it as a compliment...

Protagonist: Me? I can get King... but...

Green Haired Boy: Well, yeah, I mean, you haven't introduced yourself. Talk about rude.

He's one to talk! He hasn't told us his name at all!

Protagonist: Sorry... My name is Protagonist.

Bled looks up suddenly, and puts her hand to her head.

Tailor: Bled-san, are you okay?

She signs something back.

Tailor: She's fine, she says. Headrush.

Rabbit: Protagonist-chi, huh? I see. That's weird, for some reason. Anyway, I'm Rabbit.

Protagonist: How is it weird...?

Rabbit: Don't ask me that, tch! I just had the feeling, like, it's weird, yanno.

He crossed his arms across his chest threateningly. I sort of don't want to press on. This guy seems like he could easily beat me up.

King: It's weird to me too. But in a cute, endearing way~. I want to protect you, Protag-chan~.

For some reason, I don't trust that at all.

Protagonist: Protect me from what?

King: Oh, you know. Evil people and such. Like, uh, murderers and the like. The world's crawling with those lowlifes, you know?

Protagonist: M-murderers?

King: Yeah, you know. People who kill people. Hacking, stabbing, slashing, poisoning, beating, eating-

Rabbit: Shut up before I become a murderer.

Killer: Don't be so vile, King-kun, you nasty pervert!

King: Why are you calling me that?

Tailor: Maybe it's because of the face you're making...

I looked at King. He couldn't contain his grin. This face he made while talking about all this horrible stuff... I shuddered.

Protagonist: Let's never talk about this again.

Romeo: I agree... Some things just aren't beautiful.

Romeo: Murder being one of those things.

King: I disag-

Before he could finish, Killer had swiftly punched him in the face, knocking his glasses to the floor with a clatter.

King: WHAT THE HELL?

Killer: Shut UP! You're sick. I don't want to be stuck here with you.

King scoffed, and knelt to pick up his sunglasses. His eyes were a piercing pink... the color of oozing blood.

Protagonist: Let's... drop this topic altogether.

Tailor: That's more than okay by me.

Bled looked tense from where she was sitting, and when my gaze settled upon her, she nodded in agreement.

Romeo: So, Killer-chan... are you sure about that date? I think you and I, since you're such a strong-willed girl and all, and I like my women tou-

Killer: Oh my god.

She stormed out of the room, huffing loudly as she slammed the door behind her.

The rest of us stood awkwardly, unsure of what to do.

Protagonist: Killer-san... I'm going to go get her.

King: I'll go too.

King was standing up slowly, so that gave me time to make my move. He really wasn't expecting me to grab his jacket's collar with such force, and honestly, neither was I, but something needed to be said.

Protagonist: If you go, you're going to apologize for being an absolute shithead. If we want to figure out this task, then we have to work together. If you want to stick beside me and hang off me every five seconds, you have to listen to me, and don't cause so much trouble. It's like you want to freak people out! Gosh!

I ended up lecturing King.... but I felt it was necessary. With my grip on his jacket, I could see his shocked expression. He stood there for a few seconds, gaping like a fish, before the usual playful smile returned to his face.

King: Jeez, like I said before, I've already figured this task out.

King: ...But, I like this suddenly dominant side of you. Fine. I'll go along with what you say, for now.

I let go of his jacket and he took a step back.

Rabbit: If yer gonna be weird, do it in private.

Protagonist: I assure you, we're not-

Tailor: They're incompatible. I know true love.

King: Hey, Protag-chan and I are totally compatible! Killer-chan was right. Jerk alert.

He stuck out his tongue. I wonder if he was really planning on listening to what I said...

Romeo: Why can't I get a girlfriend...? No fair, someone like King-shi gets someone so fast...

King: It's 'cuz you're an incel.

Romeo: Am not.

King: Hm, alright.

Maybe he will listen to me after all. I'm glad he didn't push it... despite the fact I didn't know what an incel was, it felt very Romeo. But it's best not to say that out loud.

Protagonist: Let's go find Killer-san, alright?

King: Yeah, let's go.

Protagonist: Nice to meet you four.

King: Buh-bye~.

I got a wave from the group, who were somewhat scattered across the rows of seats by now. It's funny. There's only 18 of us, right? Including me? But this room seated at least fourty.... Oh well. I can't think about that now. King attached himself to my arm like usual, and we set out to find Killer.

She was sulking a little further down the hallway, facing the wall, murmuring a string of words - I made out they were all profanities as I got closer - softly.

Protagonist: Killer-san!

She perked her head up at me, as if happy to see me, but scowled as she saw King hanging off of me. She went back to looking at the wall. I nudged King.

Protagonist: It's your turn.

King: ....Alright.

King: Killer-chan....

She pretended to ignore him, but she had stopped cursing to herself.

King: I'm really sorry, okay? I took my joking a bit too far. If you can find it in your heart to forgive me, that would make me incredibly happy. Protag-chan showed me the error of my ways, and I think it's best if we all work together. I think we make a really good team... what do you say?

Wow.

What a bullshit apology.

He seemed to be sparkling, like something out of a shoujo anime, but there's no way Killer could believe such a fake apolog-

Killer: I think so too! I'm glad to see you've come to your senses, HAH!

Holy shit.

How did that work? I want to be mad at King for the insincere apology, but right now I'm in shock that Killer actually bought it.

She holds out her hand for a handshake. He takes it, and shakes her hand. Then he gives a thumbs-up to me.

King: I can be a good boy, see?

Protagonist: ...Gross.

Killer: Yeah, don't ever say that again.

King: Fiiiine~.

King: I'm just glad Killer-chan's feeling better. I think we've met everyone right? That's everyone who was at the meeting before you two woke up~.

King: Say, you didn't see any more walking around, did you?

Protagonist: Nope. And I think we've met everybody.

Killer: Mmhmm! There were like, eighteen names on the list of that app, 'n' junk.

King: Huh. I wonder what happens after that, then...

Protagonist: I don't know for certain. It's weird.

Protagonist: But there's still one more door, so let's check that out.

I gestured to the door a few feet to the right.

Killer: Alright-y, then! Lemme at it!

She rushed towards the door, giving the handle a mighty turn and - ...!

Nothing.

Killer: ...!

She grunted and turned the handle harder.

King: Is it locked?

Killer: What gives? Two locked doors? Man, talk about a let-down.

King: It was probably just going to be filled with plants anyway.

Protagonist: Well, mayb-

I was cut off by the tone of three blipping ID cards. We shared a look, and each turned to our respective tablet, where an incoming transmission from Maid-chan was waiting to play.

Maid-chan: And that's time! Your time is up! Tick-tock, the clock has stopped! Time is up!

Maid-chan: The deduction period will take place in the auditorium, located on the first floor! It's the first door of the left hallway! Don't be late!

Maid-chan: I'm kind of an impatient gal, so I don't want to wait...

Maid-chan: Kyahaha! And then, the real game can start! You'll have your first real taste at redemption! How fun, right? Right?

Maid-chan: Oh, and by the way... any wrong deductions will be severely punished! Maybe I'll take one of your hands as a trophy?

Maid-chan: You're all pretty smart, so I'm not expecting ANY wrong answers!

Maid-chan: Though I wouldn't mind taking one of your eyes as well.

Maid-chan: Anyway, let's all do our best, right? Right! Maid-chan, out!

The transmission cuts out. There's silence between the three of us. She'll chop off our hand if we're wrong...? Or an eye?

King: H-holy shit.

Killer: I...I really want to keep both of my hands, I mean, I need both of my hands- I mean- both of my eyes too-

Those two were obviously freaking out. I had to say something to calm them down...

Protagonist: I won't let anything happen to you two.

Protagonist: Or anyone else.

Protagonist: King-kun, you said you've already deduced it, right? 'The thing we all had in common'...?

King: ...

Protagonist: Then we should be fine. Let's go. I feel like she'll punish us even more if we're late.

I felt like something really bad was brewing... but... I still led them through the auditorium doors again.

NEW PROFILES GET:

Alias: Bled

Alliance: Unknown

Gender: Female

Age: 17

Height: 167 cm

Weight: 55 kg

Identity: Unknown

Personal Quote: "Kissing a frog... would be slimy, perhaps."

Alias: Romeo

Alliance: Unknown

Gender: Male

Age: 18

Height: 179 cm

Weight: 64 kg

Identity: Unknown

Personal Quote: "Women are wonderful, aren't they?"

Alias: Tailor

Alliance: Unknown

Gender: Male

Age: 17

Height: 173 cm

Weight: 63 kg

Identity: Unknown

Personal Quote: ". . . ."

Alias: Rabbit

Alliance: Unknown

Gender: Male

Age: 19

Height: 191 cm

Weight: 84 kg

Identity: Unknown

Personal Quote: "Oi. Shut up. Yer blockin' my path."

18/18 MET.

18/18 REMAIN.