The Cherubic of Kokichi Ouma // Pregame Saiouma Halloween Special 2022

3 - Rumors

Rumors spread quickly here. That's why everyone stays away from me.

Part of it is because Kaito goes out of his way to say things about me that aren't true. I think people know they're false, but just want something interesting to talk about. It satisfies both parties: Kaito keeps his power and everyone else gets some drama to hear.

The other part is because private things don't stay secret for long here. Let even one thing slip around the school's biggest gossip, Tsumugi Shirogane, and your life can be ruined in seconds. People resent her for this, but I don't. I know it's not intentional... she just wants to be interesting and accepted, which is something I relate to a bit too much. Besides, Tsumugi's rumors are almost always true. That's why everyone panicked when she told us a student was transferring into our class today.

It's an unspoken rule that everybody has to act normal when a new student joins. They all observe to see who's side they're on: the bullies, the bystanders, or mine.

People are too scared to join my side.

That's okay. I don't like the idea of sides anyways. Why can't we all just be on the same team? Why do we split our class into a hierarchy?

...Anyways. Everyone was a bit skeptical when they heard the news. A transfer student? This late in the year?? Of course it sounds unbelievable. But what Tsumugi says is always right. And if it isn't, nothing will happen to her. She's untouchable. If only I were like her...

Everyone suddenly goes quiet, which makes me snap back into reality. The teacher has entered the room and is preparing to speak.

"Good morning, class," she says warmly. "Today we have a new student with us! Please do your best to welcome him and get along."

Some people lift their heads at hearing that the new student was male. While a classmate named Tenko tries to mask her disappointment, other girls listen on in interest. Most of the guys don't really care... except for Kaito. He's excited. He wants someone new to train... and someone new to add to my long list of oppressors.

After a short pause, the teacher beckons for the new student to step into the room. As he does so, I can't help but let my jaw drop. He has the most stunning blue hair and intricately designed rings on each of his fingers, accompanied by soft red lips and deep, knowing eyes. They're so pretty... but my view of them is soon blocked when he pulls his hat down.

"My name is... Shuichi Saihara." He begins. "I'm studying to become a detective. I hope we can be friends." He gives the class a small smile, then lets himself gaze over everyone. He's like me... he wants to observe first.

His eyes widen once he notices me. There's a moment where our eyes meet, but it doesn't last long. He looks over me, staring down and down... until he stops at the phone in my hand.

"Thank you, Shuichi. Please take your seat next to-"

"May I sit there please?" He interrupts, pointing to the seat right next to mine.

Our instructor blinks in surprise. "Oh! Um, okay! I don't see why not."

He smiles at her in appreciation before heading towards his new seat. It just hits me that he'll be sitting there for the rest of the year. Next to me! That's never happened before... nobody wants to be near me. I fix my hair and straighten my posture, desperate to make a good impression on him. And as soon as he sits down, he turns towards me.

"You like Danganronpa," he says.

"H-huh?" I stammer before he gestures to my Nagito Komaeda phone charm. Blushing in embarrassment, I continue, "Oh, right... I love Danganronpa! Specifically Goodbye Despair... I love-"