Masked Hope (Nagito x Fem!Reader)

Chpt. 1: Class Trial Pt. 1

"I see. . .! This entire rock is an elevator!" Nekomaru realized.

Chiaki sighed. "Once again. . . Monokuma is doing what he pleases. . ."

"However, if he's gone this far and made something like this. . ." Peko trailed off. "I don't think he's playing around."

"Even so, we're goin' pretty deep." Akane noted.

"You're right. . ." Hajime agreed.

I stood with Nagito and placed my hands on my skirt as the elevator continued its descent. Somewhere in this confined space was Byakuya's killer. Someone who was so desperate to get their school memories back that they killed someone. . .

. . .But what happens when we find them? I recalled Monokuma's explanation, "Simply put, it's an excetution". . . Whoever killed Byakuya. . . will be executed if we find them out.

The elevator descended for what felt like hours. With the air growing increasingly tense, I held my dominant wrist and subconsciously clenched my fist. I felt Nagito's eyes looking down at me. He placed a cold hand over my own, making me release my grip. I looked up and he gave me a reassuring smile. I felt my cheeks go red as I looked away.

You can't possibly think he has feelings for you?

This isn't the time or the place. Can't you just shut up for a few minutes?

Oh? Why don't you make me. . .?

Fine. All I have to do is-- Oh shit. . .

Oh shit. . .? What's the matter? Oh, that's right. You gave up your lifeline to that narcissistic, condescending, arrogant, idiot. What was it he said? "I will return that bottle to you when the party is over, you have my word."?

I heard Byakuya's promise echo in my head. He put the bottle in his duralumin case. . . Peko was guarding it during the party, and Byakuya had the only key. That should mean it's still locked up right?

Oh please, you don't think someone stole the key and went through that box? They probably found that bottle and think you're the killer.

They wouldn't know it was mine. . . I scratched the label off.

As if they won't figure it out.

Why can't you just leave me alone. . .!?

You know why.

Just shut up for five minutes!

No.

Shut up. . .!

NO.

"Y/N? The elevator's sto--"

"Shut up!" I felt tears spilling down my cheeks as I yelled from my corner of the elevator.

I looked up in shock and placed a hand over my mouth. Nagito was standing in front of me with his hand out, his eyes widened at my sudden volume.

"I-I'm sorry. . ." I stared at the ground and wiped away my tears. "That was. . . undignified. I-I. . . I would never--"

"Aha, it's alright Y/N." He laughed lightly and smiled. "Everyone's a little tense right now. You don't have to feel sorry for your feelings towards this situation. . ."

His words left me in silence. After a moment I hesitantly took his hand and he began to lead me to the trial grounds. We followed a red carpet laid along checkered tiles. Soon enough, we reached a room similar to a lecture hall, though it was situated in a circle and centred around 17 testimonial stands.