Unwavering Faith (or a Lack Thereof) | Saimatsu

Chapter 4

The fourth time they met was during the fall. After Kaede and Shuichi played through the first trial to Trigger Happy Havoc, the former finally started to understand the appeal to DanganRonpa. One chapter led into another, one season led into another, and after a few days, Kaede was fully caught up in the series and was now a huge fan of the series. Sort of.

She still didn't like the fact that real people were dying, but the cases and the characters were more than enough to make her overlook that part. Naturally, he favorite seasons were the first few- consisting of only games and anime.

Luckily for her, those were Shuichi's favorites as well. The two shared a lot of favorite seasons, cases, executions, characters, and even ships.

Well...

"Whatever you say, Soudam shipper." Kaede rolled her eyes in mock annoyance.

For the most part that is.

"I still can't believe you like Sondam more than Soudam!" Shuichi put a hand to his heart, feigning hurt. "I thought I could trust you!"

"You say that as if I like Soudam at all!" The blonde retorts. "Not only are Nevermind and Tanaka almost canon, the voice actor for Tanaka literally said that he, alongside other members of their class, don't even like Souda!"

"Okay, yeah," Shuichi shrugs, "Souda kind of deserves that- but him and Tanaka hold such juicy enemies to lovers potential! And I know you're not bringing up canon into this debate after what happened with Naegi and Kirigiri!" He points an accusatory finger at her, a playful glint in his eyes.

Kaede's cheeks flush as she's reminded of their convo. "That was a joke!"

"Naegi can have Maizono!" Shuichi's impression of Kaede is so repulsive that she can't help but burst out laughing- much to the annoyance of the people around them. "Kirigiri is my wife!"

Kaede almost tips her chair back with how hard she's laughing. "Can you blame me? I have a soft spot for detective characters, give me a break!"

"Yeah but seriously? That's such a lame reason to hate Naegi." Shuichi shakes his head, clicking his tongue."

"I said that ONE time!" She pouts, sticking her tongue out angrily. "And I didn't even mean it!"

"Yeah, yeah, sure." Shuichi quirks a teasing brow. Kaede flicks him on his forehead, snickering as he flinches from the slight pain he feels. "I'll stop teasing you about hating on Naegi. Someone around us might hear me, think I'm serious, and try to pick a fight with us. They already look annoyed enough."

Kaede looked around, and true to his word, everyone in her sights did look annoyed to some degree. When word got out that auditions for the 53rd season of DanganRonpa would be opening, Shuichi and Kaede decided they'd go together.

"On that note, If I'm being entirely honest, I thought you looked kind of dumb with those foldable camping chairs on your back." Kaede admitted. "And I also thought it was weird how early you suggested we should get here. But considering how long we've waited so far, and not to mention the huge line behind us," They both crane their necks back after this comment, taking a moment to look at the tons of people in line after them. Shuichi cringes at the sheer amount, whereas Kaede continues where she left off. "I'd say that was probably the smartest call I've ever seen you make."

"Was..." Shuichi pulls his attention away from the crowd and back towards Kaede. "Was that an insult or a compliment?" He laughed nervously, unsure as to how he was supposed to feel after hearing her confession.

"A compliment, duh." Kaede lets out a light snort. "You're smarter than you let on."

"Stop giving me such back-handed compliments!" Shuichi whined.