It's quite late when they are finally all gathered in the morning for breakfast. It seems everyone needed their rest after yesterday's trial, since even some of the students who are normally early arrive a little later.
Juro finds himself with Daichi and Hikaru, feeling a little awkward at the lack of Jihun's cheerful and Kenji's calm presence. The room felt emptier now that they were gone, the atmosphere heavier. It would take some time to get used to their absence.
Kaori is pushing around her food on her plate at one end of the table, with Ryoko next to her staring out the window. At the other end of the table, Hachiro is talking quietly to Youta. In the middle Mai is practically draped over the table with Chinami attempting to make small talk with Arisa, an effort that the knife thrower for once returns as she traces a line in the table with her knife. Eri and Minoru are sitting together as well, which has become the norm ever since they found each other during the first investigation and trial. Eri just pokes the ghost hunter's forehead and he makes a face, much to her amusement.
Juro smiles a little at the scene. He had been a little worried about Minoru, since the ghost hunter got along well with Jihun, but he forgot that there is someone else who cares enough to try cheering Minoru up. Despite the fact that Eri has very unique ways of interacting with people, it seems to work rather well.
It's quiet and the air is heavy, but at the same time it feels like things will be okay. No one is really alone right now, maybe with the exception of Mai, but she appears to be perfectly content taking a nap.
It's more peaceful than the aftermath of the first trial.
Maybe they're already growing numb to all the suffering and misery.
Juro shakes his head and forces the negative thoughts to go away. He looks at the two boys that are sitting closest to him and asks "Do you think Monokuma will show up again today to give us access to a new area?"
Hikaru runs his fingers through his hair "Good point actually. It hadn't crossed my mind yet, but you might be right."
"Then I suppose we should prepare ourselves to go explore today again." Daichi muses, bringing a hand to his chin "As expected."
Juro smiles a little. It might be an act, but Daichi seems to be acting like his usual self again. However, the sketch artist vividly remembers the kindness and vulnerability the school idol showed last night. It is nice in a way to know that there's another side to Daichi. It makes him a little more humane compared to the way he seemed before.
"Well, if we have to explore today, let's stick together." Hikaru suggests with a smile as he folds his arms behind his head.
"Really?" Juro asks, sitting up a little straighter.
"If you want to, of course." Hikaru shrugs, but keeps a smile on his face "I mean, most of the others seem to want to stick together already. Plus, I like you two, so why not?"
Juro smiles and nods "Alright then, count me in."
"I'd be okay with it too." Daichi says with a smile.
Hikaru grins "Alright then, it's a plan."
"Making plans already?" Eri asks, propping up an arm to rest her chin on her hand.
"Better safe than sorry, right?" Juro rubs the back of his neck, smiling a bit sheepishly.
Eri tilts her head a little, giving him a look before she smiles faintly "Sure."
"Eri, be nice." Minoru lightly shoves her by placing a hand on her forehead.
"You should know by now that I don't do nice."
YOU ARE READING
Cabin Fever
FanfictionHe was on his way to Hope's Peak Academy, but he woke up in an abandoned cabin near a lake in the woods. How could the life of Juro Sasaki take such a drastic turn? Well, that's what he and his fifteen classmates would like to know too. But finding...
