As we walked to the restaurant, Spring and I chattered about her school life. She went to a private school in Osaka with Rabbit apparently. Rabbit had made sure no one bullied her as she was going through her transition. I’m sure no one even dared to make jokes behind her back, because man, Rabbit was kind of intimidating. Despite being actually a total softie.

I wish I had someone like Rabbit when I came out at school. Man. That would’ve been useful.

Spring said if I had known Killer beforehand, she probably would’ve done the same thing for me. I can’t help but feel like that’s definitely true.

We entered the restaurant and sat down at a table, ready to talk a bit more. Spring had been telling me about a case she was trying to pursue before she ended up here. A local serial killer in Osaka called Your Loving Brother, or something. She had been whisked away here before she could get formally started though.

We were still talking in lower tones when an imposing figure sat down at our table roughly, almost slamming his fists down on the table and causing it to shake under the sudden movement.

Spring: Rabbit-kun! Too sudden!

Rabbit: ‘m sorry.

Rabbit: Is this where you’ve been though? Hangin’ out with him?

Spring: Yeah, I apologized to him for what you said to him in the detectives chat.

Rabbit’s eyes widened.

Rabbit: You TOLD him?

Spring: We can trust him, puwawa...

Rabbit: ...I guess.

He pouted a bit and Spring sent him a stern look. Wow… they were communicating without using words. I guess their bond really was on another level.

Spring: …

Rabbit: …

Spring: …

Rabbit: …

I was kind of reminded of the time I hung out with Bled and Tailor.

Rabbit: FINE! Fine.

I guess he was giving in for something…? He doesn’t seem like the type to ever win arguments against Spring.

Rabbit: I’m sorry for saying that you were lame ‘n’ stuff and being rude to you in the detectives chat for Spring-chan.

Protagonist: It’s f-

Spring sent Rabbit another look.

Rabbit: AND I think you’re really cool actually. Sigh. Okay. There. I said it. You happy now, Spring-chan?

Spring: Very!

Protagonist: …

This was actually adorable. They really were like brother and sister.

Protagonist: It’s fine, I accept your apology.

Protagonist: How long have you two known each other anyway?

Rabbit looked at Spring, as if unsure how to answer that.

Spring: Well, um. My parents took him in when I was about four and he was five. He’s been living with us ever since.

Protagonist: Oh, so you two even live together? That explains a lot.

Spring: …

Spring: Yeah.

Spring: He’s kind of my hi… bodyguard, puwa.

She was totally going to say something else there, but whatever. I’m not gonna push it.

Protagonist: Oh, right. Rabbit-kun said you came from a pretty important family so it makes sense you’d need a bodyguard.

Spring’s eyebrow quirked.

Spring: ...He did?

She looked at Rabbit, who looked at me with a face that told me he probably wasn’t supposed to tell me that.

Protagonist: Uh. No?

Spring: What else did he tell you?

I thought back to the kidnappings.

Protagonist: Nothing.

Spring: ...Alright.

I didn’t want to get Rabbit in hot water with Spring for telling me things he needed to keep under wraps.

There were considerably less people in the restaurant today. I’d say only about half the regular people decided to show up. Even Killer and Moth didn’t come. It would probably take everyone a long time to get used to the fact King was Lover Boy.

I don’t know how I was able to accept it so quickly. I briefly wondered if I was being too forgiving of King. I didn’t even think about what would happen to him after we left the mansion.

Now that everyone knew, he was surely bound to…

…

I figured that I’d convince him to turn himself in after we all left before anyone else could turn him in. That would be fair, right?

I’d get to visit him and - …

Oh, Spring was talking to me.

Spring: ...tagonist-kun…? Are you listening, puwa?

Protagonist: No, sorry… I was lost in thought.

Spring: Oh! That’s fine. Sorry. You just looked sad for a moment. I was worried.

She pressed her index fingers to the corners of her lips and turned her face into a bright smile.

Spring: Show me a smile~.

Rabbit: Smile or I’ll punch you.

Protagonist: Whwh-!

I quickly smiled awkwardly, as Rabbit tried to smile too, though it came out rather menacing and twisted looking.

Spring: A smile worth a million yen, Protagonist-kun!

She turned to Rabbit.

Spring: A smile worth… 2 yen!

Rabbit: W-what?!

Rabbit stopped smiling and put his hands on the table.

Spring: Haha! Just kidding. Your smile is worth more than all the money in this world.

Rabbit: ...Tch.

He rubbed the back of his head.

Rabbit: No, that’s yer smile.

Spring: It’s both of our smiles!

Spring held up a peace sign, which was really just her putting her thumb down, and leaned back in her chair. A wonderful aroma had started to waft through the air.

Spring: Wonder what he’s making. It sure smells good~.

Protagonist: Yeah. I’m kind of hungry too.

Rabbit: I ain’t eating. I’m just here for Spring-chan.

Spring: You should try it! I’m sure it’ll be good!

Rabbit: ‘m not gonna-

At that moment, King opened the door connecting the kitchen and the restaurant. It was unnerving to see him without his glasses, and now in the proper lighting, I could see a black eye had formed. The pink of his eyes contrasted with the sickly greenish brown and bluish purple… it was… Killer had really done a nice job.

King: Dinner’s ready~.

He still said so in such a sing-song tone. I guess he wasn’t bothered at all by this reveal. Or at least, he wasn’t letting on that he was bothered. He was just his normal… strange self.

We stood up to go into the kitchen. I guess I’d talk to King and make sure he was still doing fine. I don’t think he could really hide anything from me.

Protagonist: King-ku-

King: Prooootag-chan!

He suddenly jumped into my arms. I gave him an awkward half-hug as he gave me a full hug.

Protagonist: Okay, this hug is over now.

King: Nooooo.

I let him hug me for a bit longer before I shook him off.

Protagonist: King-kun, you’re okay, right?

King: Yeah. I have six pairs of those shades. Don’t even worry. I’m a little pissed at that brute, but like. It could’ve been a lot worse, considering... I’m pretty lucky.

He’s really only worried about his shades. Classic King.

He throws up a peace sign to assure me that he’s completely fine, though he blinks and hums slightly, leaning in towards me.

King: You know, I really wouldn’t mind a kiss to make me feel better if you’re that worried.

Protagonist: ...We really have to talk soon.

King blinks and frowns. He leans back and shrugs.

King: Fine. Fine~. I hope I’m not in trouble.

I mean…

Protagonist: …

King: …

Protagonist: So, uh… what did you make today?

King: ...Just pasta. Nothing too special.

It’s a bit awkward now…

Protagonist: Good… I’m hungry.

King: I’m King.

Protagonist: …

King: ...

He grinned at me, and I sighed and brushed past him to get food.

Protagonist: I’ll seek you out later. Actually, just come to my room later. We can talk then.

King: I’m being invited to your room? Kekekeke, don’t get my hopes up too much Protag-chan~.

Protagonist: Sigh.

I went back to sit down with Rabbit and Spring after I got my food. We ate and chatted, and as we cleared our plates, Spring pulled me aside.

Spring: Protagonist-kun… humuu…

Spring: Will you come watch the practice tomorrow again? I think we’re pretty efficient, and with you there, it feels like we can get a lot done.

Spring: Also, puwawa… you can lend us your critical eye and tell me what you think.

Spring: It’s kind of hard for me to judge, since I’m dancing too. Of course, Rabbit-kun helps, but four eyes are better than two, you know?

Protagonist: Alright! I’ll be there.

As we departed, I headed to my room, grabbed a change of pajamas, and got everything I needed to take a shower.

The water was nice. It was a stressful day… Everyone in the manor knew who I was now. There were really no more big secrets that I needed to hide.

Sigh…

Sigh… …

Sigh… … …

It was a relief and annoying at the same time.

As I stepped out of the shower and dried myself off, I saw that my ID had a notification. I opened it and saw that I had a message from Glasses. A smile was brought to my face as I thought about him. I hadn’t really talked to him today, but maybe we could still hang out.

Glasses: [Protagonist-kun. Will you meet me in the main hallway on the first floor at exactly 11:15? No sooner please.]

...That’s pretty specific. And also… pretty late. There’s something incredibly fishy about this message, but it’s Glasses, so I swallow that down quickly.

Protagonist: [Alright. That’s fine!]

Glasses: [You may bring Killer-san or King-kun if you like. Just. No sooner than 10:15.]

…

I’m definitely going sooner than 10:15.

Protagonist: [Got it. See you then.]

Glasses: [Thank you. I’m really glad we got to meet.]

…

HMMM.

I’m more than a little worried, so I’ll bring Killer and King with me to this. I’m sure they won’t mind. After all, I’ll probably be with King until then too.

I head back to my room in my pajamas to find the door is already unlocked. Sigh.

As expected, King is laying on the bed, already wearing a new pair of shades.

King: ‘sup.

Protagonist: Can’t you wait until I’m in the room to let you in?

King: Nope.

King: I’m the impatient type.

Protagonist: …

King: On a serious note…

King: You wanted to talk?

Protagonist: I do.

Protagonist: …

Protagonist: What do you plan on doing when we get out of the manor?

King: …

King: What do you mean? Aw, Protag-chan, I’m flattered, but I think we’re moving a bit too fast~.

Protagonist: Sigh. I meant - everyone now knows you as Lover Boy. You’re a wanted criminal.

King: And?

Protagonist: And?

Protagonist: What do you mean, and?

King: What’s wrong with that?

...Does he seriously not see the problem in that.

Protagonist: I mean, I’ve been pretty lenient about it but. You killed 16 people.

Protagonist: That’s the bottom line.

King: I’m pretty sure Maid-chan’s exaggerating. I can really only remember killing 15.

Protagonist: That’s beside the point!

Protagonist: Do you even know that you killed Syringe-kun’s sister?

Protagonist: Do you know what that must’ve done to him?

King: Oh shit, that explains why he hates me. Haha.

Protagonist: You’re not taking this seriously!

King: …

Protagonist: Sigh. Is this really pointless?

Protagonist: Here’s my thoughts on the matter. Once we get out of here, you should turn yourself in. If you’re LUCKY, you won’t spend the rest of your life in jail.

King: …

Protagonist: You… really don’t even have a choice, you know. Eight famous detectives know you’re Lover Boy. They’re not just gonna let that slide because you cooked them a meal a couple of times.

Protagonist: I’d recommend you do it yourself, before someone else can do it for you.

King: ...Sigh.

King flops back onto the bed.

King: This is really more troublesome than I thought.

King is silent for a few seconds and then rolls over onto his stomach.

King: You know… Protag-chan.

King: You’ll visit me right? If I do that?

King: So I won’t die of boredom. Or loneliness.

Protagonist: …

Did I actually make headway…?

Protagonist: Yeah. I will. I promise.

King: You swear on your life?

Protagonist: I swear on my life.

King: ...Fine. I don’t have much of a choice, like you said, but…

King: Man, I killed ‘ringey-chan’s sister? Pfft. I wish he’d told me.

Protagonist: I’m sure he really doesn’t even want to talk to you.

King: Fair.

King: Is this all you wanted to talk about?

Protagonist: Yeah.

King: ...Nothing else?

Protagonist: ...Uh, yeah?

King drops his head down onto the bed and groans.

King: Maaaaaaaaaaan. This suuuuuuucks.

I go to sit beside him. At least… at least this has been sorted out. I feel a huge weight being lifted off of my chest. He puts his head in my lap.

King: I’m tired.

Protagonist: Probably because you got up early.

...And then I remember that I want to talk to him about Glasses’s message.

Protagonist: Oh, uh. I got a strange message from Glasses-kun.

King: Spill. I wanna know all the deets.

I show him the exchange I had with Glasses and from where his head is resting on me, I can see his brows furrow.

King: ...I don’t think he’s planning on killing you, but you’re right. This is fuckin’ weird.

Protagonist: Yeah. That’s what I thought too. I hope he’s okay.

King: My advice is to go like, before 11:15 or whatever, and make sure he isn’t in any danger.

King: Maybe we should get that brute on board? Just in case.

Protagonist: That’s what I was thinking. Also, just call her Killer-chan.

King: Nyaaaah.

He stuck out his tongue at me childishly and I rolled my eyes.

King: I’m gonna go and take a shower and get ready, but I’ll be back in a few, alright? Get that woman in the meantime.

Protagonist: Sigh…

Protagonist: Alright. You do that.

He raised his head up and got really close to my face for a second. So close, I could see his eyes through his tinted shades. He winked and backed off, jumping back off the bed before I could say anything.

I feel like my bond with King has deepened.

King: Au revoir, Protag-chan.

He quickly left my room and I opened up my ID to compose a message to Killer.

Protagonist: [Killer-chan, would you mind hanging out with me for a while in my room?]

Killer: [Awwww hell yeah!!! :^DDDDDDDDDDD I’ll be there ASAP!!!!]

I laid down as I wait for Killer. My growing discomfort regarding Glasses’s safety began to consume me as I closed my eyes.

…

…

…

I was stirred by such a forceful knock, I thought the door was going to break off its hinges.

Yeah. It was Killer.

Killer: OPEN UP!

Protagonist: I’m coming, I’m coming, don’t knock my door in!

I quickly got up and opened up the door so she wouldn’t rip it off its hinges.

Killer stood in her pajamas, a cartoon bunny and stars print flannel set in a pastel purple. Her hair was down too. I guess I just got her as she was going to bed.

Killer: Protag-kun, what’s up?

Protagonist: Come in, I got a… strange message from Glasses-kun. And I need your help.

Killer closed the door behind her.

Killer: Did her finally own the fuck up and confess his feelings? Man, I always thought King-kun would be first but-

Protagonist: W… what?

Protagonist: No, that’s… not it.

I let her read the message.

She made a pouty face as she read, and then handed the ID back to me and shook her head.

Killer: Yeah. Strange is an understatement.

Killer: It’s like those notes you get in those murder mysteries where a murderer calls his victim to meet him so he can… KNIFE ‘EM!

And like that, she jumped at me, menacingly.

Protagonist: AGHK-!

Killer: Yahaha! I totally gotcha!

Protagonist: Please take this seriously!

Killer: Sorry, sorry… But yeah, I see why you’re worried.

Killer: I mean, but this is kind of normal cryptic Glasses-kun behavior. That guy’s an enigma. I wouldn’t be surprised if he wanted to just hang out or something.

Protagonist: You’re… actually probably right. But, just in case…

Protagonist: King-kun and I are going to go arrive at 11:00 to see what’s up. Can you come with us?

Killer: King-kun… pbbbbbbbbbbbt.

She sticks out her tongue and blows a raspberry.

Killer: You’re still hanging out with him?

Protagonist: ...I mean, we talked about it.

Killer: What did he say?

Protagonist: After we get out, he’s gonna turn himself in.

Killer: ...Really?

Killer: Man, I mean…

Killer: Fiiiiiiiiiiiiine. Fine. I’ll put up with him for now.

Protagonist: Thank you.

Killer came in and flopped down onto one of the chairs.

Killer: I feel like we haven’t even talked, just us two, yet.

Killer: Heehee. Tell me about what’s new with you, Protag-kun!

Protagonist: Eh…? I mean… not really much.

Protagonist: ...Romeo-kun tried to kiss me. That was a thing.

Killer: HE WHAT.

Killer brought her hands to her head and she looked like she was about to die.

Killer: I…

Killer: What?

Killer: Explain? Please?

Protagonist: After I helped with the book club… he tried to give me a reward kiss.

Killer: Is he… attracted to you?

Protagonist: I don’t know. He said no homo.

Killer: …

Killer: You do know that doesn’t make it… not gay.

Protagonist: …

Protagonist: I know that.

Killer: Okay. That didn’t sound too convincing, but alright.

Killer: …

Killer: That’s creepy, though. What happened after?

Protagonist: I mean… I told him not to and he didn’t. But, Romeo-kun is still kind of…

Killer: Gross? Creepy? Weird? Disgusting? Loser-y? Incelish? The worst in general?

Protagonist: ...Creepy is fine.

Killer and I ended up talking about some of the others in the mansion. She seemed to share my general opinion on everyone, which is nice. What’s that saying? True friends can hate people together.

By people, I mean Collector. Who I’m pretty sure is just a large reptile in a human flesh suit.

I feel like my bond with Killer has deepened…

Finally, after what felt like forever but was really just an hour and a half, King opened up the door to my room.

King: Hey Protag-chan~. Hey Killcchan.

He was in shorts and an oversized t-shirt with the word “uwu” on it? I’m not sure what that meant, but whatever. He still wore his shades too.

Protagonist: Why did it take you an hour and thirty minutes to shower and get changed?

King: I take long showers. And I had to pick out an outfit for the occasion.

Killer: You’re gonna waste the hot water! And it’s just pajamas!

King: Sucks for everyone else then!

King: Besides, you wouldn’t understand true fashion.

I looked at his outfit.

That really couldn’t be called true fashion at all.

King: Anyway…

He winked at me.

King: Bonsoir, Protag-chan.

Protagonist: You’re pronouncing that wrong.

King: ...It’s a power move.

Killer: Is that a reference to something? I feel like it is.

King: No.

Protagonist: I don’t think so?

Killer: ...Weird.

King took a seat on my bed next to me, and we all ended up talking television shows after that. Killer liked classic shoujo anime, which was pretty expected for her honestly. King liked true crime programs, which was honestly really expected as well. Another shocker there. I told them that I liked comedies mainly, to which they both agreed they liked as well, though they got mad at each other when they agreed that they liked the same thing.

Soon, it was nearing 11:00. King was the first to look at the clock and ask if we should head down to the main hallway now. Killer and I both agreed that it was a good idea.

The lights were out in the manor as we walked quietly. None of us really said anything, each of us were probably consumed by our worries for Glasses.

As we reached the top of the stairs, Killer stopped me.

Killer: Shh-!

She said this in a suddenly hushed tone that made me even more concerned. But then I heard it. Two voices talking in a quieter tone towards the left of the stairs.

Glasses… and someone else, whose voice was softer so I couldn’t make out who it was.

???: You… understand right? Why I’m doing this.

Glasses: I understand, and I accept it.

Killer looked over the railing and slapped me softly.

Killer: UH GUYS- H-HE’S GOT A SWORD?

Killer: OH MY GOD, I THINK HE’S GONNA KILL GLASSES-KUN?

She whisper yelled at us.

…

What?

I couldn’t stop my feet from loudly pounding down the stairs. King and Killer followed quickly.

Protagonist: GLASSES-KUN?!

King: So much for taking them by surprise.

By the time it had taken us to get to where Glasses stood, his supposed attacker had already fled.

Glasses: ...You came earlier than 10:15.

Protagonist: YOU WERE GONNA LET YOURSELF GET KILLED?

Glasses: Yes.

…

I couldn’t help it. All at once, tears started to overflow, and they wouldn’t stop rolling down my cheeks.

Protagonist: God, Glasses-kun! Did my words mean nothing to you?

Protagonist: If something happens to you, tell someone!

Glasses: ...I told you, though?

Protagonist: Before it’s too late!

Killer: Alright, alright. I’m gonna leave you two alone and uh… head back to my room. That’s… enough excitement for tonight.

Protagonist: ...But wait, who was even trying to kill you? We need to know!

Killer: ...I’m gonna head off.

…

Without any more words, Killer left, visibly shaken. King sat on the stairs to our side while Glasses and I stood facing each other, awkwardly.

Glasses: …

Protagonist: Aren’t you even going to tell me?

Glasses: I’m sorry.

Protagonist: …

Protagonist: It’s fine. I just… I just got really scared, alright?

Glasses: That wasn’t my intention.

Protagonist: …

I just wrapped my arms around him and hugged him as tight as I could.

I feel like my bond with Glasses has deepened.

King: Heeeeeey. I have an idea~.

King suddenly cut in, standing up and throwing his arms around both of our shoulders.

King: Slumber party in Protag-chan’s room~.

Protagonist: …

Glasses: …

King: No? I thought it was a good idea.

Protagonist: No. It is a good idea.

Protagonist: Glasses-kun, do you want to? We can bring blankets and pillows from yours and King-kun’s room.

Glasses: …

He wiped his eyes ever-so-slightly, fidgeting with the collar of his pajama shirt.

Glasses: I’d actually like that.

Protagonist: Let’s… not tell the others about this, alright?

Protagonist: We don’t need to incite panic.

King: Perfect thinking.

As we went back to our rooms and gathered the blankets and pillows off of Glasses’s and King’s beds and brought them back to my room and laid them across the floor with my blankets and pillows.

We ended up staying up an hour more before we each fell asleep. King fell asleep first. He drools when he’s sleeping.

I fell asleep soon after, staying up to talk to Glasses a little longer.

…

…

…

The amount of alarms going off in the room was unbearable.

King: Oh my goooood. Someone turn them oooooooff.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw him lazily open up his ID and give Maid-chan the finger on screen.

I opened up my ID as well.

Maid-chan: Hello sleepyheads! This is your morning wake-up call! It's now 10:00 AM! Wakey, wakey, or I'll be very sad at how lazy you are~.

I groaned and rolled over as I heard Glasses opening his ID as well.

Glasses: Good morning.

He sat up and pulled his knees into his chest in our blanket and pillow pile, looking at King and I.

Protagonist: Morning…

King: I’m huuuungryyyyyy.

Wow, he was a delight in the morning.

King: ...Sigh.

King: Well, this was fun. I’m gonna head back to my room and sleep for another ten years, though.

King: Sleeping on the floor is the worst.

King: Whose idea was this anyway?

Protagonist: Yours.

King: Right. It was a good idea anyway. I had fun.

King: Bye-ya.

King jumped up and quickly got together his blankets and pillows, though I noticed him taking an extra pillow as well.

…Oh well.

He left with a wave.

Glasses: …

Glasses: I had fun with you two last night.

Protagonist: I’m glad.

Protagonist: …

Protagonist: Please don’t do anything like that again, alright?

Glasses: ...I won’t.

Protagonist: Promise me.

Glasses: …

Glasses: I promise.

I hugged him. I’m glad he at least promised. I’ll trust him to keep his promises too.

We soon parted ways and I went down to get some breakfast, though Valkyrie and Syringe were already there. Huh, I half expected to see Syringe with Moth. Good to know he has other friends, honestly.

Syringe: ...and so I think we can take Luna-kun out of the running…

Valkyrie: I agree - have you seen him lately? He is working hard on his ID. It’s - …

As I entered they turned to look at me and wave politely. Oh great. They’re both super prim and proper.

Protag: Hey guys, what’s up?

Syringe: Nothing much… just theorizing really.

Valkyrie: Like I told you yesterday Protagonist-kun…

Valkyrie: About the truth behind this manor.

Syringe: We’ve really eliminated King-kun and Luna-kun of being the ones totally responsible for this, but the possibility of King-kun being a mole of sorts is a real thing.

Valkyrie: It’s true. He’s honestly too stupid for running this whole thing, but he seems like he could be an obedient dog that knows when to sit.

Protagonist: ...Uh. What?

Protagonist: Sorry, I’m still… half asleep.

Valkyrie: It is fine, Protagonist-kun. It’s just theories for now.

Syringe: Sigh… we can’t even eliminate each other.

Valkyrie: We could probably eliminate Protagonist-kun?

Syringe: That makes sense, in all honesty.

They’re… talking about me like I’m not even here.

And besides, this conversation is intimidating.

Protagonist: Well. Uh. Don’t mind me. I’m just hungry.

They continued to theorize about the others as I made myself a bowl of cereal. Realistically, I should be thinking about this stuff too, but it made my head spin.

Could one of us really be behind Maid-chan? I didn’t even want to entertain that possibility.

I cleared up my bowl and said a polite goodbye to those two, still thinking about what they had been talking about.

I was about to go to the auditorium when I saw a small group gathered, playing cards.

Flare: Three sevens.

Luna: Bullshit!

Flare: W-what!? How did you know? You don’t even have any sevens!

Luna grinned as he tapped his forehead.

Luna: I always know.

Flare sighed and scooped up the cards in the pile and took them into her hand with a frown.

Sol: Four eights.

Luna: Nii-chan. Nii-chan. Stop.

Tailor: You can’t just put down four cards every time. We’ll know you’re lying, Sol-kun…

Flare: It ruins the fun…!

Sol: ...Four eights.

Luna: Sigh… bullshit.

Sol picked up his cards again with a serene smile.

Protagonist: Oh, hey guys. What’s up?

Luna: We’re playing Bullshit.

Flare: Oh, Protagonist-kun, after we’re done, you could play a round.

Protagonist: Um, thanks, but no thanks. I’m not too fond of card games.

Luna: Suit yourself.

Tailor: One nine.

He put down a card and Luna looked at his deck.

Luna: Three tens.

Flare: …

She looked like she was wondering if she should call him out or not, but put down her cards anyway.

Flare: Two jacks.

Luna: I lied.

Flare: Dammit!

Luna stuck out his tongue at her and she pouted. Sitting on the stairs behind them, I saw Bled.

I made my way to her and sat beside her.

Protagonist: You have a thing for sitting on the stairs, huh?

Bled: [Is that supposed to be funny? Haha.]

Protagonist: Just an observation.

Bled: [I mean, I guess.]

Protagonist: Why aren’t you playing?

Bled scrunched up her face.

Bled: [Believe or not, I’m a really bad liar. My nose twitches every time. Luna-kun would see right through me. There’s no way I’d win.]

Protagonist: Isn’t it just for fun though?

Bled: [Winning IS fun.]

Protagonist: ...That’s fair.

Bled: [By the way… did something happen with Killer-chan last night? I was private messaging her and she seemed… shaken.]

…

I stood up.

Protagonist: Uh, can we talk?

Protagonist: Alone.

Bled: [Oh.]

Bled: [Sure…]

She got up apprehensively and followed me as I took her to the ever-changing room on the third floor.

When we stepped through, the scenery small and secluded park with some wildflowers growing in the grass and brilliant sunlight shining through beautiful green leaves.

Bled: [Whoa…]

Protagonist: Um, Bled-chan… last night Glasses-kun sent me a message and…

I explained the situation to her. She stood, staring at me impassively through her thick glasses, lips pulled into a small frown.

Bled: [...]

Bled: [That’s… a problem.]

Protagonist: Yeah. Please don’t tell anyone. I don’t want to panic them.

Bled: [Alright, I won’t…]

Bled: [But uh, don’t you feel like it’ll come out eventually? And we should really be taking action to finding out who this person is. Killer-chan AND Glasses-kun won’t tell you?]

Protagonist: Yeah… it’s… really strange.

Protagonist: I think we shouldn’t let it cloud our heads for now though. It’ll be fine. If it happens again, Glasses-kun will tell me.

Bled: [Alright, I’ll trust your judgment.]

Protagonist: Thank you, Bled-chan.

Bled: [I’m glad you can trust me, Protag-kun.]

I feel like my bond with Bled has deepend…

We ended up talking for a bit more before I remembered my promise with Spring to watch her rehearsal. I walked there, and saw Diamond standing outside the door, staring blankly at a wall.

Protagonist: Oh, Diamond-chan, hey!

Diamond: …

Protagonist: Hello?

Diamond: Hey! Sorry, I was just thinking.

Diamond: Are you here to watch? I’m just taking a five minute break to catch my breath.

Diamond: This is hard work, but it’s pretty fun! Everyone was just out a few minutes ago to get water, but now… we’re back! Haha…

Protagonist: Yeah! It’s pretty exciting, right? I bet Valkyrie-san’s gonna love seeing you dance when this is over.

Diamond: …

Diamond: Yeah, I hope so.

Diamond: Well, are you coming in?

Protagonist: Yeah, of course.

We both went in and Diamond waved at Spring and Killer, on stage. Rabbit was in the audience as well, though he looked grumpy as usual.

I took a seat next to Rabbit as Diamond got on stage and began to practice.

Rabbit: What do you want?

Protagonist: ...Can’t I just sit here?

Rabbit: Tch. Whatever.

We watched the dance for a while, and Rabbit yelled out critique - he was surprisingly good at telling when someone was out of step, or was behind. I guess he just has a really good eye for that sort of stuff.

Diamond: Can I go grab a drink of water from the kitchen? I’m really thirsty.

Spring: Oh…? Alright, puwa… sure!

Diamond hopped off stage and smiled at us before disappearing to go get some water.

Spring: ...I wanted to run the dance from the top though…

Killer: Protag-kun can stand in for Diamond-chan?

Protagonist: I don’t know her spots…

Rabbit sighed.

Rabbit: I’ll do it.

He got up onto the stage reluctantly, and Spring kicked the radio again to make it start.

Suddenly, there was a creaking from above the stage. Rabbit looked up, and in an instant, moved to shove Spring and Killer off the stage, and Spring screamed out in pain as she hit the ground.

I didn't understand what was happening until it was too late.

From my front row seat in the audience, I had a perfect view of the heavy lighting rig crashing down on top of Rabbit, pinning him to the ground. Spring screamed.

No... no!

That shouldn't be enough to kill him, right!?

But then, I saw it.

Piercing Rabbit’s back, shoved into the lighting fixture’s cracks was a gleaming sword. I jumped to my feet, immediately bounding to the stage. Spring was still down, clutching her ankle.

I’d ask her if she was okay later, but right now I had to attend to Rabbit. Was… was he even still alive…?

Rabbit: FUCK!!!

His terrifyingly angry scream answered that for me. I jumped up onto the stage, and I could hear Spring trying to get up. Killer had also jumped up onto the stage, screaming something between gibberish and bloody murder.

Killer: ARE YOU… ARE YOU ALRIGHT?

Rabbit: WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE.

Killer: I know, I know, stupid question, um…

Protagonist: We can fix this! Killer-chan, Killer-chan, quick - get everyone in here. Tell them it’s an emergency.

As Killer sent a message to the group chat, which I ignored, I moved closer to Rabbit. He was crying and bleeding heavily from where the sword was piercing him.

Rabbit: God, I… I think I’m gonna fucking die.

Rabbit: Fuck…

Rabbit: F...fuck.

Protagonist: NO! Don’t say that! Don’t!

Spring had managed to get up on stage, and as soon as she saw the sword in Rabbit’s side, she screamed and flung herself at him.

Protagonist: No- you’ll just worsen his injuries!

Spring: NO-! WHO DID THIS?

Rabbit: I don’t know! ...I don’t know.

Rabbit: God… that’s pathetic… I’ll die without knowing who killed me. Hah.

Spring: Y-you can fix this, right? You can save him… You promised me no one would d-die!

She turned to me, still looking hopeful. I felt numb. I don’t know what to say…

The lights dimmed and Maid-chan appeared.

Spring: Maid-chan, Maid-chan! Please! You have to heal him!

She was sobbing now, as people started to file in. Everyone made their way to the stage, as if Rabbit was some sort of bizarre spectacle to witness. No one said anything, knowing the answer to Spring’s pleas already.

Maid-chan: Haha! As if! Our first murder, huh…? Well, not quite yet, but he really doesn’t have that much time left.

Spring screamed and launched herself at Maid-chan. Killer caught her just in time, holding her back before Spring could sentence her own death.

Killer: D-don’t do that! We can’t lose you too!

Spring: LET HER KILL ME. I WANT TO DIE. I DON’T WANT TO LIVE WITHOUT HIM.

Rabbit: SPRING.

Rabbit: Spring-chan… listen.

Rabbit’s firm voice was wavering now.

Rabbit: I knew this was gonna happen.

Rabbit: You were gonna have to learn how to be strong on your own sooner or later... I was just hoping it was later... I just wish there was... more time for us.

Rabbit: So just let me go.

Spring: No.

Spring: No…

Spring: NO.

Rabbit said no more. He closed his eyes, and let go of the strength he had been holding onto.

Spring: R...Rabbit-kun?

Spring: Come on. Come on. Y-you can’t be serious.

Maid-chan: Alright, everyone off the stage!

Maid-chan ushered us off the stage. Spring surprisingly went with ease. I don’t think she could fight anything right now. A small gust of wind could’ve knocked her over.

And there lie the body of Rabbit, a sword in his back, being crushed by the weight of the lighting fixtures.

It never occured to me that a murder could happen in front of my eyes. Someone would lose their life in front of me.

Everything moves in real time.