Danganronpa Zero

Chapter Six (part one)

Before I knew what I was doing, I found myself running, scattering tears and snot all around. While I was running, I wrote my memories down in my notebook.

But, I quickly forgot why I was even running. I slowed my pace, and looked down at the unfinished memory in the notebook. When I did, that recent memory was resurrected in my brain and -

"KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!"

Screaming, I continued fervently dashing away from the central plaza. I climbed over the iron fence like a daredevil, and after running away some more I finally saw the school dormitory ahead of me. I flew into the dorms at top speed, and headed straight to Matsuda-kun's room. As far as I'm concerned, when faced with times like this, the only person I can remember - the only person I can rely on - is Matsuda-kun!

As I ran through the corridors, flipping through my notebook in search of Matsuda-kun's room, I recalled another memory that was written down in it.

"I am not allowed to visit Matsuda-kun in his room without a good reason"

But, I did have a good reason right now. It was an unprecedented state of emergency, and so I ignored the precaution. After flipping through the notebook some more, I finally remembered where Matsuda-kun's room is, and managed to reach it before I forgot again.

Bang bang bang bang bang!

As soon as I reached the door I knocked on it with all my strength and screamed.

"M...Matsuda-kun! I-i-i-i-i-it's terrible! Terrible!"

But, no matter how long I waited, the door didn't show any sign it was going to open.

"M...Matsuda-kun! C'mon, Matsuda-kuuuuuuun!!"

I continued my insistent knocking. I knocked as if I was deranged. As if I was half-crazed. I knocked and knocked, and after I continued knocking for a while, a door finally opened.

"...Honestly, who is this?"

But, the door that opened... was the door to the room next door.

- Wait, huh?

It was strange. There was no one there. The door was open, and I even heard a person's voice, but no one was there.

"Hey, what's goin' on? You're bein' very noisy."

Someone's voice could be heard in the corridor that still looked empty. Even more surprisingly, it was a kid's voice. I looked around once more, but there was still no one there.

"Hey, big sis, where are you lookin'? I'm right here!"

"W...Where are you?", I turned to face the empty hallway and yelled. "W...Where are you hiding?!"

Once again, I could only hear a voice.

"Ha ha, I'm not hidin' anywhere! I'm right here, in front of your eyes! You just haven't noticed me yet."

In front of my eyes?

I took a big breath, and waited for my palpitations, which by now became violent, to calm down. Then, I properly concentrated on the environment. When I did, I finally noticed him.

"Oh, did you finally notice me?"

In front of my eyes stood a boy that looked like a cartoon cupid.

"Ah, don't worry. I was born with a weak sense of presence. No one notices me at first. I'm used to it by now, so don't

let it bother you."

The boy had the clean voice of someone yet to reach puberty. His face was surprisingly featureless. It was the kind of face that you'd draw if told to draw a child's face without using a photo as reference. Its complete lack of distinguishing features was an astounding distinguishing feature all by itself.