Two's Company (Oumaede)

Chapter 8: Do I Have a Copycat?

(Kaede's POV)

I stared at Rantaro's body as the body discovery announcement played over my head. How could this happen? And.. exactly how I did it. The only person who knows that I even killed him last time would be..
No...
No..

Kokichi isn't like that. It's always good to be cautious but this.. this is...

"Hey, Ouma?" I whispered.

"No time, just come with me." We got to a mostly unused part of the school but still close to the library; the game room.

"Wanna explain that, Kaede?"

"I didn't do it, I thought you did!"

"Why would I do it!? Won't that make it all too obvious!? You almost actually pulled off a murder before! "

"Well, why would I do it!? You'd immediately know that it was me! Wait-- Ouma?"
He nodded his head, wait for me to speak again.

".... What if neither of us did it?"

"Well, if you're not lying, that's the only other explanation!"

"No- I mean.. both times. What if it's a set up?"

"Oh.. But then you wouldn't have gotten executed?"

"Depends on who set it up in the first place. Think about it.." I can't believe this didn't even cross my mind before!

"Well, to test this, we have to see if your side was even possible. You said you rearranged the books, right?"

"Oh!! Help me get a ladder!"
We both helped carry the big ladder to the library.

"So, Kayayday, you're saying they rigged the results?"

"It's a possibility.."
When we got there, everyone stared at us.

"Ouma? Akamastu? What is you doing with ladder?" Gonta asked.

"Solving a fucking murder!" Kokichi yelled before placing it.

"I'll hold it down for you, "
He climbed up and sighed in relief.

"The books are messy as usual!"

"So do you believe me now!?"

"Yeah, I guess.."
There was then a confused remark from Kiibo.

"What are you guys talking about?"

"Uhm.." I tried to think of something to say. "Just- don't worry about it!"

"Akamastu-san, I am worried about it. There's a dead human on the floor, and you two are still keeping secrets!"

"Waiwaiwaiwaiwait-- Kiiboy, what do you mean still?"

"Where do I start? Ever since the first day, you two have mostly only ever hung out with each other, you disappear randomly, and now you're just bringing in ladders and don't expect us to say anything!" I was speechless. I didnt know that I had become that antisocial!

"Kiibo, I- I'm sorry. I didnt know that you were hurt by our actions. Can we please just focus on Rantaro now?

"..You're forgiven, Kaede. There are certainly bigger problems other than you and Ouma-kun."

"Kakakaede, I know you and kiiboy just had a moment but I have to speak to you about our theory. Not to worry, everyone, we'll share when we're certain!!"

"Right.. I know that we'll uncover the truth if we all work together, so just do your best, everyone!" And with that, I left, helping Kokichi back to the storage room.

"So Keade, looks like you were right, you're not the killer, the mastermind probably set you up."

"I wonder if they killed Rantaro last time too.."

"Was there anyone else that wasn't there when the body was discovered?"

"Tsumugi. But she had an alibi, she was in the bathroom."

"Can anyone prove that?"

"Uhm..
....
.. No, I don't think so..."

"Well we've got our answer then!"

"Let's not jump to conclusions! Is she even strong enough to hold a shot put ball? Shirogane's just a weeb."

"Yeah. A weeb that's strong enough to handle cosplay props and heavy wigs for hours at a time!"

"Well.. she wouldn't do that..."

"Shumai probably said that about you, y'know? People are full of surprises!"

"I'm telling you, she doesn't have it in her!"

"To kill someone or to be surprising?"

"This really isn't the time to be joking around, Ouma."
We steadily placed the ladder back where we found it and started to walk back.

"...I'm confronting Tsumugi."

"No. No you're not Kokichi. We can do this without getting ourselves in more trouble."

"But I feel like I'm just waiting for something interesting to happen!"

"There's a dead Rantaro behind this door, is that 'interesting' enough for you!?"

"Please, my secret evil organisation used to handle dead bodies all the time! This is nothing." Kokichi rolled his eyes, going back to the murder scene for the third time now. Shuichi instantly acknowledged our presence.

"Have you two found any clues yet?"

"So far?" I started, "Nothing. Hey, does everyone have an alibi for Amami's death?"

"I don't know yet, I'll get that sorted." Shuichi responded before walking over to Miu, discussing the situation.

(Word count: 784)

[A/N; sorry I haven't uploaded on a while! School's been a jerk lately. I'm also sorry that the chapter's unfinished, I just wanted to get it done.
Anyways,
♫︎ Happy birthday to me,
Happy birthday to me,
I have no one to celebrate with :(
Happy birthday to me.. ♫︎]