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

6 - Purpose

I understand it all now.

I've been put on this Earth just to be with Shuichi. He's my purpose... and the love of my life. I don't want to be anything but his husband. And I'll do anything to get that.

I pull away, feeling my face burning red. That was my first kiss... and I'm happy it was with Shuichi... but does he feel the same? I really, really hope so...

I quickly look away, unable to meet Shuichi's eyes. My mind is clouded with embarrassment. I want him to love me, but what if he didn't like the kiss? What if he hates me now? I can't have that...

"Kokichi," I hear suddenly. But before I have a chance to collect my thoughts, Shuichi places his hands on either side of my face and brings my eyes up to meet his. He rubs my cheek with his thumb and smiles. "You're worrying."

"I-I'm sorry!" I blurt. "I shouldn't have-"

"It's okay," he interrupts. "I liked it. Can we... do it again?"

My face flushes. I try to tell him we can, but the embarrassment gets to me. So instead of speaking, I nod furiously and lean back in.

Our second kiss is just as alien as the first one. It still feels so new and foreign to me, and I can't help but wonder if I'm doing this right. I don't focus on it for too long, though. I'd much rather pay attention to Shuichi's lips against mine.

The way Shuichi treats me is gentle and sweet. He's not rough with me, and he pulls away temporarily to let me breathe. He's patient and takes his time with me. And once I've caught my breath, he moves back in to kiss me again. One of his hands is still cupping my face while he runs the other hand through my hair lovingly. Having him against me makes me realize how long I've been craving someone's touch...

When Shuichi finally pulls away, I can't help but whimper at the loss of his warmth. He looks down at me with a sweet, but almost expectant gaze. "Kokichi..."

"Y-yes?" I unintentionally squeak.

"How do you feel about me?"

"What do you-"

"Do you like me?"

●・○・●・○・●

Shuichi is my boyfriend.

I don't deserve him. I really, really don't. He's always nice to me, he stands up for me, he's adorable when he rambles on and on about Danganronpa, and he cares about me. To him, I'm not worthless or pathetic. I'm perfect. I'm just what he needs... and I love being needed by him. I'd do anything for him. I want to stay with him forever...

Ah... I forgot to mention something! It's been a week since we first started dating. Danganronpa 52 came out the day after our first kiss, and Shuichi and I took a day off from school to watch it together. That day, he was surprisingly clingy, and he insisted on doing all the housework in my home.

┏━°⌜ フラッシュバック ⌟°━┓

"S-Shuichi, I'm the one who's supposed to be making food! You're my guest!"

"It's fine! You can go relax in your room. I'll make you something good to eat, okay?"

"B-but..."

~

When he finally settled down, he was absorbed in the show. He had memorized every character's names and profiles before the end of the first episode... should I even ask about that?

Nothing really happened between us as we were watching Danganronpa. We were both too invested in the introductions to think about anything else. But as soon as the episode ended...

~

Shuichi rests his head on my shoulder, burying his face into the crook of my neck. "Kokichi? I have a question..."

"Hm?" I hum, hoping Shuichi doesn't notice my heavy blush.

"Will you be my boyfriend?"

"R-really?! You want t-to... you like me like that?!"

"I love you, Kokichi. I want to be with you."

I almost pull back in surprise. Shuichi said he loves me.

"Are you sure...? I don't want anyone to-"

"Don't think about everyone else. Would you date me?"

"Of course I would! I... I love you too!"

"Then let's forget about everyone... I'll love you regardless of what they say..."

"...I will t-too..."

"That makes me so happy to hear..."

┗━°⌜ フラッシュバックの終わり ⌟°━┛

And ever since then, we've been inseparable. Literally. Shuichi won't leave my side, which is more comforting than I thought it'd be. Having someone who wants to protect me is the best thing... I want to protect him too...

People still come up to Shuichi while he's hanging out with me. They do it very often, and act like I'm not even there. I knew Shuichi was popular, but I didn't expect crowds of people to come and bother him everyday...! He always tells them to find him later, but nobody listens. I guess being well-liked comes with a cost...

And... I think I know why everyone loves him. He's sweet, smart, and handsome... it's only logical that people gravitate towards him. I've heard girls all over the school talk about him, which is more frustrating than anything. I want to be the only one who can talk about him like that, but I don't think that'll be possible. It's best to just ignore it... right?

...That's what I thought. And that's what I did. I knew Shuichi loved me. His eyes always light up when he sees me, and he talks to me and touches me so gently... there's no way he likes anyone else. I'll make sure of it.

Today, Shuichi texted me and invited me to eat in the classroom with him (yes, we exchanged numbers)! It's really cold and windy today, so he suggested eating inside so we wouldn't get sick. Not a lot of people eat in the classrooms, so we'll probably get to have some alone time together. I've been looking forward to this all day~!

I head upstairs happily with my lunch in hand. It's almost shocking that I don't have to worry about any bullies. Ever since I've started hanging out with Shuichi, less and less people have been hurting me. I guess they really want Shuichi to like them. The only people I have to look out for are Kaito and Maki, who don't give a shit about what anyone thinks about them. They'll do whatever they want, and nobody can change that. It doesn't matter anyways... I still have Shuichi! And as long as we're together, nothing can ruin my day-

"That's so cool! You watch Danganronpa, too?"

...Who's voice is that? I thought nobody else was supposed to be here...

"Aww, don't be shy! It's a good show, isn't it? I really liked the first season! My favorite was Sayaka, but she got killed so soon..."

"I... like Sayaka too."

Is that... Shuichi? He does like Sayaka, so it makes sense. But who is he talking to?

I slowly approach the classroom door, ensuring that my footsteps are as quiet as possible. I didn't think I'd put this skill to use for anything other than sneaking around a house full of drunk and violent adults...

I take a deep breath before looking into the room, and the scene that's unfolding before me bewilders me. Shuichi's in the room, just as I suspected. But Kaede's there with him, and she's excitedly blabbering about Danganronpa and her favorite characters. That's... weird. She told me I was disgusting for liking such a "demonic" show. So why is it suddenly her favorite thing in the world...?

"Well, Kaede, it's been nice talking to you," Shuichi starts nonchalantly. "but I'm actually waiting for someone, so-"

Kaede scoffs. "They'll get here when they get here. Let's talk for a little longer!" She places her hand on Shuichi's and smiles before resting her head on his shoulder.

That's the first time I've seen Kaede smile. And it's because of Shuichi.