I gave a small whistle as I wandered around the academy, doing my 'investigation'. For the most part, I think I know what I'm gonna do about Rantaro and Tsumugi. All I need to do is wait for the right time to speak to each of them alone.

"Kokichi wait!" I paused, looking behind me. Gonta was running towards be, skidding to a stop before panting.

"There you are....Gonta looking....for you...." He said in between breaths, his face a light shade of red.

"What's up Gonta?" I asked. I was genuinely curious as to why he was following me.

"Well, everyone search academy in pairs right? So Gonta thought Kokichi be his partner." He explained. I turned to face him. "But I already told everyone I would search on my own." I stated.

"But, Gonta feel better if you weren't alone. If something happened to Kokichi, Gonta never forgive himself." He said, looking away shamefully. I chuckled and rolled my eyes. He certainly still is a 'gentlemen'. But, I guess having him as an ally wouldn't hurt. He certainly was useful last time.....

Last time....

Flashbacks rolled in my mind....the Insect Meet and Greet, Gonta carrying Himiko, Gonta killing Miu, the many tears he shed....his final words....

"Just promise Gonta, that you all forgive each other, and be friends. Okay?"

Right afterwards....he was executed.

Because of me.

"So, can Gonta be your partner?! Please?!" I inhaled sharply, snapping out of my thoughts and looking to Gonta, who now gave me the largest, cutest puppy eyes I've ever seen. I smiled, giving a small shrug.

"Sure, why not?" Immediately his face lit up like a flashlight, his smile beaming like a child. "Yes! Gonta do his best! Gonta not smart, but he try hard!" He said.

"Come on then, big guy. Let's take a peek at the court yard!" I said.

*    *    *    *

Gonta blinked. I blinked. And we continued to stare at the manhole curiously. He placed a finger on his head and lightly scratched it.

"Manhole? What manhole doing here?" He asked. I placed my hands on my hips. "Dunno, but maybe it's a way out. I mean where else would it lead?" I said.

"Think so? What we do then?!" Gonta asked.

"Obviously we need to get the others. Then we'll use the tunnels to escape." I explained. Gonta nodded.

"Right! Gonta be right back!" He stated, and rushed out to gather everyone. I looked back at the manhole, eyes narrowing as I frowned. From here, everything should happen as expected.

*    *    *    *

Like I said, everything did happen as expected. Everyone came to the garden. Gonta lifted the manhole lid. We all went into the tunnels, and attempted to clear the Despair Road...

Over....

And over....

And over....

Until finally three hours had passed, and all of us were exhausted. I was currently leaning against the wall, panting hard.

"God damn, I forgot how much that road sucks without the Electrohammers." I thought.

"Come on everyone. One more time. This time, I know we can do it," Kaede stated, standing on her wobbly legs, "this time we'll make it-"

"Oh give it a rest!" I snapped, catching everyone's attention. I stood up on my own weak legs and walked over to the Ultimate Pianist.

"Can't you see we're all exhausted!? Can't you see we can't get through that damn tunnel?! I don't know about you, but the rest of us like being alive! So we ain't taking more step in that hell hole!" I snapped. This wasn't just acting either. I was really posses and tired! I already went through this bullshit last time, I didn't need to do it again!

Kaede looked shocked and taken aback. "I-I..I'm sorry. I just want to escape with everyone, that's all." She stated.

"Ha! If you really cared about us, then wouldn't you have bothered to think how we feel?!" I said. Kaede looked puzzled, but I turned to the others.

"Tell me guys, am I wrong? You wanna keep failing at this tunnel for another fucking hour?" At first, no one spoke, looking at the ground in shame.

" ....it does seem impossible. The tunnel I mean." Tsumugi said.

"We've been going at it for so long....I don't think we can escape." Tenko stated. "Yeah, besides, this whole thing is a literal pain...." Himiko muttered.

"I'm afraid I don't see how using that tunnel is possible." Kiyo admitted. Kaede looked beyond shocked, as well as disappointed.

"Guys, we can't give up. If we don't work together, we'll never get out. We have to have hope and survive-"

"Oh again with the 'hope' bullcrap," I growled, crossing my arms, "You sound like a broken record, you realize that right? Well guess what, we're all pretty sick of it! So do us all a favor and shut up or die in a hole!" I snapped. Kaede's eyes widened, looking at me, speechless....

"Kokichi! That's too far! She's trying to help is all! So don't treat her like that!" Shuichi stated. Kaede turned her head away, a shadow casting over her eyes.

"Yes, Kaede care about us! Don't say mean things to her!" Gonta stated. "Oh I'm sorry, was I wrong about any of my statements-" I was interrupted by Kaede's weak voice.

"I'm sorry..."

We all looked at her. She was shaking, and had hugged herself, as if trying to shrink away.

"I'm so sorry. I just....don't want anyone to die. I'm sorry.... " she covered her mouth as small tears streamed down her cheeks. My own eyes widened in shock.

I....made her cry?

I don't remember doing that last time. Was I that harsh? Shuichi immediately went over to Kaede, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Kaede....it's okay. It's not your fault." He said gently. A pang struck my heart. I knew this feeling too well....guilt. I felt it many times in the first time line, but had pushed it back.

"That was pretty low, Kokichi. You should apologize." Kaito stated with clenched teeth and fists. He looked pissed, as if holding himself back.

"What? Don't tell me you didn't feel the same?!" I stated. Ryoma adjusted his hat so that his big, black eyes were looking into mine, which oddly disturbed me greatly.

"Maybe we did, but spouting those thoughts on Kaede doesn't make anything better. No matter what the circumstance, making a girl cry....is never cool."

Strangely, those words were like guilt bullets, striking my heart. And I hated it. The atmosphere suddenly felt suffocating. I am so done with this.

Wordlessly I walked to the ladder and began to climb up.

"Where are you going?" Maki asked.

"To my dorm. In case you bozos didn't notice, we each have our own room. When you grow a brain, feel free to join me." I stated.

However, to my surprise, no one followed me.

*    *    *    *

I remained silent as I laid on my bed, thinking things over. It's strange, last time I stood up to Kaede, at least half of the group was on my side.....so why did everyone hang up on me?

Whatever, I don't need them anyways. I never tried to be their friend before, so why try now?

A knock at my door made me sit up. I glanced at the clock. It was nine forty five. Who would be here fifteen minutes before nighttime?

I cautiously approached the door, opening it a crack. I was met by a single red eye peeking through.

"Kokichi? It's Gonta. Can Gonta speak with Kokichi?" He asked. I sighed. I didn't really want to talk to him, but it's not like he'll go away. I opened the door fully and crossed my arms.

"Whatever you want, make it quick. It's not gentlemen like to keep someone up." I said. Gonta looked away shyly.

"Yes, Gonta know it's late, so Gonta make this quick." He said. A small frown formed on his face, and he kept his gaze to the ground.

"Earlier....you say mean things to Kaede. You made her cry. That not nice...." I rolled my eyes, leaning against the door frame.

"Oh, I get it. You're mad too, right?" I said.

"N-No! Well, yes? A little....but Gonta want to know something." He said. "And that would be?" I urged, hoping to wrap this up. I was too tired to deal with Gonta right now. "Gonta want to know....why you said such mean things? Why you make Kaede cry? Does Kokichi....hate Kaede?" His question completely caught me off guard. Is that what he thinks?

"No, I don't hate her, I just...." I sighed, rubbing the temples of my head in circles, "I was just angry, okay. And very tired..." I stated. Not the whole truth, but not a complete lie either.

"Oh, Gonta understand. But, Kokichi feel bad for yelling at Kaede?" Gonta asked.

".....no. Course not."

"Oh...." Gonta looked down again, playing with his thumbs before speaking again, "Still, can Gonta ask for favor?" I rolled my eyes. "Sure, why not?" I said sarcastically.

"Great!" Gonta said with a smile.

"I was being sarcas-"

"Can Kokichi apologize to Kaede tomorrow?" Gonta asked. I blinked, confused. "Eh? Say what now?" I said.

"Even if you don't mean it, can you apologize to Kaede tomorrow? Gonta sure that will make her smile again! Please?" He said. I stared in utter shock. He wants her to be happy that badly?

He would go through the trouble of asking me to apologize, even if it wasn't genuine? He really is....a sweet guy.

"Kokichi?" He said, looking at me expectantly with his large red eyes. Suddenly the announcement bell rang.

"Its nighttime now. Everyone should head to bed." Monophanie stated.

"Or don't. Whatever bloodied those hands!" Monotaro stated. They signed off, and I took advantage of this by yawning.

"Oh wow, nighttime already? Well, I better head to bed! So should you! Goodnight!" I said quickly. Gonta opened his mouth to speak, but I slammed the door in his face. The moment I did, I leaned against the door and sighed.

I couldn't help but grab my face with both hands, slowly moving them up till I ran my fingers through my hair.

"Why do I feel like this? Why do I feel like utter shit? I've felt this all day! Why won't it go away?!" I thought aloud. It wouldn't have anything to do with the first time line, would it?

No, I blame Gonta and his confusing words. His kind words....

A flash of his execution came to view, with that large bug stabbing into his stomach, making me visibly shutter.

"Okay, I need sleep!" I declared. I stood up, marched over to my bed, and closed my eyes. Thankfully, sleep was easy to find.

For now.