The Loveliest of Lies (Oumota)

You've gone too far this time

"Gonta found more writing!" Gonta yelled, bursting into the dining hall and startling several people.

Kaito narrowed his eyes at Kokichi, who just whistled innocently and refused to meet his gaze.

He sighed and cleared his throat.

"Calm down Gonta. What's wrong?"

"The rock in the courtyard! It has new letters!"

"What does it say?"

"Gonta doesn't understand. It just a bunch of letters."

"Is it still gibberish?"

"That doesn't matter. We all agreed that we wouldn't mess with it. So, who's adding new letters? Is it Monokuma?" Tsumugi quibbled.

"Nope!" Monokuma said in a sing-song voice, entering the room via the door. For once.

"It was one of you guys! You have a traitor in your midst!" He grinned at them.

"Thanks for stating the obvious Monokuma." Kokichi guffawed.

"Hah." Monokuma stroked his chin.

"Nooooow, it is my great pleasure to announce that I've *finally* thought of a new motive. But I want you to finish your breakfast, have a last chat, stretch your legs, before coming to the gym. So, you have fifteen minutes!" He threw a smoke bomb on the floor, vanishing in the ensuing haze.

The room became uncomfortably silent. Everyone exchanged suspicious glances.

Kaito took a deep breath.

He was ready. He had been preparing for this all night.

"Right! Everyone!" He stood up and faced his classmates. "Whatever Monokuma has planned for us...it'll be bad, but we can't let it get us down. We can do this!"

"I highly doubt that." Miu muttered.

"Yeah...It's hard not to worry." Tsumugi said, crossing her arms and sighing.

"It'll be all right. Afterwards, we'll come back here and discuss the motive. It won't take long." Kaito soothed them.

"Momota-chan, please stop. Your speech is giving me despair. You're a terrible leader." Kokichi snarked, leaning back in his chair and putting his feet up on the table.

"Shut it Kokichi. Now's not the time to argue." Kaito snapped, playing his part.

"Agreed. Shut up Ouma-kun." Korekiyo said, glaring at the smaller boy.

Kokichi stuck out his tongue at him.

"What about the rock?" Tsumugi whispered, hugging herself.

"For now, we should ignore it. If it is Monokuma, then he's just messing with us. Otherwise...we can't do anything about it." Kaito said.

"My inner voice told me it's better to focus on the motive. The rock isn't that important." Kiibo said.

Tsumugi shook her head and got up, abandoning her breakfast. "I-I need to go for a walk. Clear my head. I'll clean up my stuff later. Just leave it in the sink. Sorry."

She ran out of the room.

"Poor Shirogane-san. I feel for her." Himiko said, her lower lip trembling.

"Yumeno-san, are you okay?" Tenko rushed to her side.

"I'm fine. You don't need to fret over me." Himiko mustered a smile. "Actually, I can't wait to take the next motive on. I won't let Monokuma get to me." She pumped her fists in the air.