Danganronpa Midnight: Lantern Lament (Fanganronpa)

Chapter 2 - A Grasp of Fading Spotlight - FTE: Akihiro, Kairi

My sights were set on finding Akihiro. It was now the next day and the breakfast meeting had concluded with everyone splitting up to do their own thing.

We didn't really learn anything new. Everyone just mostly went through what they had discovered yesterday.

So now with all this free time in my hands, I figured I would at least try and talk to someone, maybe even learn a thing or two. And the person I had chosen turned out to be Aki.

I mean, it wasn't entirely random. Part of me just wants to know what his deal is. And the other is curious about his secret. That sounds super depressing.

But...Leaving your friends behind for fame and fortune? Being two-faced? Is that really Akihiro?

Actually, the second half might be. But for the first, I'm not entirely sure.

But where the hell could Aki be?

I had practically searched everywhere: the dining room, his cabin, the gym, even the damn woods. Yet still no sigh of him.

I was currently standing in front of the fountain, trying to figure out where he could be. That's when I noticed something in the reflection.

The clock tower!

Shit, I should've known! One of the only places I hadn't searched...Of course, he would be there!

Wait...Is that seriously the kind of place Akihiro would willingly spend his time in? That doesn't sound like him at all.

Whatever. I've already spent so long looking, so there's no reason I shouldn't check. Even if I doubt he's there.

I eventually reached the clock tower and pulled the door open.

Jeez, the last time I was here was after the class trial, and that was awkward. Not to mention horrific.

Although, I do still like the vibe of this tower. I just have to try and ignore you know, all the deaths.

Not that easy, I know.

To my surprise, once I opened the door, I saw Akihiro sitting comfortably inside, scrolling up and down the screen on his handbook with a goofy grin, probably messaging someone.

I stepped inside and he froze. Aki then proceeded to immediately turn off his handbook and slip it into his pocket.

Ok. That wasn't weird at all...Totally.

"Woah. Who are you texting?" I tilted my head, my curiosity peaking.

"Pffft! Seriously, Chi Chi?" He just leaned back and laughed, presumably giving a dumb excuse. "I was just...looking at myself. When you're the only one with a working camera and recording function, why wouldn't you?"

"You just do that because you're obsessed with the way you look." I crossed my arms and sat on the sofa across from him.

"Oh well. Guilty as charged! I'm not ashamed to admit that."

But he was obviously typing, so who the hell could he have been messaging? And are they that important that he would just make dumb excuses and lie to cover them up?

And...This is Aki we're talking about. I honestly doubt he would protect someone in the first place.

"Eh, you worry too much. Loosen up, would ya?" He requested.

"...Excuse me?"

"Anyway!" Akihiro leaned forward. "Isn't this tower super cool? Perfect place to sit and think, you know."

I hummed. "Seriously? This doesn't seem like your vibe at all."

"What can I say! I like surprises." He smirked. "But obviously you aren't here to admire me, although I would be flattered if you did! I always accept flattery."