Reunited (My au of Danganronpa v3; this is basically my SaiMatsu story)

Chapter 1

It was early in the morning, but throngs of people still milled about the streets of downtown Tokyo. The brightly lit, colorful signs flashed above and loud music blared from many different places, but it didn't bother Kaede. She had gotten used to it all. It was a little strange to her though: walking amidst crowds of people in her daily life, looking up and seeing buildings tower over her- definitely not normal. But now it was. She had learned to accept these abnormalities when she made the decision to leave her parents' home and purchase a small apartment in Tokyo. It was her choice. Not anyone else's choice. She was sure of that.

There was an intersection not too far ahead of her. She glanced at the traffic light; it read green. She ran to the crosswalk, not wanting to lose the chance to cross. Once she was on the other side, she noticed a familiar, comforting smell coming from one of the shops beside the sidewalk. She scanned the area until she saw it- a small, jade-colored sign with golden lettering. It was a sign for her favorite tea shop. It was one of the reasons she chose an apartment in the location that she had; the jasmine tea that the shop prided itself on was her favorite, and every day she would walk the few blocks to the shop and purchase a cup of jasmine tea. Once she reached the shop, she stopped to check the sign on the door. A small placard was hung on the inside of the glass door; it read 'open'. Without hesitation, she gently pushed the door open and walked inside.

The inside of the shop was lit with traditional Japanese lanterns. Gold and green dragon emblems were embossed on the dark brown, wooden walls. Small tables were spread out around the shop, and the faint smell of incense wafted from behind the counter. But for some reason, something was off. Kaede couldn't see anyone behind the counter. A terrifying feeling crept over her, yet she still walked toward the kitchen door beside the counter. She knew she shouldn't, but she had to check. Once she reached the door, she tentatively placed her hand on the doorknob. And then-

"Kyaah!"

Kaede yelped in surprise as the door suddenly opened. A petite woman with short, choppy hair stood before her.

"Oh, so it was you, Kaede!" The woman's voice was chipper as she spoke. Kaede immediately relaxed. She knew the woman- after all, she worked at the tea shop. Kaede had seen her every time she came.

"I'm sorry Miki! You scared me is all," Kaede said.

Miki laughed. "It's okay! I just went into the kitchen to look for this new box of teabags I got. Nobody was here, so I just figured I could leave the counter for a sec. Sorry I scared you," Miki replied, heading back into the kitchen but leaving the door open. After a few seconds, she returned with a small box. "This is the tea I bought. I've never tried making this brand for any customers before, think it'll be any good?" Miki said, and promptly handed the box to Kaede. "We don't use tea bags too much, so if anything, it'll be different."

Kaede inspected the box and said, "Looks fine to me!" She gave Miki a smile, handing the box back to Miki. Miki smiled and walked back into the kitchen putting the box back.

"So what'll it be today? Feeling anything different?" Miki yelled from the room.

Kaede yelled back, "I'll just have the usual."

"Alright! One jasmine comin' right up!" Miki trilled happily. Kaede smiled faintly as she heard Miki's upbeat voice coming from the kitchen in the back room. She could remember when she herself used to be like that. She used to be happier.

Then the Incident happened.

Kaede confided in Miki about the Incident. Well, she didn't tell her the details, but Miki knew that it had hurt Kaede. Badly. Every time Miki saw her, she saw grief still lingering in Kaede's eyes. And then there was the scar.