Danganronpa Midnight: Lantern Lament (Fanganronpa)

Prologue - Farewell To A New Beginning - The First Day

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Prologue - Farewell To A New Beginning
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"Hey kid, be careful out there, got it?" I heard my dad say as I stepped out of the car and slid my satchel bag over my shoulder, petting the dog lying on the backseat.

"Yeah, yeah. I know dad. And I'm not some kid anymore." I replied, turning back to face him. "It's just a school. It's not a big deal."

"Ha, I know that squirt." He smiled, hanging an arm from his open car window. "I just want you to be happy. Have fun, you know? This is Hopes Peak Academy we're talking about. And it's your first day as a third year. Just one more year to go and then a new chapter of your life-"

I quickly cut him off. "No need to get into the poetic stuff."

"You say that now, but soon you're going to be missing your high school years. I remember my third year...Your mother and I were real high school sweethearts. We were the best couple in school, no doubt." He started to reminisce.

"I get it, dad." I stopped him there. "But I guess you're right...I'm still insulted by the wording of my talent. It makes me sound less professional and like some shitty kid. I thought Hopes Peak would have changed that by now."

"Hey, no matter what anyone calls you, you're still gonna be an amazing journalist to me; not only that, but you'll always be my kid. Got that, Chiyo?" He extended his hand out to me.

"Got it." I took his hand and shook it. "No more sad talk though, I don't want to start getting emotional on the first day. That would be so embarrassing..."

"Right...Now go do me proud." He smiled.

"I will. I won't let you down." I nodded, checking to see if everything was in my bag.

"And remember. No guys- or girls- or anyone for that matter! And no parties! I don't want you getting...stoned? Or wasted? That's what the kids these days say, right?" He started going on a long lecture.

"Dad!" My head shot up from my bag and glared at him. "Stop!"

"I'm trying my best..." he chuckled. "But I'm sure you don't want your old man talking to you anymore, so I'll see you later."

"Alright...See you, dad. And I'll see you too, Steak." I once again petted the doberman who was now excited and sticking his head out of the car, him leaning into my hand. I sighed. "Dad, why did you name our dog Steak?"

"I was really craving some steak at the time," he replied with a sheepish smile then looked away. "You know I'm not good with names..."

"Of course. That was obvious."

I let go of the dog and waved to the two of them as I turned back on him once more to face the academy towering before me and glistening in the sun. However, before I could take another step forward I heard my father call out my name again.

"Actually Chiyo..." he began rummaging around his car compartments before pulling out a small slip of paper. "I was gonna give this to you later...but I think you deserve to have it now. You are old enough too. You're a third-year after all."

He handed me a picture of a much younger me in my mother's arms.

I sighed. "Oh...It's her."

"If you're ever worried or miss her, just look at that. Got it?"

"Shit. What did I say about the sad talk..."

"Hey." He gave me a sympathetic look. "I'm sure she's super proud of you."